BWW Blog: DSOA's SHREK: THE MUSICAL by Justin Rubenstein and Megan Rosenblum

BWW STUDENT BLOGS: DSOA'S SHREK: THE MUSICAL

TECH WEEK!

Justin Rubenstein (Papa Shrek, Guard, Knight)

My name is Justin Rubenstein, and I am a first year Junior at Dreyfoos School of the Arts. I am fortunate enough to be a part of the spring production of Shrek: the Musical, which has been nothing short of a magical experience. In Shrek, I play the characters Papa Shrek, a Duloc Guard, and a Knight. Although I was also in the fall production of Romeo and Juliet, this was the first time that I have ever been involved in a musical theatre production even close to this caliber. There have been a tremendous amount of new ideas, practices, and methods I had never been involved in and, pairing this with more technical aspects to a show than I have ever encountered, makes this one of the most enjoyable and educational shows I've been a part of to date.

Prior to this school year, I was involved in children's community theatre productions for many years, as well as having performed in three musicals at my previous high school. The most dramatic difference in those prior shows and being in the musical at Dreyfoos is the level of professionalism. Being able to work with a director who has genuine, real world experience makes every moment of work in the show feel as close to a real world job as possible. There were so many times that a term, phrase, or procedure was used that I had no familiarity with, and had to figure out on my own, not wanting to ask and show how much more I had to learn. But now, I can attest to knowing what someone's track is, why a swing is so important, how to work on spatial awareness, and much more valuable knowledge. These things will all contribute to my future work here at Dreyfoos, and wherever else I may go.

Being involved in a show as immense and professional as this, I feel that I have truly grown as an actor, and as a person involved in the theatre in any way. It has also been made very clear to me that I still have a lot to learn before I head off to college to continue to work in the theatre. Being in Shrek has allowed me to work as an ensemble member, as a collaborative artist, and to truly see how a big musical can come together.

Megan Rosenblum (Wicked Witch)

When defining the word "ensemble" in theatre terminology, the first definition that comes to my mind is a group of actors that come together as a whole, rather than as individuals. Being a Fairy Tale Creature in Shrek has widened my perception of what an ensemble member really is and how to stand out without making it all about you. I have the honor of playing the Wicked Witch and there is a lot more substance in her than I could have imagined.

To be a Fairy Tale Creature, you have to know your backstory. Without knowing where you come from, there is no way to tell where you are going to go. During one rehearsal we did this awesome exercise where all the FTC's (Fairy Tale Creatures) went around in a circle and just told their backstory. It almost seemed like a therapeutic meeting where we'd introduce ourselves and tell our peers how we ended up in Duloc. ("Hi, I'm the Wicked Witch and I just got out of prison.") With characters such as the Three Pigs and Humpty Dumpty, it was interesting to hear how the people playing these parts had added to their character and backstory, as they already have a book to give the guidelines. Getting to play the Wicked Witch has given me the opportunity to find my inner villain with a side of sass. The cast has found their character within themselves and it's so cool to watch it all unfold.

Shrek the Musical is all about letting your weird side out! Being an FTC has given me the opportunity to work as a team with my fellow peers and not be afraid to show my colors. We all have let our freak flags fly and I couldn't be prouder.

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