Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yuriko Shibata. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Yuriko, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
Picture this: right after graduating from NYU Tisch, I wasn’t exactly rolling in dough, but I wasn’t surviving on instant ramen either! It was more like a balanced diet of aspirations and optimism. Then, out of the blue, “SKIN” waltzed into the scene like a knight in dazzling armor. While it may not have turned me into a musical mogul overnight, it did something even more reassuring– it marked my Off-Broadway debut. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was because that happened in a flash.
Rattlestick Theater is basically Off-Broadway’s Studio 54, and they handpicked “SKIN” for their Global Form Theater Festival – it was like getting an invite to the coolest party in town. The catch? We had just two weeks to turn it into a musical masterpiece. Two weeks! It felt like trying to compose a symphony with a kazoo and a triangle.
We assembled a dream team of actors, directors, and more, and I partnered up with Andrew Strano, my co-writer. We were the musical equivalent of Sherlock and Watson, solving the mystery of “SKIN” one note at a time.
Fast forward to three nights, 300 seats, and countless sleepless nights later – we were ready to rock. The script had more drafts than a Hollywood blockbuster, and rehearsals were like a creative tsunami. It was all about the power of community, like a musical commune on a mission to blow minds.
Musical theater has this incredible knack for uniting, empowering, and amplifying communities. It’s like a musical glue that sticks us all together, and it’s been life-changing for me. My writing aims to create spaces that bring us closer, making connections stronger, and resonating deeply with the essence of our shared experiences.
Collaboration was the heart and soul of “SKIN.” My music and Andrew’s words had a blind date that turned into a whirlwind romance. Rehearsals were like a laboratory of creativity, where we discovered things we never would’ve found alone. Then there was the audience – the ultimate judges of our creation, giving us the lowdown on what connects, what cuts through, and what reaches them.
Our musical didn’t just make waves; it made a splash in major theatrical circles. Broadwayworld.com, Playbill, and Americantheater.org gave us shoutouts, and someone in the audience decided to fund a cast recording of “SKIN.” Who does that? It’s like getting a standing ovation from the universe.
“SKIN” takes you on a captivating journey to the coastal town of Geraldton, Western Australia, exploring human connections and long-buried secrets – think of it as discovering a treasure chest of musical wonders.
But there’s more! The original cast laid down mind-blowing performances, seasoned musicians brought the score to life, and Off-Broadway’s sound design wizard, Sean Ramos, worked his magic on all 16 tracks. It’s a musical dream team on steroids!
And guess what? We hit up crowdfunding, and our global tribe of art lovers chipped in a whopping $6.5k to make it happen. The online release is just around the corner, so keep your eyes peeled on my website and social media for the juiciest updates! It’s like the musical gift that keeps on giving, and NYC, get ready to vibe to the rhythm of “SKIN” because it’s coming your way, and it’s going to be one heck of a musical journey!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Yuriko Shibata, the musical theatre composer with a New York City twist. Imagine a musical symphony seasoned with Schubert’s grace, Studio Ghibli’s enchantment, Lady Gaga’s pizzazz, and a hefty dose of NYC flair – that’s what I bring to the table. My musical journey began with piano keys, serenading the classics – Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach. Yet, it was Schubert’s voice-focused melodies that truly resonated. I was determined to create music with the same depth.
My adventure started by emulating beloved tunes, from Studio Ghibli’s magic to Lady Gaga’s beats. Copying those melodies was my playground, and I reveled in it!
However, the real magic emerged through collaboration. Working with brilliant minds, we weaved a tapestry of voices, merging my musical prowess with their words.
At the heart of my artistry lies melody – the language that speaks to your hearts. It’s a divine gift that lingers long after the curtain falls, unlocking empathy, understanding, and shared humanity. My melodies bridge gaps, making you see yourself in others.
With each composition, I aim to deepen your connection to the world. I want you to carry characters’ stories with you, igniting new pathways in your mind and fostering empathy. Through music, I whisper, “You are not alone. Your voice matters.”
For potential clients, followers, or newfound fans, my aspiration has always been to serenade souls, to create music that fosters a sense of understanding, and to celebrate the beauty of our shared human experience. In the grand symphony of life, my dream has been for all of us to discover our unique voices and let them soar.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Back the artists and cultivate a lively creative environment – it’s not just about culture; it’s an investment in our society’s essence. I’ve been through the creative struggles, so I know the hurdles artists face, and it’s on all of us to ensure these creative spirits can confidently walk that challenging path.
At the forefront of supporting emerging artists is giving them the means and opportunities to create. Being creative is a labor of love, but it shouldn’t mean sacrificing financial stability. Juggling multiple jobs with their artistic pursuits leaves artists with limited time for their craft. Financial help can ease this burden, granting them the precious time they need to produce fresh, awe-inspiring work.
Education and art access should be open to everyone, regardless of their background. Scholarships, community programs, and accessible art education level the field, ensuring talent isn’t constrained by socio-economic factors.
The lifeblood of creativity comes from funding and grants. Just like a garden needs nourishment to thrive, artists require resources to bring their visions to life. When society invests in these creators, it enriches the diversity of our cultural tapestry.
Diversity and inclusion are more than just words; they represent the multitude of perspectives that make art deep. We need to break down the barriers holding back talent. Countless hidden gems are waiting for their moment to shine, and it’s society’s role to uncover and promote these talents, ensuring their light never fades.
Last but not least, mentorship programs help emerging artists find their way in the complex world of creativity. Society must offer more performance opportunities for artists, from open mic nights to community events, as they are places where artists improve their skills and connect with their audience.
Ultimately, it all boils down to what matters most: embracing our artists and nurturing a vibrant creative world. The steps I mentioned such as financial help, accessible education, and mentorship programs are the stepping stones we need to empower our creative spirits. A world without art is like a song without a melody; it’s our artists who breathe life into our culture, filling it with the harmony and passion that truly enrich our lives.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
As an artist, one of the most rewarding aspects for me is when someone genuinely appreciates my work. It’s like hitting a high note in the grand symphony of life. When someone takes a moment to express their gratitude for what I’ve created, it strikes a chord deep within my creative soul.
I vividly remember a poignant moment after a performance at Rattlestick when a fellow theatergoer approached me. With eyes brimming with tears, they, a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, uttered a simple yet profoundly meaningful phrase, “Thank you for writing this piece.” In that singular sentence, I sensed the weight of their unspoken story, their journey as a member of a minority community, which deeply resonated with the challenges I’ve faced as a Japanese immigrant navigating the American theater industry.
Nurturing a career in the American theater industry as an immigrant has brought its fair share of skepticism and subtle messages implying, “You don’t belong here.” It’s a path riddled with hurdles, but each barrier broken feels like a victory, a testament to the resilience of artists like us.
When someone from a similar background acknowledges and appreciates my work, it’s as if we’re sharing a secret handshake of understanding. It’s a moment of connection, gratitude, and validation. It reminds me that the time and energy I pour into my creations are worth every note and every word.
Art, you see, is my language to the world. It’s a conversation that continues long after the curtain falls, etching characters and emotions into our hearts. It opens new pathways in our minds, nurturing empathy and understanding. It’s how I bridge the gaps, reminding us of the common threads that weave through our diverse tapestry.
In my art, I strive to represent and uplift communities like mine, to be a voice that says, “You are allowed to be yourself.” It’s about breaking down the barriers that society often erects. So, with every composition, I aim to make you feel seen, understood and loved. After all, isn’t that the true beauty of art?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yuriko-shibata.com/
- Instagram: @yulilymusic
- Other: SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/yuriko-shibata-2
Image Credits
Koki Sato Kaoru Mochida Shina Peng