SpringboardNYC Connects Theatrical Generations

"When I was young, all discussions of the business seemed to me to be either too hard-bitten or too mystical," said SpringboardNYC mentor Michael Emerson (best known as Ben Linus on TV's Lost), "It scared me and I wondered how or why I would ever fit in. I like the way SpringboardNYC facilitates a conversation between generations of theatre people."

Because the theatrical landscape can be overwhelming for emerging artists at the start of their careers, SpringboardNYC makes certain to invite mentors in to work with students to de-mystify the experience of being in New York. "The program is devoted to creating a dialogue between generations of theatre-makers," said Program Director Randy Ellen Lutterman. "Our mentors come to work with us because they remember all too well the experience they had at the outset of their careers. And a part of the experience each summer is an exchange of stories, ideas and ambitions which leaves both student and mentor recharged."

"I just love coming in and giving these kids the straight dope," says SBNYC mentor Donna Lynne Champlin, (Broadway's Sweeney Todd), "and hopefully a few laughs, too. That's how we survive this profession! And working with them reminds me why I love this community. It's exciting to help the next generation of people figure it out. There's a lot of talent in these rooms."

SpringboardNYC 2008 student Johnard Washington (SMU 2009) agrees that having mentors to work with this closely can really clarify expectations of the industry. "As an African American in this business, it was amazing that there was someone there to answer my questions. Nothing was sugar-coated. He, (mentor Seth Gilliam, TV's The Wire), had gone through what I was about to go through."

Every summer, over 70 professionals working in the New York theatre join us as mentors for the SpringboardNYC program, The American Theatre Wing's two-week summer intensive for 35 lucky college students from around the country. SpringboardNYC teaches students how to gain a foothold in the demanding and competitive theatre business, and also how to cope with living and working in New York City. There are many different sessions throughout the program, and they come in all shapes and sizes - on-your-feet audition workshops, master classes, lectures, mini-internships, rehearsal observation, writing your personal business plans, intimate Meet the Artist conversations and New York City field trips to explore residential neighborhoods are all part of the mix. And of course teachers and mentors come in all shapes and sizes. too - students work with actors, directors, agents, managers, choreographers, designers, casting agents, music directors, press agents, producers and other theatre, TV and film industry professionals. But there is one common element: at the top of each SpringboardNYC session the mentor shares his or her story with the class. Where did they study? How did they make their choices? How did they get here from there? And most importantly perhaps-what do they wish they had known when they got out of school?

The two-week school-to-work summer program runs this year from June 1 through June 12th. Students will receive the most up-to-date, practical preparation available toward pursuing New York City theatre-related careers. And students will be immersed directly in the New York City arts community in a way that will make the reality of moving to New York less intimidating. Participants will become more comfortable with their surroundings, as SpringboardNYC helps in the hunt for both an apartment and the elusive "money job," as well as providing valuable leads to future collaborators, friends, and employers. Program mentors work closely with students each day, dedicating their time to get to know the class. Many of our students attend, and then go on to valuable first jobs and internships further to their experience at Springboard NYC.

And to ensure the opportunity is available to qualified applicants around the country, SpringboardNYC will provide scholarships to accepted students in need. Applications are being accepted now for this summer. Deadline is April 1st.

ATW Faces Facebook and Gets Tweets from Twitter

"I am in love with the American Theatre Wing's Working in The Theatre video podcast," says 'gtbarnes' via Twitter, the rapidly expanding "mini-blog" Internet service. "Have I told you how much I love The American Theatre Wing's Working in the Theater series?" writes Frank Rizzo on Courant.com's Behind the Curtain blog.

Two virtually identical sentiments, one from a fan, the other from a well-established theatrical journalist-and both using technology that bypasses the traditional print media.

These are just two examples of instant and unsolicited feedback from users of the Wing's AmericanTheatreWing.org. In today's digital world it isn't hard to get feedback, sometimes nearly instantaneously, on how we're doing. "In many respects, the Wing is much more like public TV or radio than it is a theatrical producing company," said Howard Sherman, Executive Director of the American Theatre Wing. "We put our work out there for the public to see and learn from, but in the past we've had limited communication with audiences about how our programs were being received."

With today's newer technologies it isn't hard to learn what our viewers and members are thinking. Using Twitter, Facebook, and Blogs, it's easier than ever to know how our work is affecting the theatre community. Here are just a few examples of what people are saying about the work of the Wing:

"I really should be sleeping but am instead listening to American Theatre Wing podcasts," says 'rondivous' via Twitter.

Another twitterer, 'paulie_v2', says: "American Theatre Wing podcasts teach you that you need to call out how great and fabulous your collaborators are."

"I knew the American Theater Wing existed before I became a fan of theirs on Facebook," writes Justin Gallo, one of our many fans using our Facebook fan page. "But what I didn't know was the extent of their programming and all the opportunities they present for patrons of the theater...Their intern group is a phenomenal way to learn about the profession and to network and their broadcasts are always fascinating and educational."

"Just wanted to thank you all for the seminar classes available to me via the Internet," writes Ellen Jervis through our feedback form on the ATW website. "In the middle of Wyoming an aspiring actor doesn't get the chance to attend such things. I get so pumped just watching you all talk about your craft. At the end I always say to myself, 'Yes I can, Yes I can do this.' Thank you."

The Broadway & Me blog, was enthusiastic about finding Downstage Center online, saying, "These recordings from the XM Satellite Radio show, most of them running about an hour, are like dispatches from an alternate universe where Charlie Rose interviews only theater people and doesn't hog the conversation so that you can actually hear what the guests have to say...but be careful because they're addictive!"

And the aforementioned blog by the Hartford Courant's Frank Rizzo declared more than just love, calling ATW's interviews, "Revealing, funny, tense, shocking, anecdotal and thoroughly entertaining," before declaring the site, "One of the best historic archives of theater in America."

We also receive a number of e-mails from theatre educators around the country letting us know how valuable our materials are for use in their classes. Recently Robert Wildman, the Director of the MFA program in Performing Arts Management at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts told by way of e-mail that, "The American Theatre Wing website offers a wonderful array of seminars enjoyed by our graduate students in Performing Arts Management. In several classes, particularly 'Producing for the Commercial Theatre,' the students find the ATW website to be a resource. When you're based outside of the New York orbit, access to these cutting edge artists, managers and theatre practitioners can be difficult -- but the ATW website's video capabilities solves that for us!"

Julie Hennrikus, an instructor at Emerson College who teaches Arts Management also recently e-mailed us, "I just wanted you to know what a great resource this website is. I send students to your site as a reference all the time. I also assign Downstage Center podcasts for class discussions."

One of our favorite quotes regarding our podcasts came from 'Amy' on her blog Passion from a Stone: "My primary non-knitting podcasts are the Tuned In podcast, hosted by the local paper's TV critic and the two podcasts of the American Theatre Wing." We're sorry we can't provide Amy with much in terms of knitting tips, but we're glad for the mention.

Have a comment or feedback for us? Send it our way - we're always looking to know what you think. If you want to follow us on Twitter, fan us on Facebook, or send us a good old fashioned e-mail - we'd love to hear from you! Keep downloading our podcasts and we'll see you at the theatre!

American Theatre Wing holds Celebrate Jonathan Larson sweepstakes

The American Theatre Wing recently held our first, of what we hope will be many more, online sweepstakes. The "Celebrate Jonathan Larson" sweepstakes gave us the opportunity to kick off our first year of administering the Jonathan Larson Grants and another chance to reach out to our members and fans. Prizes included a copy of Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway: Blu-Ray Edition, American Theatre Wing t-shirts and as a special prize, one winner had the opportunity to attend the invitation-only presentation of the 2009 Jonathan Larson Grants held on March 17 in New York City.

Over 500 entries were submitted and the lucky winners are:

Tickets to the Jonathan Larson Grants Presentation
Emily Thoenen (Hartville, OH)

Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway
Sherry Rimbey (Eagle, ID)

American Theatre Wing t-shirts
Zachary Baer (Evanston, IL)
Rosebud Baker (New York, NY)
Jason Carroll (Dubuque, IA)
Laura Hirschberg (Cambridge, MA)
Jeffrey Steber (Endwell, NY).

Keep visiting our website: americantheatrewing.org for news of future contests and upcoming programs.

What They Said

Alice Ripley on ATW's Downstage Center, February 2008 during the Off-Broadway run of Next to Normal.

"I think theatre ideally should be a place for people to come together and experience something intense together. I've never seen theatre as something that was strictly entertainment or escape."

Do You Know...

We received the following question from one of our readers: "Whenever a distinguished theatre personality dies, the lights are turned off on Broadway. When did this start and who decides who receives this honor?"

This honor is given to those who have had a significant impact on the Broadway community. The determination on whether the lights of Broadway are dimmed is made by The Broadway League in association with the theatre chains. Recently this has been done to honor the passing of Harold Pinter, Paul Newman, Gerald Schoenfeld and the lights were dimmed again on March 5 to honor the passing of Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Horton Foote.

As far as when this started, that's a little harder to answer. If you do a Google search surprisingly you'll find a few "answers." Some of the names mentioned for the honor of being the first are: George M. Cohan, Al Jolson and even Gertrude Lawrence. I guess we may never know, but if we do come up with an answer to that part of the question, we'll be happy to update you!

Do you have a theatre related question that you've always wanted answered? Send it our way and we'll do our best to get you the answer! Email: mailbox@americantheatrewing.org.

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