Last week the ITO took on NYC!! New York is one of my favorite places and I was so happy to be back!
On Friday I made it around lunch time, and soon after we headed over to meet with AMERICAN THEATRE WING. It was a truly amazing experience and a great way to being my trip. We met with Megan Kolb who enlightened us on the history of the Wing. She told us that ATW was actually founded by women which made me so happy. Then we spoke with Rachel Schwartz who showed us the different Tonys artists were given over time. It was so cool to see how the Tony has evolved. Then, get this, this is the best part... WE GOT TO HOLD ONE. Ahh, Tonys are surprisingly heavy!! After that I was on top of the world.
Still reeling, we made our way to Playbill, yes I typed it, PLAYBILL. Sarah Jane Arnegger greeted us and immediately walked us over to a shelf FULL of playbills. We were absolutely in awe. She turned and said "Which ones do you guys want?" I almost fell out but I kept my cool and accepted playbills from all of my favorite shows. Then, while holding my new treasures close, we sat down for our meeting where we discussed all of the many contributions Playbill has been making to theatre education, like Playbuilder. As if it couldn't get any better we got to meet Tyler Mount and Felicia Fitzpatrick. We got to witness their passion and hear about their stories. We learned how these broadway fanatics made it to such a wonderful family company. We talked some more got some more playbills and then walked back to the hotel to get dressed for our first show.
We dressed quickly and had a delightful dinner before heading to COME FROM AWAY. The show was incredible. All of the actors took on multiple characters going thourgh an absolutely horrific experience. We were all blown away. Then to end the best day, we got to tour the stage and meet the incredible actors. I used every ounce of control I had to not freak out. I succeeded and was very proud of myself, but I knew sleep was not going to be an option that night. I was just too excited to continue this exciting weekend.
The next day we met at TRW to discuss our year. Let me tell you, as a theatrical person offices are not my favorite place, but this space was probably the coolest I had ever seen. It made our meeting even more pleasant.
After a great day of discussion we got to see 1984, which I'm still thinking over. It was incredibly intense and I think every aspiring actor and techie should see it. I personally think this show took theatre to a whole new level and used modern technology to its benefit. You can only imagine the lack of sleep I got that night after that show, I certainly had a lot to think a over and I was again, just too excited. But this time in anticipation for Broadway Flea!!!!
What can I say? The Broadway Flea Market was insane. We sold jazz shoes from cats, Barbara Streisand records, Jersey boy playbills etc. I also bought way too much but it was all for broadway cares! There's no better excuse to spend money! After all that...I know, how could there be anymore?? We were able to attend 54 below for Broadway Back to School. There we met more incredible artist and witnessed some fantastic performances. I ALSO MET A THESPIAN FROM BIRMINGHAM?! It definitely a small world.
This trip taught me a lot and I wouldn't trade this experience with my fellow ITO for anything.