HOLDEN & ARTS ASSOCIATES
SHARING STORIES AND CREATING PARTNERSHIPS SINCE 1983
BEING BEETHOVEN
Produced by CDP Theatre Producers
From Sydney, Australia
Watch with delight as two actor/musicians introduce families and young audiences to the life and work of Ludwig van Beethoven, in this fun new production from the same company that toured Meeting Mozart worldwide.
Audiences will learn about Beethoven’s personal resilience and creativity, classical musical history including key women composers of the 1800s, and the themes behind some of Beethoven’s most famous music (Ode to Joy, his Symphony no 3, and many more), meeting all the instruments in the ensemble along the way!
This production requires collaboration with a local string quintet, which can be integrated into the performance in a rehearsal with the company that can coincide with the load-in. This is a perfect residency opportunity to engage high school, college, or local community musicians. The production can also work with local professionals with less advance rehearsal required.
This new production will premiere in late 2024 in Australia– and materials will be updated!
Curriculum Connections
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Performing Arts: Music, theatre, song, dance, musicianship, opera
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Fine Arts: Music, Opera, Composition, Conducting, Classical Instruments
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Social Studies: Culture - European classical music and its influence on world music.
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History: The life and times of Beethoven
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Emotional/community development: Instilling the joy of classical music in young people. Collaboration: String quintet parts suitable for local musicians of a professional or high standard provides an opportunity for deeper community engagement, collaboration and development opportunities. Creativity.
Outreach & Workshops
This performance includes a post show exchange with the cast/ musicians allows young audiences to meet the cast/ musicians, and explore/learn about the instruments, scores and themes of Beethoven’s greatest works. An informal and relaxed environment encourages deep engagement and learning in an environment that is fun, participatory and inclusive.
With advance notice, CDP may be able to offer music or drama based workshops or masterclasses in your venue for students or children. Please contact us if this is something you'd like to explore.
“Relaxed” or “Sensory Friendly” Performances
This performance is also available as a “sensory friendly” or “relaxed” performance if arranged with the company in advance and with specific direction as to what adjustments are necessary for your venue.
Minimum Tech Requirements
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Load In Time: approximately 3 hours (with pre-rig) and followed by a 1-2 hour Dress Rehearsal on stage.
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Crew Needs: 2 Lighting, 1 Audio, and 1 stage crew for load in (roles could be combined if allowed by venue regulations); 1 Lighting, 1 Audio for show run.
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Min. Stage Size: 26ft width x 13ft deep with 3 ft wings each side.
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Sound Needs: Mics and monitors for instruments and performers: 2 x wireless headset mics for actor/pianists and fixed mics for String Quintet. Monitors (flown or placed at feet of quintet / front of stage) for all performers.
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Load Out Time: 1 hour
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This production requires a local string quintet to perform alongside the two touring performers. This is a perfect residency opportunity to engage high school, college, or community orchestra musicians, who can be integrated into the performance in a rehearsal with the company that coincides with the load-in. The production can also work with local professionals with less advance rehearsal required. The local quintet will participate in 4-6 hours of company-led rehearsal, depending on level of musicianship: 2-3 hours of music rehearsal, a 1 hour rehearsal room run, and 1-2 hours of Dress Rehearsal on stage. Final rehearsal schedule and hours to be mutually agreed upon prior to engagement.
Artistic Team
Touring company will include 2 cast members and 1 crew, TBD.
Critical Acclaim
Coming soon for BEING BEETHOVEN!
“An expertly woven performance filled with songs, dance and comedy, which captured the imaginations of children and grown ups alike… a charming and informative glimpse into the life, loves, and compositions of the one of the world’s most important musical influences” – Alphabet Street about MEETING MOZART.
Company Background
Past tours: The 13 Story Treehouse, Meeting Mozart
"A reliable and prolific source of high-quality children's theatre". - The Age (Australia)
CDP Theatre Producers is a boutique producer based in Sydney. The company is Australia’s largest producer of work for young audiences, creating award winning theatre of the highest quality. CDP adapts the world’s best children’s books for the stage for 0-12 year olds and their families, working with Australia’s highest calibre artists. The company tours more widely than any other theatre company across Australia, and are committed to producing work which engages, educates, inspires and challenges audiences, whilst remaining relevant and accessible.
Founded 35 years ago by Christine Dunstan and today led by Co-Directors Andrew Threlfall and Yolande White, CDP have more than 85 productions (including more than 40 for young audiences), seen by over six million people across 75 Australian and 21 international tours to the USA, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, New Zealand, the UAE, The Netherlands, Belgium and China. CDP have two major International co-productions in the Netherlands and the UK and have won multiple theatre awards.
Works in the repertoire include Magic Beach, Are We There Yet?, ‘The 13-Story Treehouse’ (and 4 other shows in the series), Mr. Stink, Billionaire Boy, as well as the Australian co-productions (with Tall Stories, UK) of The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo's Child and Room on the Broom. CDP also co-produced 16 works for ‘The Sydney Opera House Babies Proms’ series, which includes ‘Meeting Mozart’.
For more information about CDP, please visit the company’s website.
Gallery of Past Productions
