Todd Talks
Join us for a series of online discussions with prominent and interesting theatre and performing artists of our time.
Todd Talks are:
- Moderated by UR International Theatre Program faculty and guest interlocutors
- Open to all and free of charge
- By registration only
Todd Talks are made possible (in part) by the University of Rochester’s Schwartz Performing Arts Fund of the Institute for the Performing Arts and by the Humanities Project, a program of the University of Rochester Humanities Center.
'26-'27
Monday, October 5, 2026 at 5.00pm
Todd Talk: Rachel Chavkin
Join us for a conversation with the Tony-Award-winning director of the smash Broadway hit (Hadestown), Rachel Chavkin (Natasha, Pierre& the Great Comet of 1812, Lempicka, Small Mouth Sounds, Light Shining in Buckinghamshire) talking about her extraordinary multi-award winning international career, with UR International Theatre Program's Artistic Director, Nigel Maister.
Monday, October 5 at 5pm on Zoom (registration required) **TIME/DATE SUBJECT TO CHANGE**
Monday, November 2, 2026 at 5.00pm
Todd Talk: Special Guest
Join us for a conversation with the founder and head of a major (and visionary) movie studio talking to UR International Theatre Program Artistic Director, Nigel Maister. [PLEASE NOTE: This Todd Talk is open only to UR students, Staff and Faculty.]. **This guest has requested anonymity before the talk.**
Monday, November 2 at 6pm on Zoom (registration required) **TIME/DATE SUBJECT TO CHANGE**
Monday, November 30, 2026 at 5.00pm
Todd Talk: Emily Skinner
Join us for a conversation with acclaimed actor, singer, and Broadway star, Emily Skinner (Side Show, Suffs, Billy Elliot, Jekyll & Hyde, New York New York, The Full Monty, James Joyce's The Dead; numerous regional, off-Broadway, concert performances--including Carnegie Hall) and UR International Theatre Program Artistic Director, Nigel Maister.
Monday, November 30 at 5pm on Zoom (registration required) **TIME/DATE SUBJECT TO CHANGE**
Monday, February 8, 2027 at 5.00pm
Todd Talk: Justin Townsend
Join us for a conversation with Justin Townsend, Tony Award-wining lighting designer (MOULIN ROUGE) and multi award-winning/nominated international designer & teacher (Bdwy: DEATH BECOMES HER, JAGGED LITTLE PILL & more; Off-Bdwy: HERE LIES LOVE, URINETOWN; collabs w. Drake, & more) and UR International Theatre Program Artistic Director, Nigel Maister.
Monday, February 8 at 5pm on Zoom (registration required) **TIME/DATE SUBJECT TO CHANGE**
Monday, March 1, 2027 at 5.00pm
Todd Talk: Heidi Marshall
Join us for a conversation with celebrated casting director and acting coach, Heidi Marshall, whose clients and collaborators range from Halle Berry to Baz Luhrman, talking with UR International Theatre Program Artistic Director, Nigel Maister.
Monday, March 1 at 5pm on Zoom (registration required) **TIME/DATE SUBJECT TO CHANGE**
Monday, April 5, 2027 at 4.00pm
Todd Talk: TBA
Join us for a conversation with TBA and UR International Theatre Program Artistic Director, Nigel Maister.