From academic courses to customized events (private or corporate)
Musical theater is an immense and complex subject with a rich history. Music, words, directing and staging, dance, sets, costumes, and lighting and sound are all crucial elements that work in a synergistic way but are created by many different people, a creative team. Musical Theater is usually taught from one of two distinct perspectives: 1. as an historical overview or 2. as an actual creative writing class. The first focuses on dates, people, and pieces, but rarely examines the actual content of the works being studied, and how the various elements and creators function within the (hopefully) unified whole that is a musical. The latter eschews most history as it is really designed practically: for those who want to make a career as writers of music theater.
I do not believe the two approaches should be mutually exclusive. My experience as a practitioner, an active composer of music theater (musicals, opera, incidental music), and an experienced educator has lead me to develop a holistic approach to teaching the material. I understand the important historical and artistic trends of the genre and select musicals that capture the important large-scale moments and developments. I also deconstruct these musicals from the perspective of an insider: what makes them tick?
I understand who is on the creative team and their roles, and what the artistic, logistical, and financial processes and constraints are behind creating a musical. I also understand how the various elements—score, book, lyrics, direction, choreography—function to tell and propel the narrative. My goal is to guide students—whether appreciative audience members, longtime lovers of the genre, or students of the discipline—and illuminate the inner workings of the genre. Very few instructors do this. There is far more to writing a musical than creating a catchy tune or a clever rhyme. I tailor the analysis of the constituent parts to the level of interest and technical ability of the class, whether it’s a graduate seminar or general appreciation course. As always, I pride myself in making complex and unfamiliar concepts comprehensible and fun.
Original & Collaborative Theatrical Works (Selected)
