An Awesome Young Voices 09-10 Season!
Posted: May 26, 2010 Filed under: 2009-2010 Season, Gen Z Global Stage, Young Playwrights Festival, Young Voices, YV Monologue Festival | Tags: Florida Stage, Heidi Harris, Young Voices Leave a commentYou know when you take lots of time to plan for something, and it actually works out the way you’d hoped? You spend time working out the variables, rearranging dates/times, planning activities….and then you assemble the best team you can and trust that everything will work out just right.
Well, you hope.
My hopes were certainly realized with this season’s Young Voices series. Each event, from the Monologue Festival to Mentor Lab, proved to be rewarding for both the education staff and the students who made the events possible. Student participants from first grade to the university level brought another facet to Florida Stage’s education programming by sharing their artistry with us.
Words cannot express how honored I feel to have been a part of this season’s education events. I felt a sense of renewal (as an educator and artist) each time a student actor/writer discovered that their voice mattered and that others were not only willing to hear it, but happy to help them shout it from the rooftops!
It was a very good year, indeed.
As I plan for our education season at the Kravis, my hopes continue to be that our Young Voices events reach even more of Palm Beach County’s amazing students – giving them the opportunity to express themselves as artists as they start their life’s journey.
On a side note… while writing this blog, I decided to make myself a cup of tea. One of my favorite brands has a tiny gem of wisdom printed on each tea bag tag. I love those little phrases – especially when they seem so serendipitous.
Today, my tea bag tag read “Whatever character you give your children shall be their future.”
I think I’ve found my new office-wall quote…
Junior Achievement Student Visits Florida Stage
Posted: May 10, 2010 Filed under: Florida Stage | Tags: Florida Stage, Heidi Harris Leave a commentRecently, I was asked if Florida Stage would like to participate in a “job shadowing” program. My first thought was, “Great! Another young person interested in a career in the arts!” , so a meeting was set for one of Park Vista Community High School’s students to come see what a work day was like in the arts.
The student was Oscar Wnuk, and he showed up – on time – looking very enthusiastic! After a brief chat, I discovered that he’s actually in the Medical Academy at Park Vista. I couldn’t resist finding out why he wanted to visit a theatre company.
Seems young Oscar has been a performer in the past – and he really loved it! We talked of musicals and plays he’d been involved in, as I gave him a tour of the theatre and its offices. He got to spend time speaking with many of our administrative staff before I took him over to our rehearsal hall to see our next production, When the Sun Shone Brighter, in progress.
One of the folks Oscar met, at the rehearsal hall, was James Danford – one of our fabulous Production Stage Managers. James himself was once part of his high school’s Junior Achievement program, so he was more than happy to have a JA student attend rehearsal.
In asking James what his JA experience was like, he said “I've been a stage manager for more than 30 years now, but when I was still finding my way – back when I was 16 or so- I discovered that Junior Achievement had a radio segment. I joined and began to understand both the business and the 'product' side of things. We had to shop radio stations and find one willing to take us on for one live half-hour talk/pop music program. We then wrote the copy, chose the music, and did it. This experience helped me make more informed choices down the road. Embrace JA!”
As we wrapped up our day with young Oscar Wnuk, Medical Academy student, I couldn’t help thinking that art finds its way into everyone’s lives…and stays. Even after a change in his career plans, Oscar made it very clear that theatre would be a necessary part of his future. How cool…
A Raisin in the Sun, Boynton Beach High School
Posted: April 29, 2010 Filed under: Florida Stage | Tags: Florida Stage, Heidi Harris Leave a commentDirector of Education
Here at Florida Stage, we get to see brand new work come to life every season. Some of that work goes on to make its way into the mainstream of American theatre – by playwrights who present the human experience in a way that only they can tell it.
Such a writer was Lorraine Hansberry, who penned a play called A Raisin in the Sun. Classic, American drama at its finest.
I love that kind of stuff and try to see as much of it as I can.
So when the invitation to see Ms. Hansberry’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play came from one of my favorite local high schools, how could I stay away?
Recently, I got to see two of the students who were in our Young Voices Monologue Festival (Leon Cobb and Morgan Chinahsang) tackle A Raisin in the Sun. Both are part of Boynton Beach Community High School’s Theatre Academy.
This gritty drama of life and discrimination in the 1950s was directed by drama teacher Joseph Ametrano (who also designed the set, sound, and costumes for the show.) Fellow Boynton Beach High School drama teacher Tom Bruckner provided the lighting design and (along with his students) built the set. Together, they helped provide the perfect atmosphere of life on Chicago’s Southside for a family struggling to make ends meet, while still holding on to their dreams.
As for the all-student cast, I was quite proud as I watched these young people (especially Leon Cobb as Walter Lee Younger and Karla Armstrong as Ruth Younger) take on such iconic character roles – roles designed for actors far more “seasoned” than those in their late-teens. But, despite their age, the students really gave the play all they’ve got – not shying away from taking risks and committing to their moments.
And that is what great theatre is all about.
Photos by Joe Ametrano
Natalie Stone Memorial
Posted: April 16, 2010 Filed under: Florida Stage | Tags: Florida Stage, Heidi Harris, Natalie Stone Leave a commentWhen you’ve been touched by greatness, you know it. It isn’t something you can put into words, necessarily. It’s just something you feel.
Natalie Stone was certainly one of the great ones, and I was honored to have known her and to have been present at her memorial service this past Monday.
The Kravis Center’s Helen K. Persson Hall was the site for a loving celebration of our “Miss Natalie”. She would’ve loved it. From the tasteful décor, to her lively picture in a classy (not ostentatious) frame, to the generous refreshment assortment – complete with a huge bowl of Tootsie-Rolls.
It was clear from the moment you entered the hall that this was a celebration for a woman who was dearly loved by all who knew her. From long-time friends, to ones she’d only recently met; those gathered mingled and laughed together as they shared their stories of this amazing lady.
My story begins only last season, when I was in the development office. I met Natalie at an opening night celebration and was instantly drawn to her fire-cracker spirit! At a time in my own life when I had recently lost a great-aunt who was an enormous influence in my life, meeting Natalie almost felt like being around my dear Aunt Martha, again. Sitting at the memorial service, I couldn’t help but think of how familiar the stories of Natalie all sounded to me.
My Aunt Martha was a staunch Democrat who loved the arts, teaching, and women’s rights. She was feisty, quick-witted, and fiercely loyal to her family and friends. She lived by example – standing up for what was right and being unafraid of who was looking on. And, of course, she did it all with a smile on her face and a spring in her step.
So did our dear Natalie Stone. I do believe she and my Aunt Martha would’ve been fast friends!
And just like our Miss Natalie, I lost my Aunt Martha after she fell and broke her hip.
Maybe that’s why being at Natalie Stone’s memorial meant so much to me – it gave me the chance to say thank you to another lovely lady who left an indelible mark upon the world in which she lived.
The world I live in right now.
So, despite the briefness of my friendship with her, I am thankful to have known dear Natalie Stone. She and I nearly shared a birthday (we were one day apart) – and when I told her this her response was, “Well, January babies are great!”
I couldn’t agree more.
Young Playwrights Festival 2010!
Posted: April 7, 2010 Filed under: Young Playwrights Festival, Young Voices | Tags: Florida Stage, Heidi Harris, Young Playwrights festival, Young Voices Leave a commentYou know those days when you don’t quite feel your age? I sure do. And this past Monday, I have to say that I truly felt like a kid, again!
The 10th Annual Young Playwrights Festival took place on Monday, April 5th to a nearly-full house (over 200 audience members!) From kids of six and seven years old to theatre-lovers with several more decades to their credit, the audience enjoyed nine outstanding plays – written by some of the brightest young people in Palm Beach County.
Thirty-four student authors were honored, that night – receiving prizes, posing for pictures, and watching seven actors embody the characters in the winning plays. From dogs and cats to feisty senior-citizens, the evening provided much entertainment for everyone.
With a process that began by reading entries from nearly 300 authors, to casting some of South Florida’s best actors, to eight hours of rehearsing the plays, to a jam-packed 90 minute event – the 2010 Young Playwrights Festival should have left me feeling exhausted.
Did it? Nope.
It left me feeling like a kid again – and excited for the future of theatre. Who could ask for more than that?!
Check out the video below:
Young Playwrights Festival
Posted: February 3, 2010 Filed under: Young Playwrights Festival, Young Voices | Tags: Florida Stage, Heidi Harris, Young Playwrights festival Leave a commentHamlet: Words, words, words.
I know, I know – my nerdy-ness is showing by starting my blog with a famous exchange from one of the most beloved plays written in the English language. But, that’s been my life for the past month: words, words, words… and finally, the payoff has arrived!
After receiving play submissions from over 200 authors, and having a team of four artists (two playwrights, an actress and an actor/director) read them all, the best-of-the-best from this year’s Young Playwrights Festival have been chosen! Sixteen plays have been picked from stories ranging from first crushes, to school bullying, to losing loved ones. The creativity in the young people of Palm Beach County never ceases to amaze me!
Now, the really fun part begins: gathering a group of professional actors and bringing these kids’ characters to life, on stage! I hope you’ll be able to join us on April 5, 2010, for one of the most entertaining events of the season. You’ll be in good company, as the student authors (ranging from grades 1-12) will be there, too.
Congratulations to the following students for their WINNING script submissions to this year’s Young Playwrights Festival!
Elementary School Winners:
• Toby, by Cali Diaz – 5th Grade, Berkshire Elementary School
• Rust, by Nick Caravetta, CJ Eastmond & Eli Kovacs – 4th Grade, Equestrian Trails Elementary School
• Reptile Party, by Timothy Hansen, Colby Johnson, Benjamin Kramer, Coleen Peggs & Graham Stark – 1st Grade, Equestrian Trails Elementary School
Middle School Winners:
• Survival Story, by Isaac Mercado & Joshua Bennett – 8th Grade, Emerald Cove Middle School
• Falling Apart, by Valeria Rivadeneira – 8th Grade, Bright Futures Academy
• The Truth, by Andrew Joseph Bromberg – 8th Grade, Emerald Cove Middle School
High School Winners:
• The Secret Lives of the Elderly, by Annelisa Van Lenten & Kevin Gish – 10th/11th Grade, Boca Raton High School
• The Welcome Point, by Alexia Antoniou Pappelis – 12th Grade, St. Andrews School
• Angry Young Men, by Rebecca Kane – 11th Grade, Boca Raton High School
Congratulations to the following students for receiving an HONORABLE MENTION for their script submissions to this year’s Young Playwrights Festival!
Elementary Honorable Mentions:
• The Amazing Life Cycle: Metamorphosis, by Frecks Bertrand, Ellie Dickerson, Adam Fabrikant, Nicole Hallet, Charlie Richstone & Sabrina Soncini – 2nd Grade, Equestrian Trails Elementary School
• Planet Party, by Madeline Eagen, Colby Gullo, Halle Kurit, Michael Shoichet, Drew Smith & Sally Zhang – 2nd Grade, Equestrian Trails Elementary School
Middle School Honorable Mentions:
• Rise, by Delaney Harrison – 8th Grade, Emerald Cove Middle School
• The Lost Mermaid, by Maxi Alisma – 8th Grade, Emerald Cove Middle School
High School Honorable Mentions:
• Dream State, by Stephanie Albrecht – 11th Grade, Park Vista High School
• Jackson, by Tracy Abel – 12th Grade, G-Star School of the Arts
• The Science Fair, by Rachel Chapnick – 10th Grade, FAU High School
The plays listed above will be published in the Dream It Up, Write It Down 2010 anthology. Winning plays receive a stage reading, with professional actors, on April 5, 2010 at Florida Stage. For complete details on the event, click here or call the Education Department at 561-585-3404 ext. 114.
Don’t miss out on this delightful glimpse into the next generation of great American playwrights!
Florida Stage on Radio Disney!
Posted: December 4, 2009 Filed under: Young Voices | Tags: Florida Stage, Heidi Harris, Radio Disney, Young Voices 1 CommentThat’s why it was so exciting that I got to be a guest on Radio Disney 1600’s talk-show “Kids Concern”, hosted by our own Gen Z Global Stage student participant, Lori Perry (from G-Star), who is one of Radio Disney’s student DJs.
Robert Goodrich (Florida Stage’s Media Arts Specialist) and I spent half-an-hour talking to Lori about the various education programs here at Florida Stage. I spoke about the Young Playwrights Festival and Student matinee series, while Robert talked about Gen Z Global Stage, the Young Playwrights’ Mentor Lab program, and what it’s like to be a professional playwright and filmmaker.
It was great to be able to share why we feel theatre and the arts are so important. Thanks so much to Lori Perry and all the folks at Radio Disney 1600 for the opportunity to get the word out about Florida Stage and our education programming. Anyone interested in listening, the broadcast is at 6:30 am on Saturday, December 5th.
How I spent last Thursday night
Posted: November 23, 2009 Filed under: Young Voices | Tags: Heidi Harris, Young Voices Leave a commentThat’s how I spent last Thursday night – watching some very talented young actors at Boynton Beach Community High School.
As Director of Education, part of my job is reaching out to the local young artists here in Palm Beach County. This past September, I had the opportunity (along with Florida Stage Playwright-in-Residence Andrew Rosendorf) to teach creative writing workshops to Mr. Joseph Ametrano’s and Mr. Tom Bruckner’s drama classes, at Boynton Beach High.
That day of workshops was spent encouraging students to find the writers inside of themselves – breaking out of their comfort zones just a bit and exploring where their emotions could take them…on the page.
The result of some of that work was exhibited on November 19th and 20th at the school’s evening of scenes and monologues. And I have to tell you – some of the work we saw was both outstanding and compelling.
While all of the participants (including the awesome tech crew!) deserve credit for their work, there were a few standouts: Anriette Morisseau’s Mama, Jarrell Brooks’ Sorry, and Biandelle Eugene’s Reality Check had the audience not only silent, but spellbound. And Leon Cobb’s ability to stay-in-the-moment when an audience member’s cellphone rang (at which – instead of just silencing the phone – said audience member bounded out of the theatre, keys a-jangling) is the sign of a true pro. Kudos, Leon!
In the midst of budget cuts to the arts, it’s quite wonderful to see a school like Boynton Beach High (which has, by-the-way, an AMAZING black box space …pretty sure I was drooling as I sat in my seat) keep the arts alive in a way that’s beneficial for the students and the community. Had any of the lawmakers who ride on the “arts programs are expendable” train been in the audience that evening, they would have had all the proof necessary to convince them of the vital place arts programs have in the lives of our young people.
Bravo to all of the student participants – and to Joe Ametrano and Tom Bruckner for the work they do in keeping the program thriving. Keep up the great work!
Young Voices Monologue Festival
Posted: November 15, 2009 Filed under: Young Voices, YV Monologue Festival | Tags: Heidi Harris, Young Voices Monologue Festival Leave a commentYou know that feeling where you wonder if you’ve had an out-of-body experience or just not enough sleep? Yep. That’s what I’ve been feeling this past week.
The excitement and anticipation of the 09-10 Monologue Festival has come and gone – and now I feel a little more relaxed and a LOT more inspired! The evening’s events were simply amazing, and I was reminded – AGAIN – that the theatre truly is a magical place.
Here’s a little run-down of how we got to Monday night:
After our one-on-one
rehearsals the previous week, the students (aged 12-18), Robert Goodrich, Andrew Rosendorf, Jon Wemette, Alicia Scott, Tabitha Jamie Mary Chester, and I all gathered for a whirl-wind afternoon run-thru and evening performance this past Monday. As this was the students’ first time in the theatre, I put them on stage and expected a few train-wrecks – but much to my delight they proved me wrong. They even seemed to be on top of their game. I kept thinking it was all going too smoothly…
At 6:15 we broke for pizza (surprisingly the green room survived with minimal damage) and I thought, “Okay – we got through it once and did a cue-to-cue…this might work.” Boy, was I in for a surprise.
Not only did the evening work – it ROCKED! From the first moment as the actors entered the theatre from all sides, to the powerful ending as the audience was left to ponder how much superficiality is in our world – every moment was empowering and enlightening. I was getting the chance to feel those rare moments where what you’ve taught your students – and the magic of theatre – come together to create something amazing. Nothing compares to the exhilaration of watching thirteen talented youngsters invoke their creativity and courage to provide an audience with an evening of fantastic performances.
I think I know what it must be like for a parent to see their child succeed in such an awesome way. I know for a fact that I was beaming as the participants took their bow – and I may have been the first to jump to my feet celebrating their triumph.
Working with young people always seems to invigorate the artistic side of me. The imagination and exuberance they bring to the work is an adrenaline shot to my spirit, and I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity to be a part of such an incredible event.
I’ve had many phone calls, emails, and just plain “kudos” from those who were in attendance on Monday night – and I have to say that the credit goes to Katrina, Cassie, Leon, Chris, David, Morgan, Tyler, Megan, Stephen, Haley, Morgan, Duval, and Philip – they shared their stories with us and reminded us of why we love this crazy business. THANK YOU!!
And now it’s onward toward the Young Playwrights Festival. Gotta keep that creativity flowing…
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