What was your reaction to "Movin' Out?"

Following Thursday’s performance of “Movin’ Out,” patrons joined executive director Nicki Clarke to reflect on the show and process their experience. A great discussion emerged that we would like to continue with all of our patrons online.

Shawn Powers, director of education, asks for your response to the following question: “The final reunion scenes of the show were described by some as an abrupt change from what had preceded. The costumes, lighting, and tone were much lighter in comparison. Some patrons spoke of the reunion scenes in terms of redemption, forgiveness and perseverance. Others were drawn away by the stark difference. Did those reunion scenes work for you or not? Why, or why not?”

Stay and Talk a While after "Music at the Crossroads"

Please join us immediately following "Music at the Crossroads" on September 21 for an informal talk-back hosted by CCA Executive Director Nicolette B. Clarke. We're calling it "Stay and Talk a While," and we plan to repeat the event following several more shows throughout the season.

Our aim is to engage in a lively conversation about what we all gained from seeing the performance. This is not a lecture. We want to know what you experienced, and we think we'll all come away from the open exchange of ideas richer.

The talk-back will take place in the theater after everyone else has cleared out, and will last no more than 15 or 20 minutes.

Start the night off right: The good folks at The Draft sports bar across from the Capitol Center are hosting a pre-show party in their upstairs lounge for all ticket holders 21 and older. Come for the free appetizers and a cash bar, and a chance to hang out with some of the cast members from "Music at the Crossroads." Festivities start at 6 p.m. and will go until 7:45.

Hope to see you at both events!

Greetings from the new Executive Director

I am elated to have been chosen as the Capitol Center’s new executive director. What an amazing institution, and what an exciting time to be joining the organization!

As you can imagine, I have much to learn in the coming months. For now, I have the luxury of delving into the Capitol Center’s upcoming season with all the enthusiasm of any new resident of an arts-rich community like ours. I am captivated by the variety of performances on tap, and hope you will be, too.

So what’s first on my agenda? Simply, to listen.

I am anxious to meet you, our patrons, and to hear what you have to say about the shared experience of seeing shows at the Capitol Center. I want to hear what moves you, and what turns you off. I want to hear your vision for the future.

I’m delighted, therefore, to introduce a new feature to our main-stage offerings: Stay and Talk a While. After selected performances this season we will invite you to stay after the show for what we hope will be a lively conversation about what we all gained from the experience.

As a former dancer, I am especially excited that a number of shows will offer us the chance to talk about dance in our lives. I hope you’ll join the conversation after performances of Music at the Crossroads (September 21), a lively Irish concert featuring a team of step dancers; Taylor 2 (May 8), which showcases Paul Taylor’s energetic choreography; and Movin’ Out (June 5), the brilliant Broadway hit that marries the music of Billy Joel to the dance of Twyla Tharp.

We’ll continue this season-long discussion through e-mail and at a new blog we’ve set up, Capitol Conversations (ccaconversations.blogspot.com). When we talk to each other about live performance, the experience becomes so much richer for us all. I’m eager to meet you, hear from you, learn from you and get to know you. I do hope that this season and in those to come you’ll Stay and Talk a While with us!

Sincerely,

Nicolette B. Clarke
Executive Director

Welcome to Capitol Conversations

Attending a performance is a personal experience. You might be profoundly moved, heartily amused, or just plain confused. Hopefully, you've been engaged, and have some thoughts you'd like to share.

We've created this blog as tool for two-way communication. From time to time we'll post comments designed to stimulate open conversations. We'll invite visiting artists to talk about the creative process. We'll invite experts to comment on various art forms. We'll share our thoughts on why we book certain shows.

Most importantly, we invite you to join the conversation. After all, what takes place on stage is only half the story. The other half takes place inside each and every audience member.