Column: Interdependence of Art: Excellence Happens When We Work Together | local entertainment
Imagine you are sitting in the audience of a dark theater. You feel the emotion of the lighting and the brilliance of the simplicity of the decor. You are wowed by the costume design, surrounded by pristine sound, and moved by the live instruments, observing the honest and believable skills of the performers. Each of these different art forms come together at the same time on stage to create something so excellent that you, the theater patron, have to stand on your feet while clapping and shouting “Bravo!” »
Many of us have had this experience, but only a few have personally been on stage to know what it takes to move an audience.
As with any art form, the best way to learn is from a master. What qualifies a master, you might ask? A master is someone who has invested over 10,000 hours in their skills acquired over time, observing other artists while working and performing alongside them. A master performer enjoys the tedious process of repetition, even learns through rejection, and shows up no matter what.
My experience working within the Broadway community has taught me the meaning of the mantra “Trust both on and off stage.”
There are no “divas” on Broadway; if you dare to be one, you are easily replaced. You cannot serve and carry the audience without each other. As performers, we depend on each department hitting its cues simultaneously; from the quick-change chest of drawers to the conductor’s baton, everything is interdependent. Musical theater is the basis for the training of many famous stars of music, television and film. Although the artistic medium may differ, collaboration is essential in any performing arts medium.
This summer, I am honored to share my beloved and respected Broadway friends with the Sheridan community. Not only have these artists performed on Broadway, but also in films, voiceovers, television and more. Together we have sung for presidents and professional sporting events. And at one point or another, we all looked at each other and wondered, “How did I get here?
The answer? Inspirational instruction, courage to show up and a love of the process.
In June, Sheridan College will host an intensive two-week Broadway musical theater program. The intention behind this opportunity is to teach young artists the craft of musical theater while reaching their personal best, training and performing alongside industry professionals and performing arts faculty. from Sheridan College. By learning from the masters of the craft, participants will be exposed to the business side of show business in addition to improving their acting, dancing and vocal performance skills. In hopes of honing students’ audition skills, participants will also be put through their paces on June 17 in a mock audition (open to the public), where they will receive valuable feedback from our panel of professionals.
In my role as creative producer, I will assemble the production team, from stagehands to choreographer. It is my joy to connect artists in their best suited positions to create magic. As I create the show, I will build it around the talent of the students to present them in their best light. Sheridan and the surrounding area has great talent, and I hope to bring the knowledge and skills of the “big cities” right here at the foot of the Bighorn Mountains. I can’t think of a better place to have a creative retreat!
All of these skills will culminate in my love letter to Broadway, Broadway Then and Now, as the students perform with professionals on the Kinnison Hall stage June 23-24. The show will shed light on Broadway from the 1940s to the present day while reflecting on music and the impact of theater on the music and film industries.
Gina Feliccia McDermott is the Creative Producer for the Sheridan College Broadway Musical Theater Intensive and Rachel Bergman is the Director of Academic and Arts Initiatives for Sheridan College.
