How Broadway Works: Building and Running a Show, from the People Who Make It Happen

Broadway Works celebrates the unsung, out-of-sight people on Broadway who bring a production to the stage, showing young people interested in theater that there are myriad of vocations other than acting. Sharon Grace Powers highlights the positions behind the curtain that work together to put on a show, including what the job is, what the job requirements are, what an artist's process is, and how that specific job is integrated into the fabric of a show's production.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 284 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2023
Publisher: Globe Pequot Press

Broadway Works is a unique organization that celebrates the unsung, out-of-sight people on Broadway who bring a production to the stage. It aims to show young people interested in theater that there are myriad of vocations other than acting. While the audience sees the actors, lights, orchestra, musicians, and sometimes stagehands on stage, there is a whole world of backstage professionals who collaborate to bring the production to an audience.

One of the most visible careers in a production is acting, but not everyone can act or even wishes to be in the spotlight. There are several jobs in the theater community where their talents may fit. Theater professional Sharon Grace Powers highlights the positions behind the curtain that work together to put on a show.

Powers focuses on an area of theater production on Broadway, including what the job is, what the job requirements are, what an artist's process is, and how that specific job is integrated into the fabric of a show's production. She explains that the job of a stage manager is to oversee the entire production, from the rehearsal process to the final performance. They are responsible for scheduling rehearsals, coordinating with the cast and crew, and ensuring that the show runs smoothly.

Stage managers must have excellent communication skills, be able to handle pressure, and be able to think on their feet. They must also be able to work closely with the cast and crew to ensure that everyone is on the same page. Powers explains that stage managers often work long hours, including weekends and holidays, and may be required to travel to different locations for performances.

Another important job in the theater community is the lighting designer. The lighting designer is responsible for creating the lighting design for a show. They must work closely with the director, the set designer, and the costume designer to ensure that the lighting design complements the other elements of the show. Lighting designers must have excellent technical skills, be able to work with a variety of lighting equipment, and be able to create a visually stunning show.

The sound designer is another important job in the theater community. The sound designer is responsible for creating the sound design for a show. They must work closely with the director, the set designer, and the costume designer to ensure that the sound design complements the other elements of the show. Sound designers must have excellent technical skills, be able to work with a variety of sound equipment, and be able to create a sound that is immersive and engaging.

The costume designer is another important job in the theater community. The costume designer is responsible for creating the costumes for a show. They must work closely with the director, the set designer, and the lighting designer to ensure that the costumes complement the other elements of the show. Costume designers must have excellent technical skills, be able to work with a variety of fabrics and materials, and be able to create costumes that are both beautiful and functional.

In addition to these jobs, there are many other positions in the theater community, including stagehands, makeup artists, and prop masters. Stagehands are responsible for setting up and striking the set, while makeup artists are responsible for creating the makeup for the cast. Prop masters are responsible for creating and maintaining the props used in the show.

Broadway Works is dedicated to promoting the work of these unsung, out-of-sight professionals and to providing opportunities for young people to learn about the theater industry. The organization offers a variety of programs and events, including workshops, internships, and mentorship programs. These programs allow young people to gain hands-on experience in the theater industry and to learn from experienced professionals.

One of the most important aspects of Broadway Works is its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The organization works to ensure that the theater industry is accessible to people from all backgrounds and that everyone has the opportunity to pursue a career in the industry. Broadway Works has partnered with a variety of organizations to provide scholarships and other financial assistance to students who are interested in pursuing a career in the theater industry.

In conclusion, Broadway Works is a unique organization that celebrates the unsung, out-of-sight people on Broadway who bring a production to the stage. It aims to show young people interested in theater that there are myriad of vocations other than acting. While the audience sees the actors, lights, orchestra, musicians, and sometimes stagehands on stage, there is a whole world of backstage professionals who collaborate to bring the production to an audience. By promoting the work of these professionals and providing opportunities for young people to learn about the theater industry, Broadway Works is helping to ensure that the theater industry remains vibrant and diverse for generations to come.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 230 x 152 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781493059942