Photo Flash: Fidelity FutureStages' Student Showcase

After seven months, the Fidelity FutureStages' theater education program reached the end of its inaugural year.  On May 21 and May 23, at New World Stages (340 W. 50th Street, New York City), the hard work and creativity of more than 800 New York City students was showcased with the finale performances of 10 student-written plays - one representing each of the 10 inner-city schools participating in Fidelity FutureStages.  The finale event was produced by The Veirtel/Frankel/Baruch/Routh Group.

"Fidelity FutureStages is a comprehensive arts education initiative launched last November by Fidelity Investments, The Veirtel, Frankel, Baruch and Routh Group and LEAP (Learning through an Extended Arts Program).  The program is designed to provide New York City students an unparalleled opportunity to learn from some of professional theater's leading playwrights, directors, designers and actors, and experience the thrill of bringing their own creativity and ideas to life on a professional stage," state press notes.

"Over the past seven months, students have participated in classroom workshops covering theater disciplines including writing, acting, production and design, led by LEAP teaching artists and special guests such as Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid), Raul Esparza (Company) and Kathleen Marshall (The Pajama Game). Students have also been busy writing, casting and rehearsing their own original plays; ultimately preparing those works for a live audience. One play from each participating school was selected for the Fidelity FutureStages landmark finale event, marking an unprecedented NewYork theatrical debut for every student involved."

Photos by Thos Robinson/Getty Images

 
The Fidelity FutureStage cast of Ice Joey, written by Taiwo Ellis and Yadira Ramos, take their bow

The playwrights of Fidelity FutureStage joined by Judine Somerville (Hairspray, guest speaker), Alice Krieger (Fidelity FutureStage Program Director and Leap Associate Executive Director) and Jennifer Brown (Executive Vice President Communication Services, Fidelity Investments)

Fidelity FutureStage playwrights from High School for Enterprise, Business and Technology, Dwayne Matthews and Melodi Conze, congratulated by Company star and guest speaker Raul Esparza

The student playwrights and actors take their curtain call

The Fidelity FutureStage cast from High School for Business, Enterprise and Technology performs a scene from Two of Akin, written by Dwayne Matthew and Melodi Conze

Fidelity FutureStage cast from Philippa Schuyler Middle School perform a scene from Ice Joey

The crowd at New World Stages