August 2010
2010 SpringboardNYC Grad Blogs About Boot Camp
 Monica Brown, who completed the 2010 SpringboardNYC program in June, was asked by Houston's Theatre Under the Stars, where she had previously interned, to write about her experience for the website. Here's an excerpt from her chronicle of her two weeks with the American Theatre Wing:
"The experience changed my life. I now know that New York City is definitely the place for me and if I don't try to pursue my dream no one else will. At Springboard, I learned that all I can do is be the best me I can be, be knowledgeable about the industry and go on my own path wherever that may take me. SpringboardNYC's Director Randy Lutterman helped me tremendously. From the moment I received the call of my acceptance into the program, I knew we were going to be peas in a pod. She was always helpful and informative and was everyone's cheerleader along the way. She taught us to love and embrace the qualities that make us who we are, and that in itself is invaluable. I could not have asked for a better mentor and friend, and to know that I have someone on my side and whose advice I take to heart is more than comforting, it's unbelievable."
"The American Theatre Wing has always been a part of young people's lives through the programs, blogs, and telecasts they have helped steer, and with the SpringboardNYC program they gave me the best gift of all; the gift of good theatre, good friends, and the go ahead to pursue my dreams and thrive in musical theatre. Where else can you find a program in New York City that gives you heaps of information, handfuls of friends, and mentors you can call on, on your journey into the industry? I am moving to NYC in a few months and have so many tools that will help me succeed in the theatre world to network. I am now prepared for whatever may come my way. If you are an upcoming senior or junior I encourage you, in fact, I urge you, to look into American Theatre Wing's SpringboardNYC program. You will fall in love with it and never be the same. I know I did."
For a fuller glimpse inside SpringboardNYC read Monica's complete blog post.
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American Theatre Wing Announces New Board Officers
At its annual meeting in late June, the American Theatre Wing voted upon new board officers for 2010-11. Ted Chapin continues as Chairman and Alan Siegel remains Secretary; new officers are Lucie Arnaz and Doug Leeds as Vice-Chairmen and William Craver as Treasurer. This follows on the heels of our Tony night announcement of Angela Lansbury as our Honorary Chairman.
In addition, the board voted to rename itself, changing from a Board of Directors to Board of Trustees, adopting common not-for-profit practice and better reflecting that the board members hold the Wing in trust for the benefit of students, aspiring and working professionals in the theatre, and audiences everywhere.
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"The Next Generation" Speaks Out On "Working in the Theatre"
While the tradition of the venerable Working in the Theatre series has been to spotlight theatre professionals with many years of experience, The Wing has been working to expand both the range of guests -- and audience -- for the popular video series. The result, first seen in 2007, was the WIT episode The Next Generation, featuring Ashley Brown, Jonathan Groff, Alison Pill and John Lloyd Young.
 This month, The Wing returns to that theme for The Next Generation 2010, a program featuring experienced performers all under the age of 30 (three of whom shared the stage in the popular musical Spring Awakening). Taped in late June and just released on CUNY TV, americantheatrewing.org and iTunes, the new program features Jennifer Damiano (Next to Normal), Robin de Jesús (La Cage Aux Folles), John Gallagher, Jr. (American Idiot), Jon Michael Hill (Superior Donuts), and Krysta Rodriguez (The Addams Family) discussing their earliest theatre experiences, how they broke into the business, the impact (or lack thereof) of formal education and training on their work, and what they're learning from their peers and fellow company members even as they have distinguished themselves on stage.
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Jonathan Larson® Grant Application Available On-Line
 Applications are now available for the 2011 Jonathan Larson Grants. The grants, given annually to honor emerging composers, lyricists and book writers, help to continue the legacy of Tony Award®-winning RENT composer Jonathan Larson. Applications are due by September 1, 2010.
Guidelines and more information are available online.
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Spending Too Much Time on YouTube?
 C'mon, tell the truth: are you spending hours online watching funny videos and seeking out the newest viral sensation? Well, when you want a break from trolling for wit, take a moment and find some wisdom at the The American Theatre Wing's YouTube channel, which features excerpts from various ATW programs, as well as original material created just for the channel. Most recently ATW posted some 60 short videos (most between one and two minutes long) with 2010 Tony nominees talking about key steps in their careers.
With more than 125,000 views of The American Theatre Wing's YouTube channel, it's the place to go when you need that quick fix of theatre insight.
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"In The Wings" Subjects unite for NJ "Peter Pan"
 While the volume of material available at the Wing website quickly reveals the interconnectedness of theatre productions and artists, the current 21 editions of In The Wings would seem to have less opportunity for overlap, being so new. But the Paper Mill Playhouse's production of the 1954 musical Peter Pan managed to unite 3 of the 21 In The Wings subjects thus far. The production was made accessible to hearing and audio-impaired audiences alike with the assistance of Sign Language Interpreter Alan Champion, who led a team of three interpreters; fight scenes between The Lost Boys, Indians, and Pirates were created by Fight Director Rick Sordelet; and Peter Pan's memorable flying sequences were mapped out by Aerial Choreographer Paul Rubin. ATW's programs work to encompass theatre its entirety -- we just didn't expect to find so many people standing together "In The Wings"!
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What They Said
Robin de Jesús, on ATW's Working In The Theatre, The Next Generation 2010, July 2010.
"Your whole life, you're told to give 110%. 110% does not exist. That is a made-up thing. 110% gets you in physical therapy."
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