Fifty (50) New Lebanon Jr/Sr High School English 12, University English, music ensemble and drama students were given the opportunity to attend a professional Broadway workshop and musical on March 19.
The workshop was entitled “Making a Scene” and was administered by a Broadway stage director and actor, as well as an actor from the specific show the students would see later that day. In the workshop, students worked collaboratively on acting out specific scenarios. Our teaching artists advised the group on acting choices, vocal techniques and character development designed to encourage bold and creative acting choices. Working on a scene, the focus in this workshop was to interpret and bring text to life in truthful, imaginative and specific ways.
“The workshop was such a wonderful experience and the growth shown by our students happened almost immediately. The environment was extremely positive and each and every one of our students took chances, putting themselves out there, supporting one another as a team,” said teacher Mrs. Dickson, who accompanied students on the trip.
Students were then given the opportunity to participate in a question and answer discussion where they were able to ask our professional teaching artists about what it was like to “make it on Broadway” and what it took to get there. Following the workshop, the group made their way to lunch at the HardRock Café and then walked to the theatre to see “After Midnight.” This musical celebrates the glamour and exuberance of Harlem’s Golden Age. Set in Harlem’s most legendary nightclub, performed by the unparalleled Jazz at Lincoln Center All-Stars, an orchestra of 17 world-class musicians hand-picked by 9-time Grammy Award winner Wynton Marsalis. In this musical, the timeless songs of Duke Ellington, Harold Arlen, Cab Calloway, woven together by the prose of Langston Hughes.
“Every student seemed to find value in at least one aspect of the trip, whether it was the production or the workshop,” Mrs. Dickson said. “Watching students interact with others they would not typically work with would have been satisfying in itself, yet these students engaged in an activity that requires a lot of trust and confidence. It was extremely gratifying to see benefits for many curriculums, as well as for the school climate and culture.”
The project was supported by grants from the New Lebanon Arts & Humanities Fund and the Columbia Arts and Humanities Project, both through the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.
These grants were written with the goal of implementing the trip into Mrs. Dickson’s English 12 and Ms. Synakowski’s Senior Choir curriculums, as well as benefit student members of the Drama Club. The Drama Club advisers attended the trip as well, ensuring that the information attained will be passed down to future advisers and Drama Club members.
Students Share Their Thoughts About the Experience
“It was a good learning experience. We got to meet with actors which gave everyone an idea of what theater was like instead of being closed minded. Kids that misunderstood what the performing arts were really like were given an opportunity to see it for what it really was.” – Demery Weeks
“We can use the values and skills that we took from the workshop in everyday use and in the school setting.” – Katie Harty
“I thought that it helped to bring our school together more while we were there. During the workshop we expressed ourselves in a judgment-free zone.” – Meghan Moffit
“The New York City experience was incredible. The variety of talent is amazing, so many different people doing their own things. All of them chasing their dreams gives me the motivation to keep chasing the things I love and enjoy doing.” – Cody Ames
“The workshop left an impression because everyone came out of their shells, becoming very enthusiastic about acting.” – Connor Feathers
“It was the first time I’ve been to New York City and I enjoyed every second of it. When we first walked into the workshop I was a little hesitant about opening up and going with the flow but once everyone opened up, I wasn’t shy anymore…I loved everything about the play, I was literally on the edge of my seat.” – Alesha Horn
