PRESENTS
The Ultimate Backstage Experience
Instructors: John Dempsey, Gabriel Mangiante, Dana Rowe, Eric Schaeffer and Members of the Cast
This six-session seminar goes behind-the-scenes of the world premiere rock musical from the award-winning creators of The Fix and Witches of Eastwick. Meet the creative team and delve into the production process from first draft to opening night.
In a desolate potato field north of Omsk, a comically fourth-rate, Russian theater troupe sets up its tents and wows the local farmers with rock-fueled adaptations of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. Signature favorites Erin Driscoll, Amy McWilliams, Tracy Lynn Olivera, and Stephen Gregory Smith are featured the premiere of Brother Russia.
Click here to register for Brother Russia Presents.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 7:30-8:30 PM
Session 1: From the Creative Process to Rehearsal
Composer Dana Rowe, book writer and lyricist John Dempsey, and director Eric Schaeffer talk about the creation of Brother Russia. From inspiration to developing a rehearsal draft, making a musical is an involved and complicated process.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 7:30-8:30 PM
Session 2: The Music from Brother Russia
The Musical Director and members of the cast will talk about approaching the music and the characters in Dempsey and Rowe’s inventive and entertaining new musical. Listen to music from Brother Russia and find out what challenges faced this premiere cast in bringing it to life.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 7:00-8:30 PM
Session 3: Tech Rehearsal
The sets, props, lights, costumes, and actors all come together to bring the premiere of Brother Russia to theatrical life. Watch a technical rehearsal as all of the elements are integrated into “the production.”
THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 12:00-1:30 PM
Session 4: The Orchestra
The first rehearsal to add the orchestra into the mix is called a “sitz probe.” The actors hear the music with full orchestration for the first time and blend their voices into the mix to make music together.
SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 7:30 PM
Session 5: The Final Dress Rehearsal
The premiere of Brother Russia is ready to meet its first audience. Join us for the “invited dress.” See how the production comes together as the final element and crucial element—you, the audience—is added. Be there front and center.
MONDAY, MARCH 5, 6:30-7:30 PM
Session 6: Critics’ Corner
Share a glass of wine in the Signature lobby and share your critical opinions. It’s your opportunity to exchange your comments, questions, and critiques on the process, the production, and the Brother Russia Seminar.
Tuition: $300
Registration Deadline: February 8