Adapting a cherished novel for a prominent Broadway production: BrownConnect Summer Institute's project
Brown University hosted new play development workshops this summer, with one of the focus areas being the adaptation of the bestselling novella "Wonder" into a Broadway musical. The workshops, sponsored by the BrownConnect Summer Institute, provided a unique opportunity for students and recent graduates to gain insights into the world of theater.
The workshops were led by Broadway producer Jill Furman, a Brown alumna. Furman, who found the students' creativity and curiosity helpful and enjoyable during the process, shared her expertise in developing plays for large stages. Sabel, a student hoping to direct new plays after graduation, gained valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of bringing a show to life.
Bashar Zaidat, a rising senior, learned about the business side of theater, including pitching ideas, raising start-up costs, and planning advertising. Zaidat, an independent concentrator studying computational neuroscience, found the insights into a producer's role valuable for any career.
The group also discussed practical considerations that shape creative decisions in the performing arts. For instance, they discussed the difficulty of having a dog on stage, a common element in the "Wonder" story.
The BrownConnect Summer Institute organized over 100 projects for students and new graduates, including the workshop series on "Wonder". Many of the participants had the opportunity to sign up for various projects, such as drafting a social justice reform memo or writing a medical case report.
The institute provided professional insights and experiences in a wide range of fields to over 1,100 students and new graduates. William Zhou, a Brown graduate who will soon work at Bain and Company, learned valuable lessons about innovative collaboration that transcend the stage. Zhou, a Class of 2020 graduate, appreciated the thought and intention that goes into making media.
Elana Confino-Pinzon, a Brown student, participated in the workshops as part of her last semester at Brown. Confino-Pinzon, who expressed interest in becoming a theater producer after participating in the workshops, stated that the institute was especially valuable given that many of her original research, internships, and professional plans were derailed by pandemic-related closings.
Furman, reflecting on her college days, expressed that she would have loved similar opportunities when she was in college. She encouraged the participants to seize every opportunity to learn and grow, as it would shape their careers in the performing arts.
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