Multimedia: 2017-18 Season

Here's a convenient round-up of information about each production in a season—including stories, dramaturgical notes, programs, videos, podcasts and more. In addition, read in-depth stories from our Theatre Conservatory and about supporters of SCR's programs.

2018-19 • 2016-17 • 2015-16 • 2014-15 • 2013-14

2017-18 SEASON

Seussical

STORY: Theatre Conservatory and AIP Alumnus Returns for Seussical
Actor Nick Slimmer played the Cat in the Hat in the Summer Players’ 2012 production of Seussical. He returns this summer to play Yertl the Turtle and General Genghis Kahn Schmitz.

STORY: Six Years Later, Dr. Seuss Draws These Two Together Again
Conservatory students Lauren Dong and Mitchell Huntley appeared in SCR’s 2012 production of Seussical. They’re both back this summer to revisit everyone’s favorite Dr. Seuss characters.

The Sisters Rosensweig

VIDEO: Excerpts from The Sisters Rosensweig
When the sisters gather in London for Sara’s 54th birthday, along with some of the men in their lives, the result is a witty, enthralling look at the quest for love, acceptance and self-fulfillment.

STORY: Remembering Wendy and The Sisters Rosensweig
Learn about The Sisters Rosensweig’s origins from the director who helped develop it.

STORY: Wendy Wasserstein’s Works Today
Wasserstein’s plays spoke to a generation of smart, ambitious women trying to navigate their desire to “have it all” in a changing world. Lena Romano re-examines the works for today’s world.

STORY: Party Play: The Sisters Rosensweig
Wendy Wasserstein’s comedy captured the First Night audience’s attention and never let up. First Night guests were thrilled to have the opportunity to meet and mingle with the entire cast at the post-show party.

Meet Amy Aquino from The Sisters Rosenseweig

VIDEO: Meet the The Sisters Rosensweig: Amy Aquino
Each of the sisters is extraordinary in their own way. Amy Aquino tells us about her character Sara, the successful banker.

STORY: Meet the Cast: The Sisters Rosensweig
A mix of SCR veterans and actors making their debut here bring back the ’90s in Wendy Wasserstein’s captivating comedy, The Sisters Rosensweig. Read on to meet the cast.

Meet Betsy Brandt from The Sisters Rosensweig

VIDEO: Meet the The Sisters Rosensweig: Betsy Brandt
Each of the sisters is extraordinary in their own way. Betsy Brandt tells us about her character Pfeni, the globe-trotting journalist.

Meet Eleanor Reissa from The Sisters Rosensweig

VIDEO: Meet the The Sisters Rosensweig: Eleanor Reissa
Each of the sisters is extraordinary in their own way. Eleanor Reissa tells us about her character Gorgeous, the irrepressible radio host.

STORY: Three Sisters Plays
From Shakespeare's King Lear to Chekhov's The Three Sisters to Wendy Wasserstein's The Sisters Rosensweig. Find out more about how playwrights have written about sisters in this article by dramaturg Jerry Patch.

PDF: The Sisters Rosensweig Program

Learn more about the production, cast & creative team by downloading the program for The Sisters Rosensweig

Amos & Boris

STORY: Meet William Steig, Author of Amos & Boris
William Steig might be best remembered as the creator of Shrek!, but he enjoyed a long, accomplished career as a cartoonist, illustrator and author of children’s books. Learn more about Steig and his work.

STORY: Meet the Cast: Amos & Boris
The new musical, Amos & Boris, is fun and funny—and the actors who portray the critter characters is a mix of new and returning actors all are diving into their roles. In this Q&A, they dish on what makes the show special.

PDF: Amos & Boris Program

Learn more about the production, cast & creative team by downloading the program for Amos & Boris.

STORY: Meet Susan Gratch, Puppet Designer for Amos & Boris
As puppet designer for Amos & Boris, Susan Gratch had to create a whale, elephant, fish and other sea creatures. Learn more about Gratch and her design work in this Q&A.

Notes from Amos & Boris director Jessica Kubzansky

STORY: Creating the Beautiful and Whimsical World of Amos & Boris
Jessica Kubzansky, director of the new musical Amos & Boris, explains the design challenges of creating a magical world involving mice, an elephant, a whale and other fascinating sea creatures.

STORY: Meet Sofia Alvarez, Playwright of Amos & Boris
Playwright Sofia Alvarez makes her debut in musical theatre for young audiences with her adaptation of Amos & Boris. Learn more about her process of bringing this children’s classic to the stage.

PDF: Amos & Boris Study Guide
Learn more about Amos & Boris—a fun, funny and funky musical that teaches lessons about the enduring power of friendship—in this study guide.

Pacific Playwrights Festival

STORY: Pacific Playwrights Festival 2018: New Play Starter Kit
This PPF New Play Starter Kit is your guide to getting the most out of your PPF weekend.

PODCAST: New-Play Bingewatching
In this edition of the Podcast, Pacific Playwrights Festival (PPF) co-directors John Glore and Kimberly Colburn talk about this renowned new-play showcase, how a play makes it to PPF and what to watch for in PPF 2018

STORY: The Playwrights of PPF: Julia Doolittle
Julia Doolittle’s play Love and Contracts is one of five featured readings at PPF. Find out where and how she writes.

STORY: The Playwrights of PPF: Caroline V. McGraw
Meet PPF playwright Caroline V. McGraw and find out why her writing space inspires her.

STORY: The Playwrights of PPF: Madhuri Shekar and Kevin Artigue
Take a peek at the places where PPF playwrights Madhuri Shekar and Kevin Artigue write and learn what inspires them.

Little Black Shadows

STORY/SLIDESHOW: Party Play: Little Black Shadows
From the opening scene, Little Black Shadows captured the First Night audience and never let up. Playwright Kemp Powers’ family drama enthralled theatregoers and transported them to a Georgia plantation.

VIDEO: Scenes from Little Black Shadows by Kemp Powers
Watch Toy and Colis as they spend long days on the plantation, but at night their world comes alive beneath their masters’ beds where they whisper stories to each other through a vent in the wall.

STORY: Elements of a Southern Gothic
Kemp Powers’ compelling new play Little Black Shadows contains elements of a Southern Gothic tale. Read on to learn more about this enduring genre.

STORY: Meet the Cast of Little Black Shadows
Creating characters for a world premiere is special for the six actors in Little Black Shadows. Read more about them and the play.

STORY: Through the Eyes of Children
Dramaturg Kimberly Colburn writes about the family drama that unfolds in Little Black Shadows—as seen through children’s eyes.

VIDEO: Kemp Powers on his Play Little Black Shadows
Watch playwright Kemp Powers talk about his research and story development for Little Black Shadows.

PDF: Little Black Shadows Program

Learn more about the production, cast & creative team by downloading the program for Little Black Shadows

Kara Walker Inspires Little Black Shadows

STORY: The Silhouettes of the Play
Little Black Shadows projection designer Hana S. Kim finds inspiration in the silhouette works of Kara Walker.

Highlighting SCR's Black History Month Playwrights

STORY: SCR Highlights New Works By African American Playwrights in Celebration of Black History Month
We are honored to have works by these African American playwrights being premiered and under commission. Learn more about these successful artists.

STORY: The Federal Writers’ Project Sparked Inspiration for (Little Black Shadows) Playwright Kemp Powers
Little Black Shadows Playwright, Kemp Powers, found his inspiration from historical articles collected in the Federal Writers’ Project.

Shrew

STORY: Meet the Cast: SHREW!
Playwright Amy Freed’s writing has figured prominently for many of the 13 cast members of her work, SHREW! They’re drawn to Freed by the sense of limitless possibilities in her stories and the smart and funny writing.

VIDEO: Excerpts from SHREW! by Amy Freed
Watch scenes from SHREW!, the clever and wickedly funny spin on the Shakespeare classic.

VIDEO: Audiences Love Shrew!
Audiences are loving Amy Freed’s clever and wickedly funny spin on the classic Shakespeare play, The Taming of the Shrew.

STORY/SLIDESHOW: Party Play: SHREW!
From the opening scene, SHREW! captivated First Night audiences and never let up, delivering two hours of delight, clever wordplay, beautiful costumes, joyful dancing and much more.

PODCAST: Interview with SHREW! Playwright Amy Freed
Associate Artistic Director John Glore talks Shakespeare and more with playwright Amy Freed.

STORY: Shakespeare Plays Produced by SCR
Classic works, especially Shakespeare, have always been a part of SCR’s production history. Read on to learn more about some popular stagings of the Bard’s plays throughout the years.

STORY: Adaptive Responses
Tales of “shrews” date to the Middle Ages. Dramaturg John Glore writes about why and how Amy Freed updated the notion of these stories for SHREW!

PDF: SHREW! Program

Learn more about the production, cast & creative team by downloading the program for SHREW!

STORY: The Long and Fruitful Friendship: Amy Freed and SCR
Twenty years and 7 plays later, Amy Freed and SCR’s relationship is going strong with her latest, SHREW!

STORY: Movies Inspired by Shakespeare’s Plays
Many films have been inspired by and/or adapted from William Shakespeare’s plays throughout the history of moviemaking. Read on to learn more about some Shakespeare-to-screen adaptations.

Cambodian Rock Band

STORY: The Psychedelic Surf Rock that Inspired Cambodian Rock Band
Cambodia’s psychedelic surf rock music inspired Lauren Yee to write her new play, Cambodian Rock Band. Learn more about the country’s incredible music scene.

STORY/SLIDESHOW: Party Play: Cambodian Rock Band
From the opening melody Cambodian Rock Band captured the attention of the First Nights audience, delivering extraordinary performances, incredible live music, thrilling suspense and much more.

VIDEO: Cambodian Rock Band Audience Reactions
Audiences love Cambodian Rock Band at South Coast Repertory (March 4-25, 2018).

VIDEO: Cambodian Rock Band by Lauren Yee
Part comedy, part mystery, part rock concert, this thrilling story toggles back and forth in time, as father and daughter face the music of the past. Watch the trailer.

VIDEO: Excerpts from Cambodian Rock Band
Watch excerpts from Cambodian Rock Band. Part comedy, part mystery, part rock concert! A father and daughter face the music of the past.

VIDEO: Cambodian Rock Band Facebook Live Concert
A preview of the music from Cambodian Rock Band on Facebook Live.

VIDEO: Cambodian Rock Band Meet the Cast: Daisuke Tsuji
Meet Daisuke Tsuji who plays Duch in Lauren Yee's Cambodian Rock Band as he introduces you to his character and the story of the show.

VIDEO: The Music and Inspiration for Cambodian Rock Band
Playwright Lauren Yee talks about the story, inspiration and music for her newest play Cambodian Rock Band.

VIDEO: Cambodian Rock Band Meet the Cast: Brooke Ishibashi
Meet Brooke Ishibashi who plays Neary and Sothea in Lauren Yee's Cambodian Rock Band as she introduces you to her character(s) and the story of the show.

STORY: A Tenacious Melody: Memory and Music in Cambodian Rock Band
Read about the real history that inspired Cambodian Rock Band.

VIDEO: Cambodian Rock Band Meet the Cast: Joe Ngo
Meet Joe Ngo who plays Chum in Lauren Yee's Cambodian Rock Band as he introduces you to his character and the story of the show.

PDF: Cambodian Rock Band Program

Learn more about the production, cast & creative team by downloading the program for Cambodian Rock Band.

Lauren Yee on her play Cambodian Rock Band

STORY: Playwright Lauren Yee: From SCR’s CrossRoads to Cambodian Rock Band’s World Premiere
Lauren Yee’s Cambodian Rock Band makes its world premiere from March 4-25. Learn more about Yee and the inspiration for her exciting new work.

STORY: Five Questions for Cambodian Rock Band Designer Sara Ryung Clement
As the costume designer for Cambodian Rock Band, Clement researched Cambodian fashion of the '70s, among other topics. We asked about her design inspiration for this thrilling new play.

Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook

VIDEO: Photos from Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook
See photos from the world’s funniest grade-school know-it-all as she tries to find her stolen mittens and win over the new boy in Room 8.

STORY: An Interview with Junie B. Jones Author Barbara Park
Learn more about the late author Barbara Park, creator of Junie B. Jones, in this interview excerpt originally published in Time Magazine.

PDF: Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook Program

Learn more about the production, cast & creative team by downloading the program for Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook.

STORY: Meet the Cast: Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook
Most of the Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook actors are making their SCR debut with this show. In this article, they spill the beans on their own time in kindergarten and more.

PDF: Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook Study Guide

The world’s funniest grade-school know-it-all is back! Get insights into Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook in this study guide.

STORY: Meet Beth Lopes, Director of Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook
The world’s funniest grade school know-it-all is back in a play based on the popular book series by Barbara Park. Beth Lopes makes her SCR directing debut when she brings this hilarious and spirited character to life.

STORY: Read an Excerpt from Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook
Let your heart get captured by Junie B.’s spunk in this excerpt from Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook. In it, Junie B. goes to the Principal’s office to look for her furry mittens in the Lost and Found.

Shakespeare in Love

STORY: From Foster Dog to Star: Cinnamon Makes Her Stage Debut
Cinnamon is the English Bulldog currently starring as “Spot” in Shakespeare in Love. We recently spoke with Lisa Dempsey, Cinnamon’s owner, to learn more about this ultra-cute canine’s stage debut.

VIDEO: Excerpts from Shakespeare in Love
"I will have poetry in my life. And adventure and love." Lady Viola de Lesseps becomes young William Shakespeare's muse and inspires one of his most iconic plays. Watch excerpts from the production.

STORY: Shakespeare in Love’s Costumes: Making a Cartwheel Farthingale
Learn more about one of the pieces used for Queen Elizabeth’s costume, and how SCR’s Costume Shop replicated the sartorial sense of London in the late 1500s.

PDF: Shakespeare in Love Program

Learn more about the production, cast & creative team by downloading the program for Shakespeare in Love.

STORY: Meet the Cast of Shakespeare in Love
New and returning faces are featured in Shakespeare in Love—including an alumnus from “The Walking Dead” and a heart-melting dog.

VIDEO: Audiences Love Shakespeare in Love
Audiences are falling in love with the funny and witty Shakespeare in Love. Mistaken identities, ruthless scheming and backstage theatrics make this romantic feast a “joyous celebration of theatre” (Daily Telegraph).

STORY: A Love Letter to the Theatre
Sweeping passion drives the story for Shakespeare in Love. But this witty, hilarious play is more than just a romance. Find out why from Dramaturg Kat Zukaitis.

VIDEO: Shakespeare in Love comes to SCR
Will Shakespeare is desperate. He has writer’s block and owes two producers a new comedy. Enter his inspiration: Viola. Smart, beautiful and Will’s greatest admirer, she will stop at nothing to be in his play.

PODCAST: Interview with Shakespeare in Love Director Marc Masterson

Artistic Director Marc Masterson helms Shakespeare in Love. In this Podcast, he talks about why he’s drawn to the play, casting 23 humans and a dog and why this play rocks his world.

STORY: What’s Not to Love About Shakespeare in Love?
Not much in Shakespeare in Love is true, writes Julia Reinhard Lupton, an English professor at UCI. But it is true to facts when it shows Shakespeare’s own creative approach to the past.

STORY: From Award-Winning Film to the Most-Produced Play of the Season
How did a popular movie released 20 years ago become the most-produced play in the U.S. during the 2017-18 season? Learn more about Shakespeare in Love’s journey from film to stage.

STORY: Party Play: Shakespeare in Love
From the opening lines—a sonnet that young Will Shakespeare is struggling to write—Shakespeare in Love captivated the First Night audience. View SCR's Party Play, with commentary and photos from opening night.

Sugar Plum Fairy

VIDEO: Sandra Tsing Loh's Laugh-Out-Loud Sugar Plum Fairy
Watch excerpts from Sugar Plum Fairy, where angst, sibling rivalry and laugh-out-loud recollections all come together in this new holiday "classic."

STORY: Party Play: Sugar Plum Fairy
Sandra Tsing Loh’s Sugar Plum Fairy captivated the First Night audience as they relived Loh's desire to land a role in The Nutcracker. With her trademark wit, this tale received generous laughter and left the audience with the holiday spirit.

STORY: Perfect Ingredients for Hilarious Theatre: Loh + DeLorenzo
Dramaturg Jerry Patch nominates Sandra Tsing Loh for a Renaissance Woman of Theatre Award. Find out why he’d nominate the Sugar Plum Fairy playwright.

VIDEO: Sandra Tsing Loh is Tutu Much in Sugar Plum Fairy
We caught up with Sandra Tsing Loh in rehearsal for her play, Sugar Plum Fairy. She’s so excited—know what she told us?

STORY: Role Call: Meet the Cast of Sugar Plum Fairy
While there are only three actors in Sugar Plum Fairy…the many characters they portray fill up the stage with big comedy. Meet the cast.

PDF: Sugar Plum Fairy Program
Learn more about the production, cast & creative team by downloading the program for Sugar Plum Fairy.

STORY: A Holiday Concoction of Preteen Angst, Sibling Rivalry and Ballerina Dreams
Sandra Tsing Loh’s Sugar Plum Fairy is a hilarious tale of ballet auditions gone awry. In this alternate take on the holidays, The Nutcracker will never be the same!

STORY: Tales of the Season–Favorite Holiday Films & TV Specials
A favorite holiday tradition for many is curling-up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa and viewing seasonal movies and TV specials. Read on to learn more about some of our favorite holiday gems!

A Christmas Carol

STORY: Conservatory Students Shine in A Christmas Carol
A Christmas Carol includes eight roles that are double-cast, so 16 kids appear in the show. We spoke with some of them about their acting studies, their inspiration and what they enjoy most about the holidays.

STORY: "Was Ever A Scarf So Red?"
A 12-foot-long red scarf marks a transformative moment for Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. Find out what it means.

STORY: Role Call: Meet the Returning Cast of A Christmas Carol
The new and longtime cast members for A Christmas Carol agree that the play is like family to them. Find out more about the returning cast members for this iconic show.

STORY: Alumna of SCR’s Acting Intensive Program makes her debut in A Christmas Carol
Sarah McGuire, a local acting teacher and SCR Acting Intensive Program alumna, makes her debut in A Christmas Carol. Learn more about this multi-talented artist.

STORY: Politicians, Poets, Playwrights, Pundits: Other Voices at Christmas
The winter season may be a time of reflection—closing one chapter and starting a new one. We’ve gathered a collection of thoughts from a variety of artists, politicians and others.

PDF: A Christmas Carol Program
Learn more about the production, cast & creative team by downloading the program for A Christmas Carol.

STORY: Eat, Drink and Be Merry—Holiday Food For Thought
Charles Dickens celebrated Victorian cuisine in his writing including in the pages of A Christmas Carol. Get the lowdown on everything from kidney pie to punch to trifle.

STORY: Bringing the Spirits of Christmas to Life
The ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge’s partner, Jacob Marley, sets off a spooky and transforming series of nighttime visits for the miser of A Christmas Carol. Find out who’s haunting Scrooge.

STORY: Kids Learn the Audition Process for Coveted Roles in A Christmas Carol
SCR’s annual production of A Christmas Carol offers eight roles for children that are double cast, so 16 kids have an opportunity to perform in this holiday classic. Learn more about their audition process.

STORY: Taking A Christmas Carol From Page to Stage
Nearly 40 years ago, Jerry Patch spent his summer near the beach writing about Victorian England. SCR’s then-resident dramaturg was adapting Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol for the stage.

Ella Enchanted: the Musical

SLIDESHOW: Ella Enchanted: The Musical is Magical
See photos from Ella Enchanted, a wonderfully modern Cinderella story, in this slideshow.

STORY: Five Questions for Sean Cawelti, Ella Enchanted’s Puppeteer
Puppeteer and director Sean Cawelti is the creative mind behind the puppets used in Ella Enchanted: The Musical. Learn more about Cawelti, one of the country’s leading large-form puppet designers.

STORY: Spellbound Ella Makes the Most Out of Quirky, Literal “Gift”
Ella is enchanted; spellbound, she must obey orders. From the book, Ella Enchanted, Ella explains how she works around this “gift.”

PDF: Ella Enchanted Program
Learn more about the production, cast & creative team by downloading the program for Ella Enchanted: The Musical.

STORY: Not Just a Cinderella Story: The Magic of Ella Enchanted
There’s magic and empowerment in Ella Enchanted. Find out how this musical fills in some gaps in the original Cinderella story and is winning new fans.

Zacarías Gives Young People a Voice in Ella Enchanted

STORY: Playwright Gives Young People a Voice in Ella Enchanted
Playwright Karen Zacarías brings a modern Cinderella story to life in Ella Enchanted: The Musical, while empowering young people to have a voice. Learn more about this prolific, award-winning playwright.

PDF: Ella Enchanted Study Guide

A wonderfully modern and musical Cinderella story with delightful music and plenty of girl power. Get insights into Ella Enchanted in this study guide.

Gem of the Ocean

STORY: Party Play: Gem of the Ocean
Opening night theatregoers leapt to a standing ovation the moment August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean concluded—and the enthusiasm and conversations continued at the cast party.

STORY: Role Call: Meet the Cast of Gem of the Ocean
The seven-member cast of Gem of the Ocean is as powerful as the play itself. Meet the cast.

STORY: Living Memory in Gem of the Ocean
Aunt Ester is a cleanser of souls who may be the only hope for a man named Citizen Barlow. Find out more about Ester’s gift and its importance in Gem of the Ocean.

PDF: Peek into the program for Gem of the Ocean
Learn more about the production, cast & creative team by downloading the program for Gem of the Ocean.

STORY: An Extraordinary Legacy Rooted in Pittsburgh’s Hill District
Playwright August Wilson left behind an incredible legacy with his American Century Cycle, a series of 10 plays that chronicles the black experience in the 20th century.

Curve of Departure

VIDEO: Excerpts from Curve of Departure
Watch excerpts from Curve of Departure, a surprisingly funny family drama about the complexities of the heart.

STORY: Party Play, Curve of Departure
From the opening scene, Curve of Departure grabbed hold of the First Night audience's attention and never let up, delivering an emotional evening of powerful drama and moving performances.

STORY: When Little Moments Become Momentous
Rachel Bonds’ Curve of Departure finds four characters on the verge of big changes. Bonds is interested in the small moments that help us understand how each of them is facing the big decisions.

STORY: Playwright Rachel Bonds and Director Mike Donahue Discuss Their Successful Artistic Collaboration
Bonds and Donahue are enjoying their third artistic collaboration on Curve of Departure. Learn more about their successful working relationship.

PDF: Peek into the program for Curve of Departure
Learn more about the production, cast & creative team by downloading the program for Curve of Departure.

STORY: Role Call: Meet the Cast of Curve of Departure
The tight-knit cast members of Rachel Bonds’ Curve of Departure all have SCR connections—as veterans of productions here or with the Pacific Playwrights Festival reading of Bonds’ play.

Curve of Departure Receives an Edgerton Award

STORY: Rachel Bonds’ Curve of Departure Receives 2017 Edgerton Foundation New Play Award
What exactly are the Edgerton Awards and what do they mean for a playwright and a new work?

STORY: How SCR Identifies New Plays and Playwrights
What exactly does SCR look for when identifying new plays and playwrights? It’s a question that often gets asked. Read on to learn more as we de-mystify the process.

Once

VIDEO: Audiences are falling in love with Once
The charming story of an Irish busker and a Czech immigrant who connect through their songwriting and the power of music.

STORY: SCR Conservatory Students Share Role in Once
SCR Conservatory students Aoife McEvoy and Jacqueline Vellandi share a role in Once. Learn more about these talented students and what they’re enjoying about being part of the cast.

PODCAST: Kent Nicholson on Once
Once director Kent Nicholson has tracked its progress since its early days in development. And after all these years, he still loves the show. He talks about his feelings for Once and how the production may be the best yet.

STORY: Party Play - Once
From the very first note, Once captured the First Night audience’s attention and never let up, delivering two-plus hours of heartfelt music and inspiring performances

STORY: Role Call: Meet the Cast of Once
Among the 14 cast members for Once are a handful with connections to the show’s Broadway run and national tour. Meet the cast.

STORY: Once More with Feeling
South Coast Repertory’s production of Once captures the unique bond the musical creates. Get a behind-the-scenes look into the romance of Once.

STORY: Striking Up the Band for Once: Meet Music Director Andy Taylor
Andy Taylor is animated as he talks about Once. For this multi-award-winning musical, he balances two roles: music director and the Bank Manager, a role he originated on Broadway.

PDF: Peek into the program for Once
Learn more about the production, cast & creative team by downloading the program for Once.

STORY: Once – The Journey from Acclaimed Indie Film to Multi-Award-Winning Musical
The trajectory of Once from a charming, acclaimed indie film to a smash-hit musical.

STORY: Making a Musical
We’re gearing up for the multi-award-winning musical Once to launch our 2017-18 season, but what exactly does it take to stage a musical? Read on to learn more about the many elements of a musical.

Adult Acting and Playwriting Classes

STORY: Meet Instructor Richard Soto
Conservatory instructor Richard Soto is an actor, teaching artist, writer and fight choreographer, whose career includes theatre, film, television, stunts and comic books. Learn more about his teaching style and why he emphasizes having fun.

STORY: Meet Conservatory Instructor Christopher Sullivan
An actor, improviser & educator, Christopher Sullivan has taught improv and acting in SCR’s Conservatory since 2007. Learn more about his teaching style and how he helps his students become better storytellers.

STORY: Meet Conservatory Instructor Diana Burbano
Burbano has taught beginning youth and adult acting classes, musical theatre and acting for the camera. Learn more about her teaching style and the important lessons she learns from her students.

STORY: Meet Conservatory Instructor Emily Heebner
Emily Heebner explains how an “Intro to Acting” class she took as a freshman in college changed her life. Learn more about her teaching style and the various benefits of taking acting classes at SCR.

STORY: Her Love for Language and Education Finds a Home in Theatre
We caught-up with Conservatory and Educational Programs Director Hisa Takakuwa to learn about her work at SCR, including her Shakespeare class. Learn more about this director and teacher.

STORY: Acting Instructor Greg Atkins on the Importance of Improv and Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone
SCR’s Adult Conservatory classes start next week, including improvisation. We chatted with instructor Greg Atkins, who has been teaching improv for more than 30 years.

STORY: How an "Accidental" Enrollment Led to a Changed Life
John Turmes, a South Coast Repertory audience member, donor and alumnus of the Theatre Conservatory’s Acting Intensive Program, shares the impact that acting classes at SCR have had on his life.

Kids and Teen Acting Classes

STORY: The Rehearsal Process from a Parent’s Perspective
Alyssa Dong, whose daughter is beginning her seventh year in SCR’s Theatre Conservatory and will appear in Seussical, shares her thoughts on the rehearsal process from a parent’s perspective.

STORY: A Parent's Perspective on SCR's Theatre Conservatory

Alyssa Dong, whose daughter, Lauren, is in SCR’s Conservatory and is playing the role of Gertrude in Seussical this summer, shares the value of the Conservatory from a parent’s perspective.

STORY: Meet Conservatory Instructor Erin McNally Thielke
As an actor, vocalist and educator, Erin McNally Thielke has been inspiring young actors at SCR for more than 12 years. Learn about who inspired Erin in her acting studies and what students can expect in her acting and musical theatre class.

STORY: Her Love for Language and Education Finds a Home in Theatre
We caught-up with Conservatory and Educational Programs Director Hisa Takakuwa to learn about her longtime work at SCR. Learn more about this classically trained actor, director and teacher.

Top photo: Virginia Vale and Arye Gross in the 2016 world premiere of Future Thinking by Eliza Clark. Photo by Debora Robinson.

​Multimedia: 201​7-1​8 Season

​Seussical