Showing posts with label Makin' It In NY. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Makin' It In NY. Show all posts
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
NYC 2017 Day 1
We have arrived!!! The group arrived in the city after a long bus ride and settled into the Yotel. We took some time to relax and get cleaned up and then headed out to a nice dinner at 5 napkins. We enjoyed some classic New York style burgers and then walked over to Times Square. The group was given the opportunity to explore and shop at the heart of the city. We then headed back to our hotel and got a good nights sleep for our exciting day at Colombia tomorrow.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Makin' It in New York - Back to NH!
Thursday 3/7 the group attended a performance of an off off Broadway play at the Workshop Theater. We were fortunate to be part of a talkback with the playwright, Scott Sickles, and the entire cast of the show. Reflections from Lightning from Heaven...
Adam M.
I thought Lightning from Heaven was really interesting to watch. The theatre was very small and intimate, and it felt like you were right there in Communist Russia. The play was well written and well researched. You could tell that the writer really cared about the characters and the situations discussed in the play.
Dan L.
Lightning from Heaven was a very new experience for me. The theater was very small so the actors were within five feet from you. This made for a very interesting experience for the viewer. I enjoyed the story of the play. The characters were amazing and it made for a very good experience.
Pablo Z.
Lightning from Heaven was a straight play - meaning they do not have music/singing in their play. This was a brand new experience for me, as I have never watched a non-musical performance before. I especially admired the lead female of the play because she was on stage, devoted to the play for the whole time and did not have any free time to rest. The spirit of respecting your job is the most I benefited from watching the show.
Starr P.
Lightning from Heaven was very different than the other shows we watched through the duration of this trip. It had a much different atmosphere compared to Newsies and Once. This play was filled with talented actors and actresses who did an amazing job telling the story. It was a very quiet theater and a more adult topic. Though the play was serious, there were many funny details within it. Afterwards, during the Q and A session, we got to ask the cast questions, which they answered truthfully and gave everyone on the trip a different view of a career in the performing arts.
Alena R.
Lightning from Heaven was very different from the other shows. This play is very serious and for me it was really interesting because I am Russian and they were talking about Russian poet Boris Pasternak. After the play, all the actors were very kind and told us the story of how they got there, and we also spoke to the man who wrote this play.
Mandy B.
Lightning from Heaven was an honestly enjoyable show, although it ran a little long. The acting involved in this play was the best out of all the shows we had seen. The emotions were so real and I believed the chemistry between Olga and Boris. The show had an eerie feel to it and sort of reminded me of "Law and Order" at some parts. As an actress, I appreciated the work that was done before my eyes. I truly admire the actors involved with the show.
Maryna
Lightning from Heaven was completely different from the plays we watched before. The story took place in Russia. I was interested in it, even though the play seemed boring at first. It got more exciting and interesting as it went on.
Nicolas
It was very fun yesterday night. It was interesting to me to see the actors during the play and afterwards get the chance to meet them backstage.
Danny M.
Lightning from Heaven was a great experience; I enjoyed the show very much. This was one of the first straight plays that I enjoyed. While watching it, I felt like I was in the play. It actually made me feel, and changed my emotions. This is the only straight play that has ever done this to me.
Flavio
Lightning from Heaven was different than the other plays because they did not sing at all and did not dance. It was also a little longer and in a smaller theater than the other plays we saw before. It was also fascinating for me to see how the actors are totally different in person than their stage personalities.
After a long travel day, the Makin' It in New York group is back from their trip!
Adam M.
I thought Lightning from Heaven was really interesting to watch. The theatre was very small and intimate, and it felt like you were right there in Communist Russia. The play was well written and well researched. You could tell that the writer really cared about the characters and the situations discussed in the play.
Dan L.
Lightning from Heaven was a very new experience for me. The theater was very small so the actors were within five feet from you. This made for a very interesting experience for the viewer. I enjoyed the story of the play. The characters were amazing and it made for a very good experience.
Pablo Z.
Lightning from Heaven was a straight play - meaning they do not have music/singing in their play. This was a brand new experience for me, as I have never watched a non-musical performance before. I especially admired the lead female of the play because she was on stage, devoted to the play for the whole time and did not have any free time to rest. The spirit of respecting your job is the most I benefited from watching the show.
Starr P.
Lightning from Heaven was very different than the other shows we watched through the duration of this trip. It had a much different atmosphere compared to Newsies and Once. This play was filled with talented actors and actresses who did an amazing job telling the story. It was a very quiet theater and a more adult topic. Though the play was serious, there were many funny details within it. Afterwards, during the Q and A session, we got to ask the cast questions, which they answered truthfully and gave everyone on the trip a different view of a career in the performing arts.
Alena R.
Lightning from Heaven was very different from the other shows. This play is very serious and for me it was really interesting because I am Russian and they were talking about Russian poet Boris Pasternak. After the play, all the actors were very kind and told us the story of how they got there, and we also spoke to the man who wrote this play.
Mandy B.
Lightning from Heaven was an honestly enjoyable show, although it ran a little long. The acting involved in this play was the best out of all the shows we had seen. The emotions were so real and I believed the chemistry between Olga and Boris. The show had an eerie feel to it and sort of reminded me of "Law and Order" at some parts. As an actress, I appreciated the work that was done before my eyes. I truly admire the actors involved with the show.
Maryna
Lightning from Heaven was completely different from the plays we watched before. The story took place in Russia. I was interested in it, even though the play seemed boring at first. It got more exciting and interesting as it went on.
Nicolas
It was very fun yesterday night. It was interesting to me to see the actors during the play and afterwards get the chance to meet them backstage.
Danny M.
Lightning from Heaven was a great experience; I enjoyed the show very much. This was one of the first straight plays that I enjoyed. While watching it, I felt like I was in the play. It actually made me feel, and changed my emotions. This is the only straight play that has ever done this to me.
Flavio
Lightning from Heaven was different than the other plays because they did not sing at all and did not dance. It was also a little longer and in a smaller theater than the other plays we saw before. It was also fascinating for me to see how the actors are totally different in person than their stage personalities.
After a long travel day, the Makin' It in New York group is back from their trip!
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Makin' It in New York - 3/6 and 3/7
Wednesday 3/6
Makin' It in New York had a very busy day on Wednesday. We started the day by taking the subway up to Lincoln Center, where we were meeting to take a tour of the whole complex. We started with Avery Fischer (symphony) Hall, where we had the opportunity to sit in on a rehearsal for the New York Philharmonic's Thursday performance. WOW! Students were surprised at how much they enjoyed the music. It was an unexpected, but very special treat.
We also toured the David H. Hoch theater, home of the New York City Ballet, the Metropolitan Opera House, and Broadway's largest theater that is currently staging a one woman show. We had the opportunity to see actors at rehearsal, dancers warming up, and technicians checking the sound and lights prior to a matinee.
After Lincoln Center we hurried over to Radio City Music Hall to tour the iconic Art Deco landmark. Talk about big! We learned about the building's history, and we even got to meet a Rockette! Ms. Brown, Mr. Beaulieu, Danny M., and Daniel L. were in awe of the opportunity to go below the stage deck to get a peek at the stage's hydrolic turntable system.
In the evening, we attended a performance of Once - A New Musical. It was a very different type of show than Newsies. Students were surprised at how different musicals can be. Some enjoyed the flashiness of Newsies, while others appreciated the simplicity of the artistic choices made in Once. After the show, we once again met up with Associate Producer, Charlie Stone. He arranged for us to meet the stage managers who gave us a tour of the stage and backstage areas. We also got the opportunity to meet with some of the actors/actresses.Thursday 3/7
This morning we had the awesome opportunity to take a Broadway Masterclass with Marissa Perry. Marissa was the lead in Hairspray on Broadway. Marissa taught us 2 different pieces of choreography from Hairspray (original choreography by Jerry Mitchell). It was a challenge, but we all had a blast. Marissa did a talkback with us afterwards and explained her journey to Broadway. This evening we are going to see an off - off Broadway play written by Scott Sickles called Lightening from Heaven.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Makin It in New York - Reflections from 3/5
Tuesday 3/5 was a busy day for the New York Project week group. In the morning we met with Propmaster Allyssa Dillon. In the afternoon we explored Times Square, Rockafeller Center, 5th Avenue and other iconic New York spots. In the evening we met Jeff Metzler, a broadway actor. He answered questions about how to get into the business and what it is like working in the business. In the evening we attended a performance of the musical Newsies. Here are our individual reflections from the day...
Nicolas E.
Newsies was one of the best musicals I ever saw. I really enjoyed the music of this Disney show!
Flavio P.
I really enjoyed Newsies because of the technical aspects of the show. I thought the changing of the set was amazing. I also enjoyed walking around Times Square.
Pablo Z.
Yesterday we were fortunate enough to meet a real star who had been in multiple broadway shows before - Jeff Metzler. Although Mr. Metzler had a tremendous amount of success before, he still stayed humble and approachable. He kindly shared two secrets about "making it in NY". They are, one, to be kind to everyone, and two, to make connections. He was absolutely a joy to talk to and I love the fabulous experience communicating with him.
Maryna K.
Today we met Allyssa and Jeff. I thought it was really cool to see how their different personalities "fit" their different careers. Allyssa was quiet and calm in her presentation to us, which seemed much like her "behind the scenes" job. Jeff was very animated and emotional in his talk with us, which made it apparent that he is an actor.
Alena R.
It was really interesting to meet Jeff because he has performed in theater and film. I asked him a question about whether or not there are differences between film and theater acting. He said "yes". For him, he enjoys performing on stage better because you are acting in front of an audience and the audience gives you energy. In front of a camera you don't get that energy. Yesterday was my first broadway show. It was really exciting because it was something new for me, and I was really shocked at all they do (dance, sing, perform, etc.)
Adam M.
Mr. Metzler said something that really stuck out to me..."Tonight is someones first broadway show, and tonight is someones last broadway show, so [as a performer] you have to always make it great." I thought this was cool because you should always give it your all because it is a new experience for someone every night, even though as a performer you have done the same show over and over again.
Danny M.
It is prevalent that making it in NY is all about the connections you have and how you act around those connections. Every person we have talked to, including our waiter at the Stardust Diner, said that it is all about who you know. Also, Charlie, Jeff, and Allyssa all mentioned that not only do you need the connections, but you have to be nice; people want to work with nice people.
Tim N.
To be honest, this is an extremely hard field to succeed in. You have to work very hard everyday to achieve success in this field. You have to be amazing at acting, dancing and singing; remember, you can lose an audition to someone who is better than you in some little manner. Likewise, connections and your representation are extremely important in this field. You have to be polite, kind and friendly. "You see, people enjoy working with people whom they like and people whom they know" (Jeff Metzler). Jeff, Mrs. Martinez's brother, briefly explained to us some tips to make it in the business.
Mandy B.
So far, I have learned that talent comes in all ages, and in order to make it to NY, you must make a good impression and discover connections.
Starr P.
I learned about the impact of a career in the performing arts. I learned that a career in the performing arts helps to take the audience away from real life for a couple hours and entertain them. I find it interesting how everyone we met said the most important things were making connections, being nice and taking risks in order to make it in NY.
Daniel L.
I saw my first broadway show yesterday. Newsies kept me on the edge of my seat the whole show. It was excellent. I was impressed by the lights, the props and the actors.
Mrs. Martinez
I am enjoying having discussions with the students about their reactions to the people we are meeting and the experiences we are having. I think the students are really enjoying themselves and are pleasantly surprised with what they are learning. They have appreciated the opportunities to meet people from the business. They have been impressed by the honesty of the artists we have met and have been grateful for the advise each artist has given. Something that stuck with me so far was something Jeff Metzler said. He talked about the importance of his work. He explained that at times he has been in the wings of the theater about to go on thinking to himself "Why am I doing this right now?" "This seems so silly." The times he has thought this have been when he has had a death in the family or something tragic in the world is going on. The answers to his reflections are exactly what Starr reflected on above... Jeff stated that the arts are so important because they let real people (meaning the audience) escape the hardships of real life, even if only for a couple hours.
Nicolas E.
Newsies was one of the best musicals I ever saw. I really enjoyed the music of this Disney show!
Flavio P.
I really enjoyed Newsies because of the technical aspects of the show. I thought the changing of the set was amazing. I also enjoyed walking around Times Square.
Pablo Z.
Yesterday we were fortunate enough to meet a real star who had been in multiple broadway shows before - Jeff Metzler. Although Mr. Metzler had a tremendous amount of success before, he still stayed humble and approachable. He kindly shared two secrets about "making it in NY". They are, one, to be kind to everyone, and two, to make connections. He was absolutely a joy to talk to and I love the fabulous experience communicating with him.
Maryna K.
Today we met Allyssa and Jeff. I thought it was really cool to see how their different personalities "fit" their different careers. Allyssa was quiet and calm in her presentation to us, which seemed much like her "behind the scenes" job. Jeff was very animated and emotional in his talk with us, which made it apparent that he is an actor.
Alena R.
It was really interesting to meet Jeff because he has performed in theater and film. I asked him a question about whether or not there are differences between film and theater acting. He said "yes". For him, he enjoys performing on stage better because you are acting in front of an audience and the audience gives you energy. In front of a camera you don't get that energy. Yesterday was my first broadway show. It was really exciting because it was something new for me, and I was really shocked at all they do (dance, sing, perform, etc.)
Adam M.
Mr. Metzler said something that really stuck out to me..."Tonight is someones first broadway show, and tonight is someones last broadway show, so [as a performer] you have to always make it great." I thought this was cool because you should always give it your all because it is a new experience for someone every night, even though as a performer you have done the same show over and over again.
Danny M.
It is prevalent that making it in NY is all about the connections you have and how you act around those connections. Every person we have talked to, including our waiter at the Stardust Diner, said that it is all about who you know. Also, Charlie, Jeff, and Allyssa all mentioned that not only do you need the connections, but you have to be nice; people want to work with nice people.
Tim N.
To be honest, this is an extremely hard field to succeed in. You have to work very hard everyday to achieve success in this field. You have to be amazing at acting, dancing and singing; remember, you can lose an audition to someone who is better than you in some little manner. Likewise, connections and your representation are extremely important in this field. You have to be polite, kind and friendly. "You see, people enjoy working with people whom they like and people whom they know" (Jeff Metzler). Jeff, Mrs. Martinez's brother, briefly explained to us some tips to make it in the business.
Mandy B.
So far, I have learned that talent comes in all ages, and in order to make it to NY, you must make a good impression and discover connections.
Starr P.
I learned about the impact of a career in the performing arts. I learned that a career in the performing arts helps to take the audience away from real life for a couple hours and entertain them. I find it interesting how everyone we met said the most important things were making connections, being nice and taking risks in order to make it in NY.
Daniel L.
I saw my first broadway show yesterday. Newsies kept me on the edge of my seat the whole show. It was excellent. I was impressed by the lights, the props and the actors.
Mrs. Martinez
I am enjoying having discussions with the students about their reactions to the people we are meeting and the experiences we are having. I think the students are really enjoying themselves and are pleasantly surprised with what they are learning. They have appreciated the opportunities to meet people from the business. They have been impressed by the honesty of the artists we have met and have been grateful for the advise each artist has given. Something that stuck with me so far was something Jeff Metzler said. He talked about the importance of his work. He explained that at times he has been in the wings of the theater about to go on thinking to himself "Why am I doing this right now?" "This seems so silly." The times he has thought this have been when he has had a death in the family or something tragic in the world is going on. The answers to his reflections are exactly what Starr reflected on above... Jeff stated that the arts are so important because they let real people (meaning the audience) escape the hardships of real life, even if only for a couple hours.
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| Ms Martinez and her Brother Jeff Metzler |
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| Listening to someone who "Made it" |
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| The group with Jeff Metzler, all dressed for the theatre! |
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| Post Newsies Dinner |
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| Talking to Alyssa Dillon, Associate props mistress SLEEP NO MORE, and a former student of Ms Brown! |
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| The two Broadway shows we are seeing! |
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| Ms Brown's Times Square group |
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| At Rockefeller Center |
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| Jazzhands!! |
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| We will be touring here today |
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Makin' It in New York
After a long travel day, the Makin' it in New York project group ate dinner Monday night at Gossip. Charlie Stone and his wife Bekka, friends of Meredith Brown joined us for dinner. Charlie is the Associate Producer of the musical Once. We had a great time learning about the production side of the business. Here are some take aways from our chat with Charlie and Bekka...
1. "Sometimes makin' it in New York is not actually 'makin it'". Sometimes finding another career path through your love of the performing arts is considered "makin it".
2. An important part of making it in the business is making connections and networking. (We thought it was awesome to now have a "connection" with a Broadway producer.)
3. Never give up pursuing what you love, but be realistic in your need to sometimes try something new. For example, Charlie chose to pursue producing versus acting for economic reasons
We are now getting ready to meet propmaster, Allyssa Dillon.
1. "Sometimes makin' it in New York is not actually 'makin it'". Sometimes finding another career path through your love of the performing arts is considered "makin it".
2. An important part of making it in the business is making connections and networking. (We thought it was awesome to now have a "connection" with a Broadway producer.)
3. Never give up pursuing what you love, but be realistic in your need to sometimes try something new. For example, Charlie chose to pursue producing versus acting for economic reasons
We are now getting ready to meet propmaster, Allyssa Dillon.
Sunday, March 3, 2013
New York, New York...
Friday, March 1, 2013
Makin' it in New York
Have you ever wondered what a career in the performing arts
means? What kind of work goes into pursuing success? What is the culture
surrounding this kind of career? Why is it important to society? This is an
opportunity to investigate what it takes to land a job in the performing arts.
If you are an actor, musician, dancer or technician and want a
behind-the-scenes look at these potential careers this is the project week for
you!
WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF A PERFORMING ARTS CAREER?
- investigate what it takes to land a job in the performing arts
- investigate the experience of a career in the performing arts
- investigate the impact performing artists have on audiences and culture.
Daniel M.
I hope to learn what it took for the people we will meet to get to the point they are on broadway.
I also would like find out how difficult it is to get a play that you write onto a theater.
If possible, I would like to see the tech side of the theater, such as the boards, lights, flys, etc...
Daniel L.
A really want to see the professional lights at the play.
I want to see what it is like for people having lighting as a career.
And I want to see what goes into a broadway play.
Starr P.
I would like to learn about the struggles these people went through in order to "Make it in New York."
I would like to ask the directors/actors/producers how it feels to live their dreams and find out what advice they have for student thespians who would like to do the same one day.
Temirlan N.
I hope that we will explore the professional careers of some of the artists that we will meet and understand how they came to their current careers.
Did they specifically attend a acting/producing school?
Did they persue the dream of working in performing arts from an early age or was it a spontaneous decision?
Amanda B.
How much work does it take till you make it big?
Is getting a theater career all in who you know?
What is the audition process like?
Alena R.
I want to learn something new about performing.
Is it hard to perform?
Are they still nervous when they go to stage?
Nicholas E.
What is involved in performing arts?
I want to be able to explain what performing arts is.
Maryna K.
I hope to have new experience and learn more about performing arts career, as well as I want to meet new people and enjoy my time there.
Adam M.
I personally want to go into the performing arts when I grow up,
I hope to make connections in New York and learn what it takes to be a professional actor.
I love the city and get experience on living in the city.
I want to get more experience in dance and see the process of the broadway actors
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