Artists love to talk about collaboration. As an ideal, it’s exciting, cooperative and noble. In actuality, however, it can be messy, slow and confusing. Exploring and resolving the differences between these two realities is an aspiration of every arts organization in the area.
This show, at least for me, has been a big, beautiful step forward in the collaborative process. Unusual and significant contributions include: 1) Two NEYT students introduced the idea of doing Willy Wonka as the holiday show; 2) Last Spring’s Salmagundi festival brought in a professional art director to discuss the design implications with our tech students and help them envision ideas for this play;
3) Pre-production meetings began in early Fall with staff and students to enable collective decision-making and problem solving; 4) Elsie Smith, of NECCA, donated her time and expertise to help us create a “flying scene” in a theatre with no fly space! 5) Eric Bass, of Sandglass Theatre, provided his knowledge and inspiration to assist a scene dominated by puppets; 6) Kristen Carmichael-Bowers, of the BMC, stepped in to lend invaluable vocal support to the singers; 7) Local artists John Gurney and Bob Covey shared their visions to conceive a wild Seussian world.
Supporting these wonderful collaborations was the fundamental NEYT process, which focuses whenever and wherever possible on student contribution. This approach allowed the pleasure of an all student band led by our young musical genius, Deniz Cordell. In addition, the sound design, choreography, stage management, sound and light board operation and much of the costume work were ALL DONE BY STUDENTS.
As you sit back and enjoy this deliciously entertaining treat, think now and then of how many ingredients and how many cooks were involved. And, when it’s over, think about getting in the kitchen with us – in whatever way you want or can. There’s always room for more!
Bon appetit,
Rebecca Waxman
This show, at least for me, has been a big, beautiful step forward in the collaborative process. Unusual and significant contributions include: 1) Two NEYT students introduced the idea of doing Willy Wonka as the holiday show; 2) Last Spring’s Salmagundi festival brought in a professional art director to discuss the design implications with our tech students and help them envision ideas for this play;
3) Pre-production meetings began in early Fall with staff and students to enable collective decision-making and problem solving; 4) Elsie Smith, of NECCA, donated her time and expertise to help us create a “flying scene” in a theatre with no fly space! 5) Eric Bass, of Sandglass Theatre, provided his knowledge and inspiration to assist a scene dominated by puppets; 6) Kristen Carmichael-Bowers, of the BMC, stepped in to lend invaluable vocal support to the singers; 7) Local artists John Gurney and Bob Covey shared their visions to conceive a wild Seussian world.
Supporting these wonderful collaborations was the fundamental NEYT process, which focuses whenever and wherever possible on student contribution. This approach allowed the pleasure of an all student band led by our young musical genius, Deniz Cordell. In addition, the sound design, choreography, stage management, sound and light board operation and much of the costume work were ALL DONE BY STUDENTS.
As you sit back and enjoy this deliciously entertaining treat, think now and then of how many ingredients and how many cooks were involved. And, when it’s over, think about getting in the kitchen with us – in whatever way you want or can. There’s always room for more!
Bon appetit,
Rebecca Waxman