The
inaugural JumpStart Theatre Showcase was a success! Over 200
people joined us at Xavier University to celebrate the conclusion of our
first year.
Holmes
Middle School set the stage with "Hard Knock Life" and
"Tomorrow Reprise" from Annie
JR.
Finneytown
students followed with "A Poultry Tale" and "Warts and All"
from Honk! JR.
Gamble
Montessori then performed "Human Heart" and "Why We Tell the
Story" from Once on This
Island JR.
"I'm
pretty much nervous about everything but when I'm onstage, or not even
when I'm onstage, but just when I'm singing and acting, I don't feel nervous at
all." Gamble Student
Local
CBS affiliate Channel 12's Jen Dalton and Bob Herzog served as our hosts,
bringing their infectious energy and humor to the stage while local
actors, Erin Niebuhr and Michael Carr, used their talent to entertain the
audience in between schools.
To
conclude the performance, students from each school joined together for an energetic
rendition of "Freak Flag" from Shrek
JR. The young performers were rewarded with an enthusiastic
standing ovation.
"I
shed a few tears of happiness seeing all those kids bravely, proudly doing
their thing! Thanks for making this possible for our kids, families, and
communities." Holmes Parent
The
magic continued after the performance as friendly employees from Tom+Chee
happily prepared a variety of tasty bites for the hungry kids and audience
members. Their grilled cheese donut was hands-down the favorite of the evening.
Deondra
Means from The Children's Theatre of Cincinnati, supported by students from the
School for Creative and Performing Arts, led theatre games to cap the night's
festivities.
The
Educational Theatre Association was also pleased that Dr. James Catterall
and his research assistants, from the Centers for Research on Creativity,
were able to join us for the Showcase. Catterall is leading our research
efforts for the JumpStart Theatre program. He spent a few days with us, taking
advantage of the opportunity to discuss his work over a lunch with arts
professionals from the community. He also stopped by each school to check
out their performance space and chat with the administrators before heading
back to California.
James
Catterall (center), pictured with EdTA Executive Director, Julie Theobald
and Director of Educational Policy, James Palmarini.
A
huge thank you to Dee Anne Bryll, Clare Jaymes and iTheatrics staff: Tim
McDonald, Marty Johnson, Steven Kennedy, and Susan Fuller who worked hard
behind the scenes to make sure everything went perfectly!
Unable to make it to the Showcase? Here's a peek at the schools'
first performances.