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Following the Future: iTheatrics Alums

Name: Kate Semmens

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Where are you now? I will be attending Princeton University in the fall and hope to major in either History or Economics. I will also be taking advantage of their certificate programs in Theatre and Dance.

What iTheatrics Workshop and/or Choreography DVD have you been a part of?

I have done 8 workshops including Magic Tree House: The Knight at Dawn KIDS (Narrator), Crazy For You Young Performers’ Edition  (Polly), Anything Goes Young Performers’ Edition (Reno), Getting to Know… The King and I (Anna), Getting to Know... Once Upon a Mattress (Jester), Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens JR, Disney’s Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins) and A Chorus Line High School Edition (Bebe). I did the combined choreography DVD filming for Getting to Know... Oklahoma, Singin’ in the Rain JR, Crazy For You Young Performers’ Edition and Getting to Know... Once Upon a Mattress and I also did the choreography DVD for A Chorus Line High School Edition.

What are your favorite memories of working with iTheatrics? I have so many fond memories of working at iTheatrics. I especially loved getting to know each member of the iTheatrics faculty. I learned something different from having each of them as a director, musical director, or choreographer. I also met so many talented kids from all over the country (sometimes from all over the world). When I did the workshop of A Chorus Line High School Edition the cast was so lovely and tight-knit. A lot of us are are still in touch to this day!

How do you think your experiences working on musicals have shaped you? Working on musicals at iTheatrics allowed me to play a variety of incredible parts and work on iconic shows. Throughout middle school iTheatrics gave me a place to be a part of amazing ensembles of performers and truly discover my love of musical theater. The musical workshops also taught me how to focus, take direction quickly and remain flexible throughout a fast paced rehearsal process. 

What was your favorite Broadway Junior show? I love Disney’s Mary Poppins JR. It is a wonderful cut of the full length show. 

What is your dream role to play? The Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods

10 years from now: Where will you be? What will you be doing? And what song will you be still listening to?

Whether through acting, producing, directing, teaching or writing I hope that I will still be involved in theater in some way. I also hope to be pursuing my various entrepreneurial ideas. I will definitely still be a major Sondheim fan! 

Do you have any advice for future iTheatrics Alums?

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Following the Future: iTheatrics Alums

Name: Dana Grossman

Hometown: Raleigh, North Carolina

Where are you now? I’m in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania studying at The University of the Arts for my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre.

What iTheatrics Workshop and/or Choreography DVD have you been a part of?

I’ve been in three iTheatrics Academy shows:  Xanadu JR, Shrek The Musical JR, and Getting To Know... Oklahoma! and eleven (!) iTheatrics Choreography DVDS: Hairspray JR, Xanadu JR, Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs before Dark KIDS, Fiddler on the Roof JR, Elf The Musical JR, James and the Giant Peach JR, Thoroughly Modern Millie JR, School House Rock JR, Peter Pan JR, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR  and Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR.

What are your favorite memories of working with iTheatrics? I was recently reunited with the lovely iTheatrics family this past JTF Atlanta (2018). Steven Kennedy asked me to help with the Choreography DVD auditions - which I adored. It was insightful to see the audition process from the other side. I had a blast cheerleading to Legally Blonde JR. Seeing everyone was heartwarming, and I realized how much I missed everyone, but we all talked as if no time had passed. Picking up where we left off made me realize that the iTheatrics team is full of life-long friendships.

How do you think your experiences working on musicals have shaped you? Having the experiences from past iTheatrics/MTI workshops in my toolbox have shaped me into who I am today as an artist, collaborator, and triple-threat. With the help of these past DVDs and script readings, I walk confidently into a production room with ideas for devising and collaboration. My skills with picking up choreography fast were heavily stemmed from the DVDs I was involved with, and I have created long-lasting connections with the iTheatrics team and fellow summer artists.

What was your favorite Broadway Junior show? My favorite Broadway JR show I have worked on is probably Shrek the Musical JR. I was able to be the shortest character in the show and didn’t even have to get on my knees! I loved working on the shows first stages in NYC, bringing these kooky fairytale creatures to life, then turning around and performing the show again in North Carolina. I went from a short man, to a tap dancing ogre, to a comedic, energized donkey. I will never forget Tim McDonald’s words at the showing with Jeanine Tesori, David Lindsay-Abaire, and parents: “Dana is our weapon of mass comedy.” A fantastic experience, with talented peers and an amazing production team, creating memories forever.

What is your dream role to play? A role that I would absolutely love to play is Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family. Her comedic timing is like no other, having to be very evil and a bit monotone here and there, but still comedic with a lovable flare. Being able to belt, be witty, and go through a huge arc in her story (in terms of the show), playing Wednesday would be an exciting challenge. I also look up to Krysta Rodriguez, who originated the role of Wednesday for the 2010 Broadway run with a versatile, comedic, and captivating energy.

10 years from now: Where will you be? What will you be doing? And what song will you be still listening to?

In 10 years, I will be wherever success takes me, doing what I have always loved: performing. My ultimate goal for my future is to be successful, whether that means I am in the big city on Broadway, Off-Broadway, touring, cruise ships, professional community theatre, movies, and more. Performing and giving the chance for people to escape from their lives and enter the one we have created is rewarding beyond words. But, I have to say, the song that I will still be singing ten years from now will be anything from Seussical JR, most likely “Oh The Thinks you can Think!,” “Notice Me, Horton,” and yelling “BOIL IT!” randomly. That was my first ever Broadway JR Show, and first ever musical I was in (summer of 6th grade). It will always have a special place in my heart because that whole experience solidified my future of wanting to perform and stay involved with musical theatre.  

Do you have any advice for future iTheatrics Alums?

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Following the Future: iTheatrics Alums

Name: Logan Farley

Hometown: Belvidere, NJ

Where are you now? I am still in Belvidere, NJ finishing up my senior year of high school. I will be attending Western Connecticut State University in the fall to get my BFA in musical theater.

What iTheatrics Workshop and/or Choreography DVD have you been a part of?

I have been apart of eight different choreography DVDs including James and the Giant Peach JR, Elf JR, Into The Woods JR, Madagascar JR, Captain Louie JR, A Year With Frog and Toad KIDS, Dear Edwina JR, and Disney’s Aladdin JR! I also was Kurt Kelly in the Heathers The Musical (High School Edition) workshop and was apart of the all-star cast for the special Chicago John Kander Celebration performance.

What are your favorite memories of working with iTheatrics? My favorite memories with iTheatrics have got to be living in the greatest city in the world and all the amazing people I’ve met. iTheatrics is truly a family environment and I have met so many amazing and talented kids and educators along the way! 

Working with iTheatrics gave me a new-found passion for theater education that I didn’t know I even had. Seeing all the amazing things this company has been doing bringing theater to schools all across the world really inspired me to try and bring more theater to younger audiences in my own community as well!

How do you think your experiences working on musicals have shaped you? Working on musicals has definitely taught me a lot of discipline. It is hard work having to be a great singer, dancer, and actor! It also taught me to find the joy in the work though. Being in shows has shown me that the fun can be found in the hard work!

What was your favorite Broadway Junior show? I absolutely LOVED James and the Giant Peach JR! It was so much fun and is still one of my most favorite musicals today!

What is your dream role to play? I have so many dream roles but I would love to play: Princeton in Avenue Q or Leaf in Spelling Bee!

10 years from now: Where will you be? What will you be doing? And what song will you be still listening to?

Hopefully I will still being doing theater! Anything performance-based - I am open to whether it be Broadway, film, or even theater education. As long as I’m still performing I’ll be happy! I will be in either New York City or LA! And I will still be listening to the James and the Giant Peach soundtrack! 

Do you have any advice for future iTheatrics Alums?

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Following the Future: iTheatrics Alums

Name: Jenna Barricklo

Hometown: New York City

Where are you now? My new home base is Boston, but I go to Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia for Musical Theatre. Go Hornets!

What iTheatrics Workshop and/or Choreography DVD have you been a part of? I was in the choreography DVDs for James and the Giant Peach JR, Into the Woods JR, Seussical JR, Peter Pan JR, Schoolhouse Rock JR,  Thoroughly Modern Millie JR, Elf JR, and A Chorus Line High School Edition. I was also in the workshop of Heathers The Musical (High School Edition).

In addition, I got to be a mock student for teaching workshops with Christopher Gattelli, Randy Skinner, and Jeff Calhoun and for a choreography video with members of the Something Rotten cast! Just last year, I had the pleasure of working on the Hans Christian Andersen TYA musical adapted by iTheatrics’ very own Tim McDonald!

What are your favorite memories of working with iTheatrics? Working on Heathers was probably the coolest experience of my life. It was really incredible to be a part of a semi-new work. Getting to experience Larry O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy write new songs and rewrite scenes was such a great learning experience. I remember on the day of the show I arrived at 52nd Street Project and I was handed a rewrite of a scene that had been changed overnight! That was something I will never forget.

I also got to work with Baayork Lee on the A Chorus Line High School Edition DVD. That was a really memorable experience getting to dissect some of the characters with an original cast member! I also got to learn a lot of original choreography which was incredible.

How do you think your experiences working on musicals have shaped you? Working on musicals has definitely taught me a lot of discipline. It is hard work having to be a great singer, dancer, and actor! It also taught me to find the joy in the work though. Being in shows has shown me that the fun can be found in the hard work!

What was your favorite Broadway Junior show? Oh man, Seussical JR is my favorite show of all time. I think I like it almost more than the full length production! :0

What is your dream role to play? Eponine is my number one dream role for sure.

10 years from now: Where will you be? What will you be doing? And what song will you be still listening to? Oooh…10 years from now I will hopefully be back in New York. My dream is that I will be in Moana the Musical on Broadway. I will definitely still be listening to “Once and For All” from Disney’s Newsies. That song never fails to get me excited.

Do you have any advice for future iTheatrics Alums?

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iTheatrics Summer 2018 Internship

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The 2018 iTheatrics Junior Theater Academy

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming auditions for the iTheatrics Summer Junior Theater Academy to be held on Saturday, February 24, 2018 between 9:30am-6:00pm in Manhattan.

SUMMER 2018 WORKSHOP DATES

Show titles under consideration include two brand-new Disney titles, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR., The Drowsy Chaperone JR., Junie B. Essential Guide to Back to School JR., and My Fair Lady School Edition among others!

DATES

CAST AGES

Monday, July 2 - Friday, July 6 (there will be rehearsal July 4) 

Current grades 4-9

Monday, July 9 - Friday, July 13

Current grades 4-9

Monday, July 16 - Thursday, July 26 (no rehearsals Saturday or Sunday) 

Current grades 8-12

Monday, July 23 - Friday, July 27

Current grades 4-9

Monday, July 30 - Friday, August 3

Current grades 4-9

Monday, August 6 - Friday, August 10

Current grades 4-9

Please look closely at all workshop dates to make sure you don’t have any conflicts. When filling out your audition form, check "yes" next to all workshop dates for which you are available. Official titles will be announced as soon as programming is finalized.

AUDITION IN NYC

To sign your students up for an audition in NYC on Saturday, February 24th, send an email to Jiana Odland at jiana@itheatrics.com with the student's name(s) and current grade(s) by February 16th. Feel free to submit multiple names in one email. Your students may also sign up for an audition on their own.

Students will be asked to prepare 16 bars of a musical theater song and to bring sheet music with them as an accompanist will be provided. We also ask that students bring a hard-copy of this completed audition form with them. Additionally, if students would like to apply for a need-based scholarship, they must submit this scholarship form at their audition.

Auditions will be done in small groups, and students should expect to stay approximately 90 minutes for the audition. You will receive a confirmation time and the exact location of the auditions by February 20th. Audition slots will be available on a first come, first serve basis and there are a limited number of slots available. Make sure to sign up as soon as possible!

AUDITION BY VIDEO

Don't live in close proximity to NYC? You can audition by video! To be considered for our summer programs, email this completed audition form and a video link (YouTube, DropBox, etc.) to Jiana Odland at jiana@itheatrics.com by Sunday, February 25th. The video should feature the student stating their name, current grade, and where they are from followed by the student singing 32 bars of a musical theater song, accompanied by piano or track. No a cappella singing please. To apply for a need-based scholarship, submit this scholarship form by Sunday, February 25th.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM 

Our exciting workshop programs feature brand-new adaptations created in partnership with major licensing houses Music Theatre International, Tams-Witmark Musical Library, Inc. and Disney Theatrical Productions. For each of our workshops, iTheatrics casts an ensemble of actors who spend the week working with professional theater artists learning vocal techniques and advanced performance skills that culminate in a staged reading. With scripts in hand and limited costumes and props, these workshops are attended by the students' families, invited educators and the authors of the show. Whether you enjoy classical or contemporary musical theater, we have something for everyone, including a two-week program just for high school students!

The iTheatrics one and two-week programs run from 9am-5pm each day. Our one week programs cost $725 and our two week program costs $1295.  iTheatrics offers numerous need-based scholarships to qualifying students. No student will be turned away due to financial need. Students are responsible for their own housing, meals and transportation.

If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to email Jiana at Jiana@itheatrics.com or call iTheatrics at 646-467-8090.

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Top 10 iTheatrics Moments of 2017

Wow. 2017 was filled with ups, downs, and all arounds. From festivals on both coasts to international celebrations, Team iTheatrics worked hard this year, and we couldn't have done any of it without all of you - our friends, family & artistic collaborators. Thank you for your wonderful support! Here are the top 10 iTheatrics moments from 2017.

10. The Future is Female

Talia Lupi, daughter of Lindsay and Scott Lupi, joined us on August 22nd, and we haven't looked back. She's chill, she's cute, and she can sport a mean-looking bow. All hail, Queen Talia.

9. The Superbowl of Theater

The 2017 Tony Awards honored some our very best friends and familiar faces from the iTheatrics Junior Theater Festival. Dear Evan Hansen won big with accolades for Best Musical for Pasek and Paul and Best Actor in a Musical for Ben Platt. And who could forget the iconic Ms. Baayork Lee earning the Isabelle Stevenson Award?! Congrats to our famous friends!

8. All That Jazz

There are few things that are more special than watching our kids get the opportunity of a lifetime to perform alongside the cast of Chicago the Musical on Broadway for John Kander's 90th Birthday Celebration. And on top of that, we've partnered with Samuel French to begin work on a Chicago High School Edition - coming soon to a school or theater near you!

7. My Perfect World

iTheatrics' own Timothy Allen McDonald teamed up with songwriting duo Samsel and Anderson and the prolific Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer to realize the musical version of Between the Lines. It made its world premiere at Kansas City Repertory Theatre in October, and ICYMI... it was a hit! We can't wait to keep following its journey. 

6. JumpStart Goes National

In November, our partners at Educational Theatre Association announced the beginning of the Educational Theatre Foundation and the generous donation from NBC's Robert Greenblatt to expand EdTA's JumpStart Theatre program to more schools across the country. We've loved every minute of working with the incredible EdTA team, and we can't wait to keep working with them every step of the way.

6. Freddie G Family

Every year, a group of hard-working teachers are selected from around the country to join Team iTheatrics in New York City for the Freddie G Fellowship Week, sponsored by Music Theatre International Chairman/CEO (and the ever gracious) Mr. Freddie Gershon and his wife Myrna Gershon. Check out the new recruits: Bridget Burrows, Angelo Cerniglia, Amber Dyson, Shawna Linck, Laurilea McDaniel, Nicole Miceli Oliver, Mandy Seymore-Sensat, and Daniel Stoddart. Welcome to the family!

5. Summer Workout

Every summer we try to top ourselves, and the 2017 iTheatrics Junior Theater Academy was no different. This year, we worked on 6 brand-new musical adaptations: Music Theatre International's Matilda JR., Sister Act JR., Disney's Newsies JR., Mo Willems' Elephant and Piggie's We Are in a Play! KIDS; Rodgers & Hammerstein's Getting To Know: Cinderella; and Tams Witmark Music Library Inc.'s Nice Work if You Can Get It High School Edition. No biggie. We're not tired at all.

4. Broadway's Biggest Duo

At the 2017 iTheatrics Junior Theater Festival Atlanta, we honored the legendary team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty with the Junior Theater Festival Legacy Award and a surprise performance from Once On This Island JR. There were tears, there were cheers and lots of beautiful music. Very simply - this moment embodied why we tell the story.

3. Globe Trotters

The iTheatrics Junior Theatre Celebration was truly international in 2017. From our home-side celebrations in New Jersey, Buffalo, North Carolina & Virginia to our international celebrations in the UK, Australia and for the first time in New Zealand. What a treat to spread musical theater all across the world.

JTC UK

JTC OZ

2. The iTheatrics Method

If 2017 wasn't already enough, Team iTheatrics went crazy and thought it would be a great idea to write and publish a textbook in one year. Why not? The iTheatrics Method, co-written by Timothy Allen McDonald, Marty Johnson and Cynthia Ripley is the first textbook on musical theater ever. It combines our very best practices to help anyone create sustainable musical theater programs at their schools or theaters. We couldn't be more proud of this resource! Get yours at MusicalsInc.com now.

1. Manifest Destiny

In 2017, we embarked on producing the first-ever iTheatrics Junior Theater Festival West in Sacramento, CA... and it was a hit. Highlights: Pasek and Paul singing "City of Stars" to an auditorium full of glowing stars, Shoshana Bean bringing down the roof with her electric vocals, Cindy Ripley combing through the aisles of the auditorium and changing lives, getting to see the sun(!),  and so much more!!! We can't wait to get back in 2018.

Happy New Year from Team iTheatrics! 

For more information about iTheatrics, log on to iTheatrics.com.

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Meet Mountain Ridge Middle School’s Headstrong Theatre!

Name: Laurilea McDaniel

Location: Highlands Ranch, Colorado

What show will you be bringing to JTF West? Bugsy Malone JR.

What inspired you when you directed your very first musical?

I had just started to teach middle school again after working for the University of Memphis. They had a theatre program but I wanted to make musical theatre the main thing we did, so I chose something I knew my kids would connect to; Beauty and the Beast.

What is the most useful tool or wisdom that helps you as a director/producer?

To see your kids (students) as brilliant people! It's amazing what kids can achieve if they know you believe they can! Treat them and equals and create amazing art together!

Tell us a little more about your group!

I will offer this opportunity to my students, 7th and 8th graders, enrolled in the Drama B class; this is an advanced acting class for middle school students. With those that are registered, we will create a cutting of Bugsy Malone JR. together and spend most of the Fall semester working on it! I have also invited 2 students that attended last year's JTF to assistant direct and choreograph the piece.

Mountain Ridge Middle School's Headstrong Theatre is dedicated to making the arts accessible and relevant to all students while fostering excellence in the pursuit of their individual creative endeavors.The group has enjoyed success at past Junior Theater Festivals. 2017 was our first JTF, but we have experienced success at Junior ThesCon in Denver, Colorado  and the Middle School National Theatre Celeration hosted by EdTA. 

At the 2017 iTheatrics Junior Theater Festival West, Mountain Ridge Middle School student Gabe Legg won a Freddie G Excellent Individual Performance by a Male award. Additionally, instructor Laurilea McDaniel was selected for the eighth annual “The Freddie G Fellowship.” Each year, Freddie G Fellows receive an all-expense-paid trip to New York City, complete with professional development, Broadway performances and unforgettable celebrations. In addition to the New York experience, each of the teachers’ organizations receive $5,000 from Freddie and Myrna Gershon to enhance their arts program and further the collaborative and inclusive spirit of producing a musical. The Freddie G Fellowship is underwritten by Music Theatre International Chairman and Broadway Junior founder Freddie Gershon, and his wife, Myrna.  

What is your favorite part of JTF West? 

The best part of JTF was the people! Being able to interact with others who share your passion for musical theatre was truly an incredible experience for my student and myself!

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Meet Sing Out!

Name: Rachel Pergamit

Location: Contra Costa County

Social Media Handles: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SingoutTheatre/

Instagram: singouttheatre

What show will you be bringing to JTF West? Aristocats KIDS

What inspired you when you directed your very first musical?

I have been directing musical theatre for 30 years. I was inspired by my own love of performing. At a very young age, I was given the opportunity to direct children's theatre, and I have never stopped.

What is the most useful tool or wisdom that helps you as a director/producer?

I think the most useful tool or wisdom I have learned over the years is working together as a team with my staff. We are like family and because of that bond our company is a happy, healthy place for our students to come and grow and learn. Students come back year after year and go on to do great things. I know that it is because at the core of it all, our team works together so well and we have common goals and we love what we do!

Tell us a little more about your group!

Located in Pleasant Hill, CA, Diablo Theatre Company’s SingOut! offers musical theatre programming for students ages four to 18. Its program works to be a place where students will play to perform, perform to grow, and grow to lead. The group has enjoyed success at the Junior Theater Festival in the past. At the 2017 iTheatrics Junior Theater Festival West, Diablo Theatre Company sent two groups: SingOut! Jr. Theatre and SingOut! Kids Comp Team. SingOut! Jr. Theatre won a Freddie G Excellence in Dance group award, and SingOut Kids Comp Team student Mackenzie Brain sang the national anthem at the Opening Ceremonies for all 1,500 festival attendees. Our Kids Comp Team won the Excellence in Dance group award in 2017 as well. In 2011, under our previous company name the Youth Theatre Company, we were the recipients of the Freddie G Community Service Award for our charity program called By the Kids, For the Kids.   

What is your favorite part of JTF West?

We love everything about JTF but we really love our students working together and challenging each other to do their own personal best. We love meeting musical theatre students from near and far (even other countries!). SingOut is a family and we love watching our students grow and learn to be strong performers and even stronger community leaders. 

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Meet Wild Horse Children's Theater!

Name: Carol Scott

Location: Carson City, NV

Social Media Handles:

Facebook: Wild Horse Children's Theater  

Twitter: Wildhorsethtr

What show will you be bringing to JTF West? Honk JR.

What inspired you when you directed your very first musical?

It was a labor of love and a need that was lacking in our community. I started the first children's theater company in Carson City, NV 20 years ago. There were no theater arts programs for elementary and middle school students and our first production was The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe. We discovered MTI Junior productions and it's been our go-to musicals every since! Our first MTI production was Guys and Dolls JR. We were hooked!

What is the most useful tool or wisdom that helps you as a director/producer?

That the magic always happens!  We may struggle through rehearsals but when opening night arrives it is magic!!!  We always have parents who have been watching rehearsals tell us they never thought it was going to happen!  LOL!

Tell us a little more about your group!

They are an eclectic group of young people, ages 8-18, who are passionate about theater and their craft.  They come from a variety of economic and social backgrounds and some are home schooled. As theater students, many have sacrificed for their love of theater and have been victims of bullying but they have been true to their selves! I am very proud of them! They are a great team and are very supportive of each other. When one of our students won Excellent Individual Performance by a Female Award last year at JTF, the entire group felt they won too! It was an incredible moment! 

Wild Horse Children’s Theater (WHCT) is a nonprofit 501©3 organization and was formed to enhance and enrich the community through performing arts classes, high-quality live theater, outreach programs in local elementary and middle schools, and other educational programs in the theatrical arts. Its mission is to train and educate today’s youth through theater arts to achieve high artistic and personal goals, and to inspire them to become exemplary artists, patrons and citizens of tomorrow. WHCT has a “no child turned away” policy and usually has 80-100 young people, ages 5-18, audition for its productions. Wild Horse Children's Theater also has a scholarship program for families in economic need so that every child can take part in the arts.Wild Horse Children’s Theater traveled to the 2017 iTheatrics Junior Theater Festival West and student Alexa Haight won a Freddie G Excellent Individual Performance by a Female award.

What is your favorite part of JTF West?

That is a most difficult question!  I would say, coming from a small town and being the "big fish in a small pond", our students realized how much young talent is out there! They loved watching the other groups, meeting like minded kids their own age, and I can see how the experience has changed them. They are more focused, more committed and more passionate and are working harder to make their next JTF production the best ever! 

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Meet Elizabeth Pinkerton Middle School, EPMS – Wolfpack Performing Arts!

Name:  Micaela Muro Dimos

Location: Elizabeth Pinkerton Middle School, Elk Grove Unified School District, Elk Grove, CA.

What show will you be bringing to JTF West? Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR.

What inspired when you directed your very first musical?

I have loved and been involved with musical theatre since my teens and earned both my BA and MA in theatre arts. I directed my very first musical in San Diego in 1987, the spring of my first year of teaching, so I could share my love of musical theatre with my students. I taught high school theatre arts for eight years, then became a mom and took time off from directing school shows so I could be fully present for my daughter during her young years. Four years ago, I began teaching acting, acting coaching, and directing for Musical Mayhem Productions (MMP), and two years ago transferred to EPMS to begin their theatre program. 

What is the most useful tool or wisdom that helps you as a director/producer?

Working from a perspective of a coach, cultivating team-spirit from day one, and helping the students recognize their important place on our team. Also keeping humor and fun alive throughout our rehearsal process.

Tell us a little bit about your theater!

EPMS opened in 2008, but has only offered theatre arts since I was hired to start the program there in fall 2015. This will be our third year offering theatre arts classes and fall productions on our site. We join forces with our sister high school, Cosumnes Oaks High School, in the spring, and produce full-length Wolfpack Performing Arts musicals with cast and crew from both the middle and high school campuses. 

We are fortunate at EPMS to have wonderful students who are hard working and excited to be involved in our iTheatrics JR. productions. 

Is this your first time attending JTF West? If so what are you looking forward to?  

I attended the PD Track in February, but the 2018 JTF West will be my first time with a group of students. I'm looking forward to witnessing my students experience all the many fabulous layers of creative learning and overall fun throughout our JTF West weekend. 

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Meet GADA Playhouse!

Name: Sally Reyes

Location: Round Rock, TX

Social Media Handles: #greateraustindance #gada10 #gada #musicalmayhem

What inspired you when you directed your very first musical?

The magic that happens when the lights go down and the story begins. 

What is the most useful tool or wisdom that helps you as a director/producer?

Be open to always trying new things and thinking outside the box.

Tell us a little bit about your theater!

The Greater Austin Dance Academy (GADA) serves serious dance students grades 3- 12 who want to push their singing and acting as well as dancing potential. Students work on productions, mini-revues and other material while performing many times throughout the season. GADA emphasizes the experience of dance as an art form and strives to teach students to dance expressively from the heart, while also encouraging them to improve their technique and overall skill as a dancer.

If you have been before, what is your favorite part of JTF West?  

We LOVED the Pasek and Paul performance of course - BUT overall the feedback and pod morning was such a great, growing experience. We can't wait for my kids to experience that again!

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Meet Christian Arts and Theatre (CAT)!

Name: Cyndi Monroe

Location: Corona, CA

Social Media Handles: CAT of Corona, CATCorona

What show will you be bringing to JTF West? Disney’s The Lion King JR.

What inspired you when you directed your very first musical?

I was inspired by an utter and complete fear of failure. Every rehearsal, every production meeting, every dress rehearsal I was certain it was going to be the worst show ever produced in the history of time but I just kept going. The best thing I can say is that it wasn't completely terrible.

What is the most useful tool or wisdom that helps you as a director/producer?

I learned to live by the phrase, "Its just the way we like it!" Sets aren't done? Its just the way we like it. Lead has Chicken pox? Its just the way we like it. Show opens in 2 days and we haven't sold any tickets? Its just the way we like it. No matter what, nothing that happens in a staged musical production, especially one involving youth, is going to change the history of the world. The attitude I show the cast, the parents, the volunteers can have a long term effect. Staying calm, kind and optimistic despite all odds has proven to be a winning combination with long term benefits.

Tell us a little more about your group!

Christian Arts and Theatre of Corona (CAT) is an after-school theater and visual arts educational program for students ages 5-18. CAT is committed to building up kids through excellence in the arts. CAT’s aim is to enrich the life of individuals, families, and the community through experiences in the arts within an atmosphere of positive Biblical values.

At the 2017 iTheatrics Junior Theater Festival West, Christian Arts and Theatre won a Freddie G Excellence in Music group award, and student Josh Higbee won a Freddie G Excellent Individual Performance by a Male award.

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Meet The Center Stage Studio!

Name: Tracey Ann Ball

Location: Aliso Viejo, Ca 

Social Media Handles:

Instagram - the_centerstagestudio

Twitter - @thecenterstage

Facebook - TheCenterStageStudio

What show will you be bringing to JTF West? Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR.

What inspired when you directed your very first musical?

I FELL IN LOVE WITH ANNIE!  Being raised in group homes you can imagine why! 

What is the most useful tool or wisdom that helps you as a director/producer?

Listening is my best asset... listening to the kids, the parents, the teachers, fellow directors and staff… it helps me decide so much. In order for kids to be at my studio they need to be inspired, and I need to listen to what then need in order for me to continue that. 

Tell us a little more about your theater!

The Center Stage Studio's mission is to inspire a love for the arts at a young age and encourage its students to achieve new levels of artistry and performance. Its curriculum trains and empowers students who may consider a performing arts discipline as a major or minor in college to a pre-professional level with a competitive edge. The Center Stage works to make possible a young performer's dream to pursue a career in theatre, dance performance, or as a performing arts educator.

The program has recently had two kids perform on Broadway and in Broadway tours: Amaya Braganza (Annie, The King and I) and Adrianna Braganza (The King and I). Other alumni include Emmy Perry, who is starring in her first feature movie Scales; Noah Munk, who has acted in iCarly, and Mary Desmond, who has appeared on American Idol Hollywood and Mia Kaplan in her first movie Fat Camp that just premiered. 

In 2017 Center Stage Studio attended the iTheatrics JTF West and students won a Freddie G Excellence in Music Group award. Furthermore, student Mia Kaplan won a Freddie G Excellent Individual Performance by a Female award.

What is your favorite part of JTF West?

TO BE HONEST - the kindness and professionalism that is displayed from every part of your festival. The ushers, the teachers, the directors, the guests the adjudicators. The kids had a blast. 

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Meet Grandstreet Theatre School!

Name: Marianne Adams

Location: Helena, Montana

Social Media Handles:

Instagram - @gstheatre

Facebook - @gstheatremt

Twitter - @GSTheatreMT

What show are you bringing to JTF West? Godspell JR.

What inspired when you directed your very first musical?

I was given the opportunity to direct my first musical when I took the position of Director of Education at Grandstreet Theatre in 1993.  I had directed a few non-musicals but was so thrilled to be able to dive into the world of musical theatre and I've been there ever since.

What is the most useful tool or wisdom that helps you as a director/producer?

Hire well and trust the people that you bring in to collaborate with you to do their job.  Be honest with them and with yourself.

Tell us a little bit about your theater!

Our students are all members of our after-school program. They range from advanced actors to young actors just beginning this process. Our program focus's on acting but the students also get some classes in musical theatre and technical theatre. We have a school year program with approximately 200 kids and a summer program with 300 plus students. We have 31 students attending this year. 10 boys and 21 girls. Eighteen of those 31 students went last year. The youngest is a 3rd grader and the oldest is a junior in High School.

Grandstreet is Montana’s premier community theatre, with over 40 years of continuous service. Sustained by volunteers from an exceptionally talented population, Grandstreet also trains over 400 K-12 students each year in its nationally recognized Grandstreet Theatre School. Grandstreet’s goal is to brighten the city of Helena and elevate the human spirit through live theatre and theatre education.

The group has earned considerable recognition at past Junior Theater Festivals. At the 2017 iTheatrics JTF West, Grandstreet Theatre School won a Freddie G Outstanding Ensemble award, and student Emma Ackerman won a Freddie G Excellent Individual Performance by a Female award. Additionally, student Rayne O’Bryant was one of six students named to the Tech Theater All-Stars. Each group attending the festival was allowed to nominate two students, who took part in technical theatre workshops designed to help develop their talents.

Our motto is "Talent Doesn't Mean Anything If You're a Jerk"

If you have been before, what is your favorite part of JTF?

We loved the concerts and meeting young actors from around the United States.

The "cool down" talk after our performance, was so wonderful and cathartic. I just thought it was brilliant to have someone who saw their performance and heard the feedback, be able to listen to the young actors afterwards and let them talk about what had just happened. By the time they left that room they were ready to move on with their day and enjoy and learn from the afternoon workshops. That was the most enlightening for the faculty and from several students that I spoke with afterwards.

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Meet Meigs Junior Thespian Troupe, Meigs Academic Magnet Middle School!

Name: Jamie Kirkland

Location: Nashville, TN

Social Media Handles: @meigsmstheatre

What inspired you when you directed your very first musical?

I saw a school with so much talent and potential but few opportunities to shine on the stage (Talent Show, Evening With The Arts, a scene show here or there). With the Broadway Junior collection, it was easy to get 50-60+ students involved and onstage. I started small with my 8th/Advanced class and produced Seussical JR. in winter 2013, then I opened it up to the full school to create the Cavaliers On Stage musical theatre program with Disney’s High School Musical JR. in the spring of 2014.

What is the most useful tool or wisdom that helps you as a director/producer?

The students. I have ideas and think about the logistics, but I love hearing what the kiddos think about certain aspects of blocking, choreography, costumes, props, set, everything. I have students as assistant director, stage manager, run crew, costume crew, lights, sounds, mics, assistant choreographers, and assistant music directors. They are my most valuable resource, and all of their work helps them own what they do on and off the stage.

Tell us a little bit about your theater!

Meigs Junior Thespian Troupe is part of the drama department of Meigs Magnet Middle School in Nashville, TN. At the 2017 iTheatrics Junior Theater Festival West students from Meigs Junior Thespian Troupe in Nashville won a Freddie G Outstanding Ensemble award, and student Abby Cannon won a Freddie G Outstanding Student Director and Choreographer award.

What is your favorite part of JTF West?

Being with other students and teachers who are as passionate about excellence in performance as I and my students are.