This is the fifth post in my series about Apples and Oranges Studios' THEatre ACCELERATOR. THEatre ACCELERATOR utilizes new technology to develop musicals in a unique way. For a full explanation of THEatre ACCELERATOR, see my first post here. 

Earlier this month I had the pleasure of taking Fredi Walker-Browne's three day workshop at my school, the OCVTS: Performing Arts Academy. Being able to take such an informative class on the entertainment world was eye opening and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to take this class at my school as both a freshman and senior. When learning about show business and casting I found myself reflecting on how big the performance world is, and how thankful I am to be apart of such a crazy yet thrilling field.

Do you hear the students sing? The Brunswick High School Players are presenting LES MISÈRABLES SCHOOL EDITION under the direction of Pam Mutti.

There's a solid reason why the Sophomore One-Acts Festival at my school is called Short and Sweet. These little bites of theatre are a delight to watch, study, and perform.

Jess here.  I recently saw my first show at Cockroach Theatre, a well-established theatre company located here in Las Vegas.  SPINNING INTO BUTTER by Rebecca Gilman exposes current social issues through an honest story that could, in reality, have taken place in Anywhere, USA.  This play dealt with concepts not normally portrayed on a stage, and delivered a powerful punch that left the audience enlightened.  The story is set at fictional Belmont College in Vermont, and explores racial issues that college campuses sometimes face.  The show begins with Sarah Daniels, a Dean who is trying to get a student to lie about his ethnicity so he will be a stronger candidate for a scholarship.   She does this with the best intentions, but it's not taken well by the student, Patrick Chibas.  Meanwhile Simon (a character in name only), an African-American student attending the predominantly white Belmont College, reports a series of hate crimes being inflicted upon him.  Dean Daniels along with two other Deans struggle to fix the issue, yet against Dean Daniels' better judgment, decide that a campus-wide forum is the best way to remedy the situation.  Ultimately, the forum is a huge failure, and results in more of a divide than it began with.  Dean Daniels continues to try to do what's right, but struggles with the process due to her subconscious racism.  This story discusses the complexity of race and discrimination and how, despite the outlawing of segregation, America still struggles to treat all races equally.

The Woodruff School ACE Music Theater Program has its cast completed for their spring production of James and the Giant Peach JR

In January, I said goodbye to working on one of the plays I wrote in my junior year of high school, 'Supermarket of Lost,' which you can read about my experience here: http://www.broadwayworld.com/los-angeles/article/BWW-Blog-Cassandra-Hsiao-Opening-Nights-and-Goodbyes-Looking-Back-on-SUPERMARKET-OF-LOST-20170123

Last week, Cinderella at UHS observed two snow days delaying our rehearsal process but allowing us time to individually delve into our material.  Watching videos, reviewing intentions and developing our characters are what will bring our magical performance together. Once the company was reunited, we made up for lost time with our scenic elements. As each stroke of the paint brush is completed, it is apparent in how gorgeous it will truly be. 

Bop to the top! HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL JR. is opening this weekend at Winslow Homer Center for the Arts. The middle school production of the cult classic is filled with clever sets, surprising dancing, and overall "cuteness."

Music Theatre International (MTI), the world's leading licensor of musical theatre has awarded the Courage In Theatre Award to Cherry Hill High School East for their current production of RAGTIME.

Jess here.  One of my favorite entertainment hotspots in Las Vegas is none other than The Smith Center for the Performing Arts.  March 10, 2017 marked their 5th Anniversary, and I was lucky enough to attend their 'Celebrating Five Years of Heart' concert last week.  Hosted by Betsy Wolfe and Adam Kantor (stars of the revival of THE LAST FIVE YEARS), this extravaganza included a variety of exciting performances, allowing audience members to experience the arts in a fashion that only the Smith Center can provide.  

'Can't Wait, Can't Wait Can't Wait for 13!' Yes! The  Drama Desk Award winning Musical by Jason Robert Brown- that was also the first all teen musical on Broadway is coming to The Richmond Hill Centre For The Performing Arts!

Surrounded by a barrage of local and regional media attention Cherry Hill East High School decides to 'Make Them Hear You'.

The Studio Theatre continues its inaugural season with Jason Robert Brown's THE LAST 5 YEARS. The musical follows the five-year relationship between Cathy and Jamie, from their first date to their divorce. I talked with Whitney Morse (Cathy) about the rehearsal process, her inspiration, and the challenges of telling a story backwards. 

Saturday competitions and the short film festival, I grabbed my friend Mady by the hand, rushed downstairs from our Troupe 5480 corner on the second floor, and asked as many New Jersey Thespians as I could the most polarizing question you could whip out on any East Coaster.

Little known facts are coming your way! For the first time ever, the Seaside Pavilion in Old Orchard Beach, is producing an in house musical!

Bye Bye Birdie is a Hit!BYE BYE BIRDIE hit the musical stage in the early 1960's. The story line was inspired by the popularity of Elvis Presley and his draft notice. BIRDIE is full of great tunes that most will recognize. 'How lovely to be a woman', 'Kids', 'The Telephone Hour' and 'Put on a Happy Face', made famous by Dick Van Dyke in the 1963 film adaptation.

Jess here.  I've been counting down the days to March 22nd.  You might be wondering what the significance of this date is, or if you are a musical theatre buff, you may already know.  March 22nd marks the 87th birthday of one of the greatest composer/lyricists of all time: Stephen Sondheim.

Cinderella continues to surprise me with the lessons I learn each and every day. In a musical, the story is the language. Lyrics are a stunning collection of words that advance the plot in a brilliant way. This week, I have dug deep into my lyrics and have fallen in love with its passionate message. I am so intrigued by the depth of this language and its power to share a universal ideal. Everyone goes through a time when they doubt themselves. Everyone has felt like the world is against them. Finding the confidence within you is one of many beautiful themes that this show embodies.

Thomas Wagner stars in the iconic role of Nathan Detroit in the show that runs this weekend and he managed to squeeze some time into his hectic schedule to answer our queries and become the newest subject of this week's High School Drama.

On Sunday, March 5th, I saw DEAR CHUCK, by Jonathan Dorf at the Winslow Homer Center for the Arts. It was quite an evening!

Aladdin, performed by Durango High School under direction from the theatre arts department head Tobias Torres, was shown this last weekend. I have been wondering about this particular production since it is the dual language version, how that would be accomplished in a similar time frame as a single language show. I rearranged my schedule so that I could make it on closing night since it was only a one week production.

I had the chance to interview the incredible Steve MacKinnon and Taylor Wright from CURIOUS GEORGE: THE GOLDEN MEATBALL at the Orlando Repertory Theatre! The show runs through April 9. For more information, visit orlandorep.com. 

I was given the opportunity to sit down and talk with Marissa Brown, director of DEAR CHUCK at Scarborough High School right before the final performance of the show before they move on to the Maine Drama Festival.

Special Edition: Kennard-Dale High School of the South Eastern School District presented Cole Porter's musical ANYTHING GOES! March 2-5, 2017, making quite the splash of excitement!