A program designed to build sustainable musical theatre programs in underserved middle schools that currently have none.
This is the fifth in a series of monthly updates about the JumpStart Theatre pilot program launched this year in Cincinnati, Ohio. To view previous updates, click here.
Getting to know Dee Anne Bryll
Dee Anne Bryll’s role as Mentor for JumpStart Theatre is crucial to the program’s success. Her warm personality, patience, and sterling reputation in the Cincinnati area made her a natural choice for Mentor and we couldn’t be happier to have her onboard. We affectionately refer to Dee Anne as our “safety net,” she stays in frequent contact with each JumpStart school, coaching and offering advice and support any time of day. She will visit the schools weekly as they begin auditions and rehearsals to answer questions, brainstorm and problem-solve in order to ensure the success of their productions. Read on for an opportunity to learn more about this exceptional artist, teacher and advocate.
What made you decide to get involved with JumpStart?
I firmly believe in the importance of every child having the opportunity to participate in a Musical Theatre production. A musical brings together all of the arts – music, dance, acting, visual arts, etc. It really teaches children the importance of everyone’s contribution, they experience community building and collaboration. It gives children an opportunity to shine, and helps build a child’s self-confidence. This is so important at the Junior High level. I have witnessed the changes that can occur through a child’s participation in a Junior High musical program.
What do you think your biggest challenge will be?
At this point I don’t see any challenges – maybe that is very “Pollyanna” of me!
Besides JumpStart Theatre, what else are you working on?
I am so blessed to be able to do such a great variety of projects and work with so many wonderful and talented artists.
I am an adjunct faculty member of the Northern Kentucky University Theatre & Dance Department, teaching Tap 1, Musical Theatre Performance 1, and coordinating the NKU Dance Tour Troupe.
I am choreographing two productions for Xavier University, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Rent.
I am choreographing Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s production of A Christmas Carol (my 16th year).
I am choreographing Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati’s production of Cinderella.
I am the director of the CCM Prep Junior Musical Theatre Intensive Program. (We will be taking an excerpt of our production of Finian’s Rainbow, Jr. to the Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta and doing a new show, a pilot for Disney Theatricals, in May!)
I am directing Radium Girls for Mariemont Players (opening at the beginning of January).
Tell us a little bit about the JumpStart schools, what makes each school unique?
Each school has such a different dynamic (Holmes is an urban school, Gamble is a Montessori school, Finneytown is a suburban school), but what is the same is the teachers’ complete commitment to the students. It is a beautiful thing to witness. As we go through the year, I am sure that I will learn more about each school. I look forward to meeting more of the students.
What was your reaction to the first JumpStart Bootcamp? Did you learn anything new?
I don’t think I have enough time to talk about what a great experience the first Bootcamp was, I loved seeing all of the teachers working together. Marty and Steven, who led the workshops, are outstanding teaching artists. I absolutely learned some new things. I added some of the exercises and ideas to my next rehearsal and it was one of the best rehearsals we had experienced! I came away from the Bootcamp energized, renewed and ready to go into rehearsal.
The JumpStart schools have chosen Honk! Jr., Annie Jr., and Once On This Island Jr. Have you ever personally worked on any of these shows?
I have directed productions of all three!
What do you hope the students involved with the program will take away from the experience?
I hope they come away with a new love of Musical Theatre and start listening to musicals, watching old movies or going to the theater to see a musical. And I hope that they come away with a whole new set of friends and with a sense of accomplishment.
Everywhere we go, Dee Anne seems to be recognized and amiably welcomed. I recently attended a meeting at the Mt. Auburn Chamber of Commerce with Dee Anne and marveled as the Chamber President, Holly Dorna, greeted her enthusiastically, sharing a story about a tap dancing class Dee Anne led that Holly described as “one of the happiest times of her life.” I also met Dee Anne through her tap class and immediately connected with Holly’s delight. Even though I lack the gifts of rhythm and grace, I never felt embarrassed or awkward under her instruction. We are confident our JumpStart schools will flourish under her lead.
Thanks to all of our partners and supporters on JumpStart Theatre:
Coming up in the next issue…
The first JumpStart auditions and how to apply for Class II (2016-2019)!
Please feel free to share this link with anyone interested in learning more about the JumpStart Theatre program, we’d love to keep them up-to-date on our exciting progress! If you'd like to receive updates by email, contact Ginny Butsch at gbutch@schooltheatre.org to be added to our mailing list.