BWW Blog: Q. Smith Transcendence Theatre Co's 'Broadway Under the Stars' - Orientation
By: Guest Blogger: Q. Smith Jul. 03, 2013
Day one- we had an orientation of Jack London State Park, which is where Transcendence Theatre Co. is housed during their summer performances. Everyone showed up with smiles on their faces ready to do whatever was necessary to get the job done. We circled up, as Artistic Director Amy Miller read inspiring quotes to gear us up for the journey ahead. There were tears. There were many tears, but not of sadness. We all come from different backgrounds, struggling with our own personal wars and to come together in such a place as beautiful as The Jack London State Park in Sonoma, CA for such beautiful cause, our hearts began to explode. The title of the current show is titled Fly Me To The Moon, where such songs as "Waiting for Life (which I sing)", "Some Enchanted Evening" fromSouth Pacific, "Move On" from Sunday in the Park , as well as some original songs mixed in with some funky ones make up the magical evening. These songs were chosen for very specific reasons. Transcendence doesn't believe in doing anything just to do it. It has to be a part of the movement; taking us beyond our usual limits. So when we're out there singing and dancing we are doing our best to explode hearts and challenge our audience to go beyond their personal limits. All of the college education and Broadway credits don't really matter when you're out there.
If you crack or miss a step, it doesn't matter one bit because you quickly get over yourself and realize why you're there, which in turn helps you to realize what your purpose on earth is. Transcendence is BIG, BIG, BIG. Its a love revolution ready to invade the world. I promise you it will be the next Sundance or the likes of.
The company is filled mostly with people from Hollywood and New York. There is no audition process to get into the company, its more of a recommendation, followed by reading and complying with their four core commitments; art, community, health, and the environment, then followed by a skype session/interview. This is serious business, people. The want more than just belters and "kick-ya-face" dancers. They want people with heart! People that know how to simply get over themselves and into changing the world. Its not easy. The heat this past weekend was well over 100 degrees and we work in the heat during the pre-show picnic, then do our best to "get pretty" before the show. Around 8pm the cool wind starts to blow and soon after that the most amazing stars you've ever seen pop put to give us a standing ovation. I often have to check myself because the performers are giving the performance of their lives, while I'm watching God do His thing in the sky. It's unbelievable. I can't help but to cry. This is my life right now??!! REALLY?! I'm getting paid for this? You've gotta be kidding me. Now I'm on my way over to a house pool party. Its the day off. What can I say?
Connecting with long time friend Jia Taylor who drove up from San Francisco to see the show. She'll be starring in In The Heights at the Palo Alto Players Theatre this fall.
Sheri Sanders getting ready for mic check.
(L-R) "Backstage" Steve Mazurek, Julie Craig, Sheri Sanders, Nili Bassman, and Ruby Lewis
"Tap Your Troubles Away" rehearsal at the Benzinger Winery barn.
Sherri Sanders and Steve Mazurek staging "Use What You Got". It was a chilly day.
Park Orientation. (L-R) Amy Miller, (crew) Johnathan, and Carrie Manolakos
Entering our performance space for the first time. Our backdrop is stunning! :)
Orientation of the park with 3 of the founders, (from L-R) Brad Surosky, Stephen Stubbins, and Amy Miller
View from afar of our performance space in Jack London State Park
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