Why We Tell The Story: BAE students perform in Once On This Island!
This spring, BAE help bring to life a high school production of Once On This Island at the Urban Assembly Bronx Academy of Letters. The cast was vocally directed by BAE teaching artist Megan Lomax, who met with the students weekly to work on vocal exercises, diction, and vocal stamina.
“The students were absolutely fantastic and had a great time. We started this process back in February, practicing in the theater's lobby and in a classroom. We had to be creative because the school’s theater was under renovation for most of the rehearsal process. We only gained access to the stage two weeks before public performances. At that point, we added tech and costumes and the students really began to shine. They learned the challenges of incorporating every aspect of theater.
After the performances, they expressed how proud they were to have overcome those challenges. It was rewarding to see the growth of students once anxious to be heard now checking to make sure they were heard from the back of the auditorium.
The audience’s reception was amazing too. Students would tell the actors what they thought of all the character drama in the show. The crowd would cheer on the dancers and singers throughout the show. The school community really showed their support in the best way!” -Megan Lomax
