Keep The Stage Lights Bright Every Night

Keep The Stage Lights Bright Every Night

 

Hi everyone! This past April and May I was performing in my favorite show, In The Heights at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre! It was an amazing experience that I had never had before. I worked only with adults, there was a full band, and the run was four weekends long with shows every Thursday, Friday, two on Saturday, and then one Sunday. I had never performed a show for longer than two weekends, so keeping the show fresh for twenty shows was new for me. During the run I can up with some tips and tricks to help make every night feel like opening night!

1. React to everything every night like it is the first time you're hearing it. Even though you've practiced it over and over and performed it over and over, live in the moment and enjoy every second, because it's over before you know it.
2. Keep those dance movements sharp and precise! You'll feel like you really worked hard to do even some simpler moves, but to the audience it will always look clean and fun!
3. Sing out! Always give it your all. Like the dance movements and keeping them sharp, singing out and giving 110% makes a gratifying show.
4. Lastly, just have fun. Like I said before, enjoying every second is important. Live it up on that stage and the audience will live it up with you!

In The Heights was my dream show, and it has truly been a performance that has made me grow as a performer. May you all have a blast and live in the moment, whether it's on stage or just living life!

photo by Kevin McNair

- Jaden Bonfietti

Incoming sophomore at Foran High School

Member of the NPT Youth Board

From Band Concert to Broadway

From Band Concert to Broadway

 Hello, everybody! A few weeks ago, I had the absolute pleasure of seeing Panic! At the Disco, an alternative band fronted by lead singer, Brendon Urie, an insanely talented individual.
      I can confidently say that this was the best concert I have ever been to. Panic! played 32 songs, featuring songs from their newest album, “Death of A Bachelor”, along with songs from older albums, and even a few covers. Each song was accompanied by insane backdrops, lighting, fire, and at times, even “stunts”! During “This is Gospel”, Urie played the piano ABOVE the stage on a rotating platform. The craziest part of the concert was when Urie, to get back to the stage from the piano, walked through the audience while singing the concert’s featured song, “Death of A Bachelor”, hugging fans and belting out whistle tones. It was insane. Something that really touched me was what occurred during the song Girls/Girls/Boys, a song empowering to the LGBT+ community. Before the show, colored hearts were passed out to be held over our flashlights during the song. The result was a beautiful sea of rainbow light, showing support to all of the LGBT+ members of the audience. To top the night off, the concert ended with their song,”Victorious”, showering the audience in silver confetti.
      Luckily, that isn't the only time I’m getting the opportunity to see Brendon this year. Starting May 26th, Urie will be playing lead role, Charlie Price, in Kinky Boots! I will be seeing him in June, so keep a look out for a post about the show!

- Sydney Maher
Sophomore at Foran High School
Member of the NPT Youth Board