STEP SHOW: THE MUSICAL is a new theatrical work by Maxine Lyle ‘00 that combines step, rap, spoken word and song to tell the story of a college freshman as she navigates the world of step and academia. Currently in development, STEP SHOW: THE MUSICAL is part of the CenterSeries’ 2020-2021 Artist’s Studio program, supporting the creative process of theater and dance makers. Join us for a behind-the-scenes exploration of Lyle’s creative process and the unique challenges and strategies to developing a dance-based musical in a pandemic. Sharing never-before-seen rehearsal footage that was filmed in partnership with Williams College, Mass MoCA and Sankofa, Lyle and members of her creative team will discuss their process for developing music, choreography and dialogue that address themes around black identity, trauma, and activism.

Bio: Maxine Lyle is a Newark, NJ-based playwright, choreographer, teaching artist and producer specializing in African American step dance. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of Soul Steps LLC, one of the world’s only professional dance companies dedicated to teaching and performing African American step dance. Maxine holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Williams College, where she co-founded Sankofa, the Williams College step team, now under the Williams College Dance Department. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Arts Administration, with a concentration in Theatrical Management and Producing from Columbia University School of the Arts. Maxine is currently an Artist-in-Residence at Mass MoCA and Williams College as she develops her original musical, titled STEP SHOW: THE MUSICAL, which has had several workshops at theaters and institutions around the country.

Artist’s Studio: While so much of the world has slowed down to a halt in response to COVID-19, artists have not ceased to create meaning out of these most unusual circumstances. The Williams community will meet and converse with artists and scholars, following their continued creativity in their studios. Over the course of the academic year, new performances will be created in conversation with guest speakers, faculty, and students.