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Unlocking the Secrets of Musical Theater with Steve Cuden

By Debbi Dachinger ยท 2/11/2021

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Part 1

Insights from Steve Cuden on Musical Theater and Storytelling

  • Steve Cuden, co-creator of the musical Jekyll and Hyde, shares insights on the creative process in theater.
  • He emphasizes the importance of conflict in storytelling and the structure of musicals compared to plays.
  • Cuden discusses his journey in writing and producing, highlighting the challenges and rewards of bringing a musical to life.

Introduction

In this episode of Dare to Dream, host Debbi Dachinger welcomes Steve Cuden, who is known for his work on the Broadway musical Jekyll and Hyde and numerous animated series like X-Men and The Batman hello. Cuden has also authored books on writing, including Beating Broadway [#jumpTo:87].

The Creative Process

Cuden expresses a lifelong fascination with creativity and how ideas transform into finished products [#jumpTo:190]. He shares how his early experiences in theater sparked his passion for musicals [#jumpTo:273].

Writing Musicals

He explains that writing musicals is more akin to screenwriting than playwriting, as they must move forward in narrative [#jumpTo:465]. Cuden discusses the lengthy process of developing a musical, which can take 7 to 12 years from inception to Broadway [#jumpTo:625].

Importance of Conflict

Cuden emphasizes that conflict is essential for engaging storytelling, as audiences seek characters facing obstacles [#jumpTo:1747]. He notes that a satisfying resolution is key to a successful story, regardless of whether it ends happily [#jumpTo:1815].

Conclusion

The conversation wraps up with Cuden sharing his current projects and the ongoing relevance of storytelling in various forms [#jumpTo:587].

For more insights, check out Cuden's books and his podcast, StoryBeat [#jumpTo:114].

Part 2

Mastering Storytelling: Insights from Steve Cuden on Writing

Key Insights on Protagonists and Conflict

  • Steve Cuden emphasizes the importance of putting your protagonist under tremendous pressure from the start of the story, stating that writers should have no mercy for their characters (No mercy).
  • As the story progresses, the pressure should increase, leading to rising action that keeps the audience engaged (Rising action).

The Role of Catharsis in Storytelling

  • Cuden discusses catharsis, a concept from Greek tragedy, as a crucial element that keeps audiences returning to stories (Catharsis).
  • He believes that achieving catharsis leads to satisfaction for the audience, making it a key component of successful storytelling (Satisfaction).

The Importance of Conflict

  • Conflict is vital; Cuden notes that many scripts fail due to a lack of conflict (Lack of conflict).
  • He advises writers to listen carefully to feedback, as every note has validity and can improve their work (Listen carefully).

Writing Process and Revisions

  • Cuden advocates for the rewriting process, stating that writing is fundamentally about revising (Writing is rewriting).
  • He compares the first draft to a lump of clay, which requires shaping through multiple revisions to become a polished piece (Lump of clay).

Career Journey and Teaching

  • After years in the industry, Cuden returned to school to earn an MFA, which helped him transition into teaching screenwriting at the college level (MFA journey).
  • He reflects on his teaching experience, noting the growth of students from beginners to knowledgeable graduates (Student growth).

Future Aspirations

  • Cuden shares his aspirations to return to Broadway and work on new projects, including a feature film and a novel (Future projects).

Conclusion

  • The conversation highlights the dedication required in the arts and the importance of passion in achieving success (Dedication).