Wicked’s Stephen Schwartz Interview Education Video

Download this free teaching resource video from Wicked to learn more about the musical themes and inspiration.

Suitable for: KS4, KS5

Subjects: Music

About.

Watch composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz discuss his musical themes and inspiration behind many of his score’s iconic motifs and melodies, including ‘Defying Gravity’.

The song Defying Gravity is currently a set work for the Pearson Edexcel GCSE Music Grade 9-1 Qualification (Area of Study: ‘Music for Stage and Screen’).

“Amidst its compelling themes of prejudice and propaganda, Wicked provides an enriching live experience for all music learners and is a must see for anyone studying ‘Defying Gravity’ at GCSE.”

– Head of Music, Great Ballard School

Key Information.

Suitable for: KS4, KS5

Ages: 14-16, Post 16

Subjects: Music

Topics: Careers, Creative Writing, Devising, Emotions, Identity, Melodies, Musical Themes, Pitch & Melody, Singing, Songs & Rhymes, Stage & Screen Music, Storytelling, Theatre Roles, Understanding Drama & Theatre

Type: Educational Video

Use: In the Classroom, Before a School Trip, After a School Trip

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About Wicked.

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire and twice voted ‘Best Theatre Production for Schools’ at the School Travel Awards, Wicked explores themes of self-esteem, identity, prejudice, fake news, and friendship.

Wicked Active Learning, the acclaimed production’s new education resource, connects teachers directly with the in-house sales team and provides web-hosted classroom resources (including free Anti-Bullying and Diversity, Inclusion + Wellbeing lesson plans and an interview with composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, discussing his musical themes and inspiration behind many of the show’s iconic songs, including ‘Defying Gravity’, which is a set work for Pearson Edexcel GCSE Music).

In support of learning outside the classroom and the delivery of cultural capital and personal development, Wicked provides more than 60% savings on tickets, free teacher ratios (with extra tickets purchasable) and a free 20-page guide to planning an education trip, including information to support a school’s risk assessment.

When booking tickets for Wicked, you can additionally request a 25-minute post-show Q&A following Wednesday 2.30pm performances. Q&As feature members of the cast and production team, subject to availability.

Photography by Matt Crockett and Mark Senior

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