StageNotes | Hartford Stage

The Engagement Partgy

Jan. 10 – Feb. 3

By Samuel Baum
Directed by Darko Tresnjak

A Conversation with Darko Tresnjak

"What I love about the play is that it's a very, very smart and entertaining and tight play. It's an increasingly rare achievement these days in that in the plotting in the storytelling is also the message of the play." Read more...

An Interview with Playwright Samuel Baum

Developing The Engagement Party: Playwright Samuel Baum discusses the history of his world premiere play. Watch Video...

Artist to Artist: Sound Designer Jane Shaw

"It is exciting to work on a new play and especially lovely to have the playwright in the room! Shakespeare is freeing – you know countless people have 'figured it out,' so to speak, and so you are free to work with the director to find the voice of this particular production. With a new play, there is a different responsibility." Read more...

Video Interview: Zach Appelman

"It's really, really exciting to be back at Hartford Stage, especially to be back in the room with Darko. Collaborating with him on Hamlet was one of the most wonderful experiences I've had as an actor." Watch Video...

Ekman on Lying

“Most often lies fail because some sign of an emotion being concealed leaks. The stronger the emotions involved in the lie, and the greater the number of different emotions, the more likely it is that the lie will be betrayed by some form of behavioral leakage.” Read more...

Exploring Adult Studio with Teaching Artist Erica LuBonta

Acting is about exploring humanity. For any adult, whether a novice or professional, that kind of exploration leads to personal growth. It doesn’t matter if you have any desire to become a performer for an audience; there is so much to be learned in the acting classroom that is beneficial to what it means to be human. Read more...

Students from Adult Studio Discuss Acting for the Camera

The structure of the class was excellent. Erica dedicated time to acting basics as well as techniques specific to acting for the camera, practical advice for entering the acting industry, and on-camera opportunities during which students were able to be filmed and evaluate their own and others’ performances. Read more...

Meet the Staff: Rachel Canowitz and Nickie Berger

"My grandma took me to see The King and I tour in Minneapolis when I was 8. I loved getting dressed up and seeing the show. It was much more of an event than any other entertainment I had seen before. I loved the experience! " Read more...

Short Takes

A look at our lobby; Edgerton Foundation New Play Award, Save the Date for our Beach Ball; Tiny Tim's Food Drive; April Vacation Week; Up Next–Detroit '67. Read more...