Need some technical theatre inspiration during these times? Explore this list of masters of their craft discussing everything technical theatre-related and what they love most about what they do.

1. Julie Taymor on Overall Design from Ted Talks

Showing spectacular clips from productions such as Frida, The Tempest and The Lion King, director Julie Taymor describes a life spent immersed in theater and the movies. Filmed right as controversy over her Broadway production of Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark was at its peak, she candidly describes the tensions inherent within her creative process, as she strives both to capture the essence of a story–and produce images and experiences unlike anything else.

2. Behind the Emerald Curtain Wicked: Costume Design

Get an exclusive look at the Costume Edition, and follow the construction of a new Madame Morrible costume, from bolt to Broadway.

3. Working in the Theatre: Lighting Design from the American Theatre League

A technician, an artist, a magician… What does a Lighting Designer do in the theatre? We dive deep with Tony Awards-winning Lighting Designers Natasha Katz and Howell Binkley, as we explore the assortment of creative and technical goals in developing a story through lights on stage. Learn about the history of the field, the equipment, and the artistry of design as Natasha Katz and Howell Binkley show us their work at the PRG: Live showroom and onstage at Hamilton: An American Musical and Aladdin – The Musical.

4. Designing Sound for Theatre: National Theatre Discover

What to discover more about sound design for theatre? Sound Designer & Composer Alma Kelliher discusses her creative process, her work on The Elephantom and why sound should be arranged like a musical score.

5. How to Stage Manage Jersey Boys from the Theatre Development Fund

Go backstage at Broadway’s Jersey Boys to learn how an unseen army keeps the show up and running every night. Featuring production stage manager Michelle Bosch.

6. Working in the Theatre: Makeup from American Theatre Wing

A character on stage is shaped by many factors. An important, and often under-examined, aspect to the creation of a character and achievement of a production is created by the magnificent makeup artists on and off-Broadway. But, what does it take to achieve the prefect show-ready look 8 times a week? Makeup Artists Brian Strumwasser and Thelma Pollard share their journey on the creation and maintenance of a character in this episode.

7. An Overview of the Prop Department from National Theatre Discover

Working in the Prop Department at the National Theatre requires all kinds of skills. In this film they explain some of the key crafts they use, and show how a prop maker has to use their own initiative to realize a designer’s ideas.

8. Working as a Technical Director from the American Theatre Wing

Technical Director Mike Cristaldi supervises the installation and engineering of the physical production of a show. At Philadelphia Theatre Company, he coordinates all the technical elements, such as scenery, lighting, sound, wardrobe, props, and video, between each of PTC’s departments and a show’s designers. He talks about how the new Suzanne Roberts Theatre space increases PTC’s technical capabilities, and how it has broadened his role as well.

9. Working in Theatre: House Manager from Center Theatre Group

As the Mark Taper Forum’s House Manager, Linda Walker manages the daily operations of the theatre to ensure that every audience member’s experience is exceptional and stress-free. In our latest Working in Theatre video, Walker discusses how she found her way to the Taper, the day-to-day duties associated with her job, and what makes her job unique.

10. Scenic Painting in Theatre from National Theatre Discover

The Scenic Art Department at the National Theatre is normally referred to within the building as ‘the Paintframe’. It gets its name from the large frame which can be used to paint huge areas, such as the gauze shown in this film. A special lift can move to any point in front of the frame to enable the scenic artists to work on the material.

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