IIOD Podcast Vol. 2 No. 2 - Perry Silvey on the New York State Theater

In this episode we learn about the New York State Theater and the New York City Ballet from a new perspective: backstage! Perry Silvey worked at the theater for over 40 years in many positions, including stage manager and technical director. He began working there during the last 7 years of Balanchine’s life, and during the last 22 years of Robbins’ life. Perry recounts his favorite memories of calling the light cues for ballets like Glass Pieces, managing the specificity of Duo Concertant, and the joys and trials of Nutcracker.

(left) Peter Martins, Mark Stanley, and Perry on the promenade during the 1988 American Music Festival (center) Perry on stage in 2009 during the renovation

(right) Me and Perry 

Additional Resources:

⁠New York State Theater History

⁠Perry Silvey in the New York Times