Behind the Scenes of a Touring Production
Make it Sparkle Video with Antonette Cohen
Broadway Dance Captain
3:21 (runtime)
Director’s Notes
Broadway Dance Captain and Performer Antonette Cohen talks about touring with a long-running show, and how it feels like a new experience in every city—providing a unique dynamic to each performance.
Local Integration: While the key actors and technical staff travel with the show, Antonette says they are supplemented by local musicians, wardrobe people, and crew— adding new elements to each performance.
Set Adaptation: Antonette shares that the show's set is transported with them, and the stage is adapted to various venues—from intimate 1600 seat venues to grand theaters like Atlanta's Fox Theater.
Constant Adjustments: Antonette and team must constantly adjust sightlines and adapt to the new space, whether it's accommodating different audience sizes or unique architectural features.
Efficient Transition: She comments how the use of ‘advanced trucks’ allows for a rapid transition between cities, with duplicate sets ready for immediate installation. Antonette says that ensures a seamless flow in the touring schedule.
Challenges and Rewards: Antonette shares that constant changes and the need to teach the show to locals can be exhausting but also exciting—offering fresh feedback and invigorating the overall touring experience.
More About Antonette
Broadway: Wicked. National Tours: Wicked. Regional: West Side Story (Fulton Opera House), Footloose (Marriott Theatre) and Hot Mikado (Westchester Broadway Theatre), among others. Proud Northwestern graduate. Love and thanks to Jeremy and family.