House Center: Words from Our Audience
Many professionals working in Theater for Young Audiences feel drawn to the field because of the deep and powerful connection we build with the audience of young people we serve, both through performances and theater education experiences. In each issue of NEXT, we plan to feature the thoughts and ideas of young people from our audiences and education programs, in their own words, on a wide variety of topics. This month, we start by posing a simple question:
If you had a friend who had never been to a play or taken a drama class, what would you say to them to convince them to go with you?
From the New Victory Theater, New York City:
- Terrell B., Age 16, High School Apprentice
- “I would tell them that I've worked in a theater and it’s a very exciting place. You should come just to meet new people and learn more about the theater and the shows that play there.”
- Supreet K., Age 17, High School Apprentice
- “I think it is most important for my friend to know what it's like to be in the environment of any performance. I would tell them about things like the intimate settings that exist in virtually all theaters. They might like the fact that they can actually meet the actors and actresses after seeing them perform. If it is a person who doesn't care for theater, I'd probably be better off telling them about comfy chairs, the cool area, and -- whether its true or not -- all the great looking guys/girls in the show. It really is an amazing experience that everyone should have at some point or other.”
- Michelle C., Age 17, High School Apprentice
- “When you go to a play, it's so much more than just going to see a movie! The audience helps to make the play; by being in the audience, you are a part of the play. And plays are so much more real and personal. The actors are right in front of you; portraying life and situations you relate to and feel for. And if I were trying to convince him/her to come to an acting class for the first time, I would explain how free you feel while acting. In an acting class, everyone is there to act! You all understand each other on some level. And it's one of the very few places where you can get up and feel however you want to feel and not have to hide it. You can be real and up front and honest, and it's ok, it's even encouraged! You can make a complete and total fool of yourself, and that would be considered progress, because you're letting go of inhibitions. An acting class is just a free, uninhibited environment, full of fun, creative, expressive people!”
- Faith L., Age 17, High School Apprentice
- “I would say you have no idea what you're missing. There is just something so wonderful about being drawn into a whole other realm when watching a play or taking part in a performance. I personally love the high that acting gives me. It allows me to get out of myself and become a completely different person.”
- Theresa L., Age 17
- “If any of my friends hadn't been to a play thus far in their lives, I would undoubtedly try to get them to come with me to one. To do so, I would start by explaining the obvious: theater is great because it presents the acting and excitement of TV and the movies, but up close! There's something to be said about live entertainment - the thrill of being drawn in by a show, knowing at any moment the actors could flub their lines and worsen the performance. Moreover, there is a big reason why for established actors, theater has a back-to-basics, grassroots appeal. Actors know there is no ‘take two’ as in movies, and that each show is another chance to explore the character. Theater, as I would inform my friend, is the truest way to experience that because of its extemporaneous elements.”
From the 52nd Street Project’s Playmaking Program, New York City:
- Mordecai, age 10
- “It's fun acting because you get to put on these costumes, you get to work with an adult. I'd tell [my friend] about it, like these plays might be funny or sad and that if you've never seen one, if you want to see one, come with me.”
- Anthony, age 14
- “Try it out, it's a good feeling, having people laugh at what you say. Making people laugh is fun.”
From Lexington Children's Theater, Lexington, Kentucky:
- Daryl E., age 17
- “To convince them, I would go on and on about the melting pot of creative minds that the theatre facilitates. I would mention the euphoria of a response from an audience, the fun of becoming someone else. However, once they arrived, they would find for themselves that theatre is fertile ground for cultivating imagination and for harvesting realizations about the human condition. And, like any art form, theatre enriches a child’s understanding of their world.”
- David J., age 14
- “I would explain the process that goes into making a play great; the rehearsal process, the lighting, sound, costumes, and live acting. The audience has a chance to watch actors perfect their craft - to see that actor become someone that they are not, embodying another; this amazing talent, along with technical production, makes theatre extraordinary.”
- Meredith M., age 12
- “I would tell them, ‘Oh my gosh you're crazy! You have been missing out on so much!’ Acting is the most awesome thing ever! Not only do you get to use your imagination non- stop like a 4-year-old, but you get to meet so many cool people. Whether you’re in a show or just watching a production, it’s really neat to see what a bunch of words on paper can become. That’s the really super thing about acting; there’s tons of room to explore. And sometimes, you even find out things about yourself that you never knew before.”
A big thanks to David Kilpatrick of the New Victory Theater, Megan Sandberg-Zakian of the 52nd Street Project, and Jeremy Kisling of Lexington Children's Theater for gathering responses from the young people.