Episode #10 "Essential Ensemble" with Sarah Russell, Nik Hagen, Sophie Franco, Rico Lastrapes
May 29 2020 - The ensemble is the backbone of a show—filled with tireless, magic chameleons who are vital to the storytelling and are constantly juggling tracking sheets, quick changes, swing tracks, and alto harmonies—all the while, seamlessly inviting the audience to suspend their disbelief and jump into the world of the show.
Panelists Sarah Russell, Nik Hagen, Rico Lastrapes, and Sophie Franco know that being an “ensemblist” takes strength, determination, creativity and patience—and this group of ENSEMBLE ALL STARS will be giving us the inside scoop.
Remember there are no small parts—and most likely it's 50 different exits and entrances, 6-minute dance combinations and miraculous costumes changes… you get the point.
Join us for this special Q&A and tech-facilitated “group hug” for Washington state theater teens. Rehearsals and performances might be cancelled, but the spontaneous musical numbers MUST GO ON! Register Here
Episode #9 "A DANCE AUDITION SURVIVAL GUIDE!" With Trina Mills
May 22, 2020 - Choreographer and performer, Trina Mills has been to her share of dance calls. Whether she’s running them, or auditioning herself, she knows that auditioning requires its own skill set. So if you’ve never been to a dance call before, don’t sweat it! We ask Trina all about the process of a musical theater dance call... “Step by step!” Find out what to wear, bring and train your ears to listen for when learning new choreography. Plus, what’s with those numbers they pin on your shirt!? From dancers who’ve never done a musical, to actors who’ve never danced, and for those folks who just want to give it a try, Trina shares a treasure trove of tips to keep you on your toes at a dance call.
Panelists: Sarah, Tenille and special guest, Trina Mills
Discussed this week:
Episode #8 "Sew you wanna be a costume designer" with Melanie Burgess
May 15, 2020 - Melanie Burgess is the OG of Costume Designers. If you’ve seen a show at… any theater in Seattle, you’ve probably seen her work. Ever wonder how the amazing costumes you wear on stage come into being? What if a costume doesn't fit correctly or you can’t nail a cartwheel with the corset on? Find out how to design costumes that make the audience lean into the story onstage and help actors to step into the life of the characters they play. In addition to winning multiple awards for her work, Melanie is also a professor of costume design at Cornish College of the Arts and Seattle University—sew... get ready to be schooled! Come through and join us, before we run out of “good material!” We’ll show ourselves out…
Panelists: Clara, Emily, Sophie and special guest, Melanie Burgess
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Episode #7 "REal Talk" with Nathaniel Tenenbaum
May 1, 2020 - What happens when we look at musical theater as communication, just as immediate as texting or yelling downstairs to your mom. Have you ever struggled with connecting with your fellow actors onstage, especially when you’re wearing a hoop skirt and a lizard mask, while tap dancing backwards.
This week we are getting back to basics talking to Actor Nathanial Tenenbaum (Urinetown, Annie, Dream Girls, Indecent) about maintaining human communication and connection onstage. Nathanial went to Oxford and has his Masters from UPenn school of Medicine, but he’s currently majoring in FIERCENESS at theater’s all over Seattle.
Panelists: Esteban, Kennedy, and special guest, Nathaniel Tenenbaum
Discussed this week:
Episode #6 "In The pit where it happens!" with Kat Sherrell
April 24, 2020 - This week we are talked to musician, author, composer and music director, Kat Sherrell (Hamilton, In the Heights, Book of Mormon, Bring It On, NBS's Smash) all about putting the “music” in Musical Theatre.
Ever wondered what it’s like to create the glorious sound being songs like “96,000” or “My Shot?” Kat will be talking all things music directing, what it is, why it’s awesome, and how to do it!
She’ll have you breaking down music and organizing your quarten-team into an ensemble faster than you can say “Angelica, Eliza… and Peggy. WORK”
Panelists: Henry R, Henry B, Frances, and special guest, Kat Sherrell.
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Episode #5 "Let's All Write A Musical! (Since we're stuck at home)" with Kit Yan & Melissa Li
April 17, 2020 - In this week’s episode we talked to groundbreaking musical theater writers Kit Yan & Melissa Li (Interstate, Miss Step) about the process of creating theater—and how to stay motivated and inspired.
We are all stuck at home, so why not turn your love of musicals into something brilliant and unique? It’s time to talk about where new baby musicals come from! Both Kit and Melissa started writing from a young age, but how do you go from poems and songs to writing Musical Theater? How do you find the courage to be bold, messy, and to tell stories on your own terms?
Panelists: Jason, Eliana, Kit, with special guests Kit Yan and Melissa Li
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Episode #4 "IS THERE MUSICAL THEATER AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?"
Part I: Majoring in Musicals with Solea Pfeiffer
April 10, 2020 - In this episode we talked to professional actor and University of Michigan alum, Solea Pfeiffer (Hamilton, West Side Story, Camelot) about her musical theater life after high school. Are you considering applying for a BFA program? What IS a BFA? Is it different from a BA? What’s up with all these acronyms? Solea answers lots of audience questions with inspirational ideas and lots of positivity!
This is the first in a series of Fridays @ The 5th episodes devoted to investigating if, there is in fact, musical theater after high school. Spoiler Alert “there’s ALWAYS musical theater!” and it’s never too early to start exploring the different ways it can be a part of your future.
Panelists: Lynia, Ana and special guest, Solea Pfiffer
Discussed this week:
Musical Recreation of Chicago #FridaysAtThe5th Weekly Challenge Submission
The #FridaysAtThe5th Weekly Challenge
Tell us a musical theatre moment that changed your life, a sentence, a video, a picture tag us in your stories or on twitter for a chance to be featured on the 5th Avenue Theatre’s Feed!
EPISODE #3: “Pick yourself up, dust yourself off - rolling with the punches in live theatre”
April 3, 2020 - We commiserate and celebrate all things live theater—in all it’s soul affirming wonder and… total frustration.
In this episode Lisa Estridge (Mamma Mia, Into The Woods, Naked Mole Rat Gets Dressed, Xanadu) answers audience questions and shares her experience rehearsing her Sister Act dream role at The 5th and how she’s kept on rolling with the punches throughout her career. We celebrate resilience, resourcefulness, and rockin' on!
Panelists: Danika, Gavin, and special guest, Lisa Estridge
Discussed this week:
Frankie and Rachie #FridaysAtThe5th Weekly Challenge Submission
The #FridaysAtThe5th Weekly Challenge
EPISODE #2: “Raise Your Voice - Powerful Music calls for Powerful (healthy) Singing!”
March 27, 2020 - Explore the building blocks of performing show-stopping numbers. Gain the tools to access your healthiest voice, for singing and beyond.
In this episode Sarah Rose Davis (How to Succeed in Business..., Austen's Pride, Urinetown) tells the story of her successful career following vocal injury. Students learn vocal techniques to build stamina, warm up gently and find their unique powerhouse sound.
Panelists: Megan, Trenton, and special guest, Sarah Rose Davis
Discussed this week:
Couple dancing with Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers
“Wells Fargo Wagon” from The Music Man
The #FridaysAtThe5th Weekly Challenge
Frankie and Rachie #FridaysAtThe5th Weekly Challenge Submission
Episode #1: “Make ‘Em Laugh! Musical Comic Relief in Uncertain Times”
March 20, 2020 - Our favorite shows have a remarkable way of bringing up important issues while never forgetting that humor and joy are a crucial part of the human experience. How have musicals brightened your day? Who are your favorite musical theater sidekicks? What’s feeding YOUR musical theater spirit these days?
In this episode we talk to local students and Broadway's Don Darryl Rivera (Aladdin), Orlando struggles with HD, and we all become more familiar with the mute function.
Panelists: Ava, Diego, and special guest, Don Darryl Rivera
Discussed this week:
Broadway HD free for 7 days!
"Make My Garden Grow" from Candide
Dragon Lady by Sara Porkalob
Shrek
“Let’s Raise A Glass” from Grand Hotel
"Emergency relief funds launching for Seattle-area arts organizations and artists"