Musical Theatre Introduction

            Theatre is a reflection of life.  Acting by definition attempts to convince audiences that characters are alive and ultimately real.  In this way, theatre represents our passions, behaviors, and desires.  This being said, much of our behavior is defined by our genders and sexualities.  The different characters in a show will react to various genders and sexualities in drastically different ways (as we do in society).

            Furthermore, the subject matter of theatre seeks to draw attention through controversy.  Gender and sexuality studies are some of the most controversial subjects to discuss or perform.  In addition, it would be impossible to discuss the concepts and themes behind a theatre performance without touching on gender and sexuality.        

            So…theatre (and especially musical theatre) fundamentally relies on gender and sexuality to hook audiences and replicate life.  Theatre and life reflect each other.  This was wisely summarized hundreds of years ago.  In the wise words of Shakespeare, “All the world’s a stage.”

-Written by Michael Herman