Act 1 Summary

Master Class is a two-act play based on singing classes given by world-famous opera star Maria Callas. As the play begins, the lights are intentionally still up in the theater as an accompanist takes his seat at a piano. The pianist takes his time adjusting to his seat and acknowledges some friends in the audience. Suddenly Maria Callas is on the stage dressed in not an operatic costume but a custom pantsuit and expensive accessories.

Maria approaches the edge of the stage to address the audience and tells the people that this is not a performance but a classroom. That explains her manner of dress and the fact that the house lights are still up. Maria admonishes the audience that there is to be no applause tonight. This is a classroom, and the students are there to learn, not to perform. Maria comments...