CMU School of Drama


Sunday, September 02, 2018

NFTRW Weekly Top Five

Here are the top five comment generating posts of the past week:

Have You Ever Seen a Show in a Bathtub?

Theatre Development Fund – TDF: Philip Santos Schaffer pulls back the curtain and introduces himself as "your server and savior" to me and the only other spectator. After chatting idly for a while, he asks if we're thirsty. "Tonight, we're serving only the finest NYC tap," he declares as he turns on the faucet and water comes pouring out. Forget the fourth wall -- there's not even a stage for this solo show because The End of the World Bar and Bathtub is performed in a real New York City bathroom. Interested audiences of two make an appointment and supply the tub; Schaffer shows up and delivers the hour-long experience.

Chefs Part of the Show at Unique Dinner & Theater in Pittsburgh

Eat Street - August 2018: Don’t worry about making pre- or post-show dinner reservations if you’re planning on attending Quantum Theatre’s new play, “Chatterton.” A three-course meal is an integral part of the production.

“Eating and drinking together is such an important component of an arts experience,” says Quantum Theatre artistic director Karla Boos.

Production Notes: Content and Trigger Warnings

Nevada Film Office: At times, producers and/or distributors may believe that certain scenes in a film, music video, television episode, or video game contains content that will offend, traumatize, or otherwise cause harm or discomfort to some viewers. In such cases, content warnings are often given in conjunction with a content rating system that specifies the type of audience the film or production is suitable for, such as M for mature audiences.

Historical Calling Technology: Cue Lights

Stage Directions: According to the Boston Daily Globe, in 1882 the Bijou theatre was the first theatre in the country to install and use electricity throughout the building. Some companies had already installed electric house lights, specials, etc. But the Bijou was the first to use electric light in every corner of the theatre. As a result, the development and implementation of cue lights followed shortly, which inevitably silenced the Prompter’s aural cueing methods and changed the way in which the audience experienced the performance.

It's a Brave New World for Pittsburgh Public Theater

Pittsburgh Magazine - September 2018 - Pittsburgh, PA: Marya Sea Kaminski is letting Ted Pappas return to direct one show in Pittsburgh Public Theater’s 2018-2019 season.

“Letting?” she says with a laugh when she hears the description, adding that she brought up having Pappas direct in her interview.

“Ted built this house [as we know it today],” she says. “All the beautiful things here, Ted built. [As he puts it], as we move forward, he’s going to be this dashing uncle.”

1 comment:

Unknown said...

First I’d like to say that I’m excited that another woman is coming into such a significant role in the theatre community in Pittsburg, her efforts and experience will undoubtably bring new ideas and perspectives to The Public. As much as I love to see women taking on important leadership roles and becoming influential in any industry, I am hopefully that I’ll see a day where things like this don’t have to make the news. That is not denying the importance of getting to see women taking these strides but if we look at the situation from a more objective standpoint this is an instance of a qualified person being hired for a job. It’s not particularly groundbreaking, though it is certainly time for a women to hold the position there. My perspective coming from a more male dominated portion of the theatre industry is that I don’t really enjoy or like being told that the things I’m doing are great because I’m a women doing them. I want to be recognized for my talent as an individual. This article also addresses her talent and career as well, I’m just waiting for a world where women in these positions are the norm, instead of a pleasant surprise.