Seminar

Play

Writers: Theresa Rebeck

Overview

Show Information

Category
Play
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
2011
Genres
Dark Comedy
Settings
Contemporary, Multiple Settings
Time & Place
manhattan, new york, present day
Cast Size
small
Licensor
Ideal for
College/University, Diverse Cast, Ensemble Cast, Mature Audiences, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes young adult, mature adult characters

Synopsis

Seminar tells the story of four young writers who each pay $5,000 for a ten-week seminar with Leonard, an international literary figure. The story begins with Kate, a well-to-do Upper West Sider with a fancy apartment who arranges the seminar for herself and three friends: Martin, her neurotic ex-boyfriend who refuses to share his work with anyone; Douglas, the well-connected prep school sweetheart; and Izzy, the gritty opportunist sexpot. Leonard’s unorthodox teaching style soon pits the classmates against each other: some of them flourish under his version of tough love, while others flounder with self-doubt. When Seminar opened on Broadway in 2012 it featured Alan Rickman in the role of Leonard, with Lily Rabe and Hamish Linklater as Kate and Martin, respectively. Although it did not win the Tony award that year, Seminar was nominated for Best Play by the Drama League and the Outer Critics Circle. After 161 performances, it closed in May of 2012.

Lead Characters


Seminar guide sections