The MT Family 🎭 Feature 🎵

Happy February and Happy Black History Month, MT Families!

As we do year 'round, let's honor and celebrate the incredible contributions, achievements and rich cultural heritage of Black individuals and communities throughout history!

And, as we enter the month traditionally associated with a Hallmark holiday and romantic love, don't forget to also practice SELF love, love of family, love of friends, love of your fellow artists! 💜 Please see below for recent highlights, upcoming events, MANY free training opportunities and the monthly "Parent / Guardian Check In"!

Auditions are behind us, the cast list is up, and rehearsals are well underway for our spring mainstage musical, Jesus Christ Superstar! The senior and junior MT majors are collaborating to bring this epic production to life. We are currently busy every day from 2nd to 4th periods learning the ensemble vocals and dances - THIS WEEK, we'll move into character development and staging. We can't wait to see you in the J.R.E.C Auditorium in March to witness the largest-scale MT production of the year!

Regents Week was January 21-24 and for upperclassmen in MT, it meant testing and rehearsal. The Class of 2025 completed Section II of the Theatre Arts Exam on Wednesday January 22nd.

On Thursday January 23rd, several characters from Jesus Christ Superstar were in the building for individual and small group rehearsals - and we made a lot of progress in a short period of time!

Kathryn Clarke-Belgrove - February 2

Simone Barca - February 3

Melinda Collins - February 5

Lily Krebs - February 10

Ellie Suzuki - February 15

SamiRose Katz - February 18

Aspen Allen - February 21

Aria Nobles - February 22

Jai-lyzz Rodriguez - February 26

ACTING AND VOCAL: The seniors continue to rehearse their mainstage musical, Jesus Christ Superstar! You should see your child vocally rehearsing ensemble numbers and solos (where applicable), as well as ensemble dance numbers EACH EVENING. Every child has a REHEARSAL LOG for at-home practice that should be updated on a regular basis. If you do not see or hear your child rehearsing, please remind them that the amount of preparation this giant production will need cannot simply be completed during the school day.

We will continue to research the events, people and historical significance of Jesus Christ Superstar, so we fully understand the story we are sharing.

We will begin after school rehearsals toward the end of this month and I will communicate specifics in the next couple of weeks. Rehearsals will always take place from 3-6pm each day.

For a WEEKLY BREAKDOWN OF HOMEWORK AND ASSESSMENTS click HERE.

For a complete list of Senior Units of Study for Semester 2, click HERE.

TDF’S GRADUATION GIFT FOR THE CLASS OF 2025

See theatre for up to 70% off with a FREE TDF Membership for graduating seniors from NYC’s public high schools!

PLUS, enter a drawing to win up to two FREE tickets to Broadway’s Hell’s Kitchen or SIX on May 7th at 7pm. Have your OSIS number ready! ENTER HERE!

ACTING: Like the seniors, the juniors are also hard at work on their mainstage musical, Jesus Christ Superstar! EVERY EVENING, you should expect to see your child vocally rehearsing ensemble numbers and solos (where applicable), as well as ensemble dance numbers. Each child will be receiving a REHEARSAL LOG for at-home practice that should be updated on a regular basis. If you do not see or hear your child rehearsing, please remind them that the amount of preparation this giant production will require cannot simply be completed during the school day.

Once all of the ensemble numbers have been learned, the juniors will break off from the seniors occasionally to continue their Monologue unit. They have been preparing pieces they connect to on a personal level and are applying all of our former units of study, but this time on spoken text, as opposed to a song. You should also hear your child performing their monologue at home in anticipation of their upcoming master class.

For a WEEKLY BREAKDOWN OF HOMEWORK AND ASSESSMENTS click HERE

For a complete list of Junior Units of Study for Semester 2, click HERE.

ACTING AND VOCAL:

The sophomores have set new performance goals and started the next round of master classes. We are now exploring the works of Cole Porter and implementing motivated stage crosses into our performance. I am vocally coaching each student to address their individual strengths and areas of need. The students are trying new techniques and showing adaptability in the moment during their master class.

You should expect to hear your child rehearsing their Cole Porter pieces at home in preparation for this master class.

For a WEEKLY BREAKDOWN OF HOMEWORK AND ASSESSMENTS click HERE.

For a complete list of Sophomore Units of Study for Semester 2, click HERE.

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR FRESHMEN!

Each year, a cohort of 15 students from our New York City network of ETA Partner Schools is invited to participate in free, after-school training in one artistic discipline (instrumental or vocal music, dance, and theatre), coupled with Saturday sessions meeting once a month for college prep and career readiness support. Students apply in 9th grade and, if accepted, must make a three-year commitment to the program through 10th, 11th, and 12th grade. This program strives to strengthen the college and career pipeline for students historically underrepresented in the arts, onstage and offstage. It is made possible by generous funding from the Eugene M. Lang Foundation at no cost to your family.

Lang Arts Scholars will:

• Make significant technical progress in music, dance, or theatre
• Acquire the skills and support necessary to identify, apply to, and feel prepared to attend college with an art major or minor and/or conservatories

• Gain a broad and deep understanding of career pathways in the arts
• Develop financial literacy, with a particular focus on college financing
• Form trusting, professional relationships with caring adults

For more information, Click HERE.

To apply, Click HERE by March 3rd, 2025.

Current Freshman Curriculum

ACTING: The freshmen are about to begin their unit in Improvisation. We will start with exploring what it means to support a partner in improv, which takes the pressure off of the individual. We will first discuss the important elements of improv and then dive into group improvised stories.

VOCAL: The freshmen are currently performing their first solos in front of the group. This exercise is meant to serve as a vocal baseline for each student, so I know their current strengths and areas of need. This information will help me to place them in groupings with other students who are working on the same skills for the remainder of the year. We will also begin to discuss the basics of Music Theory and how it can serve them as a Musical Theatre performer. They will begin by dissecting and identifying the elements of a typical piece of sheet music.

For a WEEKLY BREAKDOWN OF HOMEWORK AND ASSESSMENTS click HERE.

For a complete list of Freshman Units of Study for Semester 2, click HERE.

Through acting, vocal, and dance instruction, this 6-week, in-person musical theater masterclass program will strengthen and enhance students’ performing skills! The Mosaic Training Program is for passionate high-school-aged performers (ages 14-19) who are ready for the next level of musical theater training! Project Broadway will offer this FREE full-scholarship, high-quality theater arts program to twelve (12) selected BIPOC artists who exhibit a passion for performing and demonstrate financial need. This unique program is designed to help develop performing skills and support those seeking a professional career in the performing arts. Some highlights of the program include:

• Musical Theater Masterclasses from Broadway teaching artists
• Weekly feedback and mentorship
• Headshots from a professional photographer
• Final student showcase/presentation for top–notch industry guests

APPLY HERE BY February 15th!

WHO: Students ages 11-14 who have an interest in creating original plays/theatrical pieces & learning about acting, writing, design, and more!

WHAT: In this 5-day workshop, students will work with professional actors, playwrights, directors and designers to conceive and create original short plays that highlight their creativity, and uplift their stories.

WHEN: Camp is in session Monday-Friday April 14-18, 2025. Hours are 10am-2pm (M-Thur), and 1pm-7pm on Friday. Students are asked to commit to attending all 5 days of the program, and must arrive punctually each day. Breakfast is served each day at 9:30am.

WHERE: Colt Coeur's studio, 20 Jay Street, DUMBO Brooklyn. Short walk to F, A/C, 2/3 trains, and B61 bus line.

HOW MUCH: FREE!! Breakfast and a light lunch are also provided!

Apply Here by March 21st, and if you are 15 and older and interested in being a paid student leader, please apply here!

This is a great opportunity for students prepping for college auditions OR who need a piece filmed for an audition. It’ll be fun, and it’s FREE! You can participate in an acting workshop focused on either song performance or monologue performance. All students joining us for the day will take part in a warm-up and workshop session. Students with a prepared monologue or song will have the opportunity to receive coaching and have their piece filmed. If you are interested in having your piece filmed, please let us know on the registration form. Saturday March 1, 2025 10:00 am - 1:30 pm Each workshop is FREE and will be about 2 hours in length. Please arrive 10 minutes early for check-in, and plan to stay for the full experience! Space is limited - REGISTER HERE!

Saturday, March 1, 2025 10am - 1:30pm At the NYCDA Campus 39 W. 19th Street New York, NY 10011

10:00 AM - Saturday Spotlight: Audition Song Prep

11:00 AM - Saturday Spotlight: Audition Monologue Prep

Incoming 9th-12th graders

• 6 weeks: July 1 - August 10 (off 7/4) • 10:00am – 5:00pm Mon-Thurs / 10:00am – 1:00pm Fridays

• Performances: August 7 - 10, 2025

The Wingspan Ensemble is a select group of high school students who love theatre and look forward to exploring more challenging work. Ensemble members participate in master classes, including The New Group’s Scene 1 program, where they develop their individual voices as emerging artists through an ensemble-based model. Students also participate in a fully produced musical or play, with production support by Off-Broadway’s The New Group. Casting takes place during the first week.

APPLICATION + AUDITION REQUIREMENTS All students must fill out the online application, submit a teacher recommendation and a personal statement. Online application and more information available HERE. All students must audition to be considered for this program. Students will be asked to perform a piece of a song and a one-minute monologue. Auditions will be a mix of in-person + Zoom meetings, which we will schedule after the application deadline has passed. www.wingspanarts.org/conservatory.

Summer Arts Institute is a free, four-week arts program administered by the NYC Public Schools’ Arts Office. Students major in dance, theater, concert band, strings, Students major in dance, theatre vocal music, film, or visual arts. Students engage in studio work and experiences with professional artists from partnering organizations: American Ballet Theatre, Carnegie Hall, Ghetto Film School, Magic Box Productions, Opening Act, New York Philharmonic, and Studio in a School. Through SAI, students develop and improve their Th technical skills and creative expression in their art form. Time is dedicated to rehearsals, attending professional performances, visiting arts venues, and exploring careers. The Institute culminates with an exhibition and performance showcasing the students’ work.

Program Dates: July 7 – August 1, 2025

Eligibility: NYC Public School students entering grades 8 through 12 in Fall 2025 (students currently in grades 7 through 11)

Student Application Deadline: February 26, 2025

Virtual Audition Submission Deadline: March 2, 2025

For more Information and to Apply, click HERE.

Please find us on Instagram for a glimpse into all things Musical Theatre at Talent Unlimited High School! Enjoy recent highlights, production info and sneak peeks into our daily artistic endeavors! Follow us at tuhs_mt_berrywolf !

A beloved TU community member and former MT student, Ava Conklin, tragically lost her life in the summer of 2023. In loving memory and celebration of Ava, TU and Ava's family have collaborated to create the Ava Conklin Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship seeks to recognize students who share Ava's leadership and spirit and is awarded at the end of each school year to support our students in the next steps of their journey beyond high school.

To donate to Ava's scholarship, please visit https://donorbox.org/tuhs-support-your-studio. Then type "Ava Conklin Scholarship" into the Comment section.