Theater Seminar 'Before the Curtain Rises' Vol.02 Event Report: Guest [Director] Shuichiro Koike, Hosts Miho Nakai & Kazuhisa Tobe / Vol.03 Announced!
Key facts
- Theater Seminar 'Before the Curtain Rises' Vol.02 Event Report: Guest [Director] Shuichiro Koike, Hosts Miho Nakai & Kazuhisa Tobe / Vol.03 Announced!
- The theater seminar 'Before the Curtain Rises' Vol.02 was held, featuring director Shuichiro Koike as the guest. This seminar explores the relationship between theaters and productions, and the announcement was made for Vol.03.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: June 9, 2026
Direct answer
The theater seminar 'Before the Curtain Rises' Vol.02 was held, featuring director Shuichiro Koike as the guest. This seminar explores the relationship between theaters and productions, and the announcement was made for Vol.03.
- Citation
- Theater Seminar 'Before the Curtain Rises' Vol.02 Event Report: Guest [Director] Shuichiro Koike, Hosts Miho Nakai & Kazuhisa Tobe / Vol.03 Announced! (June 9, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- June 9, 2026
The theater seminar 'Before the Curtain Rises' Vol.02 was held, featuring director Shuichiro Koike as the guest. This seminar explores the relationship between theaters and productions, and the announcement was made for Vol.03.
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- 📰 Published: June 9, 2026 at 11:00
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Theater Seminar 'Before the Curtain Rises' Vol.02 Panelists (from left: Kazuhisa Tobe, Shuichiro Koike, Miho Nakai) Theater Seminar 'Before the Curtain Rises' Logo
Theater Workshop Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President: Masamasa Ito) held Vol.02 of its theater seminar series, 'Before the Curtain Rises,' on Friday, April 10, 2026, at P.O. Minami-Aoyama Hall (Minato-ku, Tokyo). This report covers the event.
This seminar is part of the 'Theater Seminar' series organized by Theater Workshop, which explores the nature of theaters from diverse perspectives while engaging with the question 'What is a theater?' from an insider's viewpoint.
Vol.02, themed 'The Theater Nurtures the Production, the Production Nurtures the Theater,' featured director and scriptwriter Shuichiro Koike as the guest, with Kazuhisa Tobe, representing 'the user of the theater,' and Miho Nakai, representing 'the audience,' serving as hosts.
< Event Report >
Scene from the stage with Mr. Tobe, Mr. Koike, and Ms. Nakai from left. Mr. Koike introduced his career at Takarazuka, referring to it as 'Ken 50' in line with how Takarazuka performers are addressed. The stage and audience during the performance. The venue was full, with attendees ranging from theater fans to industry professionals, all listening intently.
Director Shuichiro Koike. Ms. Nakai, the host, mentioned that attendees' usual viewing experiences would likely feel slightly different after this seminar. Mr. Tobe, the host, spoke about his feelings for Takarazuka works, which he has loved since childhood.
The discussion began with Mr. Koike easing the tension with a self-introduction using the term 'Ken 50,' a term used for Takarazuka performers.
The conversation started by drawing parallels between the revolving stages and trapdoors in Kabuki and the Takarazuka Theater, eventually expanding to the theme of 'how to present a production within a theater space.' They discussed the ingenuity in 'presentation' that has been passed down through generations, such as the human-powered revolving stage at the Old Kotohira Theater (Konpira Grand Theater), said to be Japan's oldest playhouse, and the mechanisms used to create darkness by dimming the lights. On the other hand, the discussion also touched upon the current reality of touring performances, where portable stage equipment that can be set up anywhere is often prioritized over leveraging the unique characteristics of each theater.
A memorable quote in the context of production creation was, 'Adding something because a scene change isn't possible makes the production weaker.' It was evident from various points that the concept of transforming elements into 'necessities' based on Takarazuka's strict performance times supports the density of the productions. A revelation about the iconic bedroom scene in 'Elisabeth'—that the 'bed sinking' effect was achieved by overlapping the revolving stage and smoke—drew gasps of surprise from the audience, highlighting how meticulously stage visuals are calculated. As specific details were shared, such as masking the sound of machinery with music to reduce dissonance, safety measures for using dry ice, and considerations for airflow, the audience gained a tangible understanding of how the conditions of the theater itself shape the direction.
Towards the end, Mr. Tobe proposed staging one of Mr. Koike's works in a Kabuki style, to which Mr. Koike responded with a laugh, 'If it could be adapted into a Japanese style.' The statement 'The way of presentation changes with the location' allowed the attendees to expand their imaginations richly.
Detailed Report
[Theater Workshop Official Website] Cultural Project Report
■ Event Overview
Theater Seminar Series 'Before the Curtain Rises' — Exploring Theaters from the Creative Backstage — Vol.02
Date & Time: Friday, April 10, 2026, 19:00 start
Venue: P.O. Minami-Aoyama Hall
Guest: Shuichiro Koike (Director / Special Advisor, Takarazuka Revue Company)
Hosts: Miho Nakai (Freelance Announcer) / Kazuhisa Tobe (Director & Scriptwriter)
Cooperation: P.O. Real Estate Co., Ltd.
Planning & Production: Theater Workshop Inc.
■ Latest Information
Theater Seminar 'Before the Curtain Rises' Vol.03 Announced!
Date & Time: Scheduled for Thursday, July 30, 2026
*Details will be announced later on the official website.
Theater Seminar 'Before the Curtain Rises' Logo
Latest Series of Theater Seminars
'Before the Curtain Rises' — Exploring Theaters from the Creative Backstage —
'What is a theater?' Challenging this question from the inside of the stage—
A talk series hosted by director and scriptwriter Kazuhisa Tobe and announcer Miho Nakai, who deeply loves stage art, inviting a guest each time to explore the future of theaters from various perspectives.
Shedding light on the processes of 'creation' and 'expression' in stage art, this 90-minute session redefines the value of the 'space' called a theater. It delves into the thoughts and mechanisms behind the moments when a script comes to life, when actors pour their souls into their performance, and when the audience's hearts are moved—while considering the new relationship between space, architecture, and the city.
We welcome fellow thinkers, from those who love stage art to those who build theaters and design cities, to contemplate the future of theaters together.
We invite you to pay attention to this unique seminar series from Theater Workshop, a total theater production company that handles everything from theater construction to event execution.
Theater Seminar 'Before the Curtain Rises' Official Website
https://theatre-workshop.co.jp/seminar/maku
'Theater Seminar' Inquiries: Theater Workshop
seminar@theatre-workshop.co.jp
Click here to view this release in PDF
d33364-111-0e9c5d2f9eb6cf0e76510c4fa18c5110.pdf
Theater Workshop Logo
Theater Workshop is a
Total Theater Production Company
that handles all aspects of theaters and halls.
Our wish is to create an environment where everyone can enjoy a life enriched by theaters.
We have consolidated over 40 years of expertise in building more than 300 theaters and extensive experience in hall management. We undertake all tasks related to theaters and halls, from conceptualization and planning, design, construction, and operational consulting, to post-opening theater management and event planning and production.
We connect those who create theaters with those who use them, producing a life filled with theaters.
Theater Workshop Inc.
Official Website: https://theatre-workshop.co.jp
4F, 9SY Bldg., 6-23-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
[MAIL] seminar@theatre-workshop.co.jp (Reception Hours: Weekdays 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM)
Theater Workshop Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President: Masamasa Ito) held Vol.02 of its theater seminar series, 'Before the Curtain Rises,' on Friday, April 10, 2026, at P.O. Minami-Aoyama Hall (Minato-ku, Tokyo). This report covers the event.
This seminar is part of the 'Theater Seminar' series organized by Theater Workshop, which explores the nature of theaters from diverse perspectives while engaging with the question 'What is a theater?' from an insider's viewpoint.
Vol.02, themed 'The Theater Nurtures the Production, the Production Nurtures the Theater,' featured director and scriptwriter Shuichiro Koike as the guest, with Kazuhisa Tobe, representing 'the user of the theater,' and Miho Nakai, representing 'the audience,' serving as hosts.
< Event Report >
Scene from the stage with Mr. Tobe, Mr. Koike, and Ms. Nakai from left. Mr. Koike introduced his career at Takarazuka, referring to it as 'Ken 50' in line with how Takarazuka performers are addressed. The stage and audience during the performance. The venue was full, with attendees ranging from theater fans to industry professionals, all listening intently.
Director Shuichiro Koike. Ms. Nakai, the host, mentioned that attendees' usual viewing experiences would likely feel slightly different after this seminar. Mr. Tobe, the host, spoke about his feelings for Takarazuka works, which he has loved since childhood.
The discussion began with Mr. Koike easing the tension with a self-introduction using the term 'Ken 50,' a term used for Takarazuka performers.
The conversation started by drawing parallels between the revolving stages and trapdoors in Kabuki and the Takarazuka Theater, eventually expanding to the theme of 'how to present a production within a theater space.' They discussed the ingenuity in 'presentation' that has been passed down through generations, such as the human-powered revolving stage at the Old Kotohira Theater (Konpira Grand Theater), said to be Japan's oldest playhouse, and the mechanisms used to create darkness by dimming the lights. On the other hand, the discussion also touched upon the current reality of touring performances, where portable stage equipment that can be set up anywhere is often prioritized over leveraging the unique characteristics of each theater.
A memorable quote in the context of production creation was, 'Adding something because a scene change isn't possible makes the production weaker.' It was evident from various points that the concept of transforming elements into 'necessities' based on Takarazuka's strict performance times supports the density of the productions. A revelation about the iconic bedroom scene in 'Elisabeth'—that the 'bed sinking' effect was achieved by overlapping the revolving stage and smoke—drew gasps of surprise from the audience, highlighting how meticulously stage visuals are calculated. As specific details were shared, such as masking the sound of machinery with music to reduce dissonance, safety measures for using dry ice, and considerations for airflow, the audience gained a tangible understanding of how the conditions of the theater itself shape the direction.
Towards the end, Mr. Tobe proposed staging one of Mr. Koike's works in a Kabuki style, to which Mr. Koike responded with a laugh, 'If it could be adapted into a Japanese style.' The statement 'The way of presentation changes with the location' allowed the attendees to expand their imaginations richly.
Detailed Report
[Theater Workshop Official Website] Cultural Project Report
■ Event Overview
Theater Seminar Series 'Before the Curtain Rises' — Exploring Theaters from the Creative Backstage — Vol.02
Date & Time: Friday, April 10, 2026, 19:00 start
Venue: P.O. Minami-Aoyama Hall
Guest: Shuichiro Koike (Director / Special Advisor, Takarazuka Revue Company)
Hosts: Miho Nakai (Freelance Announcer) / Kazuhisa Tobe (Director & Scriptwriter)
Cooperation: P.O. Real Estate Co., Ltd.
Planning & Production: Theater Workshop Inc.
■ Latest Information
Theater Seminar 'Before the Curtain Rises' Vol.03 Announced!
Date & Time: Scheduled for Thursday, July 30, 2026
*Details will be announced later on the official website.
Theater Seminar 'Before the Curtain Rises' Logo
Latest Series of Theater Seminars
'Before the Curtain Rises' — Exploring Theaters from the Creative Backstage —
'What is a theater?' Challenging this question from the inside of the stage—
A talk series hosted by director and scriptwriter Kazuhisa Tobe and announcer Miho Nakai, who deeply loves stage art, inviting a guest each time to explore the future of theaters from various perspectives.
Shedding light on the processes of 'creation' and 'expression' in stage art, this 90-minute session redefines the value of the 'space' called a theater. It delves into the thoughts and mechanisms behind the moments when a script comes to life, when actors pour their souls into their performance, and when the audience's hearts are moved—while considering the new relationship between space, architecture, and the city.
We welcome fellow thinkers, from those who love stage art to those who build theaters and design cities, to contemplate the future of theaters together.
We invite you to pay attention to this unique seminar series from Theater Workshop, a total theater production company that handles everything from theater construction to event execution.
Theater Seminar 'Before the Curtain Rises' Official Website
https://theatre-workshop.co.jp/seminar/maku
'Theater Seminar' Inquiries: Theater Workshop
seminar@theatre-workshop.co.jp
Click here to view this release in PDF
d33364-111-0e9c5d2f9eb6cf0e76510c4fa18c5110.pdf
Theater Workshop Logo
Theater Workshop is a
Total Theater Production Company
that handles all aspects of theaters and halls.
Our wish is to create an environment where everyone can enjoy a life enriched by theaters.
We have consolidated over 40 years of expertise in building more than 300 theaters and extensive experience in hall management. We undertake all tasks related to theaters and halls, from conceptualization and planning, design, construction, and operational consulting, to post-opening theater management and event planning and production.
We connect those who create theaters with those who use them, producing a life filled with theaters.
Theater Workshop Inc.
Official Website: https://theatre-workshop.co.jp
4F, 9SY Bldg., 6-23-3 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
[MAIL] seminar@theatre-workshop.co.jp (Reception Hours: Weekdays 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM)
FAQ
When was Theater Seminar 'Before the Curtain Rises' Vol.02 held?
It was held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at P.O. Minami-Aoyama Hall.
Who is the guest, Shuichiro Koike?
He is a renowned director and scriptwriter, also serving as a special advisor to the Takarazuka Revue Company, with extensive experience and deep knowledge of stage art.
What themes were discussed in the seminar?
Under the theme 'The Theater Nurtures the Production, the Production Nurtures the Theater,' discussions covered how to present productions in theater spaces, from traditional theater mechanisms to contemporary challenges and production ingenuity.
Is Vol.03 scheduled to be held?
Yes, Vol.03 is scheduled for Thursday, July 30, 2026. Details will be announced on the official website.
Who is the target audience for this seminar series?
It targets people who love stage art, those who build theaters, those who design cities, and anyone interested in contemplating the future of theaters together.