Under the direction of Zoetic Stage's Stuart Meltzer, The New World School of the Arts High School students staged a production of the Laramie Project which explored the community reaction to the murder of Matthew Shepard.
Students from the production discuss what the play means for them and the power of the proedcution.
Dean of Theatre for New World School of the Arts takes us behind the scenes at the schools newest production of Cabaret and explains why NWSA is so important for maintaining the caliber of regional theatre by developing the next generation of actors and directors.
Dr. Milton Ruben Laufer, dean of music at NWSA, will debut in Miami with an exuberant piano recital highlighting masterpieces from Spanish composers Isaac Albeniz and Manuel de Falla as well as from the French piano virtuoso Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel.
The exhilarating afternoon program will feature Sevilla, Asturias, Cuba and La Vega by Isaac Albeniz; Manuel de Falla's First Spanish Dance, Danza del Terror and Danza del Ritual; Claude Debussy's L'Isle Joyeuse; and Alborada del Gracioso by Maurice Ravel.
Dr. Laufer, whose playing has been hailed as "fanfare-like... vividly colored..." by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, is a seasoned educator and respected pianist whose Fulbright Scholarship propelled his research in Spanish piano music. He has been nationally and internationally acclaimed as a leading performer and scholar in this musical genre.
January 27; 3:00 PM
Steinway Piano Gallery of Miami
4104 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables
Free and open to the public
Space Apes
Joshua Jean-Baptiste
Time:10:45 am
Place: A Florida State Prison
Advisor: James Randolph
Stage Manager: Anissa Comonte
The first breath of fresh air a prisoner takes after he/she has been released is a meaningful one. Their “re-entry” comes with great responsibility. They are faced with many obstacles, such as family members disassociating themselves, and employers turning a blind eye. The biggest challenge is enduring disaffection, staying focused, and staying away from getting detained again. From the moment they take a step back into the community they are faced with a broken life, and often have no tools to repair. But there are those who can supply the resources to fix a damaged life, with a mere second chance.
Growing up in a setting where being a hoodlum was promoted; I came very close to walking down the path of being another disappointing statistic. It was not until I earned the faith of a few people who in turn offered me another shot. I found what I wanted out of life. This show is dedicated to those who have given and gotten a second chance.
Special thanks to my Mommy, and my Auntie who are still supporting me for being in a field where playing dress up can one day get them a big house.
Super Special thanks to New World School of the Arts, Troupe 3206, James Randolph, Patrice Bailey, NWSA Class of ’13, Daphnie Sicre, Keisha Smith, JR Miller, Edson Jean, Jeano, Steve Della-Valentina, Jean Zephyr, Maximo Santana, Frank Hernandez, Atom Phly Media, Jayy Black, Marckenson Charles, Elliot Jones, Hotel Urbano, and all of the goons in North Miami Beach and North Miami for inspiring this piece.
*This show contains Adult Language/Content
Time Steps
Colleen Campbell
Time: Now
Place: New York City, NY
Advisor: Patrice Bailey
Stage Manager: Kristian Bikic
Through song and dance Donna Mckechnie shares her life experiences and all that her theatrical journey encompasses. Despite the struggles of her life, she is able to overcome her set backs and start again with this brand new day.
Donna Mckechnie began her love affair with dance as a child in Detroit. At fifteen she ran away from home to join a touring dance troupe. Recounting her dazzling career, Donna also reveals the dark side of fame.
I would like to thank Patrice Bailey for encouraging me to find what I am most passionate about and giving me the freedom to really explore that. I would like to thank all of the teachers here at NWSA. I would like to thank my mom and dad for their constant love and support. My friends back home and the people who inspired me to follow my dreams in the first place. And lastly all of my classmates and now colleagues for always encouraging me to be at my best and to do my best.
My Lips Are Sealed
Malia’Kekia
Nicolini
Time: Present time, Q&A segment of the final workshop
Place: Any space equiped to hold a Vagina Convention
Advisor: Gail Garrisan
Stage Manager: Sahid Arnaud Pabon
They say to write what you are passionate about and in this time of my life… its vagi-nas. Not the vagina itself (though it is beauti-ful) I’m more interested in what she stands for, her voice or shall we say her lack of one. I am proud to be a woman in this day in age, now if only society would let me be the God-dess I really am! We are all born with happy little clams and unfortunately as we grow up that clam sometimes can decide to close up on us for various reasons. Why does that happen? What in our past silences our voice!? How can we move forward and allow her to speak again? China doesn’t know all the answers but what she might know is a key for further understanding. China has a gift, she is a vagina whisper and you’d be shocked if you could hear what she hears (or can’t hear)! And like many she wants the same, to find your inner beauty (literally) and to be HEARD!
I would first like to thank all the miraculous and inspirational women in my life: My mother Michelle, Terry Nicolini, Gail Garrisan, Patrice Bailey, Natalia Hunt, Estela Vrancovich, Felicia Kurtz, Barb, Pam, Ashley, Alyssa, and Gerardo! To the ever so handsome Sahid for stepping in so open armed, you’re the sweetest! To Mark for being a lifesaver and for making me “google dat shit”! Thank you to my family for their never ending support and loving me for who I am. Especially to my father who accepts the fact I need to talk about vaginas in public! To my Honeybadgers of 2013- I can’t be-lieve this is OUR year! I love you guys truly and deeply! Finally to China, I hope after this you can see how beautiful you truly are! Inside and out! Go get’em Kitty!
P.s- No need to point my feet Mom!
This show is for Kalea and for EVERY woman who has ever felt less than they are!
Audience participation is encouraged!
*This show contains Adult Language/Content
Moving Day
Jennifer Zabalo
Time: Present
Place: Studio Apartment
Advisor: David Kwiat
Stage Manager: Michelle Brino
Everyone knows what a roller coaster ride it can be before the big day, but wedding
bells aren’t ringing for Jane, it’s the big “Moving Day”. In the midst of her packing her memorabilia she is reminded of where she came from, who she really is, and would
leaving her past be the right move? Will Jane finally chase her dreams or will she
just settle to the comfortable lifestyle she’s been living? Time is ticking.
Special thanks to the “Honey Badgers” Class of 2013 we made it! I couldn’t ask for a
better class to have spent my four years with. Thank you to the professors at New
World you ALL have changed my life for the better. Special thank you to Lab9 Productions. David Kwiat you are the best advisor a girl could ever ask for! Your endless support allowed me to feel confident enough to tackle this One Person Show and Patrice Bailey who always made time for me even with her busy schedule, she’s not just a Queen of the Theater she’s a superhero. This show is dedicated to my biggest fans, the two people who have held my hand throughout my life and continue to do so, my parents. Hope you’re proud of your little girl! And of course none of this could’ve been possible without the big man upstairs, Papa Dios. Thank you for the countless blessings and the beautiful people in my life.
Does Anyone Love
Like Lucy?
Jessica Sanford
Time: Present
Place: Lucy’s living room. New York, New
York.
Advisor: Gail Garrisan
Stage Manager: Keith Shaw
Growing up Lucy Baker has always felt a
little disconnected in the love department.
While the world loved Ryan Gosling, Lucy
fancied James Dean. Instead of checking her
email for love letters, she waited by her mail
box. Wanting to find other people who also
have issues with love, Lucy starts a support
group for romantics.
Tonight is the first meeting and she's ready to
finally get this off her chest: she's in love with the past and she's not letting go.
First and foremost I want to thank my parents for raising me in the good old fashioned
black and white way. It may set me apart but I wouldn't have it any other way. Thank
you for continuing to support this big dream of mine. I love you all so much. Ryan,
Kristin, Mark, my cousins, aunts, uncles and Nana, I couldn't ask for a more loving
family. Pop, we celebrate you everyday and I know you would've been front row
center. To Luke, Jonathan and Matthias, none of you can read yet but you light up my
life.
To my best friend Jillian who I met on the cheerleading bus in 7th grade, you are my
sister and I have no idea who I would be if I didn't have you in my life. I love you!
Gail, my advisor, thanks for all your encouragement and patience. To all my professors
past and present at this magical school, I never believed I'd be the actress I am today
and that credit goes to you. To my honey badgers, my second family, we have worked
and grown together. We've conquered this, now let's go out with a bang!
To all of you out there who are looking for love, be tenacious and it'll find you.
And Lastly, to NWSA... "Here's looking at you, kid!"
Final Statement
Andres Maldonado
Time: Present
Place: Execution Chamber at Florida State Prison
Advisor: Jim Randolph
Stage Manager: Freddy Valle
What do you say in the last moments of your life? What if you're only 32 years old and you know exactly when you will cease to exist? What if your last breath is being anticipated and watched by a crowd through a window? What if they see a monster and not a human being? Eduardo Prieto has been on death row since he was 17 years old and after 15 years of waiting, his time is about to finally come to an end. As protocol states, he is given just minutes to speak for the very last time. As he prepares to go, he prepares to confront who he blames, why he's there, the people watching, and most importantly, himself.
*This show contains Adult Language/Content
Noise:
An Interruption
Vanessa Elise
Time: Present
Place: A Waiting Room
Advisor: Stuart Meltzer
Stage Manager: Michelle Hernandez
So many of us constantly just skim the sur-face of our lives. Without realizing it, we start racking up what-if's and I-should-have's. Amaya has taught me so much about living without regrets and that it's OK to be impulsive sometimes. Be fearless. The jour-ney of writing and rehearsing my OPS has served as a true reminder of why I love be-ing an actor; the discovery, the playing and the satisfaction of knowing you've potential-ly given someone in the audience a voice, is priceless. Through it all I have had the sensational support, relentless cheering-on, and the love of my family, my hero (my Mommy), and my angel, my husband, Jair. My love and appreciation goes out to my personal AAA: Angie, Ari, and Alma. Special thanks to Stuart Meltzer for always be-lieving in me and never allowing me to second guess myself. To all of the NWSA fac-ulty, thank you! Michelle Hernandez, you rock! Felicia Kurtz and Melissa Kollwitz, thank you for helping me find my voice and having faith in it. And I would be remiss if I failed to mention the brilliant actors that make up the class of 2013. My darling Honey Badgers, time IS life, and I know that I have been blessed by being able to learn from all of you these last four years. Peace and love.
*This show contains Adult Language/Content
To Bean, or Not to Bean
Stephanie White
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Place: Strictly Coffee, New York City
Advisor: Patrice Bailey
Stage Manager: Eddie Morales
There's a big difference between a working actor and a working actor.
To my family (Mom, Dad, Matt, Tias/Tios, Scola's, etc…) Thank you for all the love. You guys are the best. I couldn't have done any of this without your support. Bobby, thank you for making me laugh and keeping me sane. Patrice, thank you for believing in me and believing in this show. David, thank you for all of your insight throughout this incredibly daunting process. Eddie, thanks you keeping it together up in the booth. Carlo, thank you for being an inspiration.
To the freshmen, I'm thrilled to see the future of this school in good hands.
To the sophomores, keep fighting the good fight. Junior year will be a breeze.
To the juniors, you're next.
To my seniors, I'm honored to be a part of such a talented and tightly knit ensemble. Thank you for being incredible. -- Let's do this.
*This show contains Adult Language/Content
Where’s the War?
Katherine Du Bois
Time: May 5, 1970
Place: Interrogation room in Madison, Wisconsin
Advisor: James Randolph
Stage Manager: Jose Elosegui
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
George Santayana
Jim Randolph, you have a light that shines inside of you and I will always carry a piece of it with me. Thank you for sharing that light with me. Jose Elosegui, I wouldn’t have it any other way, LOVE YOU! Rayner Garranchan, I love you man, thank you for all your help. Estella and Angie, thank you for always answering all my questions. Mark Dellaventura, thank you for being you. Carlos Hincapie and Vincent Rodriguez you guys are the best! Thank you!
To my Honey Badgers of 2013, words will never express the joy you have all brought into my life - I will forever be grateful for the things you have taught me and for the laughs we have shared. I love you guys.
To all my professors at New World - Stuart, Gail, Andy, David, Jim, Matt, Helena, Dale, PK, Michael, Jeff, Dorset, Estella, Toohey and Sandra - you have shaped me into the actress I am today and I could never repay you for that.
Thank you Dean Bailey for being the Dumbledore to my Hogwarts.
To my family, thank you for always supporting me in everything I do, I would not have been able to do this without your love.
Natalia Hunt, thank you for always listening.
To Nathalie, keep following your dreams because nothing in this world will give you as much joy as the joy you feel when you follow your heart.
This show is dedicated to anyone that has been affected by war - past and present.
*This show contains Adult Language/Content
Plastic Makes
Perfect
Natalia Coego
Time: Christmas Eve
Place: Toys “R” Us
Advisor: Gail Garrisan
Stage Manager: Marie Becnel
"Barbie is not just a doll." To my Honey Badgers, I am so proud to be a part of the Class of 2013. We did it! Gail, thank you so much for believing in my show. You're an amazing advisor. I couldn’t have done it without you! Dorset, I appreciate all your help with my Barbie Doll Box. Patrice and David, thank you so much for your sup-port! Estela and Onelida, thank you for letting me borrow clothes from the costume shop. Seriously. It's saved me a lot of money. Spe-cial thanks to Marie, you’ve been a very helpful Stage Manager! Gregg, thank you for keeping me sane throughout this whole process. Muah! And last but not least, to my family, Mom, Chris, and Patrick, I love you all! <3
Imagination is key!
*This show contains Adult Language/Content
New World School of the Arts senior Jennifer Zabalo talks about her one person play called "Moving Day," which was part of the NSWA 2012 One Festival, an annual series featuring plays written, directed and starring senior's from the schools Theatre program.
New World School of the Arts senior Jessica Sanford talks about her one person play called "Does Anyone Love Like Lucy?," which was part of the NSWA 2012 One Festival, an annual series featuring plays written, directed and starring senior's from the schools Theatre program.
New World School of the Arts senior Vanessa Elise talks about her one person play called "Noise: An Interruption" which was part of the NSWA 2012 One Festival, an annual series featuring plays written, directed and starring senior's from the schools Theatre program.
New World School of the Arts senior Natalia Coego talks about her one person play called "Plastic Makes Perfect" which was part of the NSWA 2012 One Festival, an annual series featuring plays written, directed and starring senior's from the schools Theatre program.
