Artistree Performing Arts

Performing Arts Group | Mamaroneck, New York

Musical Theater

Recap: Artistree Performing Arts Presents Mamma Mia

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“Tonight the Supertrooper beams are gonna blind me……”  Can NOT get that song out of my head as I am in a state of happy exhaustion after our High School Production of Mamma Mia this past weekend.  The show was incredible–our cast really outdid themselves with their extraordinary performances. We had a gift in our show weekend this time, as we were the ONLY cast in the Emelin.  We usually have to share the stage with another one of our shows in rep or another booking by the Emelin. But we were the only cast on their stage for four days, allowing us to actually build a set, which was extraordinarily designed by Lance Hallowell (who also designs Horseman’s Hollow for the Hudson Valley at Halloween.)  Our costumes, from Donald Birely, were magnificent and our lighting design by Erin O’Brien was gorgeous.

This particular group of kids ALWAYS come through, but the weekend was especially special for me.  First off, this semester, I got to work with my dear friend, Megan Osterhaus, who graduated with me from the musical theater program at the University of Central Oklahoma a few years back.  Megan has gone on to an illustrious Broadway career that has included “Mary Poppins,” “Les Miserables” and of course, “Mamma Mia.” So, not only did I get to be on the other side of table with this amazing artist that I had spent so much time with, but my students got to do the original Broadway choreography for this show.  What a dream!

However, the culmination of the weekend came at the final show, when Megan’s mother and my mentor and college voice teacher, Kay Creed, was present in the audience.  While she had been to the studio, Miss Creed had never seen one of my shows and so to have her there watching my students, was truly a full circle moment for me. I knew while studying with her that she was brilliant and I knew over the course of my career that I had learned so much from her.  But when I began teaching, it didn’t take long to realize that the words I used to pass on my knowledge of the craft came from her. Miss Creed gave me the language that I continue to use to this day to speak to my students. I shared that with the audience that day, as I introduced Miss Creed before the show.

In the final moments of post-show flowers, amidst tears and joy, one of my Seniors, Rachel, took the microphone and shared with the audience, that while the language I speak was Miss Creed’s, the language that she has learned to speak, came from me.  I was blown away.

This is the magic of theater.  The gifts that are given from generation to generation are priceless.  To have an inpact on young artists is more than I could ever dreamed of, as a young student in Miss Creed’s studio.  I will never forget this weekend, as long as I live. And I am honored and privileged to call this my life’s work.

Artistree Performing Arts Presents Mary Poppins

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“In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.  You find the fun and SNAP, the job’s a game!” These iconic words from “Mary Poppins” couldn’t better describe our experience mounting this show with our 1st-4th cast on November 18.  Yes, it’s our job, but, my goodness, we had a whole lot of fun and then some. I marvel at so many things about doing a show with this age group. The fact that 6-9 year olds can do an hour and fifteen minute show on their own is remarkable.  Just stop and think about that. SIX TO NINE YEAR OLDS. And while the rehearsal process takeS a LOT of energy from the creative staff, show week is nothing but pure joy. These kids are just SO excited about being onstage and aren’t old enough yet to fret about little things.  Their excitement takes hold and then this courage shines through and they just DO it. And, if I may say, they do it extremely well. Our little stars even donned British accents, (which were quite good, mind you.) We laughed, we cried and we cheered for them. And when it was over and all the hugs and flowers had been given out; when the stage was struck and we got through our post-show depression, we were all left with memories of this remarkable experience that will last a lifetime.  This is why we do what we do at Artistree. The smiles on those little faces make all the work so worth it. In the words of Mary herself, it was, indeed, “practically perfect.”

Click the images below to see some of our favorite production photos:

How to Get Into College for Musical Theater

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As Fall approaches and the temperatures drop (finally), I am usually so excited for the start of school and the start of our Fall season here at Artistree.  However this year, it’s slightly bittersweet, as the studio is missing three faces that have been us for ten years. They are our first group of graduating Seniors,  who are now Freshmen in college. And it was just this time last year that we were scrambling to get their prescreen tapes done, weeding through each schools individual requirements and helping calm their nerves as they waiting for their early decision choices.

 

Things have certainly changed since I was accepted into my Musical Theater program.  And now that I am watching my most beloved students making this very big decision, I want to impart some of the wisdom that I have learned on the other side.

 

If your child is thinking about going to college for theater or musical theater, the preparation really needs to begin NOW, no matter what their age.  And the sooner the better. Here are a few tips that you must follow:

 

ATTEND A SUMMER PROGRAM

I would absolutely recommend attending a summer theater program at one of the prestigious colleges the summer between your junior and senior year.  Northwestern, Michigan and Carnegie-Mellon are just a few of the wonderful programs that offer summer intensives that can enhance your child’s chances of getting into one of these schools.  They are able to work with and be seen by the faculty of these schools, which can be huge come decision time. Plus, the creative experience and training they receive is unparalleled.

 

MAKE SURE YOU ARE STUDYING TECHNIQUE

Private coaching is a must for someone applying to a good theater school.  Gone are the days where you can walk in green. These days, excellent vocal, dance and acting technique are required JUST TO GET AN AUDITION.  Do not rely on natural talent. You must study privately with excellent teachers as soon as possible.

 

KEEP PERFORMING

You would never stop playing the sport you wanted to go to college for to concentrate on other things.  And performing is no different. You must take the technique that you learn and apply it in a setting with other actors.  There is no substitute for stage time in front of a live audience. Every single time you step onstage, you learn something.  And colleges are looking for extensive resumes in their applicants

 

AND, REMEMBER–YOU WILL BE WHERE YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE

After all is said and done, if you have done the work, you have sit back and trust that you will be put where you are supposed to be.  That’s how the universe works. And your special and unique artistic talents are going to shine through and be vital to the program that you are selected for.  

 

Being an artist is not an easy road.  But if there’s nothing else you can ever see yourself doing, then work hard, prepare, and trust.  Your future and an amazing college journey awaits you.

Why Your Child Has to Start Dancing Now

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As August is here and summer is slowing coming to an end, I start to think about the beginning of a new school year. The excitement, anticipation and often dread that comes with change brings a spark to the air. And often, it causes my older students to start thinking about what they want to do in college and for many, that answer is musical theater.

If that is the case for your child in any way, shape or form, let me lay out what must be done in order for them to get into a highly respected and beneficial program. YOU HAVE TO START DANCING NOW. No if, ands or buts, get their butts to ballet. I feel as if I say this until I’m blue in the face, but after having spent the majority of last fall working to get students into programs, I was reminded of what I always knew–that if you want a career in musical theater, you have to be able to dance.

Now, I’m not talking about being a prima ballerina. But coordination and familiarity with each style of dance is crucial. When you go to your college audition, the choreographer may very well TELL you the sequence of movements, NOT show you. Therefore, you have to be familiar with the language that they use. Taking ballet makes that happen. Ballet is your foundation, with which other styles can be built upon.

Artistree is one of the few studios that offers dance for musical theater for ages 7th-12th grade. I completely understand that your 14 year old doesn’t want to take ballet with a bunch of 7 year olds. So if it’s not here, then find somewhere they can start to get basic technique, which will build their confidence overall as a performer. The awareness of their body and the space around them only lends itself to any acting or vocal technique they may already have. Trust me, they will be so glad they put on those dancing shoes.