Conversations in Color: Exploring the World of Musical Theatre

Step into a world where the brightest creative minds of contemporary musical theatre share their insights and inspirations.

Conversations in Color unveils the untold stories and perspectives of remarkable artists of color shaping the stage today. Delve into captivating interviews with visionaries like André De Shields, Alex Lacamoire, Baayork Lee, and many more, as they discuss the intricate artistry behind crafting unforgettable musical experiences.

Unlike any other, this groundbreaking book offers an indispensable resource for the theatre industry. Explore the multifaceted process of musical creation through conversations with directors, choreographers, music directors, orchestrators, stage managers, writers, librettists, artistic directors, and fight directors. Discover the secrets of their craft, from project preparation to rehearsal techniques, career insights, and personal anecdotes. Drawing from Broadway and regional productions across North America, these exclusive interviews provide invaluable firsthand knowledge that transcends boundaries.

Conversations in Color fills a vital void in musical theatre studies, shedding light on the absence of diverse perspectives. Immerse yourself in the minds of leading creative practitioners, gaining practical steps and inspiration for your own artistic endeavors. Whether you’re a professional or aspiring performer, director, or designer, this book serves as a compass, guiding you towards excellence.

Unlock the secrets of musical theatre’s most extraordinary talents: a vibrant world of creativity awaits, where voices that have been under-acknowledged are finally heard, and where passion and innovation reign supreme.

Sean Mayes is a New York music director active both in New York City and Toronto, with a background in London and the UK. He is an active member of the Broadway music community as a vocal coach, accompanist, orchestrator-arranger and pit musician. He is a Part-Time Professor in Musical Theatre at Sheridan College, Canada, and has published on the history of music directing and the role of Black music directors on Broadway, such as An Inconvenient Black History of British Musical Theatre: 1900 - 1950