Write a commentOn a cold and snowy evening last December, members of the Oswego Players’ Board of Directors met to finalize plans for their 2019 Season.
At the top of the list was a plan for a Theater Arts Youth Academy (TAYA). Board members dreamed of having a program which would welcome more students into the community theatre experience by inviting youngsters to write screen plays, design sets and step out onto a brightly lit stage. The big question on everyone’s mind was: Would there be interest?
Early in February, the board got their first inkling of an answer when an open house was held. Sixteen youngsters, with adults in tow, showed up to find out what being part of TAYA would mean. By the end of the presentation, all 16 signed up for their first semester of classes. “We had no idea of the kind of response we would get, said Matt Fleming, Artistic Director of the Academy. Since that first meeting, the response around the county has far exceeded our expectations. Whole families have become involved not only in productions, but behind the scenes. And the talent and dedication these students possess just blows me away.”
A month later, TAYA announced open auditions for its first production: “Snow White and the Queen of Mean.” Along with the 16 inaugural members, a number of newcomers came to try out. After a number of weeks of rehearsals, constructing the set, making set pieces and props, opening night arrived with a packed house of parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors. “We knew then, we had something really spectacular in the works,” Matt added.
Spring and Summer heated up these youngsters’ appetites for theatre even more. A number of the older students in TAYA auditioned for the Players’ special fund raiser production of “Safe Haven.” This fictional story about a family living on the Safe Haven refugee compound at Fort Ontario during the later part of WWII would be produced dinner theater style at the American Foundry in Oswego. This heartfelt play written by local playwrights Michael Nupuf and Laura Lowrie gave these aspiring actors an opportunity to really dig into dramatic roles for a change of pace.
July began for OP and TAYA with the announcement of their summer musical, “Annie Get Your Gun.” The popular show brought many to its auditions; including an enthusiastic group of TAYA students who ultimately won major roles in the musical. To promote the show, the Players entered a float in the City of Oswego’s 4th of July Parade. The entire float was decorated by and populated with TAYA students. Those who didn’t ride on the float, marched alongside, passing out candy and treats. And as the float stopped before the judging booth, the group broke out singing, “There’s No Business Like Show Business,” from the show.
The success of the float brought people from all over Central New York to the Frances Marion Brown Theater for performances of AGYG. As the TAYA students stood on stage at the end of each performance to take their bows, all you had to do was look at those faces to know they felt a part of something very special. And the proof of the pudding occurred when the production received a rave review by Linda Loomis from the Post Standard newspaper.
Summer fun wasn’t over yet. In August, 20 TAYA members traveled by bus to the Merry Go Round Theater Camp in Auburn, NY. The group spent time with the professional cast and crew of “South Pacific,” learning a dance number from the show, making costume items, and touring the beautiful set on the MGRT stage. After spending dinner with and interviewing the cast, the TAYA students were treated to the evening performance of the show. Two of the students remarked on the bus ride home that this was the very first time they had been to a professional stage production.
Karen Fadden, a grandmother volunteer of TAYA recently remarked, “the TAYA program has been such a confidence builder for these students. The year long program has brought such a unique experience to these students; some they may never have had.”
The fall semester was capped off when the students traveled to the campus of Oswego State to spend the entire day in and around Waterman Theater with Ola Kraszpulska, and some of her interns from the theater department. It was amazing to watch the mouths drop as the group walked onto the huge Waterman Theater stage to learn how the curtain rigging works. And when they entered the “black box” each student got to try their hand at creating special lighting effects with the light board instrumentation. This special day culminated in the prop department constructing a sample of their own design. This day was so successful, the TAYA Advisory group are hoping to expand this opportunity to include a two-week all day theater camp to be held on campus next summer.
As this inaugural TAYA year ends, the Players have a special holiday treat for everyone young and more than young. This year’s Christmas performance will be the fun-filled fanciful family production of “Fairytale Courtroom.” And who will be starring in all the roles? Our TAYA students of course and many new faces!
Under the direction of Norm Berlin III, 20 very talented young students from around Oswego County will bring the magic of make believe to life for six performances December 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15. And as Ethan Fowler, one of the lead characters in the show expressed, “TAYA is a safe haven after a day of school. I enjoy being able to have a creative outlet while working along side other youth. It is a place to experiment with ideas and be creative. We support each other by working on a central goal and everyone benefits from helping each other.”
As the Players sit down for their planning sessions for the coming year, it’s important to acknowledge those who made year one of the Theater Arts Youth Academy possible. The Richard S. Shineman Foundation, Oswego County/City Youth Bureau, Oswego County Community Foundation, and the CNY Arts, Inc. all gave so generously this year. Without their support, the excitement and fulfillment of live community theatre may never have been possible. Everyone at the Oswego Players and TAYA thank you from the bottom and top of our hearts. You are so appreciated!
