New York Conservatory for the Arts

More Success

2008-10-23T05:48:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Marie Elaina! She had a VERY successful audition with Carnival Cruise Line yesterday! For details, talk to Marie Elaina . . .

Emerging Actors, Sounding to Find Truth

2008-10-22T06:48:00.000-07:00

Adding Sound Effects to “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” has required me to be at rehearsals the past few nights. There is a change in the show . . . a change in the actors every night! The show is taking shape as the actor’s find the truth of their characters . . . each one finding body movements, idiosyncrasies, fears and courage . . . Randy takes the time to uncover and encourage the instincts that are there and to guide them – and, with Lynda and Bruce’s professional background, characters are grounded in reality.

Living with a mental illness, people are haunted daily by emotional ghosts . . . they are truly emerging through the actors on stage now at NYCA. And Peter, as McMurphy comes along like a kid in a candy shop, poking each one of them – until it turns back around to him. Great Job Cast and staff . . . the show is shaping into something truly amazing!

- Doug

Coffee Talk and Old Friends

2008-10-20T06:26:00.000-07:00

At Matt and Miranda's Wedding - Matt was most entertaining on the dance floor - introducing to his new family the fun loving and skilled "Dance Side" of himself - Can we say coffee, anyone? - since Matt ground up quite a bit!

A mini-NYCA reunion also took place . . . Hillary Goldfarb was there and excited to hear we were doing "THE ADVENTURES OF ALADDIN' in May - She told us that when she was at NYCA (for her many, many years) "Aladdin" was "hands-down, the best spring musical ever!" Mike (from Troupe Vegas, the early years) and Jeff (from "Aladdin" back in 2001) were there too - Mike is now a member of the Film & Television Electricians Union and Jeff is an actor!

What a great day! - the beginning of a new family and the celebration of a long line of NYCA Theatre Family members -

What's Behind Door Number One . . .

2008-10-17T04:35:00.000-07:00

The set for 'Cuckoo's Nest' is almost done - we now have a window and soon there will be no way to escape!
Suppose - just for a moment that there was a place that you can go where the OUTSIDE world doesn't affect you - that all of your basic needs are met - Would you voluntarily sign yourself in? - or wait until they sign you in? When you see 'Cuckoo's Nest', you'll know what I mean and maybe have an answer . . .

With a SM in the Nest . . . Cuckoo's in a Good Place

2008-10-16T05:24:00.000-07:00

Great Rehearsal last night - Act II is in a really good place - now we just need to get through the sickness to a full cast. Did I mention that Marley is Stage Manager for the production and how good it is to have a SM on board - it really frees me up to focus on the cast.

For all of you who know Matt - he and Miranda are getting married this Sunday - Our Best goes out to them!

Building the Cuckoo's Nest

2008-10-15T08:08:00.000-07:00

'Cuckoo's Nest' is coming along quite well -
Tom's got a good start on the set and Doug's been working on the sound -
Special thanks goes to my Tuesday production class for making a recording that will be used in the production -
and . . . to the great dynamics amongst the cast members.

Multi-Threat Performers Find Their Way Out of the Box

2008-10-14T07:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday in working with two of my private dance students, we had discussions regarding breathing, centering, alignment and strength - and how they all work for you as a performer . . . the differences and similarities from the dancer to the singer to the actor - which got me thinking -

Most of our students who have been with us for many years have grown accustomed to how the stuff works together in supporting different techniques - techniques that are used by different teachers in building skills in their own discipline. But what has come to be expected is not what is necessarily given anywhere else. NYCA is one of a few places that truly provides for the interrelationships of all the disciplines in the performing arts. Working together, building skills and techniques for the "multi-threat" performer. I am proud to say that the direction that NYCA provides has been most helpful to our students, and the results are evident in all of their achievements. I don't normally take the time to give "props"" to the teaching staff, but today I decided to go outside the box.

O-Standing to Standing-O

2008-10-13T05:55:00.001-07:00

Congrats goes out to Marie Elaina for being cast in a Regional Production of Disney's High School Musical - (Hey, you never know - doing the show twice with us can lead to a third . . . love and embrace it, devote to it and finally, get paid for it!)

This past weekend, NYCA proudly presented Troupe '08 - an outstanding performance by everyone - when the audience jumped to its feet at the end of the program Saturday evening. They all knew how much the hard work paid off. A sweet ending to Troupe '08 and a beginning for more great work to come - I'll truly miss this troupe - but I look forward to Troupe '09 and more good times.

One Flew Over, Many Came Together as the One

2008-10-07T05:15:00.000-07:00

Excellent rehearsal last night of "Cuckoo's Nest" - 1st official rehearsal off-book and the cast did a great job -
Now we're able to work it and give it the dimension that the play deserves.
Looking forward to our next rehearsal . . . .
- Randy

Headless Horseman's Excellent Season Has Begun

2008-10-06T05:31:00.000-07:00

Doug and I went to the Headless Horseman Saturday evening (they opened last weekend) and I have to say props! to all of them - From parking to exiting the property, everything was handled very smoothly and professionally - The Haunted Houses were better than what we experienced with the NYCA Troupe out in California this summer - It's not just an evening of fright - (although screams and chainsaws echoed through the night air) - but this was an evening of entertainment - I highly recommend you check it out for yourselves!

The Colors Change . . . Autumn is Upon Us

2008-09-29T07:25:00.000-07:00

EXCELLENT rehearsal last night for "Cuckoo's Nest" . . .

Great exploration of character . . .

We're moving on to Act II tonight!

It won't be long before all the other rehearsals begin

for the rest of the season . . .

That's when you know that Autumn has really arrived!

Have a Great Day!

- Randy

Nyce to go Beyond the Edge . . . to the Cuckoo's Nest!

2008-09-24T06:16:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm off to the loony bin again tonight - Speaking of which, we are still in need of a male actor between 6' and 6'6" in height for one of the roles in 'Cuckoo's Nest'.

As a side note, our famed Nycettes will begin rehearsal this Thursday - and Beyond the Edge has already begun. Both groups will surly bring exciting new works to our performance season this year!

-Randy

One Flew East, One Flew West . . .

2008-09-21T13:33:00.000-07:00

So - if you haven't heard -
We've changed our Repertory Company's show in November to
ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST -
and I'm just nuts over the cast! - We're all committed to this one -

Our first read thru was the other evening and we're off to a flying start.
Tonight is the first rehearsal, or should I say, therapy session -
I'll keep you posted on who should remain locked up -

(OK - I've exhausted all of the puns? - How about you?)

-Randy

Headless Horseman Hayrides!

2008-09-14T09:15:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure how many of you know of my involvement with the Headless Horesman Hayrides and Haunted Houses in Ulster Park, but this is my 3rd season that I have been working with them as an Acting Coach.

They have an incredible reputation (which began long before I became involved) and I am proud to be associated with them. This place has grown to be the #1 haunted attraction in the U.S. - and every bit worthy of the praise. From the perspective of "theatre" - the make-up, sets, acting, overall mood and atmosphere of the place, it is outstanding and a "Must See." I will even add that there are past and present NYCA Students working there this season - See if you can recognize them!

On September 26th, there is a Autism Awareness Benefit - a really good cause to support. If you go to the Headless Horseman anytime that night, your entry fee goes directly to support Autism Awareness.

So, last night we had PART I of our Dress Rehearsal at Headless Horseman - and this year shows signs of outdoing all others!

So, if you are into theatre at it's scariest - Check it out! - But don't come crying to me if they frightened the little girl out of you - You've been warned - They're good at what they do!

- Randy

Click their logo to go to the Headless Horseman now:

Audtions to AEA

2008-09-10T05:12:00.000-07:00

Great turn out last night -
Lots of nice surprises on the level of auditions -
Now we have our work cut out for us -
Be Patient!!

We heard some good news yesterday -
Former Student/Troupe Member, Noah,
was cast as the lead in a touring production
and will be getting his Equity Card because of it -
Yea!

What a Day!

2008-09-08T05:36:00.000-07:00

NYCA was a buzz - filled with energy - on Saturday -

Combo Classes with the little ones, my day of classes, Doug teaching Voice - Dave with Guitar and Violin, Neal teaching Piano, and Lisa with the afternoon Ballet Classes - and, to top that off - AUDITIONS!

It was wonderful seeing everyone again and having such good people in our lives.

A reminder. . . . Tuesday Evening 7:30 is the last audition - so be there!

I gave my Saturday Acting class a project this week: To make up their own resume. They each have a lot riding on this project - I'm interested in seeing if anyone falls short of expectations on this one -

That's it for now

- Randy

Big Day Today!

2008-09-06T05:05:00.000-07:00

Our Season officially begins - Yea! - and I'm looking forward to a big turn out at Auditions today -

"Get out those tap shoes Francis!"

Hope I'm blown away by your talent - and not by 'Hanna' Today

Auditions Tonight

2008-09-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

Tonight's the beginning of Auditions!

Hints for a successful audition:

- Be Yourself

- Be Prepared

- Be Present

You don't need to impress us with someone you are not. Just give us a good performance with what you do best.

Good Luck!

Last Big Weekend of the Summer

2008-08-30T14:41:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone has a great Labor Day Weekend -

Nothing new today - except I'm really looking forward to getting started with our New Season of Shows! Auditions and classes begin this week coming up!

Explore the Audition announcements, dates and details either on the Cabaret Season or the Classes and Lessons Pages of our website.

-Randy

I'm Back!

2008-08-28T05:58:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I wrote - I think since summer began - mostly because each day was filled with so much activity, I never found myself sitting down at the computer - So, let me re-cap the summer -

Music Theatre Workshop - Great!

Fairy Princess & Brave Knights -Absolutely Adorable!

Drama Workshop - Funny!!

Troupe 2008 - Spectacular!
- Overall Best Troupe in a long time! Wowee !. . .

So now, it's time to move into our new season - If you haven't checked it out yet - get a good look at the shows we're producing and mind the audition dates - we want to see you all come out - there's something for everyone -

Keep an eye out for our pull-out in the Kingston Daily Freeman on Tuesday September 2 . . . and don't forget classes begin on the 6th.

The studios are so quiet - it's almost scary - can't wait 'til they fill with the sounds of vocalists, dancers, actors and instrumentalists - where energy becomes inspiration, and inspiration becomes dedication, and dedication becomes one big happy NYCA Family.

Randy

Wow! What an Adventure We All Just Experienced

2008-06-03T05:36:00.000-07:00

Two major musicals produced and performed at UPAC in one weekend by a single theatre company - NYCA !

Over the past 21 years in this community, NYCA has blazed the way with many firsts - and we are proud to have accomplished yet another one.

What immediately comes to mind is the support, devotion, commitment, love, patience, . . . blood, sweat and tears that went into making this all happen on behalf of the students, parents, friends, businesses in the community and NYCA staff - without it all, it would never have come to pass.

The joy that we brought to 2 huge audiences for High School Musical, memories given to the youth in our community - tears brought to the eyes of many when the kids in the audience sang and danced along with the show . . .

And, knowing that on the other end of the spectrum, we were able to provide theatre Art in our community as well - a sophistication in Musical Theatre that needed to be fostered no matter how difficult it was to get the masses to see it.

NYCA will be known forever as the 1st U.S. Company to have performed 'All 4 One' - and with the many kind words from the composer, a lifetime of memories for all involved . . .

I want to express my sincere gratitude and love to everyone. Congratulations on performances well done and for continuing to set the barre high in our community in providing excellence in performance. This was truly an adventure- one that we all can be proud of!

I want to wish you all a wonderful summer and until we come together once again -
Smile with Pride - You Deserve It!

Randy

Life, Love & Loyalty!

2008-05-29T05:42:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a very long time since I've written - very late nights and early mornings contribute to that . . .

Today, I can breathe - We Are Ready!

A little more tweaking in rehearsal and we have 2, count them, 2 glorious productions going up this weekend -

I knew that you could do it - and here it is - Now have fun with it!

You all are very special people with patience, talent, passion and heart . . .

Life, Love & Loyalty! . . . Abounds.

- Randy

Clash and Flash with No Smash

2008-05-14T05:24:00.000-07:00

Amazing . . . That's all I can say after witnessing the sword fighting rehearsal last night.

Like a musical composition itself, the sword fighting choreography that Randy has created starts off as an exhibition of play and humour in the first scene, and then moves into a battle between the King's Musketeers and the Cardinal's Guards.

The flourish of swords, the ringing of metal, the balletic turns and jumps tuned into a symphony of sound and movement sailing over the musical underscore.

Bravo to the Musketeers' and Cardinal's Guards' clashing swords and coming together as one to create a scene worthy of any treasured musketeer movie . . . only this time, they've sliced the screen wide open and jumped out for all of us to see.

- Doug

Swords In Hand

2008-05-13T05:43:00.000-07:00

Well tonight's the night -

It's been quite a journey - now it's time to finally get swords in hand -
Let's hope everyone leaves unscarred.

-Randy

Awesome!

2008-05-07T05:46:00.000-07:00

Finished the last bit of Fight Choreography last night -

Swordsmen worked in their boots, gloves and overlays - only a few entanglements, but I must say that these fight scenes are beginning to look awesome -

Next week . . . on to the real swords - Up 'till now, there have only been a few cuts & scrapes - let's hope that it remains that way!

- Randy