On September 18, 2016, I was afforded the opportunity to attend the NJACT's 43rd Annual Perry Awards. I was extremely honored to be present supporting my twin brother, Joseph Laurino Jr. who was nominated for his role as Patsy in a production of Spamalot with the Chatham Community Players. His appearance in the show was an unexpected surprise that resulted in a comic and memorable performance. Our high school director and choreographer, James Mosser and Jennifer Williams branched out to this community theatre project and somehow knew that Joseph would be the perfect fit. This 16 year old boy took on the role of Patsy, the loyal companion to King Arthur, exuding charisma and a sense of maturity that captured the audience. With a stellar triple - threat performance, he left critics speechless with a smile from ear to ear. 

Although she's only a freshman in high school, Shelby Jones (who attends Murfreesboro's Middle Tennessee Christian School) has already amassed an enviable theater resume and established a reputation as one of the finest singers to be found onstage.

Over the past week, I have been in the process of recording, rehearsing and being coached for my pre screen audition videos for applying to college. I was also scrambling to meet deadlines I had set for myself to finish my college applications. I spent an hour and a half recording the vocal part of my auditions, two hours recording one mandatory dance combination, introductions to my video and my monologues. I also worked for an hour on the optional/technique jazz combination video.

I was never one to sit still. I always tap a foot in the air while I'm sitting cross-legged. I twirl my pen while taking notes in a lecture and make typing motions with my fingers while trying to figure out what to write. But I surprised myself. I have done more sitting still in the last week than I have in my entire life, and it was nothing less than enlightening. 

It's the fall, which means thousands of high schools across the country are beginning their spectacular seasons of theatre. From Shakespeare to Carrie, drama clubs are performing some very complicated and complex musicals and plays. The same goes for Fort Lauderdale High School, where the Stageplayers have officially begun rehearing one of the most underrated, hilarious, and intricate shows, The Drowsy Chaperone. 

Matthew Morrison is the prime example of a Renaissance man. From getting his big break as Link Larkin in Hairspray to starring in the cultural revolution of Glee to his time as J.M. Barrie in Finding Neverland, Morrison has showcased his ambition, passion and dedication as one of Broadway's leading men. 

We can all agree that there's no season more hashtag aesthetic than autumn. But, as is for everything cool, you need a playlist to bring it full circle.

Pumpkin spice lattes, candy corn, apple pie-what do these things make you think of? First and foremost, YAAASSS (obvi), but also…fall! As I struggle to get back into the swing of school, there's one thing that keeps me going: my superhumanly high level of excitement for THE FALL 2016 THEATER SEASON!!! (*fireworks*) There are so many truly incredible offerings this year for audiences of all ages…but, for now, let's focus on what's out there for teens! So, now, I present to you (*drumroll)* My Top 5 Picks for Teens Fall 2016 (*confetti explosion*)! 

As a vocalist, sickness is my worst nightmare. I don't want to have to postpone voice lessons, practice or other rehearsal when I lose my voice. 

During my week in New York, I had the opportunity to interview Tina Stafford after watching the off broadway show she is in called Liberty. Tina is a working actress in New York City and was a part of the tour of Once the musical. It was really interesting talking to Tina and learning about what it's like to be an actress in New York City. Here are the questions I asked her and her responses!

As we head into the new school year (*rolls eyes*), all of us are still reminiscing about those summer nights (yes, that was a purposeful Grease reference…obvi). Some teenagers chose to spend their summer relaxing on the beach, working on their tan…I am not one of them!! I spent my summer at the legendary theater camp, Stagedoor Manor, where I performed in two full-fledged productions over the course of 6 weeks. This was my 3rd year at Stagedoor, AKA, 'Heaven on Earth for Theater Geeks', and it just gets better and better each year.

Every year at Upper Dublin High School, the theatre program puts on a get-together where they reveal the three shows to be done throughout the school year. Before they're revealed, though, you can guess what they're going to be. Last year the theatre director gave hints in the form of colors for the shows: black, green, and blue. If you can't figure all of them out, don't worry, we only managed to get two: Wizard of Oz for green, and The Little Mermaid for blue. Black, then, was The Importance of Being Earnest. All three ended up being incredible to perform, and the contrast between the two musicals and The Importance of Being Earnest was a great dynamic.

I tried out for my first play in several years. In prior years, I told myself I was too busy to take on another show, and let audition opportunities pass me by. To this day, that is my biggest regret of high school: not auditioning for everything.

I can think of only one thing that's better than theatre outreach--and that is using said outreach to welcome freshmen. 

I take my craft too seriously. Yes, I said it. Every theatre kid takes their craft too seriously. Now, I know how misleading that sounds. It sounds like I'm claiming we should all relax and stop working on our pieces. Trust me, that is NOT WHAT I AM SAYING. What I am saying is something that is built on advice hundreds of people have told me. From vocal coaches to directors to fellow cast members, basically everyone I know has told me that I take my craft too seriously. And I do. But I think we all do. I think we all spend far too much time worrying and questioning rather than doing. Thus, I present new advice for a new school year: stop taking your craft so seriously!

The green room of The Belmont Theatre on August 21st, 2016 would have been a sight familiar to any actor who can recall the day their show closed. The cast and crew was gathered in a tight circle, clutching hands as the stage manager, Judi Miller, called places for the final time. Her announcement brought forth an eruption of cheers, a sound that mixed with the bittersweet feeling that had overcome us all at the thought of bringing our production of Side Show to life one last time.

As social media becomes more and more prevalent in society, casting calls and other theatre things have become increasingly digital. With Facebook pages for several kinds of casting calls, specific types, agencies and websites, people have more information about how to submit to these casting calls.

On June 20th to the 26th I had the pleasure of attending the International Thespian Society Festival to represent my school, the OCVTS: Performing Arts Academy and our Troupe #6185!

The beginning of school brings lots of fun activities, some homework, and new friends. A lot of the time, with theatre or music activities there are auditions that go hand in hand with it. I know that I am preparing for a week of auditions next week, and I'm trying to figure out all of the songs, dances, and scenes I'll need to know for these auditions.

On this episode, take a peak behind the curtain and see how The Belmont Theatre brought the freaks of 'Side Show' to life!  

Going back to school means getting to see your friends again, meeting new teachers, and homework. It also means back to auditions. Whether you are a Freshman or a Senior it is always scary for everybody. From picking the right monologue to the right song, I've got you covered. Read below to see my tips for a stand out audition.

Hello, readers! After taking a short break from blogging to enjoy family time, I come back with a blog about the most stressful time of the year: audition time. As show season begins and drama clubs start long rehearsals, line learning, and vocal lessons, we theatre kids jump back into what we do best. However, starting the long process towards show day that we enjoy so much starts with one agonizing event: auditioning. Yes, I know, I've previously written about how much I love and enjoy auditions because of the creative opportunities and exploration they offer, but no person can deny that audition week is the most nerve racking experience (show week is a close second). Thus, I present a guide to handling this time of year with, as Meryl Streep said at the Democratic National Convention, "grit and grace."

Summer is officially over for me, and I'm immersed into the school year again. I'm already working on a school production of the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and my classes are already piling on the homework, tests, and projects. Somehow, I'm not fazed by this mass chaos. It probably is related to the fact that I did not take a break this summer. Summer classes filled my summer until the second week of July (don't worry, I took these classes to lighten my junior year), babysitting was a routine job for me, and I was in a production of Shrek the Musical at a local community theatre. 

High school senior Patti Meadors gives advice she would have loved going into high school. Incoming freshman, sophomores, juniors, seniors and anyone who has a high school student should know some of these tips to have a more comfortable transition into high school responsibilities and the college application process. 

BWW Interviews: Northwest High School Welcomes New Drama Teacher