Steven G. Kennedy, the resident choreographer for the Broadway Junior Collection, led 25 LaGrange students in choral and acting exercises Wednesday morning. Kennedy's master class is a part of NBC’s ''Smash: Make a Musical'' grand prize the school won in early May. (Michelle Higginbotham / American Press)
Steven G. Kennedy, the resident choreographer for the Broadway Junior Collection, led 25 LaGrange students in choral and acting exercises Wednesday morning. Kennedy's master class is a part of NBC’s ''Smash: Make a Musical'' grand prize the school won in early May. (Michelle Higginbotham / American Press)
New York-based choreographer works with LaGrange students, administration (WITH VIDEO)
Last Modified: Friday, September 14, 2012 12:04 AM
By Ashley Withers / American Press
The LaGrange High School stage was a flurry of activity Wednesday morning as 25 students participated in a master class with New York-based choreographer Steven G. Kennedy.
The master class was a part of the grand prize LaGrange won in the nationwide NBC’s “Smash”: Make a Musical contest in early May.
LaGrange received more than 12,000 votes from school supporters and community members to win.
The grand prize also includes a Broadway Junior ShowKit, which includes the rights to perform a musical; a local adviser; teacher stipends; a technical theater fund; and one more master class with Kennedy.
“I came here to work with the students and the administration to make sure they were off to a very good start,” Kennedy said.
He said that the students at LaGrange were some of the “most fun” he had ever had the chance to work with.
“The experience is always kind of like walking into school on the very first day, but within two seconds the kids were so welcoming, so sweet,” he said.
“They really wanted to learn and learn what it is to put on a musical. They were funny, smart and extremely welcoming.”
Kennedy led the students in a series of exercises designed to help them with their stage presence and basic choreography.
But he said the real purpose of the workshop was to coach the school’s musical directors and teach them better ways to work with the students.
“I learned new dance steps. I learned some motivational tools, some different ways to block,” said Shelly Buller, speech and drama teacher at LaGrange.
“I learned to make it fun, while keeping the quality and professionalism of the rehearsal.”
Buller said the workshop was an “incredible experience” for both herself and the students.
“I saw such an excitement in the kids. You can’t compete with that.”
Students had to audition to participate in the master class and those selected were grateful for the experience.
“I’m very thankful to be a part of this crew and of the musical we’re producing. The workshop we did today was fantastic,” said Shaquille Guy, a senior at LaGrange. “I think I’m better at the acting already.”
“I hope I grew more in learning how to act and in having more energy and projecting my voice to the crowd,” said Jasmine Washington, a 10th-grader.
“I’m just looking forward to the musical and I know it’s going to be a success,” Guy said.
LaGrange has chosen “Seussical” as their contest musical, Buller announced during the workshop.
The school will perform the show Feb. 28, March 1 and March 2, 2013, the week of Dr. Seuss’ birthday.
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