It was a full three days of classes and shows, but my Broadway Teacher Workshop has come to an end. I'm so inspired by the things I experienced that I had to share it all with you. Day one began with a class on inspiration taught by Susan Blackwell, who hosts a chat show on Broadway.com. We discussed how we find and pass along inspiration in our daily lives. Next was an absolutely wonderful class about the music of Harold Arlen (Wizard of Oz, Stormy Weather). Various performers, including Nikki Renee Daniels from Book of Mormon, were there to sing his songs while David Loud discussed the man behind the music. I had chills! Next was a class on how to make classic literature (Shakespeare, Jane Austen, etc.) more accessible and unique for audiences. After that class, I met Mrs. Laude from Shore Road. I've heard about her for years, and it was so nice to finally meet and discuss you Shore Road kids (yes, we talk about you - we're like proud parents). The last class of the day was about students who audition to go to performing arts or music programs in college. We learned what schools are looking for and how we can better prepare our students. Maybe you're on your way to one of those schools. The end of the day was spent attending Hamilton, but since I've already seen it twice, I gave my ticket to my mom. I think win Daughter of the Year. Needless to say, she loved it.
Day two began with a class on choreography with people of varying dance abilities (that's what we need, kids). The School of Rock choreographer gave me tips that I can specifically use for our next musical (still not telling!). The second class of the day was taught by Brad Oscar, who was nominated for a Tony for his performance in Something Rotten. It was about interpreting songs instead of just singing them. That's something that I find students don't truly understand yet in middle school, so we continue to work on it. After lunch was a presentation by MTI, one of the companies that rents us the rights to our musicals. I told them that we need more options for junior shows, and they said they're working on it. The last class of the day was on prop creation. Harold Hill's suitcase and Millie and Jimmy's green glass are vital to the story, so we have to make sure we get them right. The audience knows. After dinner, we headed to the Marriott Marquis to see On Your Feet. It was a good show with lots of talent. Not my favorite, but I was definitely up and dancing by the end.
The final day was spent listening to how a bunch of cast members from On Your Feet ended up on Broadway. There are so many different paths in life with no correct or incorrect way of doing things. They took different roads to end up in the same place, and it was interesting to hear each one. One of the performers had a role in the workshops of In the Heights and thought it was going to be his big break. His role got cut, and he felt like a failure. He said it was a difficult time watching that show be so successful without him, but it's part of life in theater. Some roles you get, some roles you don't. Ten years later, he made his Broadway debut in On Your Feet. Next was a Meet the Artist presentation with Christopher Jackson, the man who plays General George Washington in Hamilton. What a ride that cast has been on this year, and it was so great to hear him talk about the highs and lows of his career. The workshop ended with a matinee performance of Fun Home and an evening performance of Shuffle Along. What a busy three days!
There were so many things that I took away from my workshops. I sent a Remind message telling you all that one of my favorites was said by a Shuffle Along cast member. He said that as he grew up and then started to work he realized that it's important to "be competitive with yourself, not others." How right he is. When you perform, you are all working together to create something, so you must be on the same team. Do your best and push yourself to reach new heights and improve, but never feel like you have to compete with someone else. The other thing that was so interesting that I heard throughout each of the workshops was that you need to be someone who people want to work with. There are so many talented people in this world, but sometimes that talent comes with attitude, and nobody likes attitude. Have confidence and humility (modesty). Know that you're awesome but that you can always be better and learn more. Ugh, so many things to share, but I think this has been long enough. I've attached some photos and videos from the event, so you can feel like you were there.
Day two began with a class on choreography with people of varying dance abilities (that's what we need, kids). The School of Rock choreographer gave me tips that I can specifically use for our next musical (still not telling!). The second class of the day was taught by Brad Oscar, who was nominated for a Tony for his performance in Something Rotten. It was about interpreting songs instead of just singing them. That's something that I find students don't truly understand yet in middle school, so we continue to work on it. After lunch was a presentation by MTI, one of the companies that rents us the rights to our musicals. I told them that we need more options for junior shows, and they said they're working on it. The last class of the day was on prop creation. Harold Hill's suitcase and Millie and Jimmy's green glass are vital to the story, so we have to make sure we get them right. The audience knows. After dinner, we headed to the Marriott Marquis to see On Your Feet. It was a good show with lots of talent. Not my favorite, but I was definitely up and dancing by the end.
The final day was spent listening to how a bunch of cast members from On Your Feet ended up on Broadway. There are so many different paths in life with no correct or incorrect way of doing things. They took different roads to end up in the same place, and it was interesting to hear each one. One of the performers had a role in the workshops of In the Heights and thought it was going to be his big break. His role got cut, and he felt like a failure. He said it was a difficult time watching that show be so successful without him, but it's part of life in theater. Some roles you get, some roles you don't. Ten years later, he made his Broadway debut in On Your Feet. Next was a Meet the Artist presentation with Christopher Jackson, the man who plays General George Washington in Hamilton. What a ride that cast has been on this year, and it was so great to hear him talk about the highs and lows of his career. The workshop ended with a matinee performance of Fun Home and an evening performance of Shuffle Along. What a busy three days!
There were so many things that I took away from my workshops. I sent a Remind message telling you all that one of my favorites was said by a Shuffle Along cast member. He said that as he grew up and then started to work he realized that it's important to "be competitive with yourself, not others." How right he is. When you perform, you are all working together to create something, so you must be on the same team. Do your best and push yourself to reach new heights and improve, but never feel like you have to compete with someone else. The other thing that was so interesting that I heard throughout each of the workshops was that you need to be someone who people want to work with. There are so many talented people in this world, but sometimes that talent comes with attitude, and nobody likes attitude. Have confidence and humility (modesty). Know that you're awesome but that you can always be better and learn more. Ugh, so many things to share, but I think this has been long enough. I've attached some photos and videos from the event, so you can feel like you were there.