Listening to people talk about a subject they love is exhilarating: It makes us want to learn more about mythology, ballet, or the origins of a children’s book.
Our talks inspire and enlighten, make you see a topic in a new way, and of course, entertain.
Tolkien Talk
Love “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit”? Let us design a party, talk, or workshop centered on J.R.R. Tolkien. A Tolkien expert can create trivia quizzes, talks, scavenger hunts, or games for kids or adults—perhap a program to celebrate the next “Hobbit” movie?
Don’t Knock Unless You’re Bleeding: Growing Up in Cold-War Washington
At the height of their fame, Joseph and Stewart Alsop were household names, syndicated columnists who reached 25 million readers at a time. An award-winning fiction writer, Stewart’s only daughter Elizabeth Winthrop turns her attention to the “two fathers” portrayed in the play “The Columnist,” by David Auburn. Elizabeth goes behind the scenes to shed light on the personalities behind these two powerful men and their friends.
Grace Notes
Elizabeth Winthrop can also tell the story behind her book “Counting On Grace” (Random House). Winthrop introduces us to Grace Forcier, who was inspired by a Lewis Hine photograph, and then to Addie, the real girl in the photo, whose face still serves as an icon in the fight against child labor.
Where Do You Get Your…
Winthrop is also able to speak about the age-old question, “Where do you get your ideas?” She talks about her childhood, the sources of her inspiration and the ways in which her life and fiction are woven together in such classics as “The Castle in the Attic,” the popular fantasy novel.
Shall We Dance?
In this innovative program, an art historian and a classical dancer approach works of art featuring images of dancers from two different perspectives. They’ll discuss the meaning of dance in different cultures through sculpture and paintings. A discussion of different types of dance will be included, as will the importance of music, choreography, costume and scenery. The lecturers will host a Q&A focused on such questions as “What is the hardest thing for a dancer to learn?”
Dancer from the Dance
Watch a private rehearsal of the renowned Tom Gold Dance Group, headed by Tom Gold, former soloist with the New York City Ballet. (www.tomgolddance.com) Watch how a rehearsal unfolds, learn about choreography and staging, and costume. Then, have a Q&A with company members.
In a more intimate program, Gold talks about choreography, costume, or the life of dancer, alone or with other dancers. Go “behind the scenes” to hear about staging a ballet and the details that make up a performance.
George Lee Andrews: A Phantom Act
Think you’ve been at your job for a long time? George Lee Andrews holds the Guinness World Record for the most performances in the same Broadway show—he appeared in Broadway’s Phantom of the Opera 9,382 times, over a period of 23 years. Listen to Andrews recount stories of his life in the theater and give the inside scoop on Broadway. And yes, he might even sing.
Art/History
Bring the social life of ancient culture alive—and don’t forget the humor–through art talks such as “The Roman Villa,” “The Ancient Mediterranean,” or “Bells, Smells, and Yells” (medieval ritual). Tell us what you’re interested in and we’ll tailor a talk: Classical Mythology, Ancient Egypt, or Impressionism, for starters. Try a themed topic: Children in Art; Looking at a Still Life, Women in Art. We can also combine a talk with a museum visit or a hands-on workshop.