Guettel, Lucas & Sher Set Master Classes in Seattle

To celebrate the "homecoming" of The Light in the Piazza to Seattle, Intiman Theatre, Broadway Across America-Seattle and Seattle Theatre Group will present "Meet the Masters" on Monday, April 9, a rare opportunity for artists and audiences to immerse themselves in the artistry of composer/lyricist Adam Guettel, playwright Craig Lucas and director Bartlett Sher. "Meet the Masters" will include a day-long series of Master Classes for early career professionals, followed by a free Public Forum in which the co-creators of the Tony Award-winning musical will share insights and stories about its creative evolution.

The Public Forum will take place at Intiman Theatre, 201 Mercer Street at Seattle Center, at 7:30 pm. This event is free and open to the public; reservations are encouraged and can be made at 206.269.1901 ext. 387 or forum@intiman.org.

After premiering at Intiman in 2003, The Light in the Piazza traveled to Chicago's Goodman Theatre, won six Tony Awards for its Lincoln Center production in 2005, and returns to Seattle as part of its current National Tour. During the Public Forum, Guettel, Lucas and Sher will discuss their collaborative process and their approaches to character, narrative and storytelling in the theatre. The Forum will be moderated by arts journalist Ann Powers.

Guettel, Lucas and Sher will also lead three Master Classes open to early career composers and/or lyricists for the musical theatre, playwrights and stage directors. Applications are available now for these intimate and interactive workshops, which will run concurrently at INTIMAN on Monday, April 9 between 9 am and 5:30 pm. Participants will explore the tools of their craft with three of the most accomplished and innovative artists in the theatre today, who will offer critical feedback in response to their work.

The schedule for the Master Classes includes intensive five-hour workshops, followed by an hour-long session during which all participants will come together for a unique collaborative event across disciplines, guided by the three master teachers. The workshops are limited to eight lyricists and/or composers, eight playwrights and fourteen directors. The deadline for submissions is March 14. The cost is $135; scholarships are available. More detailed schedule information, an application and scholarship opportunities can be found at www.intiman.org. 

The Light in the Piazza will play April 17-29 at The Paramount Theatre. Single tickets, on sale Friday, March 16, are available by calling 206.292.ARTS (2787) or through www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.  For more on the national tour of The Light in the Piazza tour, visit www.piazzaontour.com.

Photo of Adam Guettel by Ben Strothmann