Jenny Levine
Arts, Entertainment, and Technology Editor
While most students use their summers for binge watching Netflix or relaxing by the pool, theatre students warm up their vocal cords and keep their tap shoes in shape. “It’s absolutely necessary to come back with new skills,” junior Jacob Freedgood said.“The summer is the main time to do major training, as opposed to performing.”
This summer Jacob attended a four week musical intensive at CAP21 Conservatory in New York City. “We would sing, act, and dance for 6 hours a day, then we saw shows and hung out in the city at night,” he said.
Venturing to New York City for classes is a popular choice for students pursuing a theatre track in high school. Seniors Anna Oxman and Elizabeth Koennecke both travelled to the city to attend dancing, acting, and singing classes and the Pace University theatre program, respectively.
Anna said that she benefitted a lot from the experience. “I have learned many different dance styles including Soca, Lyrical, and actual broadway dances that were choreographed for shows,” she said. “I also learned things about myself as an actor and I have strengthened my voice to be more flexible with any kind of singing.”
These intensive summer programs allow students to hone valuable theatre skills in a unique fashion, different from what they may experience in school. “One day in class we were workshopping our songs and when I got up to do mine the acting teacher stopped me, in order to access some of the emotions that were important for this song,” Elizabeth said. “She then had the rest of the program members tackle me in order to stop me from getting to the other end of the room. It sounds crazy, but it was actually extremely helpful.”
Jacob similarly learned new skills that he can apply to his future theatre endeavors. “I’ve learned from my program that in order to be a successful performer you have to do a lot of research on the character and time and place,” he said. “That may include reading the play, the monologue or scene to know what the characters intentions behind every word are.”
However, while some students learn as pupils in a class or as actors in a production, others learn by assuming leadership positions. Junior Jennifer Daly worked as the musical director’s intern for productions such as “The Wiz” at Rhode Island Youth Theater. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so tired after a day of anything, than from trying to work musically with 70 young kids,” she said.
Apart from working on “The Wiz” and helping manage the production of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”, Jennifer refined her onstage skills. “I took some dance classes on the side. Overall, being able to work in both aspects of the theatre world, both behind the scenes and performing on stage, was really eye opening and was a great way to continue doing what I love during the summer,” she said.
Many students agree that time to practice away from NCHS can be beneficial for improving certain theatre disciplines. “The summers are all about training and the school year is putting those techniques to practice in performance.” Jacob said. “Also, meeting other kids from all over the country who also all love theatre is very fun and refreshing because it opens you up to a whole new theatre community outside of NCHS.”
Being involved in different programs and productions can be a change for students accustomed to the organization of high school theatre during the school year. “You are the one who is in charge of making sure that you have something in store for the summer, so that you’re not being lazy and falling behind,” Anna said.
Nonetheless, many students said that they appreciate NCHS theatre more after having been away during the summer. “What we have at NCHS really is unique. I feel so lucky to be apart of such an amazing group of people and directors that are fantastic at what they do.” Jennifer said.
By attending summer programs, students also gain perspective on the principles and practices of other high schools.
“They give you time to regroup, meet and work with a new group of people, find new skills that you might not have been introduced to inside of NCHS Theatre, and try other new and exciting things,” Elizabeth said. “As much as all of us love and appreciate NCHS Theatre, it is important to step outside its walls, especially for those of us who plan to take theatre beyond high school and into college and perhaps our careers.”
What many may not realize is that being a performer in NCHS theatre requires constant practice, even during the summer, just like any other sport. “A student who does track can’t just sit and do nothing all summer. It’s no different for theater,” Jennifer said. “If you want to improve, then you need to work at it in any way you believe will benefit you.”
