American Theatre Wing Launches 'In The Wings' Video Web Series Today, 10/23

The American Theatre Wing has announced the launch of a new online, backstage video series, "In The Wings," available beginning today (Friday, 10/23) on americantheatrewing.org. Focusing on the people who are almost never in the news but who are essential to the making of the shows we all see and love, "In The Wings" explores the talents and stories behind the scenes, from the costume and scenic shops to the rehearsal room to the stage itself, with designers, artisans and craftspeople explaining their unique contributions to theatrical art in their own words. These short videos shine the spotlight on disciplines many may not even realize are a part of theatrical production and celebrate the full diversity of talent that contribute to bringing a show to the stage. Click americantheatrewing.org/inthewings/ to subscribe to the podcast, listen or watch videos.

The first four editions of "In The Wings," online now and also available on iTunes, spotlight Animal Trainer William Berloni (Legally Blonde), Stage Manager Martha Donaldson (The Bacchae), Costume Designer Carrie Robbins (Irving Berlin's White Christmas) and Projection Designer Jeff Sugg (33 Variations). Upcoming editions include Make-up Designer Angelina Avallone (Rock of Ages, The Little Mermaid), Dialect Coach Stephen Gabis (The 39 Steps), Dance Captain Greg Graham (Billy Elliot) and Fight Director Rick Sordelet (The Royal Family, Superior Donuts).

American Theatre Wing Executive Director Howard Sherman commented, "While the American Theatre Wing has decades of showcasing the work of authors, writers, directors and designers, the many sub-specialties within theatre haven't always been explored. That's where "In The Wings" comes in. "In The Wings" will focus on those aspects of theatre that are typically out of the spotlight. While ATW's previous programs have been long-form, our hope is that shorter material available on the web may prove more accessible and draw new people to all we have to offer."

The two pilot episodes of "In The Wings" were produced for the American Theatre Wing by Tom Ginocchio. The subsequent programs have been produced by New York-based RPP Productions, led by Amanda Rogers and Stephen Mann. "In The Wings" was conceived by the American Theatre Wing's Director of Web Development Robb Perry and overseen by ATW Producer Gail Yancosek. New episodes will be released bi-weekly.

The American Theatre Wing (Theodore S. Chapin, Chairman of the Board of Directors; Howard Sherman, Executive Director) is best known as the creator of the Antoinette Perry "Tony" Awards®, which it presents annually with The Broadway League. In addition to "In The Wings," the Wing sponsors many activities, all dedicated to recognizing excellence and supporting education in theatre. These programs include "Downstage Center," a weekly podcast featuring in-depth interviews with the leading artists and professionals working on stage today; "Working in the Theatre," a weekly television program on CUNY TV which gathers panels of theater artists to discuss their crafts; "Guides to Careers in the Theatre," a video series developed for schools and libraries; a grants program for New York City not-for-profit theatre companies, which has awarded nearly $3 million since its inception; the Theatre Intern Group, a career development program for young professionals; SpringboardNYC, a two-week college-to-career boot camp for young performers moving to NYC; and the Jonathan Larson® Grants, given annually to honor emerging composers, lyricists and book writers. The expanded offerings of the American Theatre Wing website include "Masters of the Stage" with the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and "This is Broadway" with The Broadway League. All ATW media is available on americantheatrewing.org and on iTunes.

For additional information about all American Theatre Wing programs, go to americantheatrewing.org. You can also find the American Theatre Wing on Twitter (twitter.com/TheWing).