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Classroom 205

Dutch musical actors are among the best in the world. They perform on the big stages, from London and Vienna to Shanghai. But to sing well and act equally well is very complicated, because these are completely different disciplines. It is something like solving a mathematical problem while playing football. At the Fontys School of the Arts in Tilburg, the musical students are tutored by a theatre director who masters both subjects like no other. His name is Marc Krone. He helps the students to reach the depths of their souls and to rise above themselves. Often, the lessons are marked by intense emotions.

In this documentary, we follow the development of a number of young, very talented and gifted students. Insecurities are overcome under Krone's supervision. Krone himself knows the feeling of being insecure quite well, from his own days as a student, when he studied acting in New York with legendary actress and acting teacher Stella Adler. At times in breathtaking fashion, he brings this intense experience.

  • Paul Cohen
    Director
  • Paul Cohen
    Writer
  • Paul Cohen
    Director of Photography
  • Paul Cohen
    Sound
  • Paul Cohen
    Editor
  • Iris Lammertsma
    Producer
  • Estelle Bovelander
    Producer
  • Naduah Ivana Zahradnik
    Producer
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Lokaal 205
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Genres:
    art, musical, performing arts
  • Runtime:
    55 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    June 26, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    107,159 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Netherlands
  • Country of Filming:
    Netherlands
  • Language:
    Dutch
  • Shooting Format:
    digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Paul Cohen

Documentary filmmaker Paul Cohen made a name for himself with feature-length films such as Janine (2010) and Part Time God (1993). He focuses on both cultural and social topics.
His work is characterized by high artistic quality, a personal style and a focus on the human story. His films have received numerous awards at festivals in the Netherlands and abroad, including two Golden Calf awards at the Dutch Film Festival.

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Director Statement

Why is it that Dutch musical stars are so successful not only here, but also abroad? In Hamburg, Vienna, in London's West End.... right down to Shanghai, Dutch names appear on the posters of major musical productions. A few years ago a German cabaret performer shouted in front of a full house, "Wir haben ja unsere 'Musicalstars'. Und dann, zweitens, haben wir die 'Musical Diva'. Und dann ... ja, da sind die Holländer."

After director Marc Krone told me about what happens during the classes he teaches at the Fontys Hogeschool voor de Kunsten in Tilburg, I started filming rather quickly. The script developed during the filming. I was very impressed with the students and the interaction with teacher Marc Krone.

In some films I use 'a spear': aiming accurately and hitting the mark. With other films, it's a 'trawler net': bringing in lots of material and then fishing out the gems. This film is actually a combination of both. Because I chose (with 'a spear') one place, namely the classroom where it all happens. And that's where I threw out the trawler net. Choosing the gems that emerged from it was a lot of work, but a great pleasure.