"Shop Talks"

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow, in coordination with the Forum for Cultural Engagement and the American Center in Moscow, has launched a series of virtual discussions to continue a cultural dialogue between Russians and Americans during a time of limited cultural performances and travel due to the effects of Covid-19.

“Shop Talks” Virtual Cultural Program

What is required to achieve success as an artist in America?

The Shop Talks master class and lecture series highlight the creative process of renowned American artists from a wide variety of disciplines. The series features a theater artist who builds large-scale productions with puppets, a dancer/choreographer who also runs a full-time dance school, a Broadway music director/conductor/producer, a theater director who develops original musicals from the ground up, and a tap dancer inspired by Latin, Soul, Funk and Hip Hop. These celebrated virtuosos speak live from their homes about their careers and the challenges and surprises of virtual collaboration in this time of isolation.

All events livestreamed on the Facebook page of the American Center in Moscow on Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00 pm Moscow time / 12:00-1:00 pm U.S. Eastern time.

We invite you to join “Shop Talks” — a weekly series of conversations and masterclasses with American cultural performers and experts.

Join in Facebook

June 3, 2020 – Dan Hurlin

Award-winning American theater artist who develops large-scale theater productions with puppets.
In partnership with Obratsov Puppet Theater in Moscow; moderated by Tom Lee, American director, designer, puppet artist based in Chicago and New York.

June 10, 2020 – Calvin Booker

New York-based tap dancer, two-time winner of legendary “Showtime @ the Apollo” and original cast member of a Broadway show FELA!
In partnership with Vortex Dance Theater.

June 17, 2020 – Kris Kukul

New York-based orchestrator, arranger, music director and composer. Currently music director and orchestrator for upcoming Warner Brothers musical Beetlejuice.
In partnership with Broadway Moscow Theater Company.

June 24, 2020 – Elizabeth Parkinson

Highly acclaimed dance performer; performed worldwide as principal dancer with various ballet companies, including the Joffrey Ballet, Feld Ballet, Peridance Contemporary Ballet Company.
In partnership with the Boris Shukin Theater Institute.

The “Shop Talks” Virtual Cultural Program -Amanda Charlton

July 1, 2020 – Amanda Charlton

New York-based theater director and artistic producer. Artistic Associate and Director of the Professional Training Program at Williamstown Theater Festival for ten years, where she mentored and directed over 1,000 artists.
In partnership with GITIS Russian Institute of Theater Arts.

Hey there!
I'm your personal assistant and I'll help you find what you’re looking for at the American Center. We have "AMC Online | Teacher Development Series -- Cultural Introductions by Way of Storytelling" on 2 February (on Wednesday). Would you like to visit it?