Behind the Scenes Video Library

The Behind the Scenes Video Library, a collection of professionally produced VHS tapes, is available at no charge for loan to educators for use in the classroom.

The tapes, produced by the American Theatre Wing, offer expert perspectives by working professionals in the theatre on a variety of theatre topics including performance, design, playwriting and production.

For more information, call (314) 968-7340.

American Theatre Wing "Working in Theatre" Seminars

278: Brian Dennehy, Swoosie Kurtz, Elizabeth Franz, Matthew Broderick, Kathleen Chalfant. These seasoned performers reveal both the thrills and the challenges of rehearsal and performance. Audience: HS+.

241/2: John Cullum, Ann Dusquesnay, Judith Ivey, Mark Linn-Baker, Michael Nouri, Donna Murphy, Daphne Rubin-Vega. Professional actors share their experiences. Audience: MS+.

277: Iain Glen, Nicole Kidman, Lea Salonga, Ann Manahan. Working Broadway actors discuss the audition process and other tricks of the performance trade. Audience: HS, College.

273: Richard Benjamin, Billy Crudup, James Naughton, Paula Prentiss, Roger Rees, Dana Reeve. Successful actors discuss their origins in the business and overcoming pitfalls. Audience: HS+.

269: Brian Stokes Mitchell, Alfred Molina, Natasha Richardson, John Vickery, Blythe Danner, Edward Herrmann. These actors discuss their climb to Broadway, including auditions, rehearsal process and Equity rules. Audience: HS+.

265: Charles Cooper, Robert Cuccioli, Pat Hingle, Pamela Isaacs, Jeff McCarthy, J. Smith Cameron. This is an abbreviated video handbook for aspiring actors. Audience: HS+.

257/8: Dana Ivey, Joey Grey, Willem Dafore, Paul Giamatti, Nell Carter, Andre DeShields. Working actors discuss their methods of finding a character. Audience: HS+.

272: Lynn Ahrens, Garth Drabinsky, Stephen Flaherty, Frank Galati, Terrence McNally, Jon Wilner. This discussion provides an overview of the production process of Ragtime. Audience: HS+.

270: Julie Taymor, Peter Schneider, Tom Schumacher, Eric Elice, Lebo M, Chris Boneau. This production team for The Lion King discusses transforming the project from a movie into a stage production. Audience: MS+.

267: Emanuel Azenberg, Bill Evans, Abbie M. Strassler. The production team for Side Show discusses the roles of producer, press agent and production manager. Audience: College+.

253/4: Tim Sanford, Leslie Marcus, Lynn Landis, Janet Foster, Chris Boll, Carol Clark, Nicky Silver. Staff members from Playwrights Horizons discuss the many aspects of off-stage management. Audience: HS+.

263/4: Dean Brown, Richard Garmise, Conrad Fowkes, Julianne Boyd, Muriel Stockdale, Bernice Weiler, Shirley Herz, Barry Moss. This discussion offers a brief history of guilds and unions as well as explains their role in theatre today. Audience: College+.

284: Ann Roth, Michael Chybowski, David Hays, Abe Jacob, Gregory Meeh. Designers discuss the process for discovery and evaluation of design concept. Audience: HS+.

268: Lisa Lorwin, Danny Gates, Robin Phillips, James Noone, Beverly Emmons, Mark Waldrop. Designers discuss their relationship and process with directors. Audience: HS+.

255/6: Angela Wendt, Christopher Barreca, Julie Archer, Karen Ten Eyck, Aiko Nakosome. Designers discuss the role of technology in design. Audience: College+.

191/2: John Lee Beatty, Barbara Gelb, Todd Haimes, Anne Meara, Liam Neeson. Memebrs of the Anna Christie production team discuss their roles. Audience: HS+.

251/2: Melvin Bernhardt, David Henry Hwang, Mary Rodgers, David Warren, Marlies Yearby. Playwrights, choreographers and directors discuss their collaboration and the need to create the writer's vision. Audience: College.

274: Michael J. Chepiga, Graciela Daniele, Christopher Durang, Garry Hynes, Joe Mantello. This discussion follows the creative process of Ragtime from the director's and choreographer's viewpoint. Audience: MS+.

266: Douglas Carter Beane, Mark Brokaw, Bill Russell, Paula Vogel. This discussion focuses on the process of playwrights and lyricists. Audience: HS+.

271: Jeff Baron, Moises Kauffmann, Warren Leight, Michael Mayer, Lonny Price, Matthew Warchus. This conversation provides a comprehensive view of work in the theatre. Audience: HS+.

282: Kathleen Marshall, Rob Marshall, Douglas Carter Beane, Vivian Matalon, John Pielmeier. This offers another introduction to theatre as a collaborative art. Audience: HS.

283: Andre Bishop, John Weidman, Susan Stroman, Thomas Cott, Bernard Gersten. This discussion explores the mind of creative artists and their personal processes through the hit Contact. Audience: MS+.