Lessons in Creativity from Musical Theatre Characters

Lessons in Creativity from Musical Theatre Characters marries art and science with a new and exciting collaboration between one of the world’s leading creativity scholars and an internationally renowned musical theatre composer. This book will help readers tap into their creativity and unleash their own creative potential as they start their careers.

Blending cutting-edge research, juicy anecdotes, lived experience, hands-on activities, and gentle advice, authors James C. Kaufman and Dana P. Rowe take readers on a journey to explore and enhance their own creativity. Each chapter addresses a key aspect of creativity, from how to overcome blocks to understanding one’s personal strengths all through the lens of Musical Theatre characters along with insights from those within the industry. Kaufman and Rowe shatter creativity myths (such as the tormented artist or having one big break) that may be harming the reader’s potential growth. Probing questions, fun quizzes, and engaging exercises will help the reader reflect on the material and develop strategies for their next step. All throughout, the readers can learn from the tales of Sweeney Todd, Maria Von Trapp, Alexander Hamilton, Christine Daaé, and countless others to inspire their own creativity.

This book is ideal for aspiring theatre professionals, students of performing arts, and theatre and creativity scholars.

James C. Kaufman is a Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Connecticut, USA. He has written/edited more than 50 books, including The Creativity Advantage. A former president of the American Psychological Association’s Division 10, he has won numerous awards.

Dana P. Rowe is the composer of 11 musicals, including the off-Broadway hit Zombie Prom, and the Olivier-nominated West End shows The Witches of Eastwick and The Fix. As a certified personal development coach, he specializes in working with creative professionals.