Did you watch the new NBC show "Smash" this past season? I am not one to get hooked to a TV show, but I became addicted to this show from Episode 1. I was smitten by the beautifully orchestrated music, dreamed of living the New York lifestyle, and was mesmerized by the choreography, the big names (Debra Messing), the captivating voices (Megan Hilty), and yes, especially the drama. This show filled my usually empty Broadway tank on a weekly basis. (I even got the hubs to watch part of a couple episodes with me!)
Here is a clip form the very first episode. Ivy (Hilty) and Karen (McPhee) are preparing to audition for the leading role of Marilyn Monroe in a hot-off-the-press Broadway musical, "Bombshell". Check it out!
With the kick-off of a hot new series revealing the behind-the-scenes life on Broadway, NBC gifted 20 schools across the country with a grant to produce their spring musicals. Did you read that correctly...20 schools in the country...and Oliver Middle School was one of them! We were exhilarated to receive this grant money, and were filled with hope of building a musical department in our middle school!
I co-directed the musical with three other teachers. We each had our areas of expertise, and it was such a beautiful thing to see all our personalities and unique experiences come together as one directional team.
Although I had never directed a musical before, I've had much experience on the stage. It was both a challenge and a huge thrill to use my different areas of experience to coach middle schoolers. My favorite times were spent coaching the soloists- choreographing and teaching them how to utilize entire stage, sing with expression, and pass energy to everyone else in the Company. I also managed our fundraising, booked our sound system, designed/assembled the 15 page program, co-directed the Chorus, and processed any administrative "stuff" to be sent home to parents and local businesses.
I learned soooo much during our two rehearsals/planning segments with our correspondent from NBC, Cynthia Ripley. This lady knows her stuff! And she's a genius when it comes to producing musicals with students! I can truly say I was inspired. And I think this area of "teaching" brought new life to my career in education.
We have had auditions/rehearsals since mid January. (This means that for almost the length of my marriage, I've had after school rehearsals three nights a week until 6:00-6:30. And tutoring two days a week before school. And math meetings every Wednesday morning on top of that. My hubs sure is a trooper!) Although the spring semester was a CUH-RAZY one for sure, and my social life was pretty much nonexistent, I can honestly say that it was worth it. The students amazed me, and we pulled off a show we can truly be proud of!
Now to make my mind stop racing with ideas for next year... Hmmm...
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