As the official photographer for this entertaining bunch, my first words about this program are W-O-W. I have been so impressed watching these young adults throw themselves into every inch of this program, ask wonderful questions, and receive feedback and instruction with immense professionalism. I have only spent a few days thus far with the group, and already their performance skills have grown by leaps and bounds. I can't WAIT to see what happens throughout the course of the seven weeks they spend together.
This past week, the students were honored to receive instruction from Alex Gemignani and Erin Ortman. Alex's credits include Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables" on Broadway, The Beadle in the Broadway production of "Sweeney Todd" and the title character of the touring production of this show. Erin also made her mark on Broadway (and hey--she's from Helena!) and is an actress, acting coach, and instructor at NYU-Tisch School of the Arts. What amazing chemistry from this duo--it probably doesn't hurt that they're married, too!
During Erin's class, students warmed up with different exercises to help them develop timing, a sense of their body movements, and learning to "commit" to their actions. I would venture to say this represents a pretty strong commitment, don’t you?
Erin has a great sense of humor and compassion, and it showed with every interaction.
They were later grouped in pairs or trios to develop their own sketches from samples in their text. This allowed the students to delve into character development, create histories for their characters, and create tension in their scenes. They did a fantastic job. Erin was there along the way to consult, coach and provide feedback, even in the oddest of places!
One sketch was set in a bathroom...
Jadi working to develop a scene...
Petrea and Taylor working on a character relationship...
Erin gives feedback about character dynamics to Logan and Trey, developing a scene between a married couple...
On Friday, the students performed their pieces for each other, moving into different areas of the church where classes were held this week. It was a powerful day for everyone involved, and for some, strong emotional responses came out of nowhere. Erin and Alex were fantastic in processing this entire experience, explaining that these emotions were all part of learning the craft, and to make this group a safe place to learn these skills.
Alex taught the students how to be fully present with the characters they were portraying through their song, getting in touch with the emotions expressed, and learning to be honest and genuine during a performance. Erin really helped the students get in touch with their physical presence, understanding their body mechanics and dynamics, and how all of this comes out in their performances. It was truly a thing of beauty to watch both the instructors and the students.
Feedback for the students helped them get past their initial interpretations of music and move them deeper into the character... here Lacy learns more about her "favorite things".
The trio....you'll have to ask your kids about this one. A riotous performance by Wynston, Eric and Trey...Alex was initially at a loss for words, but his feedback made a dramatic shift for the group's second attempt at "His Name is Lancelot".
Vocal warm-ups with Alex...
Nicky and Alyx try a vocal exercise to maintain their focus while facing each other...
Alex cheers a group of students who successfully navigated a tough vocal exercise.
Alex: "Now sing it with glee!"
Of course, there was downtime. Wynston recounts a funny story...
The week ended with a Q&A session with Alex and Erin, with the students given fair game to ask anything they wanted of the artists. Questions ranged from "what is your best advice to give us as developing artists?....to "what geographic locations are best for auditions for different types of work?"....to "so how did you guys meet?" Great advice and a litany of laughter was a great way to end this week.
Alex describes Erin's response to his marriage proposal...
Several of the students were featured in an article in The Missoulian, and became local celebrities when spotted on a city bus by some patrons...."hey, aren't you the kid in the paper today?" It is a small world, indeed!
Upcoming posts: A day at Dunrovin Ranch, and "So what do those kids do all day?"
Maureen thank you for your beautiful photographs and kind insights into these wonderful, talented young artists and this amazing musical theater program. You have opened a window through which we can follow our kids' journeys this summer. Your remarkable skill as a photographer and your willingness to share with us will bring us many smiles this summer.
ReplyDeleteYou are SO welcome! The pleasure is mine to deliver the images to you all, but honestly, this group is an absolute joy to watch and to get to know.
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