May Day Carnivale!

Dear NPT supporter! 

The New Paradigm Theatre Company (NPT) is proud to invite you to A May Day Carnivàle! Join us for a fantastic party and mingle with our special guest stars from Broadway, Film and Television.  One of our "Silent" auction items is a chance to bid to sing with our Broadway pros ON STAGE that night.  

There will be models in beautiful Carnivale makeup and clothes as well as plenty of stars to rub elbows with. And the Paparazzi will be going wild.  Please see the link below to register for tickets and support the mentoring outreach of NPT. 
See our poster below and click here to order your tickets: http://www.nptheatre.org/nptevents/carnivale/

Flyer created by the Youth Board's Shaina

-The New Paradigm Theatre Youth Board

Measure in Love: How RENT Is More Than A Show

On Saturday, I attended a concert with a family friend. She was having fun, but I was too busy getting my ears blasted with 10 screeching teenage girls behind me. At one point in the concert, a woman took off her bra and flung it onto the stage. Now I have only been to one concert before (FUN.), and I had fun (no pun intended). There was no bra flinging, drunk people, etc. It was just an arena full of people that loved the music.
Now going back to the concert on Saturday.
I was... confused. There were many families with young kids there. Those young kids saw a woman throw her bra onto the stage. There were ear shattering screams. So why is theatre different?
As the incident occurred, a thought popped into my head: why did Trumbull High's production of RENT need to be cancelled?

Commercial #1 for RENT: School Edition (if you are seeing this via email, click here!)

As a refresher, Trumbull High faced issues with RENT 2 days after the fall production of GAME NIGHT. The principal cancelled the production of RENT: School Edition due to controversial themes. Due to the leadership of Senior student and THeSpian Society President, Larissa Mark (who is being awarded the first ever Dramatist Legal Defense Fund's Defender Award at The Dramatists Guild of America Annual Award Gala on Feb. 24, 2014) organized a peaceful response to get RENT back on track, which has happened. I'll get to that in a bit.

As stated, RENT has controversial themes that are present even in the School Edition, such as homosexuality, AIDS, drug use and others. How can that be bad, but someone throwing their undergarments onto a concert stage not be?

During the 1980s, when the AIDS epidemic began, it was a horrid time. THS Musical Director Jerold Goldstien talks about what it was like to be an actor in New York City during this time. Choreographer Frank Root has even mentioned his struggles as an actor in New York and trying to make rent.

Staging LA VIE BOHEME

The show even was true to those who portrayed the characters on Broadway and even the composer Jonathan Larson. Though he never lived to see RENT's opening night, he left his message of "No Day But Today" loud and clear. Larson had many friends that were fighting HIV/ AIDS and was a struggling artist. The show touched millions during its 12 year Broadway run, many who are part of the show at THS, and those that understand what it is like to be hurt, depressed, and struggling for acceptance.

RENT: School Edition will be playing at Trumbull High School March 27-30, 2014. Tickets available on thsmusicals.com

Once again, email viewers click here, this is Commercial #2 for RENT

The Eight Leads in this production are as followed:
Mark Cohen- Michael Ell
Roger Davis- Zac Gotschall
Tom Collins- Michael Lepore
Angel Schunard- Matt Buckwald
Benjamin Coffin- Dan Satter
Mimi Marquez- Ava Gallo
Maureen Johnson- Emily Ruchalski
Joanne Jefferson- Casey Walsh

There are featured roles within the ensemble, such as Life Support Group, Seasons of Love Soloists, Homeless, Drug Addicts, etc. 

I can guarantee you that this is a show that will stay with you for a long time. 
___________________________________________________________

Also, our next Sunday Spotlight is March 2nd at 9pm. It will be with Deidre Goodwin (Broadway Veteren, Dancer, and one of the Cell Block Tango Dancers from the film adaption of CHICAGO). To register, here is the link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6242944915769847298

-Nathan Clift
16 Year Old Junior Student at Trumbull High School
Vice President of the New Paradigm Theatre Youth Board

Sunday Spotlight on March 2nd

Registration URL: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6242944915769847298

Join The New Paradigm Theatre Company for Sunday Spotlight (c) .  The FREE virtual master class that features stars from Broadway and Film giving you advice and answering your questions.   

March 2nd, 9pm guest is Broadway Dancer: DEIDRE GOODWIN

http://www.broadwaywarmup.com/about-us/

The broadwaywarmup.com link will take you to her bio. 

She was in the film CHICAGO and played the "He ran into my knife ten times" cell block tango woman. She also has starred in various broadway shows such as A CHORUS LINE.

To register for this event, click on the first link to do so.

Hope to see you all there!

Super Bowl XLVIII Halftime Show: Bruno Mars Takes The Stage

Throughout America, football is a pastime like no other. It brings families together, creates rivalries, and adds competition to the lives of many. So it is no surprise the Super Bowl is one of the most anticipated events all year. That being said, the Super Bowl Halftime Show is as equally waited for, discussed, and admired as the game itself.

I jumped out of my seat when I heard Bruno Mars was going to be performing. I'm sure many others did too. Bruno Mars has become an acclaimed songwritewr over these past few years, and his music varies from sad love songs like "It Will Rain" to joyful, upbeat ones such as "Locked Out of Heaven" even to regular, lax songs about life like "The Lazy Song".

Bruno Mars has won several awards since 2010, one of which includes a Grammy for his song "Just The Way You Are" in 2011. He has been nominated for many awards, including Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance, and Best Pop Vocal Album in The 2014 Grammy's.

I personally like Bruno Mar's music because it is real, filled with emotion, and able to relate to. His songs include the struggles many of us face in our daily lives, and he expresses, through song, how he feels them too, so we can relate to him and feel better knowing there are other people out there that feel the same way as we do. Also, he has an large range of notes and a beautiful tone to his voice.

We as an audience are unsure yet of what he will be performing, although there are many songs he can choose from, and whichever ones he picks, I'm sure America will love to see them performed live at the Super Bowl. Another interesting thing to think about is how he will appear, or what else he will decided to put in to increase his performance. None of us may know until Sunday night, February 2nd. I'll be tuned in, so you should too!

Dominic Pagliaro, 15
Sophomore at Notre Dame High School, West Haven

Hairspray: Big musical, Big comedy, BIG HAIR!

Hairspray tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, an overweight teen of the 60's and her best friend, the ever so dorky Penny Pingleton. Penny and Tracy have an unhealthy obsession over the Corny Collins Show, and the dreamy Link Larkin, a teen boy who dances on the show. When one of the stars takes a break, Tracy is added on to the show with the help of her new African-American friend Seaweed, and her dream has finally come true. Tracy and her friends decide it's unfair that the black kids can only dance on TV once a month. They all take a stand and do whatever it takes to integrate the television show...without denting their 'dos!

Over the past few months, I have been lucky enough to participate in the perfect show as a perfect role; Penny Pingleton. I have dreamed of playing Penny ever since I was young, and I couldn't imagine a more perfect place to play it other than Lighthouse Youth Theatre in Armonk, New York. The cast is made up entirely of teens ranging from eighth grade to seniors in high school. Hairspray is a high energy fast moving musical, you'll find yourself dancing in your seat!

Hairspray will be performed on...

January 10th at 7:30 and 11th at 2:00 and 7:30

January 17th at 7:30 and 18th at 2:00 and 7:30 for the senior cast (which I am a part of).

click here to purchase tickets for the show!

(Buy tickets for the blue senior cast if you want to see me as Penny Pingleton!)

This is a show you do not want to miss!

-Shay LaRusso, 16

Junior at Norwalk High School 

A Situation That Was Not "Frozen": Update on RENT at THS and A Film Review of FROZEN

First: RENT Update

Board Member Katherine Griffin posted about how Trumbull High School was not allowed to do the planned production of RENT: School Edition that was announced in August. Three weeks after that meeting, we gained the support of 3 of the original cast members of RENT, Eric Whitacre (a famous choral music composer), The National Cotillion Against Censorship and the Larson Family (as in Jonathan Larson). The New York Times, The Washington Post and various blogs were posting updates. On Facebook, the page has over 7,000 likes and support had not stopped. 

On the 16th of December, Principal Guarino called a meeting with the THeSpian Society and stated that he has allowed us to continue production so our show can be when it was scheduled: March 27-30, 2014. This three week delay won't affect the quality of the final presentation, though. All of the students are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure this musical is as fantastic and delivers the messages we are trying to convey. 

RENT: School Edition will be performed March 27-30, 2014 in the THS Theater. Auditions will take place January 3rd and more updates on the show, such as casting and how to become a community sponser are on www.thsmusicals.com

Now onto a hit movie now in theaters: Disney's FROZEN

FROZEN is loosely based off Hans Christian Anderson's story THE SNOW QUEEN. This movie has been nominated for 2 Golden Globe Nominations: Best Original Song for "Let it Go" and Best Animated Film. "Let it Go" deserved that nomination. It is sung by Idina Menzel who is the voice of Elsa. Elsa is an average princess except she has one tiny difference: she can control ice and snow. When she was little, she almost killed someone she cares about because she didn't know how to control it. Elsa locks herself away in her room, fearing that she'll harm anyone again. When it is time for her to become queen, she does well and doesn't let her powers show. When her sister, Anna, angers her, she accidentally releases those hidden powers. She made the kingdom fear her just by accident. When she is escaping, she sets off an eternal winter without meaning to. "Let it Go" is what is going on in her mind and how she is going to live, but not by fearing anyone. She builds herself a castle made of ice and lives there. (Video is below. If you cannot see it, click here)

The animation is beautiful and flawless. The story is about sisterhood and how it is more important than finding "the one". Also, there is a constant idea on "You can't marry someone you just met!" which goes against most Disney movies and I found hilarious. This movie is a movie musical, but the songs are catchy and you'll be singing them after you leave the theater. (The soundtrack is available on CD and ITunes)

This movie not only states that "You can't marry someone you just met", but it also seems that it is the first time true love's kiss did not solve all the world's problems. In addition, this is the first Disney movie to be directed by a woman. 

I loved this movie and I would go see it again in a heartbeat. The critics are correct. This movie stole my heart and it was a beautiful experience. 

The movie has the voice talents of many Broadway stars, such as Idina Menzel (RENT, Wicked) as Elsa, Josh Gad (Book of Mormon) as Olaf, Jonathan Groff (Spring Awakening, Glee) as Kristoff, Santino Fontana (Cinderella) as Hans. Movie and TV Star (who has a theater background) Kristen Bell as Anna. 

PS. If you are going to see this movie, wait until AFTER the credits are over. There is an extra scene.

PPS. That rule is the same if you are seeing a Marvel movie.

~Nathan Clift, 16

Junior at Trumbull High School

VP of the New Paradigm Theatre Youth Board

#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