Melina: A Steampunk Musical Tragedy Melina is a steampunk musical tragedy. A story of love, loss and the fact that as much as we would like to, we can't change the past. Set in a fictional steampunk setting, Melina is Shakespeare meets Greek Tragedy sprinkled with a fun dose of Jules Verne! Help take this production to the next level by funding the demo album that will be sent to festivals and competitions and make this musical a staple of the community theatre, university theatre and high school theatre scene! SUPPORT NOW THROUGH KICKSTARTER Synopsis: In the fictional steampunk town of New Comen, Jacob is the highly esteemed heir to the "throne" who is in love with a lower-class girl named Mara. Mara, is an aspiring vocalist that has gained the favor of the town despite her status. Their love is one of fairy tales until Melina enters the scene. Melina sweetly wins Jacob's attention and he ends up falling for her and leaving Mara. Mara is heartbroken o...

I have been busy writing articles for Associated Content. Here are some useful articles about music and art education. Fun Theater Improv Games for Kids Dramatic play has always been an excellent way to encourage creativity in children and teens. Try some of these fun games at your next party, on a rainy afternoon, or in your classroom. View more » How Music Helps Your Child's Development Whether playing a musical instrument, singing in the church choir, or plucking out an original tune on a guitar, music helps children develop valuable skills that will help them succeed later in life. View more » How Art Improves Your Child's Development Art improves a child's development on several different levels, not least of which is the encouraging of creativity and problem-solving. View more » Art and Kids: Making a Collage Children love creating art. Using recyclables, magazines, knick-knacks, and glue, your child or class can create amazing collage projects. View more » Kids and A...

Having just completed two major works for percussion and multimedia, I decided to take this extra time to begin working on an opera for multimedia. Being an avid bibliophile, and thus an avid Internet-file, I have compiled a list of articles that can help a composer begin the journey of creating an opera of the third millennium. (Okay, and a few not so helpful, but definitely interesting, looks at this great classical tradition.) Below are some tips on writing musicals and operas.  Tips Writing a new opera by Robert Hugill Writing an Opera a Composer's Challenge Composition Tips from Pete Thomas Something Out of Nothing: 21 Songwriting Tips by Ken Hill How to Write an Opera How to Write a Musical by John Kenrick A word in your ear (but not too many) Online database of libretti (public domain) Karadar Classical Musical Online Library of Libretti Description of Libretto Design and Implementation of a Multimedia Opera 6 Things every producer should know when working with a composer Yo...

Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties Phone: (803) 799-3115 Fax 252-2787 Origin: Columbia, South Carolina Regional Deadline: Quarterly Recurring August 15; November 15; February 15; and May 15 - This grant is designed to support specific arts activities that promote individual artist projects, professional development, or career advancement. While applicants must reside in Richland or Lexington county, projects are not required to take place in the two-county area. 1. Be a practicing artist in dance, literature, media, music, theatre or visual arts; 2. Be a legal resident of the US and with a permanent residence in Richland or Lexington county for 6 months prior to the application date and throughout the grant period; 3. Not be a degree-seeking, full-time student during the grant period; 4. Be 18 years of age or older at the time of application.