There's no business like show business

Since it is Tony Time, I think it is important to share some information with all of you about the organization behind the awards, The American Theatre Wing (ATW). They are not only in charge of the Tony Awards but also Springboard NYC, Theatre Intern Group, Theatre Company Grants, Jonathan Larson Grants, and Hewes Design Awards.

ATW is "dedicated to celebrating excellence and supporting education in the theatre". They have been at the core of the theatrical community for seven decades now, by providing a behind the scenes look at the industry as well as providing the tools for new blood enter that community. ATW does this by providing programs and activities which help students, audiences, and members of the community learn more about what makes theatre tick from the people who make it so vital. Some of the educational material they provide are Working In The Theatre , Downstage Center, Guide to Careers, and SDCF Masters of the Stage. If you ever want to work in theatre or be a true theatreolic then you must spend some time watching these videos, listening to theses interviews, etc. They teach you sooo much about the business and give you insight into the struggles of living a life in the theatre.

The newest video of their Working In The Theatre series will be up on their website for download this upcoming Wednesday, May 13. The latest topic is At Work and Play: Lead Actors 2009. The lead actors for this panel are Jane Alexander, Bill Irwin, Angela Lansbury, Cynthia Nixon, and Geoffrey Rush. They will talk about such topics as how they choose roles, how they build a relationships an audience, and how they balance the thoughts of the playwright and the director.

Here are a few clips from one of their past topics: Working In The Theatre "The Next Generation" with Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins), Jonathan Groff (Spring Awakening), Alison Pill (Mauritius) and John Lloyd Young (Jersey Boys).

So there is your short, short look into an amazing organization that does so much for the theatre community. I hope you take the time to check out one or two of there series on their website. On a personal side note: I inspire to work and be a part of this organization one day and help out future generations of theatre lovers get there foot in the door. I love the ATW and hope more people learn about them and all the good they do.

"There's no business like show business " from Annie Get Your Gun