Reston Student Gains Backstage Skills Working On 'Newsies'

RESTON, VA — Reston Community Players' new apprentice program is designed to help students ages 13 to 18 interested in theater gain pre-professional performance and technical experience.

That's exactly what Anna Schoenborn, a rising junior at South Lakes High School in Reston is gaining this summer with RCP's production of "Newsies."

Based on the 1992 musical motion picture, "Newsies" was inspired by the 1899 Newsboy Strike. The story follows Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy who rallies his fellow newsies against unfair conditions and to fight for what's right.

"Newsies" debuts Friday night in The Vault, Capital One Hall's 225-seat black box theatre in Tysons. RCP will present performances from July 8-10 and July 15-17. Curtain time is 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are available for purchase online.

To find out a little bit about Schoenborn and what she's been learning through RCP's apprentice program this summer, Patch sent her the following questions:

How did you get involved with the Reston Community Players' production of "Newsies"?

I was part of South Lakes production of "Crazy For You" and really fell in love with set build and just being a part of the stage crew, and was truly sad that the show was coming to an end, which is when some of the cast members told me about "Newsies." I thought it would be great to work on my newfound hobby with some new and some of the same people.

Have you ever done this kind of technical work before? How does this add to technical/backstage experiences you have already had?

I’ve done set build before and I know how to use power tools and such just from helping my dad work on things. So I’m familiar with that side of tech but this is really my first exposure to lighting and sound work, which is really fun.

What technical role do you enjoy the most and why?

My favorite technical role is run crew. It’s what has always interested me because fitting and move the set piece efficiently is kind of like a puzzle that I really enjoy figuring out. I also love that as a member of run crew you can’t spread out the work over time very much, so it’s a rush followed by a calm which is really exciting.

What has been your favorite experience so far with the Reston Community Players' production of "Newsies"?

My favorite part of the production process has been set build. RCP has so many tools I haven’t really had the chance to learn how to use and use properly. So the best part for me is gaining all of this new knowledge and skill.

And now, the Reston Community Players and Patch want to give you FREE tickets to a "Newsies" performance!

Simply sign up using the form below to get our free daily newsletter and real-time news alerts from Patch.com and your name will be entered for a chance to win a pair of " Newsies" tickets. You'll be able to choose which performance to attend during the show's July 8-17 run at Capital One Hall in Tysons. [See entry form below].

Patch will select a winner and contact them by email and phone with instructions on how to collect their tickets. Contest will close at 6 p.m. EST on Thursday, July 7. We will select a winner shortly there after and reach out!

Related: 2 Free Tickets For Reston Community Players' 'Newsies': Enter To Win

RCP will present performances of "Newsies" from July 8-10 an July 15-17. Curtain time is 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are available for purchase online.