American Theatre Wing - Working in the Theatre - Arias to Showstoppers: The Worlds of Opera and Theatre

An acclaimed fixture on New York television and in the theatre community for 30 years, the American Theatre Wing's Working in the Theatre offers an unprecedented forum for the meeting of theatrical minds.
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This theatre interview show brings together performers, directors, playwrights, designers, choreographers, producers and behind-the-scenes personnel from the American and international theatre, the interviews offer a rare opportunity for students and audiences to see and hear the people who create theatre engaged in thoughtful conversation with one another. With more than 900 past guests, the interviews have become an unequalled archive of theatrical talk, a chance to hear from the people behind the characters, stories and productions that draw us to the theatre.

The American Theatre Wing's Working in the Theatre receives leadership support from
THE DOROTHY STRELSIN FOUNDATION.

Working in the Theatre is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, celebrating 50 years of building strong, creative communities in New York State's 62 counties.

Arias to Showstoppers: The Worlds of Opera and Theatre

With:
Michael John LaChiusa - Composer/Lyricist
Diane Paulus - Director
Stephen Wadsworth - Director
Melissa Rose Bernardo - Moderator

Composer Michael John LaChiusa, and directors Diane Paulus and Stephen Wadsworth have all worked in the once mutually-exclusive worlds of opera and theatre. They share their thoughts about the nature of each of these entertainment forms, how they differ and what they share; the use of amplification and how it affects productions in both opera and theatre; the so-called American Idol effect on musical performers; changes in training for opera singers; the differing scale - and manner - of pay; whether super-titles enhance or distract from opera performances; and the importance of the director's role and how it differs in theatre and opera.

Originally taped - November, 2008
Running Time - 1:00:00

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