Sariva Goetz

Last year was my first summer as Program Director for the Music and Arts program and the Summer Musical Theatre program at the Conservatory. I had such a good time getting to know the kids and the parents, as well as my colleagues at the Conservatory and I was extremely pleased with how both programs turned out. I am looking forward to this summer and I am excited about some of the changes we are making to the programs.

MUSIC AND ARTS
The Music and Arts program is for kids ages 6 to 11. Coming into the program, each child picks a “major.” They have a choice of piano, guitar, violin or cello and this summer we are adding a Creative Dramatics option for those children who would rather study acting than take a group instrument lesson. Creative Dramatics covers basic stagecraft like how to make yourself heard onstage and how to use your body. It also unleashes the imagination as kids learn how to create characters and tell stories. They’ll participate in theatre games and improvisations and also work on scripted skits and scenes.

The morning (9:00-12:30) is divided into four periods; Arts and Crafts, Glee Club (singing/movement), Group Instrument or Creative Dramatics, and Ensemble. Ensemble is where the entire student body gets together to work on two or three big musical numbers for the final performance.

And speaking of the final performance, the kids present all their work on Thursday evening of the final week. It’s a spectacular multi-arts presentation with an art show in the basement, and a performance in the concert hall. All the instrumental groups perform individually and it’s amazing to see how much the children accomplish in four weeks. The different periods of Glee Club perform a variety of musical numbers, the entire Ensemble performs a few show-stoppers and this year, the Creative Dramatics classes will perform as well.

AND THAT’S JUST THE MORNING! Those children who stay for the afternoon will be rehearsing and performing a scripted one-act musical. Last year the afternoon was mainly creative dramatics, but since we’re offering that in the morning, we have the opportunity to put on a real play with the afternoon kids. I haven’t chosen the show yet, but I have a short-list and it’s going to be something really fun. The show will be performed on the last Friday evening of the program in the concert hall at the Conservatory. NOTE: I recommend that children who stay for the afternoon program possess some basic reading skills, a desire to be in a musical, and the ability to handle a full day of fun!

MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP
This program teaches students ages 10 to 16 about the process of rehearsing and performing a musical. In three weeks, the students rehearse a one-act musical and perform it in a real theatre venue. Students work with a professional director, music director and choreographer who are also experienced arts educators. In a low-pressure, non-competitive but disciplined environment, students learn beginning technique in the areas of acting, singing and dance, including vocal projection, stage physicality and character development.

PHILOSOPHY
Our program is designed to create an ensemble of performers where everyone works together as a team, supporting one another to create the best show possible. This emphasis on collaboration and community teaches children that everyone’s contribution is equally important. Large roles are double or triple cast so that everyone gets a chance to develop a character as well as sing in the chorus. Success is measured by growth and improvement, not by the size of the part or number of lines. Under the nurturing guidance of our professional staff, students learn new skills, become more confident, develop a sense of artistic discipline and have lots of fun bringing a classic Broadway musical to life. Prior theatre experience is not necessary, but students are required to be focused, committed and eager to learn.

THIS SUMMER
I am really excited about the choice of shows for this summer’s program. The first show is THE MUSIC MAN and the second is BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. Both shows are filled with great characters and excellent songs.

THE MUSIC MAN is a classic American musical about the fast-talking, charismatic traveling salesman Harold Hill who comes to River City, Iowa and cons the townspeople into buying his revolutionary music program. He falls in love with the uptight librarian Marion Paroo, but this is much more than a love story. There are over 25 speaking roles, lots of funny characters and opportunities for kids of all levels to really shine on stage. The famous “Seventy-Six Trombones” is from this show as well as “Gary Indiana” and the beautiful “Til There Was You”.

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is not your typical Disney fairy tale. Yes, there’s a Beast and yes, there’s Belle (the Beauty), and yes, they ultimately fall in love. But there are so many other amazing characters that can potentially steal the show. For those who don’t know the story, the premise is that once upon a time, an Enchantress turns a cruel unfeeling Prince into a hideous Beast and all of his servants into household appliances and furniture. In order to break the spell, the Beast must learn to truly love another person and earn her love in return.

The script is really hilarious and there are so many terrific roles for both boys and girls. Belle is spunky, smart, confident and loves to read. There’s Maurice, her eccentric inventor father; Gaston, the pompous, dim-witted handsome man who tries to win Belle’s affections; and Lefou, Gaston’s outrageously funny sidekick. The servants who desperately want to become human again include Lumiere, the charming French maitre d’ who has been turned into a candelabra; Cogsworth, the English major-domo who has become a clock; Mrs. Potts; the endearing, maternal cook turned into a teapot and her son Chip, a teacup; Babette; the maid and resident flirt who has become a feather-duster and Madame de la Grande Bouch; the opera singer/diva who has been turned into a wardrobe. And of course the Beast, a complex character filled with conflicting emotions – a great opportunity for a young actor. I’m really hopeful that we’ll get a lot of kids to join us for this production.

The Broadway version of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST includes all the wonderful songs from the original Disney animated film plus new songs written especially for the stage. The Broadway show ran for over 13 years (5,461 performances!) and it’s one of my personal favorites because I played keyboards for many of those performances during the last three years of its run!

DOES YOUR CHILD LOVE TO BE ON STAGE CREW?
The other big change…it’s really an addition to the Workshop….is that we are adding a technical component. There will be 5 spaces open to students who want to do only technical theatre and not perform in the show. These 5 kids will learn about lights, sound, costumes, props, and stage management. Guided by a professional teaching-artist in the area of technical theatre, they will work directly with the creative team during rehearsals, designing and constructing props, helping with costumes and documenting the staging and choreography for the show. During the performance, students will be on the stage crew and possibly operate the sound and light boards as well. This is a unique opportunity not offered anywhere else. Kids have to be at least 12 years old to register for the technical component. Anyone interested in these spots should contact the Conservatory ASAP.

MY POINT IS…
I really love exposing kids to theatre and music. The potential for developing skills that can be used throughout their lives is so great in the arts. Being on stage teaches kids how to use their bodies and voices, how to develop their creativity and use their imaginations to solve problems, how to be good communicators by improving their language and listening skills and how to collaborate with others toward a common goal. To me, it’s about so much more than putting on a play.

Please call Jean Newton at the Conservatory (914) 761-3900 or email jean [at] musiced.org. if you have questions about any of the summer programs. HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THIS SUMMER!

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