Off Broadway Research Paper

It is said in the textbook that Broadway “refers specifically to plays performed in the large theatre” (Wilson 34). Broadway is larger than off- Broadway and also off-off-Broadway; it is considered the elite and tickets are more expensive of all of the other types of Broadway theatres, because they spend a lot more creating, running plays and the salary of the actors. Furthermore, “theatre companies have been formed, and theatre facilities built, for the continuing presentation of high-quality professional productions to local residents. The performers, directors and designers are generally high-caliber artists who make theatre their Full-time profession’ (Wilson 35). While off- Broadway theatre holds fewer seats than Broadway theatre, it

I’ve adored theatre for as long as I can remember. From writing plays throughout elementary school, to being involved in Drama Club in middle school, to performing in community theatre in high school, and to visiting the theatre as often as I could from the very beginning, theatre has always been a part of my life. Every aspect of it engages me: the directors working to bring their vision of the show’s scenes, choreography, or music to life, the actors transforming into different characters through their expression of dialogue, song, or dance, the costumers and set-builders transporting the audience into the setting and time period with their artistry, the backstage tech and crew working quickly and precisely to keep the show flowing to curtain call, and the orchestra bringing the show to life through music. There is nothing like the experience of live theatre, both as a member of the audience and as a member of the cast and crew.

Broadway was one of the first forms of entertainment. Before there were television programs, or movies, there was Broadway. Broadway originated in New York in 1750, when actor-manager Walter Murray built a theatre company at the Theatre on Nassau Street. A musical would show about once every weekend. The shows were very male based, and would commonly show a relationship between young boys and their fathers. Women were slowly integrated into Broadway, and as society changed its point of view on women, so did theatre.

From the Ancient Greeks, to the Romans, and all the way to present day New York City, theatre is a tradition that has been passed down for thousands of years. The art of expression through live performance is something that will never go out of style. The history of Broadway is a rollercoaster with flourishing highs and devastating lows, but they both have significantly contributed to shaping the industry into the prosperous business that it is today.

This is a must watch Broadway show that makes your fine, terrible, or even boring day, an absolute blast. The Play That Goes Wrong has finally made its way to America and right at the heart of New York City near Times Square at the Lyceum Theatre. Therefore, the experience is a win-win situation for the audience. The Lyceum Theatre’s architecture is astonishing as it is filled with ornaments, I also realized the letter ‘L’ around the theater, but the most interesting fact is that it is a landmark. It has a proscenium stage while the audience is in the orchestra, balcony, or the mezzanine seats, like where I sat, and there is barely any space if you are a tall person. My seat was near the far end of mezzanine, I couldn’t see a part of the left side of the stage, so I found myself bending sideways to see what was going on, but I saw nothing. I found the side stage lights and a side balcony blocking my view and yet I had a great time.

Theatre and Musical Theatre has been a form of entertainment since before North America was “discovered”. Broadway shows have been dated back to the early 1920’s and 1930’s. By 2016, over 25,000 tickets are sold to Broadway shows in a week. Thousands of people enjoy the shows that are featured on Broadway but have no idea the work and process that brought it to life. The process of getting a show on to Broadway can be broken down into three phases: pre-production, staging, and performance/promotion.

The Broadway Musical has been a sensational part of the American culture ever since it started in the 19th century located in Manhattan, New York City; however, they were not always in Manhattan. A musical is a play or movie in which singing and dancing plays an essential part. Musicals developed from light opera in the early 20th century. Musicals originated in England; however, musicals developed into their modern form in the Broadway theatre located in New York City. Broadway is also known as “The Great White Way” because of the millions of lights that light up the night that surround the billboards and theatre marquees throughout Broadway.

Black Broadway provides an entertaining, poignant history of a Broadway of which few are aware. By focusing a spotlight on both performers long forgotten and on those whom we still hold dear, this unique book offers a story well worth

If you’re going to be traveling through Memphis, South Main St is a must visit destination. There are several places to visit along South Main, whether you’re looking for delicious food, entertainment, history, or some shopping.

In the 1980s, the cost of staging a Broadway show soared so high that major shows have to run for more than two years to break even (showtime, 604). The strong-willed individualistic producers were replaced by “artistic director, a general manager and various multi-producers.(showtime 604)” The latter were made up by businessman and theater owners whose priority is to sell tickets rather than create art. What’s more, the producers were less willing to take risks both financially and artistically, which made Broadway productions bleaker(showtime 604). As for the production of Rent and The Phantom of the Opera, the producers used different tactics to cope with the staggering cost. The rent cut cost on stage setting and location.They abandoned the expensive curtains and fancy settings and used sculptures of “junk, wire and Christmas-tree lights” to symbolize different sites(Wollman, 170).

“Shrunken perhaps by the vicissitudes and exigencies of the times, Broadway presented itself admirably throughout the Thirties. It not only managed to preserve the best, but also nurtured and expanded them. At the brink of the new decade, Broadway stood smaller but brighter”

After watching the Playwright's Voice and the Real Life Drama of Being a Playwright, I came to the realization that writing a play and producing it takes a lot more work and time than I though it did, as there is a lot of steps that need to be taken before the audience sees the final product. Also, I was surprised to hear some of the major theater companies are closing their doors to the public because they don't make enough profits from the plays they present. One of the reasons I choose to see the Playwright’s Voice and the Real Life Drama of Being a Playwright was because I wanted to know more about the writer’s journey into Broadway, and also I wanted to hear from the people who work directly with the theater company about their view in

Theatre means more to me than just something to do when I get bored or something I need to get through for high

At the age of eight, my mother took me on a trip to New York City. On it, I saw the Lin Manuel-Miranda show In the Heights. Unlike my eight-year-old self, my mother loved performing arts, and she occasionally played CD’s from musicals in the car, which I groaned about. Given this, it is not hard to imagine I was less excited than the average person to see a broadway show; however, when my mother mentioned, “Chad from High School Musical is in it,” I perked up. As I walked into the theatre, my attitude improved again from the astonishingly vast house, filled with endless rows of red, velvet chairs leading towards an expansive stage trimmed with gold. Nevertheless, I still did not appreciate the opportunity to witness a Tony Award-winning musical, as I would in three hours. When the lights dimmed, the whole theatre fell silent, yet still buzzed with anticipation.

Middle School Theatre as a student is really interesting. I have an amazing teacher and I learn everyday. We learn about lot’s of things in theatre that helps me grow in theatre. In this paper I’m going to talk about all the things I’ve learned so far in Theatre and my favorite unit this year.