County Prep HS Theatre Arts Program: 2019-2020 A Year in Review

 2019-2020 A Year in Review

The Theatre Arts program at County Prep HS has had an unusual yet rewarding year. The students undergo a rigorous and rewarding program based on the professional model and focus on classics, world theatre, modern plays, musicals, and improvisations. Our productions and classes offer students the opportunity to develop individual interest while gaining invaluable practical experience in acting, musical theatre, and stagecraft. The students start by learning both important aspects of the history of theatre and basic acting skills and are first assigned classical monologues and scenes. They take part in auditions for our mainstage productions; they participate in field trips to Brooklyn Academy of Music, Manhattan Theatre Club, or the Roundabout Theatre and take workshops with various professional directors and theatre artists. They also participate in competitions such as the Teen Arts competition at NJCU, the Papermill Playhouse Musical competition, and the Montclair State Theatre Night Foxy Awards. 

2019-2020 Performances:

• HCST Gala and Fundraiser- the students presented a short selection of scenes, and songs from our musical Chicago, The High School Edition

• The Christmas Show- the students presented a short selection of scenes, and songs from our musical Chicago, The High School Edition as well as a Holiday skit entitled The Office, written and performed by the members of the Improv show 

• Chicago, The High School Edition

• Our Sixth Annual Improv Show and Fundraiser, hosted by Junior Yvelisse Vargas, a hilarious Improv competition and Fundraiser for the Theatre Program

• Now What? EveryActor’s Dilemma during the Great Quarantine, a virtual theatre production 

      Field Trips, Workshops, and Competitions: 

• The Roundabout Theatre on Broadway: The Rose Tattoo by Tennessee Williams

• Sound Painting Workshop with Leese Walker, Artistic, Producing Director and Founder of Strike Anywhere Performance Ensemble

• Voice Over Workshop with award-winning voiceover artist Neil Hellegers

• Teen Arts Competition: Kayla Velazquez and Ivellisses Segovia received the Judge’s Award for their scene from the Odd Couple (Female Version) by Neil Simon.

• The Montclair State Foxy Awards Competition, where last year’s play Paradise Hotel’s Robert Delmonte was nominated for a Foxy award, for Outstanding Performance of A Lead Actor in a Comedy 

 

We are very proud to announce that some of our seniors will continue their theatre education after leaving County Prep. Dynajah Smith will attend The New York Conservatory for the Dramatic Arts, and Yvelisse Vargas will attend the New York Film Academy.

Also, five Chicago performers were awarded $10,000 scholarships to the New York Academy of Dramatic Arts, should they decide to pick this prestigious institution for college: Ariel Rivera, Kayla Velazquez, Arbaz Khan, Matthew Segovia and Khira Fried. Congratulations to all!

County Prep’s Theatre Arts Students Perform in the Sixth Annual Improv Show and Fundraiser

(February 7th, 2020) Only two weeks after our very successful run of Chicago, the Musical, County Prep Theatre Arts improvisers performed in our Sixth Annual Improv Show, which consisted of one act made of skits created through improvisation by the Improv class and a second act improvised on the spot by all Theatre Arts performers, and created with audience participation. The audience picked places, relationships, gave quotes from movies to be integrated in the games, and gave ideas as to which turn a skit could take.

The show was hosted by Senior Yvelisse Vargas, in the first act, and by Seniors Tyla Gibson and Dynajah Smith in the second act. The members of the Improv after school class Juniors Ivellisses Segovia, Nyellie Muniz, James Quach and Kaine Malachi, Sophomores Fred Veloz, Jaden Misaro, Matthew Segovia, Ethan Barragan, Madison Roman, Michele Oshiro and Freshmen Arianna Czaplicki, Kawtar Laouej, Selsabil Belmokhtar and Elleria Perez were joined by special guests Freshman Alexandria Nunez, Sophomore Reanna Cruz, Juniors Kayla Velazquez, Alyssa Anglade, and Seniors Yvellise Vargas, Tyla Gibson and Dynajah Smith.

The improvisers won the heart of the audience performing games such as Freeze Tag, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Exits and Entrances, Sitting, Standing, Lying, Taxi, What Are you Trying to Say?, Director, Here Comes Jill, and What Happens Next?

Ms. Shields is extremely proud of her extraordinary creative improvisers as well as the technical crew of the evening; student lighting, and sound technicians, Junior Eianna Martinez, and Senior Sheily Mateos, our costume designer Senior Esmeralda Garcia, and and house managers Esther Placide, Alexandria Nunez and Reanna Cruz. Thank you to all performers and crew for such a fun and amazing performance!


 

County Prep Theatre Arts students awarded $10,000 to attend NY Conservatory of Dramatic Arts

New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts staff attended County Prep's Dress Rehearsal of Chicago, the High School Edition directed by Mrs. Raluca Shields. They were so impressed with the students’ performance, they awarded Juniors Kayla Velazquez, Arbaz Khan and Ariel Rivera, and Sophomores Matthew Segovia and Khira Fried $10,000 scholarships each, towards their Tuition at NYCDA. The entire cast and crew also received $1000 towards the New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts summer program.

The New York Conservatory is a New York City based theatre conservatory program that offers an individualized and collaborative learning experience to transform any student into an actor who works. They believe the sooner they can start your career, the better.

The cast included Seniors Tyla Gibson, Yvelisse Vargas and Dynajah Smith, who was also Assistant Director of the show; Juniors Ivellisses Segovia, Kaine Malachi, Arbaz Khan, Angela La Rosa, and Alyssa Anglade; Sophomores Megan Wasserman, Tatyana Serrato, Ethan Barragan, Jaden Misaro, Fred Veloz, Emely Rivera, Yvette Cruz, Cinthia Perez, Reanna Cruz, and Madison Roman; and Freshmen Arianna Czaplicki, and Kawtar Laouej. Our backstage crew included Junior Eianna Martinez, our lighting technician, sound technician Senior Sheily Mateos, Follow Spot Operator Ellaine Dionisio, and Back Stage Technicians Freshmen Elleria Perez, Selsabil Belmokhtar, and Junior James Quach.

Ms. Shields would like to congratulate all the awards recipients.

County Prep Theater Arts performs Chicago, the High School Edition

In its eighth year, the after school Theater Arts class has brought a new performance opportunity to County Prep students, who are learning both performance and rehearsal practices, and are encountering first hand all of the aspects of professional theater. Once again, the show had complete live accompaniment, by renowned pianist Craig Ketter, and award winning saxophonist Isaac Ketter, under the direction of our multi talented Musical Director, Valerie Gonzalez. The show was designed by our professional lighting designer, Mr. Lance Michel, was choreographed by County Prep Alumnus Mr. John Hines, and was directed by Ms. Raluca Shields. 

This year, the students focused on rehearsing and performing Chicago, a darkly satirical, razzle dazzle musical set to the backdrop of prohibition era Chicago. The show has its origins in real-life, high profile crimes, criminals and trials of the 1920s. The show pokes fun at the corruption in the criminal justice system and at the idea of “celebrity criminals”. In the words of the great Fred Ebb, in a nutshell, Chicago “it’s a story of murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery”.

On a deeper level, the play is about truth and the lack thereof in the world of the play, which sadly reflects ours also. Truth has become easily manipulated and in turn weaponized with the purpose of personal gain and quick fame. Such is the environment of the play, where corruption flourishes, and morals unfold quickly. 

This piece was chosen to showcase our performers this year, who wowed the audience “and really rose to the occasion” with “pitch-perfect singing” and believable characters, as Ms. Warfel Sandler, Director of Performing Arts/ Dance and Chair of the Board of Directors for the Jersey City Arts council put it. Juniors Kayla Velazquez and Ariel Rivera starred as Velma and Mama, and Sophomores Khira Fried and Matthew Segovia starred as Roxie and Billy respectively, while Senior Tyla Gibson starred as Mary Sunshine. The cast also included Senior Dynajah Smith, who was also Assistant Director of the show, and Senior Yvelisse Varga; Juniors Ivellisses Segovia, Kaine Malachi, Arbaz Khan, Angela La Rosa, and Alyssa Anglade; Sophomores Megan Wasserman, Tatyana Serrato, Ethan Barragan, Jaden Misaro, Fred Veloz, Emely Rivera, Yvette Cruz, Cinthia Perez, Reanna Cruz, and Madison Roman; and Freshmen Arianna Czaplicki, and Kawtar Laouej. Special recognition also goes to lighting technician Junior Eianna Martinez, sound technician Senior Sheily Mateos, our Follow Spot Operator Ellaine Dionisio, and Back Stage Technicians Freshmen Elleria Perez and Selsabil Belmokhtar and Junior James Quach; and our Costume Designer Esmeralda Garcia.

Ms. Shields and Ms.Gonzalez are very proud of all of the cast and crew whose work has developed through our premiere rendition of this musical.

Chicago, the High School edition is presented through arrangement with Samuel French.

Theatre Arts Students at County Prep Enjoy Broadway Production of The Rose Tattoo

The County Prep Theatre Arts vocation students attended the Broadway Production of The Rose Tattoo, written by celebrated American playwright Tennessee Williams, with Oscar winner Marisa Tomei, a play under the direction of Trip Cullman, performed at the American Airlines Theatre venue of the Roundabout Theatre.

Winner of the 1951 Tony Award, this play, also considered by Williams as “his love play to the world”, plunges the audience into the story of Sicillian emigrant Serafina, a widow who rekindles her desire for love, lust and life in the arms of a fiery suitor. The play sizzles with humor, heart, and authentic gems of the Sicilian music and dance.

Our students thoroughly enjoyed the play, loved the versatility of all the actors. But more importantly they enjoyed the truly human portrayal of the characters, evident in every single performance.

The students also participated in question and answer sessions with the actors, which they found fascinating and inspiring. Overall, this has been a very enriching experience and we are looking forward to more collaboration with the Roundabout Theatre in the near future, says Raluca Shields, the Theatre Arts teacher at Country Prep.

County Prep Hosts Robert Mark Dance - Professional Company

The Fall 2019 CHIRP residency program culminates with a performance by professional dance company Robert Mark Dance on December 6 & 7 at County Prep High School. Choreographer and dancer Robert Mark Burke has been working with the dance students at County Prep this semester, training them in modern dance as part of their daily classes. Mr. Burke, a resident of Jersey City and dancer with 10HL and the renowned Lucinda Childs Dance Company, has been in residence with his professional company since September.

The performances on December 6 at 7:30pm and December 7 at 2:30pm will offer insight into the creative process of dance, by starting with a glimpse into the rehearsal process and moving into presented works of completed choreography. The performances will end with a question and answer session, offering students and audience an opportunity to learn more about this artists work and the life of a dancer/choreographer.  Tickets are just $5 and the performance is open to the public.  Tickets: https://robertmarkdance.ticketleap.com/shareshow/details?fbclid=IwAR0yRYs3jf2oQ-vieyXrRLu72eAHwEOfT20Xob35n7SHOAGn5XwLzIa-uII

"I encourage everyone to take advantage of this unique opportunity to see live, professional modern dance right here in our school's intimate black box theater.  Robert is not only a gifted choreographer and dancer, but also an excellent teacher who has brought a great deal of inspiration to our classroom.  By making this program affordable Mr.Burke has shown his commitment to making high quality dance accessible to our students and to the community at large. His dancers are exceptional, and this promises to be an exciting night of dance!" - Heather Warfel Sandler, Director, County Prep Dance Program

https://www.facebook.com/events/1210939635758485/?active_tab=about

County Prep Dance Summer in the City Performance

For the second year, County Prep Dance instructor Heather Warfel Sandler produced 'Dance for the Ages', part of the Summer in the City series presented by Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, JC Office of Cultural Affairs, and the JC Municipal Council.

On July 10th Ms.Warfel Sandler gathered dancers aged 8-48 to celebrate the vibrant dance community of Jersey City.  Current County Prep dancers performed 3 pieces from their 2019 annual concert. Several County Prep Dance alumni also came back to perform in the concert. John Hines, class of 2010, performed a traditional West African duet with Nia Reid Allen, and Ms.Warfel Sandler choreographed and performed a new work called "Transcendance" with Diana Uribe, class of 2016.  County Prep's company director Madelyn Eltringham performed a solo. 2017 & 2018 CHIRP residents Katelyn Halpern and Khadija Ahmaddiya also presented work with their professional companies. The evening ended with a revival of 'Community' choreographed by Ross Sandler, featuring both current County Prep dance students, alumni, and Ms.Warfel.

The concert, performed on the Owen J.Grundy Pier at Exchange Place in Jersey City, also featured professional choreographers and companies Olawudamillare Ayorinde and Spacejunk Dance, as well as local dance studio Jersey City Dance Academy.  The event brought out a huge crowd to kick off the 2019 summer dance series, and was celebrated as a great success by the cast, audience, and presenters.

"The dance scene in Jersey City is thriving, and we are very fortunate that our students have the opportunity to integrate into the professional dance community.  Seeing dancers of various ages and experience come together to celebrate this art form is very exciting and inspiring." -Ms.Warfel Sandler

County Prep TheatRE Arts Students Awarded $10,000 to Attend NY Conservatory of Dramatic Arts

New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts staff attended our Dress Rehearsal of Paradise Hotel, written by Georges Feydeau, translated by Nicholas Rudall, and directed by Mrs. Raluca Shields. They were so impressed with the students’ performance, they awarded Tyla Gibson, Dynajah Smith, Robert Delmonte, Yvelisse Vargas and Arbaz Khan $10,000 scholarships each, towards their Tuition at NYCDA. The entire cast and crew also received $1000 towards the New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts summer program.

The New York Conservatory is a New York City based theatre conservatory program that offers an individualized and collaborative learning experience to transform any student into an actor who works. They believe the sooner they can start your career, the better.

The cast included Seniors Sirena Morales, Ivory Love Torres, Faith Riscoe, Brianna Bush, Bertha Solis, Shana-Mae Gonzalez, Habiba Atta, Robert Del Campo, Juniors Tyla Gibson, Giovanni Garcia, Aury Acosta, Janell Garcia, Dynajah Smith and Yvelisse Varga, Sophomores Ivellisses Segovia, Ariel Rivera, Alyssa Anglade, Kaine Malachi, and Freshmen Jaden Misaro, Ethan Barragan, Reanna Cruz and Fred Veloz. Our crew included lighting technician, Eianna Martinez, sound technician Sheily Matteos, and Backstage technician James Ayers.

Ms. Shields would like to congratulate all the awards recipients.

County Prep TheatRE Arts Performs Georges Feydeau’s Paradise Hotel

In just its seventh year, County Prep Theatre Arts class has brought a new performance opportunity to County Prep students, who are learning both performance and rehearsal practices, and are encountering first hand all of the aspects of professional theatre. The show was designed by our professional lighting designer, Mr. Lance Michel, and was directed by Mrs. Raluca Shields.

          Paradise Hotel, written by one of the greatest French playwrights, Georges Feydeau, translated by Nicholas Rudall, was presented by special arrangement with Samuel French. This hilarious farce was written in 1894, and first performed that year at the Théâtre des Nouveautés, Paris . The author's works have been seen as a precursor to surrealistic comedy; some elements of this genre are present in this play. Much of the humor is derived from classic comedy of mistaken identities, and the complications that arise from this.    

In this comedy, almost every character has something they are not being honest about. Most of the characters follow the strict rules of society on the outside, but are secretly willing to push them aside and make them fit their own interests. Thus, the play, which at first sight is only a light-hearted comedy, can be interpreted to say that the people we perceive as nice may not actually be what they make themselves out to be. On a yet deeper level, the story is about manipulating a not-so-friendly reality of one’s own desires, and ultimately learning from the mistakes that ensue.

            The cast included Seniors Sirena Morales, Ivory Love Torres, Faith Riscoe, Brianna Bush, Bertha Solis, Shana-Mae Gonzalez, Habiba Atta, Robert Del Campo, Juniors Tyla Gibson, Giovanni Garcia, Aury Acosta, Janell Garcia, Dynajah Smith and Yvelisse Varga, Sophomores Ivellisses Segovia, Ariel Rivera, Alyssa Anglade, Kaine Malachi, and Freshmen Jaden Misaro, Ethan Barragan, Reanna Cruz and Fred Veloz. Our crew included lighting technician, Eianna Martinez, sound technician Sheily Matteos, and Backstage technician James Ayers.

            The audience thoroughly enjoyed our performance, rolled in their seats with laughter, said it was “the funniest show they’ve ever seen”, “by far their favorite show here at County Prep”. Parents particularly loved the ghost scene and the shenanigans that took place in the Paradise hotel.

            Ms. Shields is very proud of all of the cast and crew whose work has developed through our rendition of this classic play.

County Prep Theatre Arts Wins Two Judges Awards at the Teen Arts Competition

On Saturday May 11th, Theatre Arts and Musical Theatre students from our school participated in the Alliance of Teen Artists Festival which took place at Harrison HS. The students performed two songs for the Small Musical division, and two larger numbers for the Large Group Musical Theatre and the Large Group Drama Division. Each performance was followed by a very useful critique by NJCU Musical Theatre professors.

We are thrilled to announce that our excerpt from Brooklyn, the Musical won the Judges Award for the Large Group Musical Theatre. Also, County Prep Sophomore Kayla Velazquez won the Judges Award for her outstanding performance of the song Raven, from Brooklyn, the Musical.

Other participants to the Festival were Seniors Sirena Morales, Ivory Torres, Shana-Mae Gonzalez, Robert Delmonte, Brianna Bush, Bertha Solis, and Faith Riscoe, Juniors Giovanni Garcia, Dynajah Smith, Yvelisse Vargas, Tyla Gibso, Janell Garcia and Aury Acosta, and Sophomores Ariel Rivera, Alyssa Anglade, Jaden Reynolds, Arbaz Khan, Ivellisses Segovia, and Freshmen Reanna Cruz, Emely Rivera, Megan Wasserman and Tatyana Serrato.

Excerpts from our upcoming show Hotel Paradise was presented as well, which will be performed June 6th and 7th here at County Prep.

Ms. Shields would like to congratulate all participants who represented our school to this wonderful event.

County Prep Dance presents ENIGMA Dance Performance

The County Prep Dance Program will present its 18th Annual Dance Concert on May 16 & 17 at 7pm in the County Prep Theater. The show, titled ENIGMA, centers around an adaptable set designed and constructed by the dancers in collaboration with their instructor Ms.Heather Warfel Sandler. The performance includes choreography by the students, instructors, as well as guest artists Madelyn Eltringham and Stephen Galberth. ENIGMA addresses the complexities of our relationships to space, boundaries, and one another in both the physical and emotional realm. Don't miss this evening of compelling choreography!

Performing Arts Skills USA Competition Awards Gold Medal to County Prep Theatre Arts Students

Seniors Sirena Morales and Faith Riscoe and Juniors Tyla Gibson and Dynajah Smith participated in a Performing Arts Skills USA Competition on March 23 in Sussex County.

The purpose of this contest is to evaluate each team’s critical thinking, analysis, communications, writing, marketing, performance knowledge and skills as they relate to the field of Theatre and the Performing Arts. The students wrote and performed a 7-minute scene that had to incorporate a tableau reflecting the painting "Four Girls" by August Macke. As Dynajah, who played the role of Museum Guide, explained to the judges -- this was an opportunity to raise awareness about a serious topic in our society, sexual abuse in orphanages. The scene was emotional, stunned the audience and even brought tears to their eyes. It was rewarded with the Gold medal at the award ceremony on April 13th in Bridgewater, NJ. Ms. Shields is incredibly proud of the students' achievement and is looking forward to more meaningful performance opportunities for her students.

County Prep Production of Bodas de Sangre Nominated for Foxy Awards

Mrs. Shields is very excited to announce that our 2018 production of Bodas de Sangre, by Federico Garcia Lorca, has earned the cast and crew five Foxy award nominations this year. Our production has received nominations for Outstanding Production of a Drama, Outstanding Achievement for an Acting Ensemble, Outstanding Achievement in Live or Original Music, Outstanding Achievement in Choreography/ Movement and Outstanding Achievement in Stage Combat.

The cast is invited to attend and also perform at the Award ceremony during the Theatre Night Awards on May 20th, 2019 at Montclair State University, an incredibly memorable event, attended by high schools from across the entire state, which were nominated from the initial 70 or more participating high schools.

This program was established in 2009 by Montclair State University Theatre and Dance Department professor Susan Kerner and Mahwah High School teacher JoAnne Fox. They conceived the event to provide a balance for the popularity of the high school musical and its celebration at well-established awards ceremonies in New Jersey and the region.

This competition is open to all secondary schools in the state of NJ, and only to straight play productions. The event is a positive educationally based community building experience. Students are able to share their work with other students and to be recognized outside their own high schools. This outside recognition has direct benefits for students and teachers in districts throughout the state.

County Prep Theatre Arts Students Attend Stellar Productions

The County Prep Theatre Arts vocation students attended the Broadway Production of True West, written by celebrated American playwright Sam Shepard, with Ethan Hawke and Paul Dano, a play under the direction of James Macdonald, performed at the American Airlines Theatre venue of The Roundabout Theatre.

This play plunges the audience into the tension and turmoil of the relationship between feuding brothers. At the beginning of the play, the two brothers could not be more different, Austin (played by Paul Dano) is an established playwright, a family man, responsible, who seems to have it all together, while Lee (played by Ethan Hawke), is a drunkard, outcast, a man who seems to have given up on satisfying society’s expectations of him. By the end of the play though, we realize the two have a lot more in common than we think, and in an unexpected twist of event the relationship between the two flip-flops.

The students also attended Theatre Re’s production of The Nature of Forgetting at the New Victory Theatre, a gem of a play, an example of both physical theatre and devised theatre. The play is about the past beginning to dissolve for Tom, a father experiencing early onset dementia, when happy childhood moments collide with momentous adult milestones in tangled threads of memory. Through intricate choreography and a cinematic live musical score, London-based Theatre Re creates a compellingly powerful narrative of heartwarming humanity that moves you to places where words cannot. At the intersection of art and science, Theatre Re and director Guillaume Pigé collaborated with British neuroscientist Kate Jeffery to examine the fragility of life in a captivating style embracing mime, theater, and live music. The French Institute Alliance Française (FIAF) produced this play, in an effort to promote French artists in the US.

Our students thoroughly enjoyed both plays, and they loved the versatility of all the actors. More importantly they enjoyed the truly human portrayal of the characters, evident in every single performance. Some left the theatre pondering about their own relationships with their siblings, some left thinking of how choices and decisions affect one’s life. Others were moved to tears, being reminded of how touching theatre can and should be.

The students also participated in question and answer sessions with the actors, which they found fascinating and inspiring. “Overall, this has been a very enriching experience and we are looking forward to more collaboration with the Roundabout Theatre and the FIAF in the near future,” says Raluca Shields, the Theatre Arts teacher at Country Prep.

County Prep's Music Department Hosts February Showcase

On Friday, February 8th, County Prep's Music Department held a concert during each of the lunch periods to showcase some of their students' talents. Instructors Mr. Figuereo and Mr. Matthews are proud of the two bands who performed. They include: 

Bridget Benoit
Jahn Camac
Sophia Castaneda
Tallulah Clark
Lusandra Garcia
Elizabeth Miceli-Keller
Brian Mullaghy, Jr.
Michelle Rizalde
Kendual Robinson
Yasmin Rodriguez
Fantasia Scott
John Talingdan
Matthew Vera
Ralph Villacarlos
Joan Visitacion

County Prep’s Theatre Arts Students Perform in the Fifth Annual Jamboree

(February 8th, 2019) Only two weeks after our very successful run of Brooklyn, the Musical, County Prep Theatre Arts improvisers performed in our fifth annual Improv show and third annual competitive improvisation event. The battling teams, The Untouchables and The KIMprovables competed in a series of improv games as part of a fundraiser for our theatre department. Although The Untouchables, led by Senior Sirena Morales took the trophy this time around, all our performers won the heart of our audience.

The show was hosted by Junior Yvelisse Vargas, assisted by our Treasure Girl Freshman Madison Roman. As usual, the show was created with audience participation. The audience picked places, relationships, movie titles, and everyday activities, gave quotes from movies to be integrated in the games, and received gifts from our Treasure Chest in return.

The Untouchables, led by Senior Sirena Morales, competed with Senior Robert Delmonte, Juniors Dynajah Smith, and Aury Acosta, Sophomores Ariel Rivera, Jaden Reynolds, and Arbaz Khan, and Freshmen Fred Veloz, and Michael Awad. KIMprovables, led by Senior Ivory Love Torres competed with Junior Tyla Gibson, Sophomores Kim Caputo, Ivellisses Segovia, and Kayla Velazquez and Freshmen Jaden Misaro, Emely Rivera, Ethan Barragan, and Tatyana Serrato.

The two teams took turns in winning the applause of the audience in games such as Freeze Tag, Singing About You, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Sportscasters, Movie Critics, Master and Servant, Taxi, What Are you Trying to Say?, Director, Dubbing, Here Comes Jill. Finally in the end the teams battled it out in the game Scenes from a Hat, where each team had to come up with fast creative ways of joking about random topics. After a nail-biting run, the audience decided and The Untouchables took the third Annual Jamboree trophy. Ms. Shields is extremely proud of her extraordinary creative improvisers as well as the technical crew of the evening; student lighting, sound and video technicians, Eianna Martinez, Sheily Mateos, and Kaine Malachi, and house managers Alyssa Anglade and Reanna Cruz. Thank you all performers and crew for such an amazing performance!

County Prep Theater Arts performs Brooklyn, The Musical

In its seventh year, the after school Theater Arts class has brought a new performance opportunity to County Prep students. The group is learning both performance and rehearsal practices, and are encountering first hand all of the aspects of professional theater. Once again, the show had complete live accompaniment, by renowned pianist Craig Ketter, and award winning saxophonist Isaac Ketter, under the direction of our wonderful Musical Director, Valerie Gonzalez. The show was designed by our professional lighting designer, Mr. Lance Michel, was choreographed by Madelyn Eltringham, and was directed by Ms. Raluca Shields. 

This year, the students focused on rehearsing and performing Brooklyn, the Musical, a very human musical that somehow manages to touch everyone deeply. Using a play within a play concept, this musical focuses on a group of musicians known as the City Weeds who periodically transform a street corner under the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge into a stage, where they present their play about Parisian singer Brooklyn, named after her estranged father's home. The tale the City Weeds tell is about finding a father and discovering the truth, but above all, it is a story about becoming a strong, successful young woman, despite all hardships along the way. One of Brooklyn’s struggles is coming toe to toe with Paradice, a volcano of a personality, a fierce performer who is not afraid to call out the hypocrisy, lack of morality and tragedy in our society. 

On a yet deeper level, the story is about taking charge of one’s own life and when a father doesn’t come through as he should, one picks up the pieces, learns from the experience and comes out stronger. On the other hand, for an artist, his or her art is nothing less of catharsis, a purging of sorts, a way to rise above and be more than they have imagined. This is what the City Weeds do here, in telling the story of Brooklyn. Interestingly enough, this is what the audience felt too, as they received County Prep’s rendition with two standing ovations, with lots of tears and an introspective look at their own life.

Directed by Ms. Shields, this piece was chosen to showcase our performers this year. Senior Sirena Morales starred as Connie, the real Brooklyn, Ariel Rivera starred as Brooklyn, and Kayla Velazquez as Paradice. The cast also included Senior Ivory Torres, Juniors Yvelisse Varga, Janell Garcia and Giovanni Garcia, Sophomores Ivellisses Segovia, Kim Caputo and Freshmen Megan Wasserman, Tatyana Serrato and Emely Rivera. This production was overall an ensemble piece, where each performer was involved at all times, either on stage in numerous group numbers and scenes, or backstage preparing the set, props, costumes, and program. Special recognition also goes to stage manager lighting technician Sophomore Eianna Martinez, sound technician Junior Sheily Mateos and our Follow Spot Operator Alyssa Anglade, Technician Kaine Malachi as well as Stagehand Dynajah Smith.

Ms. Shields and Ms.Gonzalez are very proud of all of the cast and crew whose work has developed through our premiere rendition of this musical.

Brooklyn, the Musical is presented through arrangement with Aruba Productions.
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by Aruba Productions.

County Prep Dancers Meets Dance Legend

December 13, 2018, Senior students of the County Prep Dance Program met dance pioneer Steve Paxton, a founding member of the legendary Judson Dance Theater and creator of the dance technique Contact Improvisation. Paxton was featured in the exhibit Judson Dance Theater: The Work Is Never Done at the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan.

The learning experience for students included seeing and discussing MoMA's art collection, as well as spending time in the Judson Dance exhibit, finding correlations between this historic postmodern dance movement and the work done in class at County Prep. In addition, students watched a performance by the Stephen Petronio Company who performed variations of Steve Paxton's choreography. One of Petronio's dancers, Bria Bacon, was part of the Fall CHIRP residency at County Prep. It was exciting for the students to connect with Bria there, and see a dancer from their community performing in such a prestigious venue. The day culminated with a discussion with Paxton himself, who generously took time to meet and talk with our students.

CPHS Theatre Arts Presents "Brooklyn, the Musical" on January 24-25!

County Prep High School Theatre Arts proudly presents Brooklyn, the Musical, with music, lyrics and book by Mark Schoenfeld and Barri McPherson. Using a play within a play concept, this musical focuses on a group of musicians known as the City Weeds who periodically transforms a street corner under the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge into a stage, where they present their play about Parisian singer Brooklyn, named after her estranged father's home. This is a tale about finding a father and discovering the truth, but above all, it is a story about becoming a strong, successful young woman, despite all hardships along the way. The show will be performed on 1/24 and 1/25 at 7pm, at County Prep HS, in the 407 Theatre.

County Prep Dance Program Featured in Hudson Reporter Article

The Dance Program at County Prep High School has been featured in the Hudson Reporter this week. Please click the link below for full article.

https://hudsonreporter.com/2019/01/03/lets-dance/