La Grange High School

Lake Charles, LA

Reported by: Steven G. Kennedy, Resident Choreographer of the Broadway JR. Collection

September 28, 2012

I was privileged to kick-off “NBC’s ‘SMASH’: Make A Musical” season in Lake Charles, LA!

I have to admit I was struck with first-day-of-school jitters! But, I was warmly welcomed to La Grange High School by school administrator, Pam Hedgecock, and then had the pleasure of meeting the team comprised of Shelly Buller and Janie Williams. Shelly, Janie and the entire administration welcomed me in true southern fashion and alleviated any nervous energy. Everyone was so curious about the program and the impact it would have on their school and community.

Even this initial conversation made me aware, once again, of the effects of “NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical” program.  From visual arts, sports and choir (which has competed and earned superior ratings at the district and state level), La Grange has earned and enjoyed many successes but needed that extra help in creating the musical theater program, which the students had been asking for. The school educators were so excited about this opportunity that the principal has allowed them to combine the drama and choir classes in order to create additional rehearsal time! This is a team that is making it work – the students are in great hands!

After working with Shelly and Janie, I was able to meet the students. In a word, they were incredible! This articulate, focused and bright group welcomed me as warmly as their directors. The choir insisted I sit in and listen to their work. Though only about 50% of the choir will participate in the school musical, they still wanted to be a part of the workshop and show their gratitude by sharing their musical gifts – they sang for me! Their beautiful voices gave me a bit of a preview of how their musical production will sound. This camaraderie and school spirit also extended to the debate team, headed by Liz Dominique.  Once this team witnessed the excitement the musical was generating, they all wanted to sign on in any way possible!  I am proud to report that La Grange now has an active stage crew… with more aspiring performers on the way!

It was a delight to chat with Shelly and Janie about community and sustainability. All of Lake Charles has ownership when it comes to La Grange High School and its involvement with “NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical” – there is no competition in the Parish, but rather a sense that they all worked hard to make this happen for their community. Isn’t that the common thread when it comes to theater? It’s all about individuals working hard to succeed at a larger common goal.

I have no doubt that La Grange High School’s production of Seussical JR. will be a huge success! This group is truly deserving of the assistance and support “NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical” has awarded them! Go Gators!!!!

“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical” program is administered by iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald.  For more information, or to apply to become a part of the program, logon to www.MAKEAMUSICAL.ORG.

Vandercook Lake Middle School/High School

Jackson, MI

Reported by: Cynthia Ripley, iTheatrics Senior Education Associate, Resident Master Teacher

September 28, 2012

I love watching students articulate their feelings about artistic experiences. After our “NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make a Musical” workshop at Vandercook Lake Middle School/High School in Jackson, Michigan, I had the pleasure of listening to student interviews, led by a reporter from news station WILX, the local NBC affiliate.  When a student named Tricia was asked what being involved in musical theater meant to her, Tricia replied, “I love it because it is a place where you can just be yourself. It’s a group that will love you and take care of you.”  Meanwhile, another Vandercook student named Chad told the reporter that through theater, “I have become more open to people. It is much easier to be friendly and nice.”  I marvel at the honesty kids are able to reveal with a microphone and a stranger.  Finally, another student named Nate summed up the importance of the arts by adding, “When the school day is tough and I need to escape, I go to rehearsal with this big family and my day is immediately 100 times better.”

There is nothing new about this phenomenon; a musical theater community allows kids a place to be accepted for their own uniqueness. I’ve heard this truth from students, who represent the range of socioeconomic backgrounds and languages spoken all across this great country. And every time I hear a kid say how theater has given them a place on their own “team,” it refuels my urgency for preserving and creating programs like “NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make a Musical.”

The team from Vandercook Lake School, led by Roschenne Parmalee, Jason Konkel, Tami Allen and Karen Johnson, all know exactly what their kids need. This ideal “small town America” community also knows what they need, as is evidenced by their Facebook page that garnered enough people to vote them to become one of the top ten “NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make a Musical”  schools in the country. They want this rare and wonderful opportunity to be the springboard for a well-orchestrated foundation of musical theater for ALL of their students. This program will  become a tradition in the community that is supported, attended and anticipated from all generations. The stories these teachers and community members told me about their kids were full of pride, love and a lot of laughter.  I told them they were the “perfect storm” for this project.  Everything lines up for the right reasons to create something incredible for ALL in Vandercook Lake. And this community has the ingredients, energy and passion to guarantee it.  I can’t wait.

“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical” program is administered by iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald.  For more information, or to apply to become a part of the program, logon to www.MAKEAMUSICAL.ORG.

“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical”

Beaver Falls Area Middle School

Pittsburgh, PA

Reported by: Cynthia Ripley, iTheatrics Senior Education Associate, Resident Master Teacher

September 26, 2012

It’s a given. Football is big in western PA, and Beaver Falls is no exception.  With Joe Namath as their hometown hero, the folks in Beaver Falls can lay claim to their own NFL legend.

My initial meeting with this enthusiastic team from Beaver Falls Area Middle School, composed of Yvonne Sterrett, Len Cersosimo and Terri Hunkler, overlooked a new, state-of-the-art athletic field. This dedicated team hopes for the “NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make a Musical” opportunity to change the lives of their students. Arts programs have been drastically cut with no musical theater performance opportunities until high school. I immediately thought of the discussion Freddie Gershon had with his friend Stephen Sondheim when they first formulated the concept of Broadway Junior in the mid-1990s. If quality musical theater as an American art form is to survive in this country, it has to be accessible to school-age children. These teachers are dedicating their lives to make it happen in Beaver Falls; they are dedicated to helping the community and administration understand that ALL teams can win in the arts.

As part of their audition, students were asked to write why being part of the musical was important to them. One student wrote, “I want to be in the musical to let people know who I am. Not by my brothers, my dad or my mom. I want people to know me as ‘Chris’ the actor in the musical.”

There is no doubt that these Middle School students are on the road to victory. With quality leadership, enthusiastic and talented kids, and tried and true materials, this “NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make a Musical” school has already scored a touchdown. Joe Namath should be proud.

“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical” program is administered by iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald.  For more information, or to apply to become a part of the program, logon to www.MAKEAMUSICAL.ORG.

Desert Wind Elementary School

El Paso, Texas

Reported by: Cynthia Ripley, iTheatrics Senior Education Associate, Resident Master Teacher

September 21, 2012

Wow. It took one long trip to get to the Desert Wind School in the desert of El Paso, Texas. This community is just a
stone’s throw to New Mexico and Juarez, Mexico. Desert Wind is one of the 10 schools that America voted to win our fall 2012 “NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make a Musical” project. As the young, dynamic project leader, Krystal Mata drove me to the school, which seems to rise out of the scorched earth. It was quite obvious that her excitement would radiate to her team and kids. Remote as Desert Wind School was, there was nothing but the most beautiful feeling of vibrancy as I walked past the life size Blue Colt mascot and entered the front door. The students greeted me with such enthusiasm, “Hello, Miss. Can we start, Miss? Are you from New York, Miss? What’s a musical, Miss?”

Led by Krystal, the team was comprised of Gabriella Zamora, Matthew Nava, Jessica Ramirez, Sherri Redou and Cody Ritchey. They were eager, gracious, proud and ready to take on whatever it takes to give to their kids, school and community, something they have never come across in their world. There have been no elementary arts at Desert Wind. Sports are all they know. The kids are bilingual and majority of parents do not speak English. Many military families are temporarily stationed here from Ft. Bliss. Many schools in this country face a similar situation.

Then, the teachers told me in soft voices that many, many of these kids travel from their border town, Juarez, Mexico, and live with a relative from Monday to Friday. They return to their parents on the weekend. Desert Wind is their safe haven. These K-8 kids witness atrocities on the weekends that I cannot bring myself to put in print in this blog.

These students have never been to a performance of almost any kind, yet were so eager to explore the craft of musical theater with me. There was such joy in their faces and they were so excited to stage, sing and dance. You and I can do it every day. They will BEGIN to do it every day and for the first time in their lives, thanks to “NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make a Musical”

My only regret was that I couldn’t take them home with me as I walked out the door! “Thank you, Miss! When are you coming back, Miss? Can we start to rehearse today, Miss?” Many of us don’t relish the thought of adding another year to our current age on our birthday. I didn’t mind in the least yesterday. I was thankful I’ve lived long enough to see another situation where the marriage of musical theater and the creative spirit win and yet again, change lives. I’m glad it was a long flight home. I was a mess.

“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical” program is administered by iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald. For more information, or to apply to become a part of the program, logon to www.MAKEAMUSICAL.ORG.

“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical”

University of Chicago Charter School

Chicago, IL

May 1, 2012

Reported by: Cindy Ripley, iTheatrics Senior Education Associate, Resident Master Teacher

MEET SUWANDA FROM UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO CHARTER SCHOOL

Student Performer in Fame JR.

Grade: 12

Favorite subject: English

Favorite food: Gumbo

Hobbies: Write stories and poems.

What’s interesting about you and your family? My family is large, and the men can cook and the women do not!

What do you want to be when you grow up? An actress and a playwright!

Role in show: Dance ensemble

Favorite part of the musical’s story: My favorite part is Carmen’s character.

How has being in the show changed you? Being in the show has helped my priorities with schedules, rehearsals and skills.

What do you think your family will say when they see the show? They will think it is amazing.

If you could travel in time and visit yourself right before you perform in the show, what would you say? Wow girl, you are great, and you made it just like I knew you would.

MEET JASMINE FROM UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO CHARTER SCHOOL

Student Performer in Fame JR.

Grade: 11

Favorite food: Pizza

Favorite band or singer: Beyonce

Favorite sport: Volleyball

What’s interesting about you and your family? We all sing, and we are all on television.

What do you want to be when you grow up? Professional dancer

Role in show: Ms. Bell

Favorite part of the musical’s story: Tyrone and his grades being bad and how much he wants to dance!

Favorite part of rehearsal: Dancing

Hardest part of being in the show: We have to memorize lines, and how we constantly have to go over things when we mess up.

How has being in the show changed you? I have become more professional.

If you could travel in time and visit yourself right before you perform in the show, what would you say? Be brave!

MEET DAVON FROM UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO CHARTER SCHOOL

Student Performer in Fame JR.

Grade: 11

Favorite subject: Gym

Favorite color: Red

Favorite sport: Bowling

Hobbies: Anything dealing with film.

What’s interesting about you and your family? Most, if not all, my family needs to wear glasses.

What do you want to be when you grow up? Actor

Role in show: Joe Vegas

Favorite part of the musical’s story: Seeing Tyrone improve as a person.

Favorite part of rehearsal: The acting!

Hardest part of being in the show: The dancing.

How has being in the show changed you? To be honest I haven’t changed.  I am still the same dynamic, creative person I’ve always been.

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Site Visit #1

“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical”

University of Chicago Charter School

Chicago, IL

February 3, 2012

Reported by: Cindy Ripley, iTheatrics Senior Education Associate, Resident Master Teacher

This morning I was excited as I set out to visit the University of Chicago Charter School.  As I gave the hotel desk clerk the destination for my cab, he said, “Have a nice day, Ms. Ripley” and added a weighted, “Be careful!”  As my driver pulled up to UChicago Charter School, he announced he would wait until I entered the building and waved to him before he would depart.  These moments made me wonder if the kids I was about to meet would be different from the amazing kids I have met in similar schools around the country.

Powerful.  This school is powerful.  The entire student body (550 students) comes together daily for circle time in their auditorium, to recite their school creed in unison, which smoothly transitions into a student celebration of announcements from the principal (i.e. college acceptances, special announcements, etc.). It is incredibly powerful that this positive, connecting affirmation happens daily and perhaps even more routinely than sitting down to breakfast.

This group, with an amazing amount of talent, was “over the moon” about starting something that has never happened at UChicago Charter School – a full-fledged musical!  The team is led by Mike Jones, Executive Director of Professional Theatre and Dance Youth Academy, with Ahava Silkey, Director of Professional Dance at UChicago Charter School, Shawn Wallace, music director, performer and teacher, Dantriell Houston, assistant director and choreographer and Jessica Hallum, guest choreographer.  The school’s  dream of creating a sustainable musical theater program to unify students, staff and community is about to become a reality because of “NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical.”  These Southside students attend one of 20 schools nationwide picked for the first round of this program. Powerful.

My tour was impressive.  They have a grand lady of an auditorium complete with an abundant balcony – vintage early 1900s.  This old, elegant girl is just waiting for lights and sound that won’t trip breakers, maybe new seats with some degree of comfort added, but my, oh my, does she have “good bones!”

Our enthusiastic and welcoming team met in the dance studio – a former Dean of Students office transformed by a wall of mirrors and a marley floor.  Once a place to discipline students, it is now a space to create artists.

Eighteen kids joined me in a room that seemed more like a home to them than a classroom.  They quickly digested the fundamental tools of staging and fully realized these ideas in unique and creative stage tableaux.  They soared through my dance and music chapters with laughter and energy as they transformed into imaginary characters.

A student, Shameeka, told me that what happened in this space was her “identity.”  A choice that obviously is a calling for this young lady.  Another student, Adoniace, told the local news reporters that he is the kind of guy who keeps to himself and being onstage lets him express himself.  He is also a football player and has begun studying ballet to help with flexibility.

I was lucky to share lunch with the stellar UChicago Charter School team.  Their working relationship made me want to cancel my flight and join the production team.  They are all magnets of charisma to everyone who comes in contact with them.  After lunch, they called their good friend “Fox,” a driver who they guaranteed would happily take me to O’Hare (his business card read: FOX, “the Ride of a Lifetime”).  Fox is an advocate for Woodlawn kids, is a dad himself, and couldn’t contain his excitement about the ride these students were about to go on with “NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical.”

I know University of Chicago Charter School is in for “the Ride of a Lifetime.”  They have yet to realize how powerful they will really be.

“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical” program is administered by iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald.  For more information, or to apply to become a part of the program, logon to www.MAKEAMUSICAL.ORG.

“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make a Musical”

Independence Charter School

Philadelphia, PA

April 12, 2012

Reporter: Cindy Ripley, iTheatrics Senior Education Associate, Resident Master Teacher

When you work on a musical you often begin to see the cast as your second family. And the folks at Independence Charter School in downtown Philadelphia really have become a family. Independent Charter School serves students in grades K-8, but the musical is performed by the students in the upper grades. This means that there are some younger brothers and sisters who have nowhere to go while their older siblings are in after-school rehearsals. So what did the creative team do?  They invited these younger students into rehearsal where they can quietly do homework in the corner. But what happens more often than not is they watch everything that is happening in rehearsals, take it all in and it’s easy to see they are waiting for the day they too get to be in a musical.

a

MEET JUSTIN FROM INDEPENDENCE CHARTER SCHOOL

Student Performer in Annie JR.

Grade: 6

Favorite subject: Math

Favorite band or singer: Bruno Mars

Favorite sport: Soccer

What’s interesting about you and your family? We do a lot of cooking.

What do you want to be when you grow up? Singer or a dentist

Role in show: Oliver Warbucks

Favorite part of the musical’s story: I like how a poor orphan gets adopted by a rich guy.

Favorite part of rehearsal: The acting and singing

Hardest part of being in the show: The work

How has being in the show changed you? Respect and responsibility

What do you think your family will say when they see the show? I think they will be proud.

If you could travel in time and visit yourself right before you perform in the show, what would you say? Be relaxed. Don’t really be that nervous.

a

MEET HANNAH FROM INDEPENDENCE CHARTER SCHOOL

Student Performer in Annie JR.

Grade: 6

Favorite subject: Math problem solving

Favorite food: Cheese Pizza

Favorite color: Light blue

Hobbies: Baking, singing and dancing

What’s interesting about you and your family? We mainly do everything together.

What do you want to be when you grow up? Singer and Chemical engineer

Role in show: Grace

Favorite part of the musical’s story: When Annie finds a good home

Favorite part of rehearsal: When I get to sing

How has being in the show changed you? I’m realizing who I truly am.

Do you think it is important for other kids to be in a musical? Yes, because they will learn how to be storytellers.

If you could travel in time and visit yourself right before you perform in the show, what would you say? I would thank everyone for making my dreams come true.

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Site Visit #1

“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make a Musical”

Independence Charter School

Philadelphia, PA

January 20, 2012

Reporter: Cindy Ripley, iTheatrics Senior Education Associate, Resident Master Teacher

Day #2 of the NBC’s ‘SMASH’ MAKE A MUSICAL program and I am still digesting the paradox of yesterday’s NYC School visit (see Tim’s blog 1/19). In a school that is “coming back” after one of our nation’s most tragic events just 10 years ago, those NYC kids are hungry to show the world how they can work together and create as a team. Simply remarkable, my friends.

Marty, Steven and I traveled to the City of Brotherly Love and landed bright and early on the doorstep of Independence Charter School in Philadelphia, PA. The minute you walk through the door it is a feast for the eyes – bursting with brightly colored walls, projects everywhere and kids speaking a variety of languages. The staff is as unique as the building itself. Proud to be a Spanish Immersion school, these teachers work hard to meet their kids’ needs in all ways and in two languages. After being involved in public school education for 40 years, I thought I had heard all possible unique facts about schools in this country, but learning that this school includes students from 46 different zip codes, beats them all!

The three staff team members selected for this project jumped in with both feet and absorbed all the tools we offered to help them launch their first musical and create a life changing experience with their kids. We played and shared and it was soon obvious that these kids were thirsty for the joy, collaboration and process of what making a musical can do.

One of the most outstanding personalities of the day? José the custodian of Independence Charter School. He is there for the kids 110% and ready to be involved anyway he can with this new experience! Jose reminded me of a custodian I worked with who changed my life as well as every student he came in contact with.

The magnitude and scope of makeamusical.org is just beginning to hit me. Goodnight Philly. Next week? Hello Nashville! I will miss my colleague Marty as he changes time zones and altitude and heads to Denver.

“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical” program is administered by iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald.  For more information, or to apply to become a part of the program, logon to www.MAKEAMUSICAL.ORG.

“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make a Musical”

Ford Middle School

Tacoma, WA

April 13, 2012

Reported by: Marty Johnson, Director of Education, iTheatrics

As a student, you can’t wait for spring break to have a week off from school.  As the director of the school musical, you enjoy your week off but are really worried the students might forget everything they learned before the break.  I visited Ford Middle School on their first day back from spring break, and I can assure you these directors don’t need to be worried about their students. The cast performed 2 major numbers for me and both were great.  They knew their choreography, lyrics and they knew how to tell a story.  Very impressive!

MEET KASEY FROM FORD MIDDLE SCHOOL

Student Performer in Annie JR.

Grade: 6

Favorite subject: Aircraft studies

Favorite food: Hamburgers

Favorite sport: Skiing

What’s interesting about you and your family? We are very close and rarely fight.

What do you want to be when you grow up? Air Force pilot

Role in show: Sandy/Bert Healy

Favorite part of rehearsal: Being the cheesy radio announcer Bert Healy

Hardest part of being in the show: Practicing

How has being in the show changed you? I’ve gained acting experience.

What do you think your family will say when they see the show? “It was good!” and “Nice job!”

If you could travel in time and visit yourself right before you perform in the show, what would you say? Stop talking to the girls.

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MEET MORGAN FROM FORD MIDDLE SCHOOL

Student Performer in Annie JR.

Grade: 6

Favorite food: Garlic bread, salad and spaghetti

Favorite band or singer: Adele

Favorite sport: Snowboarding

What’s interesting about you and your family? I have 123 snow globes, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 20 chickens and 4 horses.

What do you want to be when you grow up? Work in a cupcake shop in France

Role in show: July

Favorite part of rehearsal: Warm-ups

How has being in the show changed you? I have better singing skills and am better at working with others.

Do you think it is important for other kids to be in a musical? Yes, to learn new things.

If you could travel in time and visit yourself right before you perform in the show, what would you say? “Be relaxed.”

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Site Visit #1

“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical”

Ford Middle School

Tacoma, WA

February 9, 2012

Reported by: Marty Johnson, Director of Education, iTheatrics

Heading back to the West coast to visit my 10th school, I was thinking about each of the schools the iTheatrics’ team has been visiting and how amazing it is to bring musical theater to each of them. I was confident Ford Middle School would be no exception, and then its teachers and students took things a step farther than I ever imagined.

Ford Middle School was one of the first schools to apply for “NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical.” Heather Renner, the school’s principal, secured her music teacher, Lisa Sutter, and the school psychologist, Adrian Elmo, to lead the program. I’ve worked with plenty of music teachers, but Mr. Elmo could be the first school psychologist.  I asked him if being a part of this program was a natural fit for his job and he said “not exactly.” I learned that typically the school psychologist does a lot of paperwork and tries to address the needs of individual students, but there is not a lot of interaction between the psychologist and the general student body.  Dr. Elmo had been looking for a way to interact with students, an idea the school administration fully supported.  Now that he is a part of this program, he will have the opportunity to do so.

As we moved onto the second part of the workshop, I asked how the teachers selected the 24 students chosen to participate in the workshop.  I learned the school made an announcement to the entire student body about the upcoming musical and the students who were potentially interested in being a part of it could sign up in the office.  Over 120 students signed up! And from that 120, they narrowed it down to 24 based on a number of factors including schedules, attendance and behavior.  I felt badly that we couldn’t accommodate more, but as the workshops is as much a training tool for the teachers as a learning experience for the students, 24 is really the max.

The student workshop went great. As we were packing things up, Ms. Sutter asked me for an extra copy of one of the hand-outs.  Of course I gave her one, but being as inquisitive as I am, I asked her why she wanted it. She let me know that the 24 students who took the workshop with me would be leading the same workshop with the other 100+ students who are interested in being a part of the musical but were unable to attend.  Those original 24 students, not the teachers, were going to recreate the activities we did and share what they learned with the other students.  As Ms. Sutter explained, “iTheatrics and ‘NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical’ have given Ford Middle School this gift. We want our students to understand that if they are lucky enough to receive a gift or be a part of something amazing, they should always find a way to ‘pay it forward’ to their friends, family and community.”

It is truly a joy to share the arts with teachers and students, but Tacoma took it further and reminded me how incredibly heartwarming it is when young people share the arts with each other.

“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical” program is administered by iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald.  For more information, or to apply to become a part of the program, logon to www.MAKEAMUSICAL.ORG.

“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical”

Trillium Charter School

Portland, OR

April 6, 2012

Reported by: Marty Johnson, Director of Education, iTheatrics

It’s so great to walk into a room and have a group of middle school students run up and start telling you about all the cool things they have been doing during rehearsals for their musical. The students at Trillium Charter School did just that when I visited them last week. One of the kids showed me the business card he had made for his character, “Knuckles.” Another one talked to me about her character bio and the exciting backstory she had created. And perhaps my favorite exchange happened when one of the students came up to me and looked me straight in the eye and said, “Thank you for bringing musical theater to our school. It’s amazing!!!”

MEET VELVET FROM TRILLIUM CHARTER SCHOOL

Student Performer in Bugsy Malone JR.

Grade: 8

Favorite food: My grandma’s cannoli

Favorite color: Rainbow

Favorite band or singer: Emilie Autumn and Kerli

Hobbies: Writing, singing, playing guitar and crafting

What’s interesting about you and your family? My dad, brother and I live together, and we all love “Star Wars.”

What do you want to be when you grow up? Musician/Rock star

Role in show: Velma/Opera Singer

Favorite part of the musical’s story: How they all get along at the

end and the comedy

Hardest part of being in the show: Balancing it with school

What do you think your family will say when they see the show?

I think they will be proud.

Do you think it is important for other kids to be in a musical?

Yes, because it helps build confidence and helps people learn to work together.

If you could travel in time and visit yourself right before you perform in the show, what would you say? Don’t worry, and remember to tell a story.

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MEET SAM FROM TRILLIUM CHARTER SCHOOL

Student Performer in Bugsy Malone JR.

Grade: 8

Favorite color: Neon Blue

Favorite sport: Paintball

Hobbies: Dungeons & Dragons, video games and writing

What’s interesting about you and your family? My sister has lymphoma, and my dad teaches history at Lewis & Clark.

What do you want to be when you grow up? A professional actor

Role in show: Bugsy Malone

Favorite part of the musical’s story: The scene where Blousey gets mad

Favorite part of rehearsal: Blocking the scenes

Hardest part of being in the show: Memorizing lines

How has being in the show changed you? I feel closer to the people in the show.

What do you think your family will say when they see the show? “Good job,” even if they don’t mean it.

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Site #1

“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical”

Trillium Charter School

Portland, OR

February 10, 2012

Reported by: Marty Johnson, Director of Education, iTheatrics

I get asked what my job is a lot, especially as I visit all of these new schools across the country.  Am I a director, an educator, an administrator or am I actually a performer on “Smash?”  I always comment, “I’m all of the above, plus more, it just depends on which day of the week it is.”  OK. Except for being on “Smash.”  I’m not on the show.

With my administrator hat on, I got directions and found my way to Trillium Charter School located in Portland, Oregon. Trillium is a K-12 school in NoPo, or North Portland, with an enrollment rate of about 250 students a year.

Next as the educator, I met Language Arts teacher, Kirk Ellis, and Social Studies teacher, Kurt Maier, who will be guiding their students through the musical this spring. One of the core philosophies of the school is Constructivist Education. As an educator, I was familiar with the concept, but I asked Kirk and Kurt to explain it to me, to be sure I understood. They said, “Basically, constructivism treats students as active participants rather than passive recipients. They get a choice in how they will learn and are always engaged as in the process.  The students make meaning of their learning experiences through additional interactions with teachers, parents, the community and each other.” This philosophy encourages educators to teach the student, not just the subject.

Later as the director, I met the students for their section of the workshop, and it was clear they were ready to join me on our afternoon journey.  They were polite, attentive and so excited to finally be working on the musical. One of the early activities in our workshop asks the students to create statues (or tableaus) that tell the story of a common fairytale. There is a four-step process we take the students through: it starts out with the director leading mostly everything and ends with the students doing it on their own and even critiquing their own performances.  Not surprisingly, the students handled this activity flawlessly.

When the students finished and we were reflecting on all of the things they did, I noticed Kirk and Kurt were smiling and laughing.  As we got ready to move on to the next activity, they came over to me and said, “That’s Constructivist Education. What you and the students just did. You guided them.  They experienced. They learned. This musical is going to be amazing!”

Trillium was a great school for me to end on, for this leg of the workshop tour.  Because now when people ask me what I do, I can just say, “I’m a Constructivist.”

“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical” program is administered by iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald.  For more information, or to apply to become a part of the program, logon to www.MAKEAMUSICAL.ORG.

“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical”

Watershed High School

Minneapolis, MN

April 2, 2012

Reported by: Marty Johnson, Director of Education, iTheatrics

Into The Woods JR. is often considered to musically be one of the most difficult shows in the Broadway Junior Collection. But you wouldn’t know that by watching the students involved in the show at Watershed High School in Minneapolis. The students performed the lengthy opening number for me without missing an entrance, note or beat. And if they are this far along now, a full six weeks before their performance, I can only imagine how amazing the show will be on opening night.

MEET MAGNUS FROM WATERSHED HIGH SCHOOL

Student Performer in Into The Woods JR.

Grade: 11

Favorite food: Steak

Favorite sport: Baseball

Hobbies: Video games, card games and board games

What’s interesting about you and your family? We are scattered all over the country.

What do you want to be when you grow up? Video game designer

Role in show: Narrator

Favorite part of the musical’s story: The fact that it weaves together many of my favorite childhood stories.

Favorite part of rehearsal: Getting it right

How has being in the show changed you? It helped me make friends.

What do you think your family will say when they see the show? They’ll say I did good, regardless of the truth.

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MEET ARDEN FROM WATERSHED HIGH SCHOOL

Student Performer in Into The Woods JR.

Grade: 10

Favorite subject: Science

Favorite food: Sushi

Favorite color: Dark Green

Favorite band or singer: The Dresden Dolls

What’s interesting about you and your family? My grandfather was an opera singer.

What do you want to be when you grow up? Chemist

Role in show: Witch

Favorite part of the musical’s story: I love when the Witch raps. I’m not going to lie: I love my role.

Hardest part of being in the show: Repetition and  breath control

How has being in the show changed you? It made me trust my skills more.

Do you think it is important for other kids to be in a musical? Yes, because it builds confidence, and let’s you meet kids you normally wouldn’t talk to.

If you could travel in time and visit yourself right before you perform in the show, what would you say? Don’t worry.  You’ll be fine.

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Site #1

“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical”

Watershed High School

Minneapolis, MN

February 8, 2012

Reported by: Marty Johnson, Director of Education, iTheatrics

As I headed off to Minneapolis, I was not only excited to visit our next school, but I was also excited to see a good college friend who now lives there.  Over lunch, my friend told me her daughter’s school would have loved to be a part of “NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical”, but her school is already doing the musical, Fiddler On The Roof JR. However, she assured me that Watershed High School was the perfect choice for the program.

Watershed High School is a small charter school just south of downtown Minneapolis. The school curriculum is designed to educate students through a process that encourages community, creativity and service. A typical school day includes instruction in Math, English, Science and Social Studies before lunch and then electives after lunch, including everything from Fabric Science to Cartooning to Film to the Science of Movement.

During the entire workshop, the faculty, staff and students at Watershed were a true delight. It is clear they enjoy working together, learning from each other, and they all fully embrace the arts.  They are going to offer “NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical” program in the afternoon block of electives to allow all interested students to be a part of it, regardless of their after-school family or job commitments.

From an outsider’s point of view, it might be hard to figure out why the school hasn’t already offered a musical theater program. They offer music and dance classes. They stress creativity. But if you look a little deeper, the challenge is clear. Over the past few years, school funding in Minnesota has been greatly impacted as the state tries to balance their deficit. And this year, the state is currently withholding about 30% of the revenues due to each school until the summer, after the school year ends.  For Watershed, this means they had to let some of their staff members go, and their teachers are working for 70% of their salaries until they receive the “hold-back” money from the state.  That is if the “hold-back” money isn’t lost through additional budget cuts.

So Watershed is in the same boat as many schools. They have no funding for extra programs and they don’t want to burden their teachers with more responsibilities when they know they are already giving their all.  Thankfully for the students of Watershed, and many other schools across the country, “NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical” program directly addresses those concerns and works with the school administration to come up with long term strategies to keep musical theater in the schools regardless of state funding.

My friend was right.  This school embraces all the arts can offer but needs a little help and guidance to make it happen. Watershed could not be a better choice for this program.

“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical” program is administered by iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald.  For more information, or to apply to become a part of the program, logon to www.MAKEAMUSICAL.ORG.

“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make a Musical”

Stroud High School

Oklahoma City, OK

March 30, 2012

Reported by: Marty Johnson, Director of Education, iTheatrics

The team at Stroud High School is fully emerged in their production of Fiddler On The Roof JR., and I couldn’t be more impressed.  Being from a small town, the directing team wisely chose to make this production a true community event by casting middle and high school students, and even one elementary school student.  As I watched them rehearsing the wedding scene from the show, it was abundantly clear they understood the importance of family and tradition in the musical.  They have done great work researching the Jewish traditions that were once unfamiliar to them, and they are the perfect group to take on the challenge of representing a close-knit community from a small town.

MEET STEPHANIE FROM STROUD HIGH SCHOOL

Student Performer in Fiddler On The Roof JR.

Grade: 11

Favorite color: Turquoise and red

Favorite band or singer: Call ‘Em Captain Karma

Favorite sport: Basketball

Hobbies: Working out with dad, tanning

What’s interesting about you and your family? My mom was Miss Indian Oklahoma, and we have seven generations of Princesses.

What do you want to be when you grow up? Massage Therapist

Role in show: Villager

Favorite part of the musical’s story: The beginning where we learn about the traditions.

Favorite part of rehearsal: Making new friends

Hardest part of being in the show: First time singing for a crowd

How has being in the show changed you? I’m more open to others and able to be myself.

What do you think your family will say when they see the show? “Wow!”

MEET CAMERON FROM STROUD HIGH SCHOOL

Student Performer in Fiddler On The Roof JR.

Grade: 12

Favorite subject: History and Drama

Favorite band or singer: Bob Dylan

Favorite sport: Archery

Hobbies: Playing guitar, singing, shooting and farming

What’s interesting about you and your family? We have a lot of cows.

What do you want to be when you grow up? Doctor, farmer or a singer

Role in show: Tevye

Favorite part of the musical’s story: The wedding is my favorite because Jewish Weddings are so cool.

How has being in the show changed you? It has given me insight on the feelings thoughts and emotions of other people.

Do you think it is important for other kids to be in a musical? Yes because it shows them someone else’s point of view.

If you could travel in time and visit yourself right before you perform in the show, what would you say? I would wish myself luck, hope I would have my lines memorized, and ask what the winning lottery number was.

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Site Visit #1

“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical”

Stroud High School

Oklahoma City, OK

February 2, 2012

Reported by: Marty Johnson, Director of Education, iTheatrics

Stroud, Oklahoma lies about 40 minutes outside of downtown Oklahoma City. This “one stoplight” town of about 3,000 people used to be home to an outlet mall that drew lots of tourists. Then about thirteen years ago, a tornado blew through town and took the 53-store mall with it.  Nowadays the main reason people visit Stroud is to attend sporting events at the brand new recreation center. But if my workshop at the high school is any indication, there will be another great reason to visit this town in May –  to see the first ever musical at Stroud High School.

Recently Stroud High School’s principal Joe VanTuyl, choir teacher, Saundra Arnold and English teacher, Linda Thomas, had discussed starting a musical theater program at the school. So when the opportunity to apply for “NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical” came along, they hoped that, if accepted, this would be the jumpstart they needed. When I arrived at the school, it was clear that the teachers and students were ready and excited for the challenge ahead.

One of the first things I noticed was that most of the workshop participants, a mix of high school and middle school students, were wearing Isaac Project t-shirts. When I asked what the Isaac Project was, Ms. Arnold explained, “My seven-year-old son Isaac, passed away one year ago this Monday. He was such a kind, accepting, and wonderful child that we have created an organization that promotes tolerance and love for others in his memory. We are selling these t-shirts to raise money to publish a book that celebrates Isaac and who he was.” I was speechless. But the students and teachers made it clear this wasn’t a sad situation; the Isaac Project is an opportunity to honor Isaac and celebrate everything he gave to the community. And they all embodied what Isaac stood for throughout the workshop. These students and teachers are well prepared to create a kind and loving environment in which they will work together. I have no doubt they will find success in “NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical.”

We end most of our workshops discussing which show the school wants to perform. Ms. Arnold already had one in mind: Fiddler on the Roof JR.  I told her I loved that show, and I asked why she thought it would be a good choice for the school. Beyond simply enjoying the musical, she had a few reasons.

First of all, there are practically no Jewish people in Stroud, so she thought the musical would be a great way for her students and greater community to explore different religious views and traditions. Secondly, she felt her students would grow from learning how discrimination takes on many forms (not just racial) and how different groups of people have dealt with it throughout history. The third reason was since most of the young people in Stroud leave the town at some point, to explore the world or attend school, Ms. Arnold believes the families of Stroud could empathize and learn from Tevye as he deals with his own daughters growing up and leaving home. These are all great reasons to put on this show, but there was even one more.  Last, but certainly not least, the themes of family, tolerance and moving forward in the face of adversity, which are found in Fiddler on the Roof JR., are also the exact goals of the Isaac Project.

Perhaps the best reasons to produce a musical I have ever heard.  I can’t wait to return and see how it all turns out.  And yes, I will be wearing my Isaac Project t-shirt.

“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical” program is administered by iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald.  For more information, or to apply to become a part of the program, logon to www.MAKEAMUSICAL.ORG.