Abbreviation BROS Formation 2009 Website baltimorerockopera.org | Motto In Panton Redundo | |
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Type Rock opera theatrical company | ||
The Baltimore Rock Opera Society (BROS) is an official 501c3 non-profit organization as of April 2015. BROS was conceived in 2007 by a small group of friends in a basement: Aran Keating, John DeCampos, Dylan Koehler, Eli Breitburg-Smith and Jared Margulies. They opened their first performance, Gründlehämmer, at 2640 Space located in Baltimore in 2009. BROS are a passionate community of artists who create live original rock theater.
Contents
- Rock Opera 6 Pack
- A Weekend
- B Weekend
- Convergence Maximus
- Grndlehmmer
- Murdercastle
- Valhella The Ragnarkkoperetta
- Reception
- Documentary
- References
Since its inception, BROS has become an anchor institution for Baltimore’s cultural and arts landscape. The group is composed of a highly energetic volunteer actors, writers, designers, builders, musicians, and artists with the mission of producing original, live rock operas. They hold open auditions for all their mainstage shows, including band auditions.
Starting in 2011, BROS launched pitch parties, in which they asked the Baltimore community for ideas and suggestions on future rock operas. BROS Headquarters (HQ), where they currently operate, is located on the first floor of the Bell Foundry. The Bell Foundry is a multi-purpose, cooperatively run performance and rehearsal space specializing in a community garden, skate park, upstairs print shop.
As of August 2015, BROS is working on their seventh original production, CHRONOSHRED. The group currently performs in various venues in Baltimore, Washington DC and Philadelphia.
Rock Opera 6-Pack
The Rock Opera 6-Pack debuted in May 2015 at the Creative Alliance in Baltimore. The 6-pack was a new format for the BROS: a collection of six one-act rock operas, 25 minutes each, split into two weekends. "A" Weekend featured Determination of Azimuth, Revival, and Sidelines. "B" Weekend featured Battle at Apple Crossing, Legend of Jessie Jean, and RATS!
At Artscape 2015, the 6-Pack was remounted in BROCEAN CITY located on Charles Street. BROCEAN CITY not only featured the five of the 6-pack, but included local bands, puppet shows, and air guitar battles atop the BRÖTHERSHIP, a converted 1988 Saab 900.
"A" Weekend
"B" Weekend
Convergence Maximus
In November 2014 at 2640 Space in Baltimore, BROS collaborated with the Concert Artists of Baltimore (CAB) on Convergence Maximus, to produce a mix of classical greats such as Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto and select songs from past BROS shows such as Valhella. These were arranged to include CAB’s professional orchestra and choir.
Gründlehämmer
From March to April 2014 at 2460 Space in Baltimore, MD, The Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, VA and The Ruba Club in Philadelphia, BROS re-imagined and transformed their original production, Gründlehämmer. This remount was again directed by Aran Keating.
In October 2009 and February 2010 at 2640 Space in Baltimore, BROS first performed Gründlehämmer.
Murdercastle
In May 2013 at the Autograph Playhouse in Baltimore, MD, BROS debuted their fifth feature-length rock opera, Murdercastle, written by Jared Margulies and directed by Barbara Geary.
Valhella: The Ragnarøkkoperetta
In May 2012 at the Autograph Playhouse in Baltimore, MD, BROS debuted their fourth feature-length rock opera, Valhella, written by Jen Tydings and directed by Aran Keating.
Valhella was loosely adapted from Norse mythology and executed in pursuit of what composer Richard Wagner called Gesamtkunstwerk – “that mashup of spectacle, ritual, dance, music, theater and other artsy stuff that is opera at its most extreme.” The opera used large puppets, hand-drawn animation, intricate sets with a full-scale World tree and featured a soundtrack that ranged from traditional Norse folk music to power metal. Vahella was considered a monumental leap forward in the BROS’ production value. All eight shows sold out, which prompted the BROS to add a ninth encore presentation at midnight on 20 May 2012, which also sold out. The opera was well reviewed by the Washington Post.
Reception
As an all-volunteer company, BROS has attracted the support of the surrounding community. Those involved in the productions range from individuals with experience in the theater world to complete amateurs. In 2012 Baltimore City Paper named Baltimore Rock Opera Society “Best DIY Theater Company” in Baltimore.
Documentary
There is currently a feature-length documentary film being produced about the BROS and the Murdercastle production. The film is being directed by Human Being Productions and being produced by the digital magazine What Weekly. It will feature original animation and interviews in addition to the footage of the production.