As someone who knows minimal details about theater and what goes on in that world, Broadway and theater have become synonymous, to the point where I was surprised to learn that there are different theaters in New York besides Broadway. Not only are there different theaters, but they host more shows other than just musicals and plays, with Newark Theater advertising Soul & RnB, Jazz & Blues and more.
This has opened up a world of entertainment that I knew existed but couldn’t find. Ballet and other dance performances live on these stages as well as shows by Grammy-winning artists like Ledisi according to Newark Theater’s website. In school, theater was a different world than academics, sports and even other creative outlets that I enjoyed. Theater was for theater kids and since I could never relate, I was left wondering what was so mesmerizing about musicals and plays and why community theaters were so important. What I was misunderstanding is that theater is a small portion of performing arts, of which I have had my fair share of experience with.
However, as a part time dancer and someone who played violin occasionally, I should have been more aware that the theater is where all of my performances were held, and more than in the physical sense. The same people that did soundcheck for plays probably played a huge role in my dance and symphony performances, because the theater includes prep and backstage help as well. With proper education as to what theater is and the work that goes in behind the scenes, theater can become less of a niche topic and possibly open itself up for more funding and opportunities to keep performing arts alive.
