Behind the Curtain: Spotlighting Four Conservatory Students’ Experiences

As the fourth week comes to a close and our classes have turned into rehearsals, time starts ticking for The New Voices Concert. We get more excited to show off our sections every minute we rehearse them, and the more we do, the better they look. For this week's article, I decided I would interview a few students about their experiences thus far. We talked about their favorite classes and teachers, some of the most important things that they have learned, and the major benefits of the program. Each one of them has a unique perspective that will highlight the Conservatory's many facets.

Max Sauberman, an incoming sophomore at Millburn High School, has thoroughly enjoyed the time he has spent at the Conservatory: "I came into the program relatively untrained," says Max. "And, I'm happy to say that I'm leaving with so much progress!" John Armstrong, our Monologue teacher, has a definition of acting that has proved to be one of the most important things Max has learned. Armstrong says that acting is "living truthfully under imaginary circumstances in a beautifully artistic form." Max had done at least fifteen shows before he came to the Conservatory, but this concept has given Max a new approach to acting. Max says that one of the most major benefits of the program, besides the phenomenal training, is the amazing relationships you build. Max said, "I've met seventy-one amazing people from around the state and beyond who share the same interests as me. I feel like I'm a part of something special; and I'm so lucky to have spent it with all of those in the senior company."

For some people, the Paper Mill Conservatory has become a major part of their life.  Peter Surace, an incoming senior at Westfield Senior High School, has loved the program for years. Peter says his favorite part of the program is getting to work with talented kids who are all aspiring to be successful performers. Peter says he has made so many lifelong friends throughout the years, and the environment has helped him learn "that it is important to be yourself and not be affected by what other people think or say about you." For Peter, the acting teacher, John Housley, has made a huge difference in his technique. "He has helped me break my old habits as an actor, and is always very trusting." Peter says that John has also helped him eliminate insecurities. As far as this year's New Voices Concert - Peter has really enjoyed, "learning Fosse choreography and singing a song that is out of my comfort zone."

 Jennifer Townsend, a rising senior at Shore Regional High School, has been having a blast at the Conservatory this summer. Jenn's favorite part of the program is watching other people's work and learning from them. She feels like she has already learned so much, but the one thing that is most important for her is "to Be Prepared. Whether it's for musical theatre and preparing your sheet music or memorizing lyrics and dialog, it is so important to always be together!" When I asked Jenn if she has a favorite teacher, she couldn't pick: "Hmm… that's a tough one! I don't think I can pick out a class that is my favorite because I learned so much in all of them! Something that I love in all the teachers is that they are all so extremely passionate about what they do." Jenn's favorite parts of the show are the opening number and getting to be in John Housley's section. (We sing There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This together!)

The last interview I did was with Tess Cohen, a rising sophomore at Columbia High School. This is Tess' fourth year in the program, and she has loved every minute of it. She says, "One of the most important things I have learned during the conservatory is confidence. When I came to Paper Mill this summer, I was not the greatest dancer in the world. I'm still no Ginger Rogers, but I've learned the importance of acting through the dance and just having a good time! And it's actually made me a better dancer." Tess' favorite part of this year's New Voices Concert is the theme: Pure Imagination. "In the past, themes have sometimes restricted the content of the show, but this year it's very interpretive and there is a wide variety of material ranging from Disney classics to more contemporary musicals. It will take the audience back to their childhood."

From four different perspectives, you can see how the Conservatory has changed the lives of its students. This past week has been a little bit of a roller coaster ride, but that ride has landed in a place of new discovery for all of us. Be it in class, voice lessons, or rehearsals, we're all growing at a rapid rate. As we continue to build new relationships, work on new material, and grow as both performers and people, we invite you to see our progress in full bloom. For New Voices Concert tickets, call (973) 376-4343 or visit www.papermill.org.