Ordway Education News

Meet the Ordway Education: Online Teaching Artists!

2020-04-03T10:12:00.000-05:00

Our Education team and roster of teaching artists are committed to delivering the best in Arts Education to your students!

Read on to learn a bit more about each teaching artist:

Rush Benson is an actor, dancer, teacher, musician, and choreographer originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 2013, Benson graduated from Gustavus Adolphus and received degrees in Theater and Dance. Most recently seen in Mamma Mia at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, past projects have taken him to venues such as the Guthrie, the Ordway, Park Square Theatre, Artistry, Cowles Center, Southwest Theater Company, The Red Eye, and across the globe. He also works as a dance teacher for the Guthrie’s Education Program, Cowles Center, Zenon Dance Company, and directs and choreographs for many schools in the Twin Cities area. His teaching style is focused on unlocking your own sense of internal rhythm and finding ways to be as expressive as humanly possible. Additionally, he is an avid fun lover and adventure enthusiast. Obligatory Social Media References (Instagram/twitter: @shutuprush)

Reese Britts ORDWAY: Ordway Cabaret: Gotta Dance!, Smokey Joe's Cafe and Mamma Mia!. Guthrie Theater: South Pacific. Jungle Theater: Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley. Artistry: A New Brain, Footloose. Lyric Arts: RENT, Young Frankenstein, Hairspray. Dangerous Productions: Spring Awakening. Training: BFA Musical Theatre, University of Minnesota Duluth. Upcoming: Artistry: Mame. "Let's Dance!"

Gabrielle Dominique A South Minneapolis native, she graduated from St. Olaf College in 2017, where she earned bachelor's degrees in Theatre & Dance. Since graduating, she has had the privilege of working as both a performing and teaching artist. When she isn't on stage, she spends her time working with the theater students of Spring Lake Park School District 16, Anoka Middle School for the Arts, and SOAR Regional Arts in St. Michael, MN as resident choreographer. She is also fortunate to have shared her work with several Twin Cities companies, including Ordway, Guthrie Theater, Minnesota Opera, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Children's Theatre Company, Wonderlust Productions, Theatre Latté Da, Artistry, Playwrights' Center, Flying Foot Forum, and Stuart Pimsler Dance & Theater. She thanks her family and partner Patrick for their constant love and support. Enjoy - 5, 6, 7, 8!

Ivory Doublette has performed regionally with MainStreet Theatre in Rancho Cucamonga, CA; The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, IL; and locally with Jungle Theater, Theater Latté Da, Penumbra Theatre, Ordway Center, Park Square Theatre, The Playwrights Center, History Comes to Life, Intermedia Arts, Children’s Theatre Company, Chanhassen Dinner Theatres, Old Log Theatre, Nautilus Music-Theater, Interact Theater and Illusion Theatre. Ivory is a Faculty member at MacPhail Center for Music. She also sings with her family’s Gospel Quartet, SeVy (Say-V) sevygospelquartet.com. Ivory has a Bachelors in Theatre Arts from the University Of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She is an AEA member

Will Dusek is humbled and excited to be making his Ordway debut! He has been involved in theatrical productions since he was in seventh grade at Nativity of Our Lord grade school, through high school at Cretin-Derham Hall, and now continuing into his education at Illinois Wesleyan University. Some of his past credits include Jesus ( Jesus Christ Superstar) ,Billy Lawlor ( 42nd Street), originating the role of Jack Hart ( Aces in a City of Gold by Travis Ulrich), and originating the role of Evan (Devil’s Advocate by Sam Hulsizer) . Will is currently a rising sophomore at Illinois Wesleyan and pursuing his BFA in Music Theatre. He sends all of his love and gratitude to his family, the CDH Theatre Department, his friends at home in Minnesota, and all of his friends and professors at IWU! @willdusek

Vanessa Gamble has worked with just about every major theater company in the Twin Cities, including the Ordway on a number of different shows, although her favorite Ordway show OBVIOUSLY was when she helped workshop a brand new musical with the one and only Dolly Parton. She also co-founded and co-produces 2 theater companies with her husband Jeremiah and she begat 3 kids who are all (seemingly) turning out to be pretty great humans. She teaches voice lessons and song writing to all ages, from ultra beginners to ultra professionals. Check out what she’s doing next at www.bucketbrigadetheater.com.

Renee Guittar ORDWAY: In The Heights, A Chorus Line. Chanhassen Dinner Theatres: Disney's Beauty & The Beast, Camelot, Grease, Newsies, Holiday Inn, Mamma Mia!. Guthrie: The Music Man. The Old Log Theater: The Wedding Singer. Collide Theatrical Dance Company: Lot of Livin’ To Do, The Belmont Hotel, Class of ‘85, Zoot Suit Riots, C.L.U., Dracula, Romeo & Juliet. The Magic of Jared Sherlock: National Tour. Teaching: Ashley Ballet Arts Academy, Cowles Center Teaching Artist. Training: Gustavus Adolphus College. Member of Actor’s Equity.

Chloe Hart graduated from Simley High School in 2019, where she was heavily involved in student council, was German Club President, played volleyball, and participated in the theatre and choir programs. Simley participated in the Spotlight Showcase every summer, and Chloe was a five time recipient of the highest ranking, Outstanding in a Leading Role. Some of their favorite roles include Amber Von Tussle (Hairspray), Cinderella (Into The Woods), Hope Harcourt (Anything Goes), Tin Man (Wizard of Oz), Sandy (Grease), Wednesday Addams (The Addams Family), and Tony (West Side Story). After auditioning, Chloe was chosen to be a Triple Threat finalist in 2018, and was a Triple Threat Winner in 2019! Chloe is so excited and thankful to be making her Ordway debut!

Paul Hill graduated from the University of MN - Twin Cities in 2000 with a Masters Degree in Percussion Performance, as a student of Fernando Meza. Since then he has become an active freelance percussionist and teacher in the Twin Cities, and Twin Ports areas. He is the former Principal Percussionist & Assistant Principal Timpanist of the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra, as well as having played with the Minnesota Orchestra, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, Winnipeg Symphony, and may local theaters including the Guthrie, Children's Theater, and Chanhassen Dinner Theater. Paul also plays drum set with various local big-bands, and a Radiohead Tribute band. Paul teaches at Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Olaf College, as well as privately. Paul has recorded with Michael Colgrass, and Gunther Schuller, and is currently starting up a custom drum, and mallet making business.

Andy Kust is an award-winning music director, vocal coach and pianist, currently serving as the Resident Music Director at Chanhassen Dinner Theatres. Previously, Andy was the Resident Music Director at the Duluth Playhouse, was on the musical theater faculty at the University of Minnesota Duluth and was a Teaching Associate for the Lyric Opera Theater at Arizona State University. Andy keeps a busy schedule as a coach and accompanist, with clients appearing on Broadway and across the country. He is a regular keyboard substitute for national tours and is the Associate Music Director for the Hennepin Theatre Trust Spotlight Program. Training: B.A. from Luther College and M.M. from Arizona State University. andykustmusic.com

Nickie Kromminga Hill is a musical theatre performer and educator with numerous credits under her belt. Locally she has performed in 18 shows at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, and also appeared at the Ordway, Troupe America, and Paul Bunyan Playhouse. Additionally, Nickie is on the Musical-Theatre faculty at Shell Lake Arts Center in Wisconsin, has choreographed at over 20 schools in the metro area and holds a K-12 Theatre and Dance License. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of The Spread Sunshine Gang, a non-profit with the mission to spread goodness, kindness, and generosity to all! Nickie recently published her first book, “Things I’m Thinking About: a daughter’s thoughts on the loss of her mom.” available now on Amazon.

Andrea Mislan: Hailing from Winnipeg, Canada, Andrea graduated with distinction from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Professional Division and performed with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet company for several years. She has performed around the Twin Cities in the Ordway’s Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Guthrie’s Guys and Dolls, West Side Story, Cyrano de Bergerac, and Chanhassen Dinner Theater’s Holiday Inn. She has also performed title roles and choreographed for several Collide Theatrical productions. Other national credits include: Cirque du Soleil’s Viva Elvis, Chicago International tour, Celine Dion’s A New Day, Cape Fear Regional Theater/Pioneer Theater: White Christmas, Peter Pan. Royal Winnipeg Ballet: Giselle, Swan Lake, La Bayadère, Nutcracker, Serenade, Don Quixote. Television appearances: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Oprah, Ellen, World Music Awards, The Toy Castle. Locally, Andrea has taught at Ballet Co Laboratory, Collide Theatrical, St Paul Ballet, the Guthrie Theater, and numerous master classes in ballet, contemporary, jazz, musical theater, and Fosse style internationally. Her keen and unique teaching style focuses on performance quality and technique through breath, with full body awareness to enhance performance skills of all levels.

Britta Ollmann is a Minneapolis-based performer, teaching artist and coach. She has appeared on Broadway, on stages across the country (The Old Globe, Asolo Repertory Theatre, freeFall Theatre), and with some of Minnesota's most beloved theatre companies (Ordway, Theater Latte Da, Guthrie, Chanhassen Dinner Theatre, Children's Theatre Company). Britta holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and a Master's degree in teaching from Hamline University. She resides in NE Minneapolis with her husband, photographer and actor, Lucas Wells, their sweet son, Ronan, and their little dog, Cooper.

Grace Renstrom is honored to make her Ordway debut! She is currently a freshman at North Central University and is an Intercultural Studies Major! Grace has a special place in her heart for theatre! It has given her a sense of purpose when she thought she had none. Some of her favorite credits include: The Witch (Into the Woods),Lead Dynamite(Hairspray), Teen Angel (Grease), and Elmer (Newsies). She would love to thank Ashland Productions, SpotlightEducation, Kim kokx, and Kelli Foster Warder for growing and teaching her to be the best she can be!

Emma Schuld is thrilled to be making her Ordway debut! She is a recent graduate of Cretin-Derham Hall high school, where she performed in her first show at age 9. She has continued to perform ever since, some of her favorite credits include: Linda Mason (Holiday Inn), Judas (Jesus Christ Superstar), Yonah (Children of Eden), and Anytime Annie (42nd Street). Next fall, Emma will begin her first year at the University of Minnesota-Guthrie BFA Actor Training Program. She sends a heartfelt thank you to her family and friends, Spotlight Education, and the CDH Theater Department for years of support and guidance. @emmahschuld

C Ryan Shipley THEATRE: Ordway: Ordway Cabaret: Gotta Dance! Artistry: A New Brain (Roger Delli-Bovi), She Loves Me (Sipos), Mary Poppins (Bert), Candide, The Music Man (Olin Britt), The Drowsy Chaperone (Robert Martin), La Cage aux Folles (Phaedra), Singin’ in the Rain (Don Lockwood), On the Town (Gabey), 42nd Street (Billy Lawlor), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Jimmy). Upcoming: Mame (Beauregard). Old Log Theatre: Holidays with Bing (Bing Crosby), Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical (The Doctor). Park Square Theatre/Girl Friday Productions: Idiot’s Delight (Italian Officer/Choreographer). Cedar Summerstock Theatre: You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (as Director), Pirates of Penzance, Annie, Oklahoma!, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, 9 to 5 (as Choreographer). Paul Bunyan Playhouse: Annie (Rooster). Sabes JCC: Biloxi Blues (Don Carney). Minneapolis Musical Theatre: Zanna, Don’t! (Tank), The Robber Bridegroom (Goat). TRAINING: B.A. in Theatre, St. Olaf College. TEACHING ARTIST: Guthrie Theater, Stages Theatre Company, Steppingstone Theatre Company, Artistry, Project SUCCESS, Hennepin Theatre Trust.

Jack Strub: I am currently finishing up my junior year at Simpson College in Indianola Iowa with a Music and Theatre Arts double major and a minor in Arts Management. Some of my favorite onstage credits include: Dr. Thomas Stockmann (An Enemy of the People), Edward Bloom (Big Fish), Shrek (Shrek the Musical), Modern Major General (The Pirates of Penzance), and Cornelius Hackl (Hello Dolly). Last summer I was the director-in-residence with a community theatre in Leon, IA for their production of Into the Woods where I was the director, music director, and set & projections designer of the show. This past semester I was the set designer for Simpson College's production of Doubt: A Parable, and this summer I will be a company member for St. Croix Festival Theatre's 30th season.

Allyson Tolbert has toured nationally in productions of Mel Brooks’ The Producers, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and Catch Me If You Can. She has also appeared with Portland Center Stage, the Guthrie Theater, Westchester Broadway Theatre, and Old Log Theatre.

Tony Vierling: THEATER – Ordway: Singin’ in the Rain, A Christmas Story. Chanhassen Dinner Theatres: Mamma Mia!, Holiday Inn, Newsies, Grease, Cats, Crazy For You, Oklahoma!, Anything Goes, Brigadoon, 42^nd Street, Camelot. Guthrie: Midsummer Night’s Dream, My Fair Lady, Roman Holiday, 1776, She Loves Me, Pirates of Penzance, Merrily We Roll Along, Babes in Arms. Papermill Playhouse: Little House on the Prairie. MN Actor’s Theater: How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying. TUTS-Houston: White Christmas. Fitzgerald: Wild Party. Pantages Theater: Hair. NATIONAL – We the People (assistant choreographer), Little House on the Prairie (ensemble/dance captain), A Chorus Line. OPERA – MN Opera: Rusalka, Street Scene, Showboat, Mikado. New Orleans Opera: Romeo and Juliet.

Ordway Original 2019: 42nd Street

2020-04-01T17:08:00.000-05:00

In the summer of 2019 the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts produced a re-imagined contemporary version of the Broadway classic, 42nd Street. Teeming with new jazz-funk orchestrations, simply stunning tap dancing, and innovative designs, the show was filled with the show-biz glamour that audiences love.

To help bring the story to life, the Ordway partnered with Minnesota Playlist to create a podcast that gave listeners a look at the behind-the-scene details of 42nd Street.

“The idea behind the podcast was to talk about how the creative process worked and to highlight the phenomenal work of local and national artists,” said Kelli Foster Warder, the Ordway’s Director of Education and Associate Producer.

Throughout the six-episode broadcast, the Ordway team, actors, the show’s director, and choreographer shared their stories, insights and dreams for the production.

All episodes can be heard for FREE at the following link: https://anchor.fm/playlistpresents

Photo by Rich Ryan

Photo by Paul Tate dePoo III

Episode 1: Rod Kaats, the Ordway’s Producing Artistic Director talked about Broadway at the Ordway and the reimagined production of the classic Broadway musical 42nd Street.

Episode 2: Performers Phillip Attmore and Kimberly Immanuel, who played Billy and Peggy in the Ordway’s production of 42nd Street, discuss diverse representation on stage and recreating these iconic characters in the exciting new version of the classic musical.

Episode 3: Actors Bekah Gudim, Maddie Hillligoss, and Kelli Foster Warder talked about tap dancing, the prominence it has had in their lives, and in the brand new story of the beloved Broadway classic 42nd Street – an Ordway Original. When actors Lamont Brown and Annie Jo Ermel joined the conversation, the pair discussed their work in both the Chicago production and at the Ordway.

Episode 4: Choreographer Jared Grimes and Kelli Foster Warder discussed how the show was created for the feet of the unique dancers, how the show was an the opportunity to open up a gateway to tap for the people of this generation, and Jared shared what 42nd Street meant to him.

Episode 5: Kelli Foster Warder talked with 42nd Street Director Michael Heitzman during this episode about his vision of this remastered production.

Episode 6: Part I: Emilio Sosa, the costume designer for 42nd Street chatted with Kelli Foster Warder about his background and how he tells stories through costumes.

Episode 6 Part II: Director Michael Heitzman, Choreographer Jared Grimes, and Kelli Foster Warder discuss the how the one-of-a-kind production of 42nd Street came to life.

Photo by Paul Tate dePoo III

Post by Toya Stewart-Downey, Ordway Director of Communications and Inclusion

Lesson Plan: 3 Tips on Singing Musical Theater Songs

2020-03-31T14:13:00.000-05:00

Ordway Teaching Artist Andy Kust leads you through 3 simple steps to creating a musical theater vocal performance

Check out our Challenge Activity at the end of the lesson and put these concepts to work for you!

Video Lesson Guide

1. Choose Songs To Which You Connect

One of the most critical elements when singing a musical theater song is that you, the singer, is able to connect to the words that you’re singing. At the most basic level, we have to treat the lyric as text and the audience has to see the singer creating these thoughts authentically for the very first time, during every performance or audition.

The way to encourage this connection is by taking initiative when you choose your repertoire. It’s a huge time commitment, but a great investment to really listen and sing through a ton of songs to find those 3 or 4 pieces that really fit you like a glove. Look at new composers as well as shows that were perhaps nominated for Tony Awards, but didn’t win….

When you approach the character that is singing the song that you chose, assess which personality traits of your own that you need to enhance, as well as the personality traits that you need to turn down in order to serve the story. We all have a common well of emotions that we have access to - it’s just a matter of being specific when you choose which ones to use for each song.

2. Use All The Tools The Composer Gives You

When you choose a musical theater song to sing, there are a ton of musical elements that we can tune-in to, like melody, rhythm, song form, volume, harmonies, meter, range, and so many others! Each of these elements can clue you in to the composer’s intent, and can help you create interesting, nuanced, detailed performances.
If you just examine the rhythms, look at what words have been assigned to shorter rhythms and what words have been given longer, sustained phrases. A purposeful composer would give more important thoughts more time, so in general, the longer a note is held, the more thought and emotional weight the should apply to it.

3. Enhance The Relationship Between Your Singing and Speaking Voice

This is a topic that not many coaches talk about, but it is so essential to being a musical theater actor. Your singing voice and your speaking voice should share as many characteristics as possible. Why, you ask? Because when a character goes from speaking in a scene to singing in a song, the bridge between those two sounds needs to be as well-constructed as possible, thus making it believable that the character breaks into song without sounding like a completely different person.
The first step of this is to choose a phrase from one of your songs and start in the middle of your range by speaking the phrase. Then, without changing the tone color of your voice, add the prescribed pitches. Go back and forth with this until you can feel the similarities between the two elements. Once you’re comfortable with this, start to add more musicality to the phrase until it feels performative.
The ultimate goal is to be able to slip in and out of singing and speaking without the audience really hearing the difference. The “Dear Evan Hansen” original cast is filled with actors who are masters at this craft. Give them a listen!

Challenge Activity

TRY IT: Find a recording of your favorite Musical Theater song, and a copy of the song lyrics. First look at the lyrics: what emotions do the lyrics remind you of? If you were composing this piece, what lyrics would you emphasize? Would you speak any of the lyrics? Then, listen to the recording, noting how the artist interpreted this piece. Compare and contrast your interpretation with the artist's interpretation.

Lesson Plan: 3 Tips on Creating a Character

2020-03-29T14:00:00.000-05:00

Ordway Teaching Artist Britta Ollmann leads you through a pointed way to dive into a character, picking out useful information from the script before beginning the rehearsal process.

This is a great activity if you are preparing for show, looking at a script for the first time or just fun to do if you’re interested in a particular character.

Check out our Challenge Activity at the end of the lesson and put these concepts to work for you!

Video Lesson Guide

1. Initial Read-Through

Get the script, and soundtrack (if it’s a musical).
Read what the playwright has given you, and listen to the music in the context of what you’re reading.
No note taking! Just experience the show and the character as an audience would.
This gives a big picture view of the story and where your character fits in.
Notice: What kind of feelings wash over you? How do you feel at the beginning vs the end? What kind of journey has the story taken you on?

2. Character Notes

Create a document with 4 different categories:

What are the facts?

Character description (age, location, family, etc.) and plot points that your character is part of.

What does the character say about themselves?

This can be in talking to another character, talking to themselves, talking to the audience. You can also question whether what they’re saying is the truth. How do they present themselves to other characters?

What does my character say about other people?

Notice when they are talking about someone else and what they say.

What do other people say about my character?

This helps to see how others perceive your character and what their relationship to other characters is.

Now you have a condensed version of the script with the material categorized that is CENTERED around your character.

3. Character Choices

Make some initial decisions about you character.

Why does your character chart looks like it does?
Does your character talk about themselves a lot?
Do they talk to or about specific characters more than others?
Does how your character thinks about themselves match with how others think of them?

What questions or ideas do your categories bring up?

By taking the time to dig into your character BEFORE rehearsal even begins, you can approach the whole play with a point of view that will help your character come to life and serve the larger story!

Challenge Activity

TRY IT: Choose a show that has an adaption that you can watch right now. Maybe Cinderella or the Baker from Into the Woods. First do the character study activities above. Then watch the movie version and see if you can see the specifics you identified coming out in the performances of the movie actors. What did they emphasize that you agree with? What might they have missed? What did they find that you didn't see in your analysis?

Arts Brain Break: Quote of the Day

2020-03-27T08:00:00.000-05:00

Everyone needs a brain break now and then- why not use that break to express your creativity? Arts Brain Break is your source for quick activities to recharge your mind and spirit.

Activity: Quote of the Day

Pick out a favorite quote from a musical, actor, Broadway creator or just about the Arts in general
Brainstorm the reasons why that quote is important to you- does it remind you of someone special? Bring back memories of a favorite place or time? Inspire you to be a creative person?
Think about how you might artistically represent this quote. You can draw a picture, write a story, write a song- the possibilities are limitless!

Here is an example:

One of my favorite quotes about the Arts is from Albert Einstein- "Logic will get you from A-Z, imagination will get you everywhere"

First, I brainstormed all of the ways that this quote is important and relevant to me:

Next, I thought about different ways I could artistically represent the quote:

After reviewing my brainstorm list, I decided to make a drawing:

How will you represent your favorite quote?

Send a copy of your creation to ordwayeducation@ordway.org or tag the Ordway on social media with the hashtag #ordwayschooled- you may just see it on one of our channels!

Musical of the Week!: In The Heights

2020-03-26T10:33:00.000-05:00

Photo by Rich Ryan

In this feature, Musical of the Week!, the Ordway Education team is highlighting past Ordway Originals. Join us as we take a deep dive into the story, themes and characters of these favorite musicals.

This week, we're taking a look at the Ordway's 2017 production of In the Heights.

Over two years, the Ordway and Teatro del Pueblo collaborated to produce West Side Story and In the Heights at the Ordway - working together on casting, creative direction, community engagement, marketing and educational initiatives. Core to this collaboration was to establish an equitable and transparent partnership between the two organizations, starting with bottom line discussions and clarity of roles and responsibilities. Many lessons were learned along the way, as well as outcomes achieved, including the offering of matinees for schools, a tour to Dayton Ohio of In the Heights, professional growth and development for artists and administrators and in creative teams and casts that represented the racial and ethnic diversity of the artists who stories were being told. "- Shelley Quiala, Vice President of Education and Community Engagement

Content below is adapted from the Ordway's In the Heights Study Guide- click here to view the full guide.

Story:

In the Heights centers on Usnavi, who owns his family’s bodega in Washington Heights. Through the eyes of Usnavi, the show weaves together the stories of the residents of Washington Heights: Nina, home from her freshman year of college, struggles to reconcile her family’s expectations with her desires; Benny, her boyfriend, has aspirations of being a business owner; Daniela, a hairdresser, dreams of making an affluent life for herself in downtown; and Abuela Claudia does her best to hold her family and culture together in her new country while still longing for her life in Cuba. All of these characters exist within a larger drama: which of Usnavi’s customers holds the winning $96,000 lottery ticket that was purchased in his bodega?

Central Themes:

Family, Community, “What is Home?”, Latinx Culture, Immigrant Communities

Musical Genres:

Latin, Afro-Caribbean, Salsa, Hip Hop, Rap, Pop

2008 Broadway Cast Album is available on Spotify

Deep Dive Enrichment: The Music and Language of IN THE HEIGHTS

Characters:

Photo by Rich Ryan

Usnavi De La Vega: Usnavi is the 24 year old owner of De La Vega’s Bodega. His Dominican Republic immigrant parents passed away, so he lives with Abuela Claudia. He is the narrator who sets the pace for the stories of the residents of Washington Heights.

Nina Rosario: The daughter of Kevin and Camilla, Nina has just completed her freshman year at Stanford University. She is a first generation college student, and represents the opportunity that exists outside of Washington Heights.

Benny: Benny works for the Rosarios as a cab driver. He and Usnavi are best friends, and he eventually falls in love with Nina. He sees a future for Nina and him through becoming a businessman.
Daniela: Daniela owns and runs her own salon. Due to the rising price of rent, however, she is being forced out of her successful business.

Abuela Claudia: The matriarch of the neighborhood, Abuela Claudia raised Usnavi after the death of his parents. She emigrated to “The Heights” at a young age from Cuba, and has committed her life to helping those in a similar situation.

Activities and Lessons:

Photo by Rich Ryan

Activity for Students and Parents:
Recommended for Grades K-5

Create a play or musical about your neighborhood.

What would be the title?

Create a character list with descriptions. Who would live within this world?

What would the central plot be that would convey life in your neighborhood?

Describe or draw the scenic design and set.

Describe or draw the characters’ costumes.

Share your picture, description, or set design with us!
Send an email to ordwayeducation@ordway.org or Tag #ordwayschooled

Lesson Plan for Teachers and Parents:
Recommended for Grades 6-12

Objective: Students will explore how a musical is developed from a literary text or historical event.

Materials:

computer

a list of literary texts students have read through their regular curriculum

The Kennedy Center’s ArtsEdge’s “Developing a Musical” Handout (http://bit.ly/QrGcB5)

Instructions:

1. Remind students that many Broadway shows are derived from literary works (e.g. Once on this Island, The Color Purple.) Explain to students that it is now their turn to pick a literary text to turn into a popular musical.
2. If possible, divide the class into virtual groups of two or three. Share with students your list of literary texts and the “Developing a Musical” handout.
3. In those groups, ask students to select one literary work. Then have them brainstorm the various aspects that would be needed to stage this literary piece using the prompts from the “Developing a Musical” handout.
4. Ask each group to share their findings with the class. After each presentation, lead a discussion with the students on the possible opportunities and challenges that may exist with each adaptation.

We'd love to hear from you! Let us know how you adapted this lesson to make it work in your online learning! Email us at OrdwayEducation@ordway.org.

Video Feature:

Rush Benson and Renee Guitar were in the ensemble of In the Heights at the Ordway- check out their Musical Theater Dance combo to a great song from the show.

Introducing Ordway Education: Online!

2020-03-23T09:38:00.000-05:00

Photo by: Laura Alpizar

Dear Educators, Parents and Friends of Ordway Education,

We are committed to supporting our community, and want to continue this support even in the midst of unprecedented changes to your school year.

To that end, the Ordway Education team is so excited to announce the launch of Ordway Education: Online, a place for teachers, students and caregivers of all ages to continue to experience arts education.

Ordway teaching artists will create lessons, activities and video tutorials focused on all things Broadway, musical theater and the performing arts!

If you are:

- a teacher preparing online content for students,

- a parent searching for arts education tools and lessons,

- someone loves musical theater and needs a dose of joy in this stressful time,

This is a tool for meant for you!

You can find us on YouTube and on the Ordway's website.

Make sure to subscribe to this blog for written lesson plans, content and encouragement.

Stay in touch with us through social media using the hashtag #OrdwaySchooled.

We can't wait to see you back at the Ordway but in the meantime, let's make some beautiful art, together!

Your Partners in Education,

Kelli, Chloe and Sarah

Major support for Arts Education at the Ordway has been provided by Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation.

Welcome Dana Sonnenberg, Education Intern

2016-01-11T13:39:00.000-06:00

Hailing from Central Wisconsin, Dana is joining Ordway as an Education and Human Resources Intern. Dana has a passion for business as well as art in all mediums and is excited to explore the ways in which different aspects of the organization to work together.

Dana will graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in May of 2016, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in arts management and minoring in business administration. An avid animal lover, Dana has two cats-Oliver Jay Catsby and Daisy Mae Buccathan-and hopes to add a dog to her family soon.

Besides the arts and animals, Dana is also a huge sports fan (go Pack go), and is looking forward to catching some Minnesota Wild and Minnesota Twins games while here in the Cities.

Playwright in the Windy City: Interview with Caity-Shea Violette

2015-12-16T14:30:00.000-06:00

Ordway Education is taking the opportunity to feature professionals in the world of theater, as well as check in with Ordway Education alum. This month we chat with Chicago based playwright and actor Caity-Shae Violette.

Photo Credit: Tom Vin

In one sentence, what is your job description, and why do you love it?
I am a playwright, actor, and the manager of marketing and communications for a non-profit serving people living with mental illness; I love that these roles allow me to continuously learn how to share captivating stories that ignite compassion and inspire others to engage in larger social conversations.

How are you connected to the Ordway?
In 2009, I was an education and community outreach intern to help organize and execute the Flint Hills International Children’s Festival for the spring semester of my senior year of high school at the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists (SPCPA).

My time as an intern at the Ordway allowed me to practice professional communication and collaboration while being able to seek guidance from a mentor and network with theatre professionals in the arts administrative field. This was absolutely invaluable to both my college experience and my post-grad career as it gave my relatively blank resume a variety of administrative, organizational, and collaborative skills, backed by the credibility of one of the leading artistic homes in Minnesota.

What is your favorite memory of your time at the Ordway?
I loved seeing the variety of performances that took place at the Flint Hills International Children’s Festival. My personal favorite festival performance was the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s presentation of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favourites.

When did you decide to become a professional actor/playwright?

I discovered my love for playwriting in my junior year at SPCPA, when I was selected to participate in a new play intensive program created in partnership with the Playwrights’ Center to complete during our J-Term session. J-Term was a few week session where SPCPA students took a break from academic classes to only take artistic classes. Around the same time I was cast in my first regional theatre production at the Children’s Theatre Company in a show with a similar new work atmosphere called Fashion 47 co-written by Randy Weiner and Diane Paulus. I think being able to see the new play development process from both the writer and performer perspective is what solidified my decision to pursue storytelling as profession.

Photo Credit: Tony Adams

What is the most unexpected place your career has taken you?
The theatre department at the University of Minnesota, Duluth (where I earned my BFA in Theatre with an emphasis in acting) participated in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, a program that begins with nine regional festivals of thousands of undergraduate and graduate theatre students from around the country and culminating into a national festival based on the results of the previous regional festivals. Festival attendees are students who have been nominated for a particular artistic achievement and gather to network with professionals, take workshops, and celebrate each other’s work.

After attending both the regional and the national festival in Washington D.C. when my full-length play Target Behavior received the National Partners of the American Theatre Playwriting Excellence award in 2012, I was fortunate enough to return once again to both the regional and national festivals in 2013, this time as both a playwright and actor. That year, my ten-minute play Disconnect was selected as one of four national finalists for the Kennedy Center Ten-Minute Play Competition and received a staged reading. Later that week in the festival, I had the tremendous honor of performing a section of my ten-minute play, Save The Date, on the Millennium Stage at the Kennedy Center as an Irene Ryan Acting Competition Region 5 winner and National Finalist. That was definitely a wonderfully unexpected surprise to say the least.

What is the most rewarding part of writing a new play?

My favorite part of writing a new play is being able to share that story with people outside of the artistic community. I’m fortunate enough to be active in mental health advocacy and some communities of survivors of sexual and physical abuse in Chicago. As the majority of my work centers around silenced stories of gender-based violence and oppression, I am able to learn from and share this work with the phenomenal individuals in these communities.

What is the best piece of career advice you have received? Worst piece of advice?
Best piece of advice: People want to work with people who love what they do. If you’re nervous for an audition or interview, anchor yourself in the joy of being able to share what you love to do most with someone willing to be an audience, even for 60 seconds.

Worst advice: You can be a playwright or an actor, but you need to choose which you want to be great at. (Almost all of my best work as an has come out of things I’ve written for myself, if for nothing else than audition material).

If you won the lottery, and never had to work another day in your life, what is the first thing you would do?

Pay off all bills for my mom, my best friends, and myself, then start finding organizations I want to support and travel around to be involved with them.

Who is your mentor, and how have they shaped you?

The biggest mentor in my career as a playwright was absolutely Tom Isbell at the University of Minnesota, Duluth. In addition to being an accomplished actor, playwright, and author, he was also my acting professor, academic advisor, the supervisor of four undergraduate research opportunity grants I received to write new plays, the director of plays in which I acted, as well as the director of my first full-length production. After reading the first play I had ever written, a quirky, messy one-act play, he offered to teach me, mentor me and encourage me to apply for various grants and Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival submissions. As my school didn’t have a playwriting program beyond an intro class taught every other spring semester, Tom spent countless hours reading over 20 drafts of my full-length and several drafts of multiple shorter plays, then meeting with me to discuss overall feedback and go page-by-page to discuss individual moments, dialogue, and stage directions.

Photo Credit: Tony Adams

While he insists on never taking credit for the accomplishments of his many fortunate students, I truly cannot imagine any part of my creative career without his unwavering support. I’ve learned to be confident in owning the work I’ve put into earning opportunities I’ve received because the ability to create is the only constant in an artistic career, recognition is most certainly not. This confidence, however, and everything I have achieved thus far in my career is the direct result of Tom’s guidance. My career as a writer truly began when he believed it was worth fostering.

Tom’s new book, “The Capture”, comes out January 19th, 2016! Support an educator, a mentor, a sensational writer, and read the sequel in this thrilling trilogy while you do it.

Day at the Opera with Minnesota Opera

2015-12-14T10:35:00.000-06:00

Minnesota Opera's annual Day at the Opera is approaching and is extending the invitation to those of you who may have High School students interested in this event. Please see details below and feel free to contact them with any questions.

High School singers participate in an intensive day-long master class learning how to prepare for an audition. Perform in a mock audition, learn the inner game of auditions, gain tips on how to prepare for an audition, what to wear, and more. Throughout the day, students will observe an opera rehearsal, tour the scene and costume shops and see what is involved in creating professional opera. A question-and-answer session with the Opera's Resident Artists will provide an opportunity for students to ask about colleges, auditions and what the future might hold for young performers.

When: Friday, January 15, 2016

What students need to prepare: An aria or art song that has been or will be performed for an audition or competition. Solo/ensemble contest, All-State auditions and college audition repertoire is ideal.

Who else may attend: Teachers, accompanists and parents are welcome to attend but are not required.

Registration: Contact Alisa Magallón at 612.342.1604 or amagallon@mnopera.org to sign-up or for more information. Registration is first-come, first-served and space is extremely limited.

Cost: $30/participant. Transportation is the responsibility of the student.

National Conference Peformance Opportunity for K12 Dance

2015-12-08T07:30:00.000-06:00

Join SHAPE AMERICA in Minneapolis, April 5-9, for the 2016 SHAPE American National Convention & Expo, which will be held in partnership with SHAPE America Central District and Minnesota SHAPE.

Cyndeee Johnson (CJ), Dance Vice-President of Minnesota SHAPE AMERICA, is looking for individuals or groups to perform on April 7, 2016 at the Dance Gala during the national convention SHAPE AMERICA here in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit SHAPE AMERICA.

If interested, please contact CJ at cjohnson@esko.k12.mn.us or 218.879.3361, extension 131. In addition to being Vice-President of Minnesota SHAPE AMERICA, CJ teaches dance, elementary and adaptive physical education in Esko, Minnesota.

Dengue Fever Preview at the U of M !

2015-11-19T11:10:00.000-06:00

A Night with Chhom Nimol and Zaz Holtzman of Dengue Fever

Join lead signer Chhom Nimol and co-founder/lead guitarist Zac Holtzman as they perform a selection of psychedelic Cambodian surf rock, and share the history behind the formation of their band, Dengue Fever.

Dengue Fever is a 6-member band from Los Angeles that pushes boundaries by combing various musical styles, including: '60s Cambodian pop, psychedelic rock, Khmer rap, Latin grooves, Afro percussion, and more.

When: Friday, November 20 from 5pm-7pm

Where: HUMPHREY FORUM located inside the Humphrey School of Public Affairs (West Bank), 301 19th Ave. S. Mpls

Cost: FREE and open to the public! Refreshments will be served.

Presented by the Ordway in partnership with University of Minnesota's Asian American Studies Program and Asian American Pacific Islander student groups.

More info: Jenea Rewertz-Targui at 651-282-3017 or JRewertzTargui@ordway.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/191321551207472/

Lecture - Demonstration with The Pedrito Martínez Group

2015-10-09T16:44:00.002-05:00

Monday, October 19

6:00pm – 7:30pm

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, Music Theater

345 Washington Street, Saint Paul, MN

$7 per person

Open to the public

Call: 651.224.4222 or secure your spot by paying online >

Come and learn from master percussionist Pedrito Martínez and his band members in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Pedrito Martínez will conduct an on-stage lecture and demonstration on Afro-Cuban music, discussing the Yoruba traditions that he draws from, the batá rhythms, the chants, and the roots of who he is as a musician. He and band members will demonstrate, on batá drums and on congas, how they transpose and reinterpret these rhythms in the context of the music.

The Pedrito Martínez Group will perform Sunday, October 18, 7:30pm at The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. For tickets, call the Ordway at 651.224.4222 or visit Ordway.org.

Now Hiring: Music Teachers at SPPS

2015-09-23T13:50:00.001-05:00

Saint Paul Public Schools is currently accepting applications for licensed instrumental music teachers and non-licensed experienced instrumental music instructors to teach in its Extended Day Instrumental Music Program. Band is offered two days a week (M/W or T/TH) to all elementary schools (grades 4-5 in K-5 schools; and grades 4-8 in K-8 schools), and strings at a limited number of schools based on student interest and string inventory. Teachers/Instructors are assigned 1-2 schools based on availability. Technology skills are required and trainings will be provided for use of this system.

Interested individuals may go to the SPPS Human Resources Job Application Site and submit their application for either of the following job postings:
(Best browsers to access this site are currently Safari and Internet Explorer)

•Tchr - ALC - Hrly - EDL Licensed Instrumental Music Teacher K-8, Posting 999112
•Casual Employee - EDL Non-Licensed Instrumental Music Instructor K-8, Posting 999136

Coming Soon: The Ordway on Minnesota Original!

2015-09-02T12:54:00.002-05:00

On Friday, September 4th, Minnesota Original will premiere an hour long special on the Ordway, featuring the new concert hall, Arts Partners and more.

The special will air at 8:00 and 8:30, on TPT 2. And make sure to visit mnoriginal.org to view additional musical performances.

Interview with Actor Brandon O'Neill and special offer for The Pirates of Penzance at the Ordway!

2015-08-06T17:04:00.001-05:00

How do video games and theatre intersect? Is there a connection between the Twin Cities and Spokane, WA? And what does it really take to be a professional stage actor? Find out in selections from our interview with the Pirate King himself, actor Brandon O’Neill.

We have a deal! Teachers and Students may present their ID, along with the Code PIRATESEDU, to receive $10 off their ticket to select performances of The Pirates of Penzance. The offer applies to performances on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings, in seating scales 1-5.

Order online, call us at 651-224-4222, or come to the Box Office (open 10am -3pm) to purchase your tickets today.

Have any questions about life as an actor, director, producer or Theatre professional? We’re interested! Please comment below, and we may incorporate them into future interviews

Reaching All Learners (ReAL) workshop at the Ordway featuring Kairos Alive

2015-07-28T09:56:00.000-05:00

Presented by VSA Minnesota

Hosted by Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

Wed, Aug 12

9:30 am - 4:00 pm

In collaboration with VSA Minnesota, the Ordway will host one of three professional development workshops for artists and teachers seeking to improve their skills in working with students across all abilities. Join us for interactive learning session with Kairos Alive followed by a facilitated discussion.

$20 per workshop includes refreshments and lunch

Call 612.332.3888 or 800.801.3883

Email Craig Dunn, VSA Minnesota craig@vsamn.org

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, 345 Washington St., St. Paul

http://vsamn.org/reaching-all-learners-workshop-series-announced/

The ReAL workshops are an effort of VSA Minnesota with funding from the VSA and Accessibility office of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

Every Child Achieves Act Gains Momentum

2015-07-22T12:30:00.000-05:00

Big news in the world of Education! If you missed it, read up on the Every Child Achieves Act, and how it benefits arts classrooms

For the first time since 2001, the Senate has approved new education legislation.

Photo by Scrumshus, www.commons.wikimedia.org

Known as the Every Child Achieves Act (S.1177), this bill potentially provides states with a greater authority to enact and implement educational policies. The legislation also explicitly specifies 11 Arts Education provisions, such as naming the arts as an academic core subject.

If these provisions continue to remain intact, state authorities will have a greater flexibility to support arts-specific programming, both within the school day and as a part of extracurricular programs.

Welcome Sarah Wiechmann, Education Intern

2015-07-16T13:12:00.001-05:00

Sarah Wiechmann, Education Intern

A Twin Cities native, Sarah is eager to explore the world of Educational programing with the Ordway! She is also looking forward to learning about the day to day workings of an arts organization, while sharing her passion for arts education with the Metro community.

Sarah recently graduated from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, majoring in Vocal Music Education and minoring in French. As a student at Concordia, she participated in several choirs, including Tactus; a student organized nine voice chamber ensemble. With the Concordia French club, she attended the Festival du Voyageur, an annual winter celebration of French-Canadian fur trading culture in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Outside of life at the Ordway, Sarah enjoys singing in community choirs, and exploring the Twin Cities restaurant Scene.

STEAM: A New Approach to Arts Instruction

2015-07-10T12:00:00.000-05:00

"Arguing that the arts and science should and could remain totally separate misses the point. This is not about cultivating more artists or diluting STEM—it’s about creating STEM students who think creatively and remain engaged in their learning."

-Anna Feldman, Slate

STEAM advocates for the addition of arts instruction into the popular STEM acronym.

Supporters argue that STEAM adds a layer of interest to technical fields for students not otherwise inclined to explore science or math. Furthermore, students are asked to think holistically, a skill frequently required by individuals employed as engineers, designers and other advanced technical fields.

Read the full article here

Resource Repost: Elements of Dance

2015-07-09T14:45:00.001-05:00

Perpich Arts High School dance program- photo by Dan Markworth

Hey teachers- check out the revamped Elements of Dance website! The site provides a concise resource for students to learn about BASTE (Body, Action, Space, Time Energy), the building blocks of dance.

In addition, the site features individual and group assignments specific to each dance element, and video examples of each element by Minnesota dancers and choreographers.

Apply it to your learning! Try an Ordway Education Video Lesson on dance, and see how many elements you find in the lesson.

Ordway Concert Hall Votes Best New Artist Art Space

2015-05-15T14:36:00.001-05:00

The Ordway's new Concert Hall has been named Best New Art Space in the Star Tribune's 2015 Best of Minnesota list! Check out the article here!

Photo by Brian Peterson, Star Tribune

Bleu!: Sensory Friendly Performances

2015-04-29T14:09:00.001-05:00

The Flint Hills International Children's Festival will be featuring two Sensory-Friendly performances. The performance of Bleu! on Tuesday, May 26 at 11:15am and Wednesday, May 27 at 1:15pm will be designed to create a safe, nonjudgmental, and nurturing environment for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other individuals with sensory, social, and learning disabilities. While this performance has a fluid atmosphere, it is open to the general public and can be a learning opportunity regarding the typical theater experience. Accommodations include:

Theater lights dimmed
Lower and consistent sound level, especially for startling or loud sounds
Patrons are free to talk and leave their seats during the performance
Space throughout the performance space for standing and movement
Limited capacity
Designated quiet area
Trained volunteers on hand to assist with patron needs and requests
Pre-visit materials: Social Story and Visual Schedule

Audience members are welcome to bring their own manipulative, seat cushions, comfort objects, and extra support items to the performance. For questions, please call the Community Engagement hotline: 651.282.3017.

BLEU! from Compagnia TPO on Vimeo.

2015 Honors Concert

2015-04-22T10:48:00.002-05:00

More than 450 Saint Paul student artists, vocalists, and instrumentalists showcased their talents during the 24th annual Honors Concert on April 14 at the Ordway. The annual showcase, presented by the Ordway and Saint Paul Public Schools, in partnership with the Minnesota Museum of American Art, included an instrumental and vocal concert, a performance by the Ramsey Drumming Ensemble, and a projected slideshow of original student artwork.

2015 Honors Concert Photo by Aaron Smith-Smitty's Workshop

24th Annual Honors Concert, Performarnce Art, and Art Exhibition

2015-04-08T16:40:00.001-05:00

Join us to celebrate the accomplishments of the students of Saint Paul Public Schools in the performing and visual arts.

CONCERT & PERFORMANCE ART

TUES, APRIL 14 | ORDWAY

K-8 Pre-Performance Showcase: 5:30-6:15pm

Concert & Performance Art: 6:30pm

$5 GENERAL ADMISSION | ORDWAY.ORG | 651.224.4222

ART EXHIBITION

APRIL 23 - MAY 3 | Minnesota Museum of American Art Project Space

Thurs: 11am-6pm, Sat. & Sun.: 10am-4pm

Exhibition Opening: THURS, APRIL 23, 5-7pm | 5:30pm BRIEF PROGRAM

FREE ADMISSION | MMAA.ORG | 612.797.2571

Co-PRODUCED BY: The Ordway Center for Performing Arts, Saint Paul Public Schools, Minnesota Museum of American Art

WITH ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FROM: Traveler's Foundation and The Anna M. Heilmaier Foundation