You need the Flash Player version 8.0.0.0 or higher and a JavaScript enabled browser to view this site

Discovering the Performing Arts: The Writer

Related Article: Learn more about theater.

Writers of musical theater use skillfully crafted words to tell a story and often begin their writing process by researching previously written works. Check out this clip to learn more about the theatre.

browse videos in theater

Sword Swallowing #1 by Dan Meyer (0:18)

Video footage (1 of 3) used by permission of the owner Dan Meyer through Sword Swallowers Association International

Shakespeare 8: Othello as a Tragedy (26:00)

This program takes a behind-the-scenes look at Shakespeare's play "Othello."

The Romeo and Juliet House Restored (1:53)

Explore the Italian home that inspired the tale of Romeo and Juliet.

Washington DC Shakespeare Theatre (2:04)

Watch this video about the virtual Ancient Rome on HowStuffWorks. Virtual 3D reconstruction now makes it possible to see how the ancient city of Rome looked in its prime. See how Rome looked in this video from Reuters.

The Amazing Mathemagician (15:14)

Watch this TED video featuring "mathemagician" Arthur Benjamin as he races a team of calculators to figure out 3-digit squares in his head. He even figures out a 4-digit and a 5-digit square in his head in less than 30 seconds.

recently added

10 Ways to Lift a Curse: Curse of Macbeth (2:41)

Is Shakespeare's classic "Macbeth" cursed? On the Science Channel's "10 Ways to Lift a Curse," witness some of the tragic accidents associated with the stage production and how the supposed curse can be broken.

Discovering the Performing Arts: Words from the Wise (1:14)

Students who want to pursue a career in one of the many aspects of musical theater are encouraged to become involved in theater in whatever way possible.

Discovering the Performing Arts: The Costume (4:34)

Costumes are another important storytelling tool of musical theater. Costume designers create costumes that accurately represent the historical setting of the musical and the personality of each character.

Discovering the Performing Arts: The Actors (4:29)

Actors express a writer's words and ideas to an audience. It is the actor's role to bring emotion and depth to the scripted character. Actors often merge aspects of their own lives and experiences into their portrayal of the characters.

Discovering the Performing Arts: The Writer (4:46)

Writers of musical theater use skillfully crafted words to tell a story and often begin their writing process by researching previously written works. Check out this clip to learn more about the theatre.

Discovering the Performing Arts: Introduction (1:01)

In this video, theater professionals discuss the unique experience of live theater and its impact on the individual.

Discovering the Performing Arts: Words from the Wise (1:07)

Students who want to pursue a career in one of the many aspects of musical theater are encouraged to become involved in theater in whatever way possible.

Discovering the Performing Arts: The Prop Supervisor (3:42)

Prop design has evolved into a complex process involving research and construction. The prop supervisor collaborates with the set designer to build props that accurately represent the historical setting of the musical.

Discovering the Performing Arts: The Sound Designer (1:20)

Sound designers use equipment to coordinate all of the sounds involved in a musical production. Sound designers must manage sound effects, the volume of each actor's voice and background music.

Discovering the Performing Arts: The Lighting Designer (2:10)

Stage lighting in a musical is an essential part of the storytelling process. Lighting helps convey the passage of time, the mood of a scene and the emotions of the characters.