#justiceforrent: Trumbull High School's Journey

On Monday, November 25, 2013, at 2:30pm, members of Trumbull High School's Thespian Society gathered in their adviser/director/teacher's room for reasons that were unknown. Many of the THeSpians were still coming off their post-show high from the school's fall play, GAME NIGHT. That high, however, would end rather abruptly.

At the start of the meeting, their adviser was the bearer of bad news. The school's principal, Marc Guarino, made the decision to cancel the Spring production of RENT: The School Edition, a watered-down version of the Tony Award-Winning musical by Jonathan Larson..

Guarino arrived at the meeting and was asked many questions such as: "Why?," "Will we ever get to put RENT on?," "Who is responsible for this decision?," and "How can we change your mind?"

To answer the question "why?," Guarino felt that the topics discussed in RENT, such as homosexuality, and HIV/AIDS, were too "sensitive" or "controversial" for the Trumbull Community. As a new principal, he was unfamiliar with how the adults of the town would react with their children performing as drug addicts dying of AIDS. He also took full responsibility in the decision.

After two and a half hours of questioning, the students left with holes in their hearts. It would be the beginning of a long and still-going journey for a group of high school students.

The THeSpians have shown great maturity in publicizing and gathering support for the beloved musical. That night, the THeSPians president, Larissa Mark, took charge and began a Facebook page "Trumbull for Rent." Overnight, this page gained over 3000 likes, including people from other states and countries. On Twitter, "#justiceforrent" started to trend almost immediately after the meeting. Many students reached out to celebrities via Twitter.

On November 26, the students collected 1,516 signatures from fellow students at THS, a majority of the school and over 400 signatures from the adults of Trumbull. "#justiceforrent" was no longer a dream for the THeSpians.

Mark and several other students have appeared on several news station discussing the fight.

On November 27, Guarino announced that he would reconsider the decision. At a Board of Education meeting on December 4, a letter from Guarino, not in attendance, was read. It stated that RENT: The School Edition would not be performed at Trumbull High School for the 2013-2014 school year.

Timothy M. Herbst, the first-selectman of Trumbull, came out with a statement that Friday that he hoped would open up a dialogue between the students, Board of Education, community and Guarino. He explained that an alternative to RENT being put on during the school year would be to have Trumbull Youth Association put on RENT the next summer.

TYA came back to say that it was not a possibility for the group, seeing that it was an all-inclusive program in which anyone in Connecticut ages 13-21 could participate. RENT: The School Edition was geared for students up to age 18. TYA would have to turn away three years-worth of participants.

Many parents and students were in attendance at Board of Education meetings to express their concern. One parent of a THS student, Denise Mather, put many people's feelings into a speech that she delivered at one meeting. "The production of RENT at our high school would do nothing more than promote love, acceptance, tolerance and friendship. HIV, addiction and homosexuality is an everyday occurrence in this town and your schools."

On December 10, after many offers from other theatres to put on the production for the students, including the Goodspeed Opera House, Herbst announced via the radio station, WICC, that he and Mr. Guarino were ready and commited to bringing RENT to the halls of THS this school year.

Everyone rejoiced, but was brought, yet again, an abrupt end, The next day Guarino released a letter saying that the production was to be put on April 30-May 4, instead of the normal show weekend, March 24-30. The reason for this change was so that the school could provide the students and community with workshops and information about the topics addressed in RENT.

The decision to change the date ignored all of the student activities in the coming spring that could conflict with the new dates. Between a choir concert tour of England in early April, AP testing to start promptly on May 5, spring sports and a Bicen competition, the students have full schedules that never were in conflict with the musical before this. Last Wednesday, December 11, many students and parents spoke of their concerns about the date change at a BoE meeting. It would be impossible for many of the students to participate in the musical if the show weekend was changed.

Guarino is due to make a decision before the students leave the school on Friday, December 20, for their winter vacation.

THeSpians at the 2013 Connecticut High School Theatre Musical Awards Gala. They took home four awards for their production "Crazy for You."

Katherine A. Griffin
Sophomore
Trumbull High School

NPT Sunday Spotlight- Christine Dwyer, Renee Lawless and Joe Abraham

For the second Sunday Spotlight of the season, we are very lucky to have three Broadway stars that are in new works!

The Sunday Spotlight is on December 8th and begins at 8pm, so log on before so we can begin on time!

Christine Dwyer is making her Broadway debut as the Elphaba in the long running musical WICKED. She also played the role in the national tour. (For a video of Christine belting out "Defying Gravity", click here!)

Renee Lawless is already a seasoned Broadway performer, and now the star of the Tyler Perry TV show "The Have and Have Nots"!

Joe Abraham is a Broadway performer and now a film pro. He is part of the cast for the motion picture adaption of the Tony Award winning musical, "Jersey Boys". He and his wife are new authors and have a book called "The Thriving Artists"

Click on the link to register! https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6198436682978856193

~The New Paradigm Theater Youth Board

"It's All Fun and Games Until..." A Director's View on the THS 2013 Fall Play, GAME NIGHT

Trumbull High School, which has put on award winning productions such as Crazy for You, The Wiz and Fiddler on the Roof, is putting on its second annual fall production. This year, the play is called Game Night. 8 playwrites were each given a classic board game and a genre of theater and 24 hours to write it. The result was GAME NIGHT.

GAME NIGHT has 8 "vignettes" (like in the style of Almost, Maine) as scenes. The board games that were selected were: Checkers, Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, Clue, Chess, Sorry!, Battleship and Candyland.

Drama Teacher and English Teacher Jessica Spillane chose 6 student directors to mentor as they each direct 1 or 2 scenes. Those directors are: Daniel Satter, Larissa Mark, Josh Madwed, Emily Ruchalski, Nathan Clift (me) and Jacquelyn Sheenan. 

Now, 6 directors and 8 scenes... that doesn't even out. 

Larissa Mark, a long time Stage Manager for Trumbull High and TYA, directed last year's fall play, Almost, Maine. She was asked to direct the scenes that are based off Trivial Pursuit and Candyland. I was lucky enough to be asked to direct two as well. I am directing the scenes based off Monopoly and Battleship.

Acting is not easy. That's a given. However, most actors don't know how stressful it is on the production staff and crew. I was on run crew for productions of Seussical Jr, Cinderella Jr and The Castaways. I was on Property Crew for TYA's production of Grease and I was part of the publicity crew for last year's Almost, Maine. I am a producer of the Sunday Spotlights. I have Stage Managed and Co-Choregraphed and I can honestly say: NO ONE'S JOB IS EASY. Basically, next time your director postpones the cast list, it's because they are having trouble. 

Now, take the producers, directors, set designers, etc and have them being mentored to take away skills that will help them in the future. That is what Trumbull High is doing. 

I bet by now you typed into Google "Game Night Play" and got nothing. You won't find any video recordings of productions. That is because this weekend is the world premiere of the show. 

You read that right...
This is the original production of the show. 

As amazing as that is, nothing has changed in the production end. It doesn't matter if you are doing GAME NIGHT or ROMEO AND JULIET: You need to make the show happen, whether it is the first time being performed or the millionth time being performed. 

I have learned in the past few months that nothing happens over night. It is a lot of collaboration, debating and problem solving. If you want to be part of production staff ever, here is one hint: remain calm. Everything seems worse than it really is. 

GAME NIGHT was fun, painful, stressful and many more adjectives. Currently, we are 1/2 way through tech week. The show is Friday and Saturday at Trumbull High School. Both of the shows are at 8pm. Tickets are $5 and you can only buy them at the door. My advice, get there early enough so you can get a ticket. 

If you are on facebook, the event is here: https://www.facebook.com/events/446873395433661/

For commercials, here are 2 of them:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0AOiVfzMhA&feature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emuV52bQ-nY&feature=youtu.be

Come on down to Trumbull High and remember: "It's all fun and games until..." well... what do you think comes next?

~Nathan Clift

Junior at Trumbull High School

VP of the New Paradigm Theatre Youth Board

The NPT Sunday Spotlights are Back Up Starting November 3rd!

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/.../3610308356411457281

The NPT Youth Board Sunday Spotlights are returning November 3rd. The link above is to register for this one of a kind class.

As you may know, the Sunday Spotlights are one on one master classes with professionals in the entertainment industry, like Broadway Stars, Film/ TV Stars, Voice Over Artists, College Professors from Musical Theater Departments, Directors, etc. 

This is 100% Free! You sit right at your computer or call in on your phone! It's that easy. You can look at the past Sunday Spotlights from last year on our Youtube Channel.

 The Sunday Spotlights open with Scott Bryce, who is not only a Broadway performer, but he has been twice nominated for an Emmy and has starred in films as well. He is also a director and a producer. 

The Webinar begins at 8pm on Sunday, November 3rd. Please log on a few minutes before so we can begin on time!

~The NPT Youth Board

Vlog 1 - Behind the Scenes @ Jesus Christ Superstar!

Hey all!

So in September, I began my journey as playing Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, a production by Lauralton Hall (an all-girls Catholic school) in Milford, CT. It's been an awesome experience so far, and I've had the chance to work with an amazing cast and director. Now here's your chance to see this process for yourself. Here is the first installment of "What's the Buzz? - Jesus' Vlog". Enjoy!

Matt Sweeney
Senior, Stamford High School

President, New Paradigm Theatre Youth Board

The New Paradigm Theatre Youth Board's Broadway Star Open Mic Night

Have you ever wanted to sing for Broadway Stars?
Ever wanted to spend a night of show tunes with your friends?
Do you want to be a Broadway Star, even for one moment?
The New Paradigm Theatre YOUTH Board is sponsoring an Open Mic Night style Cabaret Night. It is for people of all ages.

If you remember our past two "So Ya Wanna Be a Broadway Star" Competitions, you sang in front of a panel of judges in the entertainment industry. 

In this Open Mic Night, you will prepare a song and sing for a panel of judges. Here's the catch:
You aren't competing. 
You heard us right. It's not a competition. It's a fun night of singing and entertainment!

If you are interested in performing, here's what you need to do:

1. Bring Music in your key (please no transposition)
2. Your music should be either double sided or back to back (in protective sheet covers) in a 3-ring binder for the accompanist
a. The song should be short or a shortened version of it (Ex: A song with 4 verses you sing 2 instead) not 16 bars.
3. Email nptyouthboard@gmail.com with your name and song title BEFORE Saturday the 19th. (If you change your mind at the last minute it is ok, but best if the accompanist had an idea of what you are singing.)
4. Wear attire you would wear for an audition.
5. Arrive at the Watermark before 2pm of Oct. 19th to register.
6. Invite family and friends to cheer you on!

It's going to be a night of fun and Broadway music! Please do come!
~The New Paradigm Theatre Youth Board

"So Ya Wanna Be a Broadway Star? Competition" is back! Minus the competition.

Yeah. I know. Sounds a bit odd, right?

As you may have known, The New Paradigm Theatre has sponsored 3 different Broadway Star competitions in the past (One in January 2012, One in October 2012 and One at SoNo in July 2013). But the New Paradigm Youth Board wanted a night for teens to sing favorite songs, but not competing with each other. Something where you get feed back and still have a fun night with your friends and cheer them on.

And thus, the "Broadway Star" Open Mic Night was born!

Poster for the Event

So, what exactly is this?

Well, for $5 ($10 if you are performing), you will get a unique one of a kind experience for people of any age! A fantastic pianist will be accompanying you as you sing your favorite song. Broadway professionals will give you feed back. I mean, how cool is that?

This "Open Mic Night" will take place at the Bridgeport Watermark from 2:30-4:30 on October 19th.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PERFORMING:  You have a few things to do-
1. Email nptyouthboard@gmail.com with your name and song.
2. Bring your sheet music in a binder in the correct key/ any key that is comfortable for you.
3. If you are worried about the difficulty of the song, DO NOT PANIC. Our accompanist is very talented and can play basically anything.

Can't make it to this one but want to do it? Don't worry! We were be doing these every quarter!

Pass this on to anyone who would like to participate! Come as an audience member or as a performer, it is fun for all!
~The NPT Youth Board

The high flying PIPPIN deserved the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival

Sunday night, my parents took me into New York City (one of my favorite places in the world) to see the revival of Pippin. I have always loved the show since I did a Musical Theater Camp and we opened the show with "Magic to Do". I was about 10 at the time. 6 years later, I have read the script numerous times, fallen in love with the score and have seen 2 amazing Leading Players: Ben Vereen on a DVD performance and Patina Miller as Broadway's current leading player. Every time I listen to the score, I fall more and more in love with it. 

The Sign of the Music Box Theatre

Now onto the actual show.

The orchestra warms up and we begin to hear the first few measures of the opening. A light shines behind this black curtain and we saw the silhouette of the Leading Player. This was the revival's take on the glowing hands, if you saw the original show. When she burst through the curtains, you can tell that she was going to bring you into the life of the show. 

"Intrigue: Plots to Bring Disaster"

A mysterious troupe of performers led by Leading Player rolls into town to tell you the story of Pippin, the son of Charlemagne. Numerous events, such as holy war, feuding family, search for purpose and a secret desire all change the course of the show. 

"Humor: Handled by a Master"

Andrea Martain won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for her role as Berthe. While I would have loved to see her, I saw Tova Feldshuh in the role. She was fabulous and stole the show with her spot on comedic timing and a beautiful voice that made the house roar with applause at the end of her audience sing-a-long moment, "No Time at All"

Tova signing my playbill

"Illusion: Fantasy to Study"

To be honest, I was a bit uneasy on how circus and PIPPIN would go, but I was pleasantly surprised. The circus illusions was the real magic that was created. There was knife throwing, pole scaling, bending in inhuman ways, balancing on one hands, and much more. It brought a new energy into the show. These are circus performers that are singing great music and dancing in the style of Bob Fosse. What can be better than that?

The "Extraordinary" Cast:

Matthew James Thomas: He is one of my favorite Pippins so far. The way his voice carried the difficult melodies and the harmonies moved me greatly. He deserved the role greatly.

Matthew James Thomas signing a playbill

 Colin Cunliffe: Colin is the understudy for the role of Lewis, and he definitely made the audience fall in love with him. He did an excellent job as the role and brought comedic light to it.

Ashton Woerz: Ashton is one of two Theos in PIPPIN. He really was adorable, just like Theo needs to be. Before the start of Act 2, the Players were onstage performing various circus acts. Theo was a circus clown until we find out is character later in Act 2, and he went into the mezzanine and did various tricks for the audience members. As we was running back up, I reached my hand out for a high five and he high fived me. That was one of the best experience moments of my life. He was funny and adorable and he was great.

Rachel Bay Jones: She was a great Catherine. She sang with emotion which made the audience fall in love with her. As Pippin leaves her and Theo, she stays onstage and begins to sing a song that was not in the show at other times, so the Leading Player tells her that there is not a song and to leave the stage, but Catherine is sick and tired of the Leading Player telling her what to do. She says simply, "There is now." That is the first time we see defiance in her sweet and innocent character, and the audience loved that. She was amazing.

There is one more actress I want to talk about...

Patina Miller: Patina fit the role so well. Patina took the fun and the firework energy of the Leading Player and showcased it in a different light. This being the first time PIPPIN was brought back on Broadway. It went on with a bang. Patina sang the score beautifully, brought power and perfection to the role: EXACTLY how one would want her to carry on Ben Vereen's iconic role. She was comedic when it was right and serious when it was needed. She is a quadruple threat: Actor, Singer, Dancer, Acrobat. She walked while hula hooping WHILE belting out "Simple Joys", Got some sky high action during "Magic to Do" and danced perfectly in the Manson Trio (the most iconic dance from the show). Basically, no one could have asked for a better actress to be the Leading Player. 

After the show, when she was signing Playbills, she was answering any questions anyone had. She explained how the training for the circus stunts and incorporating the Fosse choreography. She was thrilled to see how many people were thrilled with the entire show. 

From Left to Right: My sister Natalie, The fabulous Patina Miller and myself
(after Natalie and I got our Playbills signed by her)

I absolutely love this show! I would see it again in a heartbeat! I overheard someone say this after the show, and I couldn't agree more with the result: "I saw the original production in high school and loved it," now truth be told, the closest thing I saw to the original production was the DVD with Ben Vereen as Leading Player and William Katt as Pippin and that was great, but then he said this, "I think the production is at least as good as the original or better. It was the makeover it needed for families today. It deserved any awards it won and much more."

Another person was shocked at how much of a good time she was having. She was really skeptical about the whole thing, but she was laughing and during intermission, the only thing she was talking about was how fantastic the who thing is and how brilliant the circus stunts and choreography and the blocking flowed as one. 

So the next time you are in the city, check out the revival of Pippin on 45th Street at the Music Box Theatre. It is well worth the time and money. You will not be disappointed in this show.

~Nathan Clift, 16, Trumbull High School

Vice President of the NPT Youth Board

An Internship with NPT? Do we even need to ASK?

The Klein Auditorium in BPT is interviewing college age interns for their new program ASK. FREE classes with industry pros (Broadway, Film/tv, puppetry, Stage craft, commercials and more) as well as two resume credits for being chosen as an intern. One with the Klein and one with New Paradigm Theatre Co (a professional theatre) Write to missohiokh@yahoo.com if you would like to be interviewed.

              

            ASK (After School at the Klein) is a performing arts instruction program that emphasizes the creation of young leaders through Arts and ideas. 

Enrich, Educate and Entertain

ASK Interns Will Receive…

·      PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:  Experience and networking with Entertainment Industry pros.

·      A CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE:  Be a part of a new model for after school arts and leadership education that will make a huge impact on an inner-city community while honing your youth development and leadership skills.

·      INTERNSHIP CREDITS: Bolster your resume with TWO internship credits (Klein Theatre and New Paradigm Theatre) to add to your resume. Your college also gets noted as part of your participation in PR and advertising.

·      PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES:  Appear in an end-of-the-year-show in a piece to be written and directed by the intern team.

·      FREE INDUSTRY CLASSES:  Assist master teachers as they instruct students in their craft.  Course offerings will include film and TV, Broadway auditioning, acting, commercial production, puppetry, dance, flashmob, sketchup and stagecraft.

·      VALUABLE CONNECTIONS: Following completion of the program, recommendations may be sought from The Klein staff as well as NPT and its professional teachers and performers. 

·      OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:  The Klein and NPT are always producing other shows and may invite you to be a part of their productions – onstage or behind the scenes.

CONTACT Kristin Huffman (Artistic director/Intern coordinator) at 646-342-3200

It's going to be a great program! Consider it!

~The NPT Youth Board

Saturday, come check the Youth Board at the Milford Oyster Festival!

This saturday, exactly one month from the New Paradigm Theatre's performance at SoNo, the Youth Board will be face painting again at the Milford Oyster Festival. Face painting will be $5 and members of the board will be singing. Which reminds me...
ANY OF OUR SINGER FOLLOWERS: You are welcome to sing at the NPT Youth Board table Saturday. The only condition will be that you will be singing a capella.

If you plan to attend the festival (it will be fin), it will be on the green. As far as parking, you can park on any of the side streets near the green.  You can park on the street to unload until approximately 9:00 the morning of the festival – the streets will be closed at 9:00 and any vehicles remaining will be towed at the owner’s expense.  You will not be able to drive your vehicle in to unload once the streets have been closed – no matter what! The streets will be open around 6:30pm

The festival will run from 9:30 am until about 6-6:30pm. 

We are at Table 8. Once I am able to get the map up (Im having a bit of trouble with that as of now), You can see where we will be set up!

Hope you can make it!
~The New Paradigm Theatre's Youth Board

Trumbull Youth Association Presents... THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE

THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE is a musical comedy that premiered on Broadway in 2002 and starred Sutton Foster in the title role. It was based of the hit 1968 movie musical starring Julie Andrews as Millie. It takes place in 1922, the time of great achievement in industry, economy and the rise of prohibition  in the United States. If you are not familiar with the show, it centers around a girl named Millie Dillmount who wants to find herself and become a modern in New York City. She encounters a man named Jimmy, who she becomes great friends with and possibly even begins to imagine spending her life with him. She befriends an orphan, Miss Dorothy, who is being hunted by the cunning Mrs. Meers. The minor plots involve: White Slavery, Prohibition, and a Love Triangle SOOO big, it turns into a love nonagon.

(Left to Right)
Morgan Fried as Miss Dorothy
Annie Stachura as Millie
Matt Johnson as Jimmy

TYA decided that Broadway performer Brett Boles would be the director of the 44th TYA Summer Production. The musical director is David Harris and the show is choreographed by Lisa Minelli.

Annie Stachura and the cast of Thoroughly Modern Millie

The cast is led by Annie Statchura, an incoming junior at Trumbull High School, as the title role of Millie. Matthew Johnson, who was nominated for his performance of Bobby Child in THS's Crazy for You at CHSMTA, stars as Jimmy Smith. Others in the cast include:
Morgan Fried as Miss Dorothy
Kevin Durkee as Trevor Graydon
Dan Satter as Bun Foo
Nathan Clift (me) as Ching Ho
Emily Beers as Mrs. Meers
Kaylin Weller as Muzzy Van Hossmere
Laura Portera as Ms. Flannery  

There is a large and talented ensemble that makes up many comedic characters and help tell the story. Within the ensemble are girls of the Priscilla Hotel, the Muzzy's Boys, Famous guests at Muzzy's party (such as the Gershwins) and many others.

The Priscilla Girls
Photo Credit: Zaineb Haroon

This show is a big ball of fun. The costumes, choreography, singing, blocking and everything is just what you want in a wonderful show. The show will play at Trumbull High School in Trumbull, CT from August 1-4th, 2013. Tickets are available at www.trumbullyouth.org

Don't miss out on this blast from the past!
~Nathan Clift, 16, Trumbull High School
VP of the Youth Board

FREE TICKETS TO AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

Who wants free tickets to a broadway show?

A better question would be: who doesn't?

Each Sunday, Producer Ken Davenport holds a "Sunday Giveaway" on his blog: The Producer's Perspective. This week: Tickets to AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS.

Now... how do you get these tickets? 

1. Here is the link: http://www.theproducersperspective.com/my_weblog/2013/07/the-sunday-giveaway-everyone-is-a-winner-free-tickets-to-around-the-world-in-80-days.html

Print out that blog and bring it to The New Theater at 354 West 45th Street. It will be good for same-day performances. The Box Office opens Tue – Sun at 12pm. (First come, first served. Only one free ticket per person.)

If you value certainty, you can reserve your tickets at:

2) BroadwayOffers.com

3) Call 212-947-8844 and use the code “FREEDOM”

A NOTE FROM THE BLOG ITSELF: 

"From the Producer of Around The World:  To reduce the number of no-shows, an online reservation will require a deposit of $20 plus a convenience fee of $6 and a handling charge of $2.25 for Telecharge web and phone orders. Upon picking up your ticket at Will Call, you will receive a Crisp, Shiny New $20 Bill as a gesture of thanks for your faith that my production will deliver what critics already know. (Yes, if you don’t show up, I keep the $20.)"