"You can't be afraid of the word no."

In this enlightening conversation, Professor Kathy Perkins shares her journey from aspiring actress to a renowned lighting designer and theater historian. She discusses her commitment to amplifying the voices of Black women in theater, the collaborative nature of lighting design, and her artistic philosophy that prioritizes storytelling over ostentation. Perkins also offers valuable advice for aspiring theater artists, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and the courage to seek help in a competitive industry.

takeaways

• Professor Perkins emphasizes the importance of mentorship in the theater industry.
• She began her journey in lighting design after a friend's suggestion.
• Her work focuses on amplifying the voices of Black women playwrights.
• Lighting design is a collaborative process involving directors and other designers.
• Perkins believes that subtle lighting enhances storytelling.
• She has designed over 300 productions, each with a unique approach.
• The importance of understanding the script and director's vision is crucial.
• Perkins advocates for a balance between technology and storytelling in lighting.
• She encourages young artists to explore various lighting opportunities.
• The theater industry requires resilience and the ability to handle rejection.

Summary

In this episode of Curtains Up, host Rohan interviews Isabella Marziello, an assistant stage manager from Seattle. They discuss Isabella's journey from acting to stage management, the unique theater culture in Seattle, and the challenges faced in regional theaters. Isabella shares insights on the importance of communication, community, and self-care in the demanding world of theater. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring stage managers, emphasizing the significance of shadowing and gaining exposure in the field.

Takeaways

Isabella started in theater through acting after an injury.

She found her passion for stage management in college.

Seattle's theater community is highly connected and supportive.

Working with experienced professionals is invaluable for learning.

Theater culture in Seattle fosters collaboration and growth.

Stage management requires anticipating needs and supporting the team.

Communication is key to handling stress and conflicts backstage.

Taking breaks is essential for maintaining performance quality.

Shadowing experienced stage managers provides practical insights.

Exposure through internships is crucial for aspiring stage managers.

Titles

Behind the Curtain: The Role of Stage Managers

From Actor to Stage Manager: A Journey

Sound bites

"I just wanted to be a part of it."

"We have a strong community."

"It was so fun."

Chapters

00:00 The Unsung Heroes of Theater: Introduction to Stage Management

03:03 From Acting to Stage Management: A Personal Journey

05:55 The Unique Theater Culture of Seattle

09:03 Navigating Challenges in Regional Theater

11:52 Advice for Aspiring Stage Managers

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Lou Champoux-Roberts shares his journey from acting to stage management, detailing the complexities and joys of working in high school theater. He discusses the multifaceted role of a stage manager, the challenges of balancing school and theater commitments, and the importance of time management. Lou also reflects on memorable productions, crisis management experiences, and offers valuable advice for aspiring stage managers. The conversation concludes with light-hearted fun questions, providing a well-rounded view of Lou's passion for theater.

Takeaways

Lou's journey into theater began in third grade.

Acting experience enhances technical abilities in theater.

Stage managers handle auditions, rehearsals, and show calls.

The favorite part of stage management is seeing the show come together.

Balancing school responsibilities with theater is challenging.

Tech Week involves intense preparation and coordination.

Recent production highlights include the Phantom Tollbooth.

Crisis management is essential in high school theater.

Time management is a crucial skill for stage managers.

Aspiring stage managers should volunteer and build reliability.

Sound Bites

"The show has to keep going."

"I write a lot of lists."

"It was a pleasure."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lou Champoux-Roberts

03:01 Favorite and Most Challenging Aspects

05:02 Recent Production Highlights

06:02 Show Must Go On Moments

07:37 Organization and Stress Management

09:57 Leadership vs Problem Solving

11:04 Lessons Learned from Stage Managing

12:08 Changing Perspectives on Theater

12:58 Advice for Aspiring Stage Managers

14:03 Fun Questions and Closing Thoughts

In this episode, Rohan explores the often-overlooked aspects of theater production, highlighting the vital roles of stage managers, costume designers, lighting designers, and directors. The conversation delves into how these unsung heroes contribute to the storytelling process, ensuring that every performance runs smoothly and captivates the audience. From the intricate details of props to the coordination required behind the scenes, the episode emphasizes the collaborative effort that brings a theatrical production to life.

In this special episode of Curtains Up, Rohan and Professor Carol Symes explore the rich history of medieval theater, discussing its origins, the influence of the church, and the evolution of performance arts. They delve into how community and religious practices shaped theatrical traditions, the power dynamics surrounding theater, and the lasting impact of medieval practices on modern performance. The conversation highlights the importance of storytelling and the role of theater in society, emphasizing its ability to critique power and engage audiences.

Enjoy this thought provoking episode where Prof Carol Symes explains why the real dark age of theater is the 16th century and not the middle ages and the capacity of theater in the middle ages to be the critique of power which we seem to have lost to capitalism in the enclosed and gilded proscenium arches of the modern age.

Takeaways

Medieval theater emerged from community questions about identity and the divine.

The absence of purpose-built theaters allowed performances to occur anywhere.

Medieval performances were often improvised and not heavily scripted.

The church played a complex role in both supporting and critiquing theater.

Critics of medieval theater often reflected power struggles rather than genuine censorship.

The 16th century marked a significant restriction on theatrical expression.

Shakespeare's work is deeply rooted in medieval theatrical traditions.

Theater's evolution includes a shift from community engagement to commercial enterprise.

The proscenium arch represents a shift towards a more passive audience experience.

Theater remains a vital form of storytelling and social critique.

In this episode, we explore the evolution of theater during the medieval period, from liturgical drama performed in churches to vernacular mystery and morality plays staged in public squares. We will discover how the church influenced dramatic structure, content, and performance spaces, and how guilds and traveling troupes contributed to a vibrant theatrical culture. Key Themes include

• Liturgical Drama (e.g., Quem Quaeritis trope)

• The Role of the Church in Theater

• Mystery, Miracle, and Morality Plays

• Pageant Wagons and Public Performances

• Allegory and Religious Symbolism

• Decline of Religious Drama and Rise of Secular Forms

Sit back and take a journey through the middle ages.

Join me in conversation with Professor Xing Fan who is a specialist in Chinese drama, theatre, and performance culture, with research interests in Asian performance aesthetics, historiography, intercultural collaborations, and gender studies. She is the author of Staging Revolution and has contributed peer-reviewed articles, translations, and essays to various academic journals and books. A practitioner as well as a scholar, she has training in multiple Asian performance arts, has won the Po‘okela Award for Best Leading Female Role, and currently serves as the President of the Association for Asian Performance while holding editorial roles in academic journals.

Step into the mesmerizing world of ancient Chinese theater! In this episode of Curtains Up!, we journey through time to explore how performance arts evolved from sacred rituals in the Zhou Dynasty to the breathtaking spectacle of Peking Opera.

Discover the theatrical innovations of the Tang Dynasty’s Pear Garden, the poetic dramas of the Yuan Dynasty, and the vibrant artistry of Ming and Qing opera traditions. We’ll also spotlight legendary figures like Guan Hanqing, Tang Xianzu, and Mei Lanfang, whose work shaped the legacy of Chinese theater.

Whether you're a theater enthusiast or a lover of cultural history, this episode unveils the rich traditions, dramatic styles, and artistic mastery that continue to inspire performers today.

🎧 Tune in now and let the stage transport you through centuries of theatrical brilliance! #CurtainsUp #ChineseTheater #PekingOpera #TheaterHistory