Imagine a unique creative space where composers and writers come together like never before. It's not your typical speed dating scenario; here, the first dates last for at least a couple of days. This is the Nautilus Composer-Librettist Studio, a place where magic happens.

Unlock the Power of Collaborative Creativity

Daily Gatherings in St. Paul's Lowertown

Since November 9th, fifteen Minnesota-based artists have been gathering daily in a street-level studio in St. Paul's Lowertown neighborhood. These artists are passionate about creating new musical theater and opera works. Every two or three days, they are presented with a fresh challenge - to team up with a composer or writer they've never worked with before and create a song by the next day that transports audiences into the heart of a story. Each challenge comes with its own set of parameters and prompts, whether it's a specific theme, structure, or number of performers.This intensive studio session has been led by Ben Krywosz for 40 years. His methods have gained significant recognition in the fields of theater and opera, and he is now sharing his expertise at Yale University. Half of the 70 composer-librettist studios he has led have been in New York City, with similar studios in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and other locations. However, his home base remains the big brownstone building in St. Paul, which was once part of James J. Hill's Great Northern Railway operation.

The Intricacies of a Songwriting Challenge

Last Friday in that brownstone building, Justin Spenner was pacing, rehearsing different ways to deliver a marriage proposal. Meanwhile, Julia Isabel Diaz was preparing to propose the opposite - that the couple call it quits. They sat down at a hidden restaurant, accompanied by pianist Sonja Thompson, and sang through their comically conflicting motivations. This scene was created just 24 hours earlier when composer Carter Quinn Tanis and librettist Angela Frucci were tasked with writing a story in song. After Spenner, Diaz, and Thompson finished rehearsing, tweaking, and performing the song, the other participants applauded enthusiastically and began asking questions about the creative process.The name Nautilus Music-Theater is inspired by Jules Verne's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea" submarine. Ben Krywosz, with his omnidirectional beard reminiscent of Poseidon, has been the captain of the good ship Nautilus since its founding in 1986 as a Minnesota Opera program. In 1992, it set sail independently and won three Ivey Awards between 2006 and 2014.The collaborative efforts within the Nautilus Composer-Librettist Studio are truly remarkable. Composers and writers are able to explore new creative territories, pushing the boundaries of their individual and collective talents. The daily challenges and the opportunity to work with new partners bring out the best in each artist, resulting in unique and captivating musical creations. This studio is a haven for those who seek to combine the worlds of music and theater in a truly immersive way.