Behind the Curtain: A Backstage look at Paper Mill Playhouse’s Summer Conservatory

For those of you who aren't familiar with The Paper Mill Playhouse, this well-known theater has not only established a reputation for its productions, but also for its phenomenal theater school and training programs for young performers.  One of the most active programs at Paper Mill is the Summer Musical Theater Conservatory – a crucial part of my training for the past two summers.  (This is now my third.)

The Paper Mill Conservatory is a training program that allows those with a serious interest in musical theater (ages 10-18) to learn new skills in a very challenging professional environment.  We take four standard classes throughout the summer: Dance, Musical Theater, Acting, and Monologues.  In addition, each of us has a one half hour voice lesson every week, and we take three different skills sessions, including: Call Back Advantage, Rock the Audition, and Improvisation.

We are split up into three companies, allowing each student to thrive in his or her age appropriate atmosphere.  The Junior Company (ages 10-12) takes classes at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn.  The Junior Company (ages 12-14) and the Senior Company (ages 14-18) take classes at Montclair State University, where we have beautiful facilities to work in.

During our first week, each of us auditioned for the New Voices concert which concludes the summer program.  (The concert is open to the public with performances on Friday, July 30 and Saturday, July 31.)  We auditioned with two musical theater songs and went through an intense three-hour dance audition, as well.  After that, we were "called back" for various solos, duets, and trios, which we had to learn and perform on the spot!

During our second week, we began even more rigorous classes, working with scenes, monologues, and dancing like crazy!  At the end of the week, we finally got our cast lists for the concert.  Next week, we begin rehearsals for the smaller group numbers and solos.

Each student has been carefully placed in a section, lead by one of three amazing directors.  In my Senior Company, the three major sections are: The Joint is Jumpin', lead by John Housely; An American Dream, lead by Sarah Lazarus; and More to the Story: A Fractured Fairytale, lead by Patrick Parker.  (I'm in The Joint is Jumpin', which I am very excited about.)

This year's concert is built around the theme of "Pure Imagination."  Throughout the concert, we will perform songs that will transport you to another world.  From classics like "All That Jazz" to Disney favorites like "A Whole New World," the Paper Mill Conservatory students are looking forward to using their imaginations – and helping you use yours!

But, if you want to find out more, you'll have to join us on Friday, July 30^th and Saturday, July 31^st.  For ticket information, call the Paper Mill Box Office at (973) 376-4343, or visit www.papermill.org.  I hope to see you there!