ARTIST ENGAGEMENT

With every act we bring to our stage, we identify meaningful ways for IU and Bloomington community members to interact with visiting performers. Through events such as masterclasses, post-show Q&As, and panel discussions, community members are able to learn directly from world-class artists in an intimate setting.

Masterclasses And Workshops

Kristin Chenoweth led a workshop for the IU Theatre department that allowed students to perform live in front of the Broadway star and receive feedback in real time. Anastasia cast members joined Brown County High School theatre students for a virtual class and discussion about touring nationally with a Broadway production. Martha Graham Dance Company’s rehearsal director conducted a masterclass for IU contemporary dance students using repertoire that has been performed by the world-class dance organization. A lead Jersey Boys cast member taught a workshop over Zoom for a musical theatre dance class using one of the timeless songs featured in the show.

Orchestral Repertoire Classes

During their three-day residency in March, the Grammy Award-winning St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) led instrumental masterclasses for Jacobs School of Music percussion, woodwind, brass, and string students. These small and specialized interactions by instrument, as well of the rest of the residency, were attended by over 1,000 students. In addition, SLSO’s music director participated in a score reading session with orchestral conducting students, and world-renowned and Grammy-nominated pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet led a masterclass for the Jacobs School of Music piano department.

Educational Talks

We also hosted discussions with world-renowned artists, such as Yo-Yo Ma (see below) and pre-show lectures presented by various IU faculty members, in addition to a series of panel discussions given by St. Louis Symphony Orchestra administrators for Hutton Honors College students, Arts Administration majors at O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, and the Jacobs School of Music’s Project Jumpstart program participants. The Grammy-winning Silkroad Ensemble also participated in a moderated discussion with students and staff from the Hamilton Lugar School of International Studies as well as with the public at the conclusion of their Auditorium performance.

CAST & CREW INTERACTIONS

Cast and crew interactions include pre- and post-show Q&As, stage and wardrobe walkthroughs, and sideby-side orchestral rehearsals. During our 2021–2022 season, almost every act we brought to our stage also interacted with our patrons through masterclasses, educational talks, and other activities.