Spotlight
Stories that deserve your attention
Theatre’s Fine Line Between Historical Accuracy and Creative Liberties
“We shouldn’t be looking to theatre to present perfectly accurate historiographies. All we can really expect from these shows is for them to be respectful with their narratives.”
Looking at Online Performances, From a Director's Perspective
“If virtual performance or production is something that interests you, I encourage you to take part. If that sounds like something that isn’t your cup of tea, I respect that entirely. But there’s no reason to imply that anyone isn’t a real theatre maker because of that choice.”
Don’t Let 'Passing Strange' Pass You By
“Here are five reasons why you should drop everything you’re doing, track down the filmed version of Passing Strange, and watch it right now.”
It's No Accident That HAMILTON Erases Native Americans
“Native American people, First Nations people, Algonquin people, The People of the Dawnland were left out HAMILTON, and it was no accident. Lin-Manuel Miranda is a brilliant and deliberate writer, and this was a deliberate and conscious decision. We could have easily had a passing mention, but we’re excluded for a reason. We don’t fit the “we are all immigrants” narrative.”
Covid-19 Does Not Have to Reinvent You as an Actor
“You do not have to write a play during the shutdown. You do not have to choreograph something transformative during the shutdown. You do not need to memorize every Shakespeare play during the shutdown. Existing is enough.”
Theatres are Dropping their Union Status to Defy Safety Measures
“While many regional theatres across the country continue to be closed due to the pandemic, some aren’t being so patient. In fact, some are so desperate to reopen, they’re dropping their Equity status so they don’t have to adhere to the union’s safety protocols.”
Why Wicked Would be the Perfect Next Musical to be Officially Streamed
“I believe Wicked can be inspirational for both young and old: it genuinely depicts that life can be hard, people cruel and some dreams impossible to come true, but no matter what, fighting for what we believe in – even if it seems a lost cause – is worth it and, in one way or another, pays off.”
Creating Worlds: A Cow as White as Milk
“Into the Woods. I knew the props would be a challenge, with Rapunzel’s wig and the harp and the million other things necessary for the show. I kind of forgot about one thing. The cow. How the hell was I going to do the cow?”
Chill Inducing "First Burn" is the Cover You Need to See Today
“A fantastic cover of “First Burn” has been posted on Youtube.”
A Company's Quick Switch to Online Theater and Creating Social Change
“As the world began to shut down in March, the theater community scrambled with the rest of the world in finding new ways to continue working, while staying healthy at home. We instantly saw an increase in virtual theater, including readings, concerts, and full-on play productions from home. One artist, in particular, Sharece Sellem, decided she would not let quarantine stop her from progressing as an artist. Thus, the Quick Quarantine Playwright Festival was born.”
What is Their Definitive Song? : Alan Menken
“If your friend had no idea who Alan Menken is, what would be the one song you’d pick to illustrate his work? Here’s my pick.”
How could you be anything less than satisfied with Phillipa Soo?
“As Eliza, we see a committed and gentle heroine. Through Soo’s gorgeous vocals she creates a full and complete character as a woman, wife, mother, philanthropist, and storyteller.”