WELCOME TO MAMADRAMA: Building Buzz Without the Drama

 

Most MamaDrama network bloggers spend a lot of time seeing and writing about theatre, but last month a bunch of us had the chance to try performing.  We were invited by BroadwayEdge to join our children on the studio floor to learn and perform the choreography to "It's a Hard Knock Life" from Annie which is currently playing at the Palace Theatre on Broadway.

 

With all the time we spend shuttling our kids to sports practice and playdates, it was a nice change to try out a more meaningful activity.  Acting class isn't just for future Broadway stars.  Performing in a safe, classroom setting can do wonders for a kid's self confidence and nothing makes a mom prouder than to see their kid lighting up the stage.

 

Check out this video from 3Decades3Kids blogger Diane Sullivan:

 

 

 

Jenn Markwerth from Be Your Best Mom was impressed with Jill Jaysen's ability to work with any kind of kid, be they a showbiz regular or newbie: "There was a diverse group of children, some who have acted, and some who at first barely spoke or knew of acting," Jenn observed.  "Jill knew exactly how to bring out the best in each child." 

 

Nancy J Horn from The Mama Maven was impressed, even though her son was happiest behind the camera and took the role of paparazzi for the event. "All the kids (and even adults) had a blast".

 

Erin Leigh Peck attended with her daughter as a guest writer for Carol Cain's Girl Gone Travel: "In just two hours, fourteen moms and I sat amazed as we watched shy, introverted kids along-side obvious stars in the making create characters, learn a number, set it to choreography and perform it with full-out commitment and more heart than we knew they had brought into the room."

 

Holly Rosen Fink of The Culture Mom appreciated how the program helped her daughter come out of her shell. "Broadway Edge is all about building confidence and allowing each child to spontaneously access their powerful instincts. As a result, they become unstoppable as their belief rises to new levels."

 

Cristie Ritz King from The Right Hand Mom brought her two future Broadway stars: "Trust me when I tell you... it was a morning full of wonder. My kids were in their element as were a few other future Tony winners in the group.  Some other kids in the group, who may have started out a little shy or reserved, were all singing and acting with gusto after their time with the incredible teachers."

 

Amy Oztan from Selfish Mom and her daughter (who is an aspiring and talented performer) attended both this smaller demo class and the full-scale weekend-long workshop: "What kids learn at Broadway Edge doesn’t just apply to auditioning and performing. At some point, just about everybody has to get up in front of a group and do something, so learning how to speak with confidence, how to present your ideas without questioning them and making them seam weak, is invaluable, whether your kid ends up on a stage or not."  Check out Amy's blog for some terrific video of the class!

 

And mother of five Kerry Lyons from Lyons Den Mom was thankful for some special "all about her" time with her only daughter: "While our little lady is full of drama at home, when offered the chance to channel that drama in front of an audience, she became timid and shy, as many of the children in attendance did.  But, they were quickly drawn out of their shells by the pros at Broadway Edge, who literally got down on their level to instill comfort and confidence."

 

Linda Grant from NYC Single Mom was impressed! "In just two short hours, all of the kids performed a completely choreographed scene from Annie, the iconic 'A Hard Knock Life.' Amazing!"

 

 

Check back here to read posts from more MamaDrama bloggers about learning It's a Hard Knock Life with our kids.

 

Have you or your child attended an acting class in New York?