After reading the feature, I appreciated Sharon's understanding of my role at the NHSMTA.  I was concerned that I would be edited for entertainment value and only be seen or portrayed as the "task master".  PBS has done a really good job with showing the range of emotions and responsibilities I deliver.  I knew Sharon "got it" when I read this statement: 

"She acts as mother, psychologist, teacher and, when necessary, task master to get the most out of the participants so they can be seen in the best light possible." 

Here's the feature...enjoy!

http://communityvoices.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/arts-entertainment-living/onstage/34370-kiesha-lalama-helps-contestants-rise-to-the-occasion-as-part-of-pbs-doc-broadway-or-bust

I'm not sure what to expect with Broadway or Bust, the TV version of NHSMTA.  I haven't seen the show.  I'll be watching from my living room just like everyone else.  All I know is that the NHSMTA provides defining, life changing moments for young artists.  Something special happens throughout the process.  Something happens to every single person involved with the program.  Something changes in us.    

As the lights fade after the final bows and participants part ways to return home, the dust settles and reality sinks in.  Every year on the plane ride home, I take some time to reflect on my favorite moments and comments from the kids.  I hear the following often: "I didn't realize I could do that, but I did it." - "This was the most amazing experience of my life." - "I just performed on Broadway!" These handful of comments remind me that this program matters.  It impacts lives and stimulates the human spirit.  The one thing that I think we all walk away with is hope.  I believe in this program, as I am a true believer in the power of the arts.  

I hope that the audiences of Broadway or Bust get to experience just a piece of this magic.  I can't wait to see the faces of those very special - very talented 60 participants. I look forward to reliving each and every one of their glorious triumphs.  As I see it, the NHSMTA celebrates young talent, builds character, empowers young artists, and reiterates the significance of the arts.  I hope you get to see that too...

KDKA - Pittsburgh Today Live

Free.  That's the word to describe how I felt after taking my first dance class at the Broadway Dance Center. To this day, I still credit this one class as a key- transitional- defining moment in my dance life.  David Storey began his warm up moving in ways that I never knew existed.  All I knew is that I liked it.  The more I moved, I loved it.  It fit me.  As a new dancer, with mostly a gymnastic foundation, I relied on my technique and strength to get me through.  But something happened during this class...something that had never happened to me before.  I felt something...something inside. For the first time, I let go and danced from my heart...from my soul.  I forgot about everything and just danced.  David explained that the style was something new: Contemporary.  I still remember the beginning of the combo choreographed to "More Than Words".  From that moment on, I knew that dance was going to be my life.  Contemporary movement had set me free.  

I'm sitting here reflecting on my other "firsts" in NYC and all that comes along with those memories.  I remember: my first Broadway show: The Will Rogers Follies, my first cab ride, my first slice of pizza from Ray's, my first hot pretzel, my first subway ride, my first equity audition as a choreographer, my first trip across the Brooklyn Bridge, coming around a building and looking up to see my first close up of the Brooklyn Bridge...I have a huge smile on my face right now.  

I am reminded that life is full of wonder.  Interesting...I had a conversation earlier today and was told that we don't seem to use that word enough.  Maybe we don't stop long enough to appreciate the true wonders life has to offer.  So we simply forget to consider...to celebrate...to recognize...to wonder. 

Well, today I'd like to take a moment to celebrate firsts, as this PBS clip reminds me that first experiences can lead to us to wonder...

Watch New York Moments on PBS. See more from Broadway or Bust.

Watch Student Cam: Backstage Moments on PBS. See more from Broadway or Bust.

I saw this behind the scenes clip on facebook this morning.  Their smiling faces warmed my heart.  I was reminded just how special these kids really are.  I was also reminded how much I miss them.  

I had a great time working on this show.  Choreographing in the round was an interesting experience. As a dance maker with a deep appreciation and passion for "space", I really enjoyed carving the movement through every inch of the playing area.  I approached the choreography wanting to challenge myself with structure, pattern and smart storytelling.  I feel like I accomplished all of my goals...and even provided a little entertainment along the way.  

I am so thankful for the amazing, "adjustable" cast (insert smile here).  Each and every member of this production deserves a tremendous congratulations!  This production of All Shook Up is fun, energized, exciting and well, quite memorable.    

Inspired and stimulated...I'm back and ready to rock and roll! 

Check out the reviews!

North Shore Music Theatre: All Shook Up

I'm busy and having a blast in NYC rehearsing with the cast of North Shore Music Theatre's production of All Shook Up!  This is my first regional theater production since I choreographed Jesus Christ Superstar with Kansas City Starlight.

Needless to say...I'm pumped.  This show is perfect for what I do best.  It's packed with high energy, big production numbers.  Just when I finish choreographing one "bring the house down" number, I realize there are about 25 more to go!  It's non-stop, action packed, and awesome.  The cast is up for anything and everything I throw their way.  We are dancing our faces off and loving every minute of it.   

I have much more work to do...so, away I go...

I'm back from the 2012 National High School Musical Theater Awards!  Once again, the week of the Jimmy's proved to be the most inspiring of the year.  I find myself reflecting on great moments and already looking forward to 2013.    

This year, 60 Best Actor and Best Actress nominees united their voices to perform on Broadway at the Jimmy Awards. Each and every year these young high school students prove to be professional, determined and gracious.  I am especially proud of this year's group, as PBS was filming for the premiere of Broadway or Bust:  a 3 part documentary series following the 2012 National High School Musical Theater Awards, the Jimmy Awards. Surrounded and challenged by so many "what could have and should have been" distractions including: cameras, crew members, sound equipment, booms, lighting and interviews, these students prevailed with class, dignity and integrity.  I have high hopes that PBS captured the essence, character and honesty of this program, and especially this group.  

The National High School Musical Theater Awards is a program of defining moments: highs and lows, discoveries and revelations.  The one thing I know for sure, every single one of the paricipants put their trust in the creative team, took a risk and won.  When the lights hit that stage and their heads snapped around singing "Look at me...", I witnessed the - I CAN! I BELIEVE! I WILL! - defining moment that runs through their minds. For me, there is nothing more rewarding than seeing a student transform from a dreamer...to a believer.   

As I reflect on the week, I continue to be humbled by each participants' individual, unique talents but most importantly, their spirit. With every intention of pushing them to reach new heights, I only realize now that these young artists challenged me to be at the top of my own game.  

I'd like to thank the class of 2012.  Thank you for sharing, trusting and believing.  Each one of you will forever hold a special place in my heart.  Together, we formed a significant bond that was certainly...no bust.  

Follow this link for more...

The Pittsburgh CLO Gene Kelly Awards were a huge hit!  From the moment the Opening Number hit the stage, I could feel the energy and momentum of a successful show.  I want to thank everyone involved.  It takes an army to pull off a show the size of the GKA:  over 300 performers, 40 Celebrity Presenters, $87,000 in Scholarship Prizes, Awards...Awards...Awards..., over 50 Volunteers, 3,000 audience members, and the list goes on and on.  Congratulations to everyone.  What a great, inspirational night!  Stay tuned for the highlight reel.  I'll be posting it soon!

Pittsburgh CLO Guild Ball 

This week I'm in rehearsals for the annual Pittsburgh CLO fundraising event,  The Guild Ball (formerly known as the Pink Frolic).  I stage and choreograph the live entertainment performing at the event this Saturday evening. I'll be posting photos from that performance too!

Pittsburgh CLO presents, A Gleeful Evening at Hartwood Acres    

After that...I head straight into the Pittsburgh CLO Education Department Hartwood Acres Performance!  I will Direct and Choreograph a full evening of entertainment.  The Pittsburgh CLO Academy, Gene Kelly Awards and Mini Stars programs will team up to perform for an audience of over 3,000!  It's going to be a Gleeful Evening.  If you're in Pittsburgh, please take the time to see this show. Last year, these kids blew my mind.  Join us on Sunday, June 10, 2012!  

http://www.alleghenycounty.us/summer/index.aspx

National High School Musical Theater Awards

And then...I leave for NYC to Choreograph for the National High School Musical Theater Awards on Broadway.  Have you heard the news?  

Guess who's going to be on PBS?  Check out the link below:  

http://nhsmusicaltheaterawards.blogspot.com/2012

Sure, I have a lot going on right now.  But, I am so very fortunate.  I have the opportunity to celebrate the arts, develop the importance of arts education, and increase visibility of the arts in our communities.  I wouldn't have it any other way.   

This week is always a crazy week.  The entire creative and administrative team are finalizing all of the details for the big day.  From rehearsing production numbers to writing the script, from ticket arrangements to VIP pre-party planning, from arranging the music to confirming Celebrity Presenters, from production meetings to gift wrapping, it takes months, pretty much an entire year, to produce the Gene Kelly Awards.  This year, 32 Allegheny County High Schools participated in the Kelly's.  In a time when arts education is taking a back seat to just about everything else in the education system, it's comforting to see that the arts are alive and well...and even thriving in some places.  Spring musical budget cuts haven't stopped productions.  In fact, it's ignited more passion, as communities have pulled together to fundraise on their own.  That's one of the reasons I feel so passionate about this program.  The Kelly's provide the opportunity for communities to come together and celebrate excellence in high school musical theater, recognizing the accomplishments of our young leaders and arts advocates of tomorrow.   

For me, this week can be compared to a marathon.  The Gene Kelly Awards marathon lasts for 6 days clocking in at 12 hours per day.  I love it...I love everything about the Kelly's, which is why I survive it every year.  

Last night 65 students representing the 32 participating high schools, attended the first rehearsal for the finale that will close the show on Saturday night.  Melissa Yanchak spent three hours teaching the complex layers of music to "Eyes on the Goal" written by the one and only brilliant composer and music director, Michael Moricz. Tonight, 50 additional participating students will arrive at the Pittsburgh CLO Academy to learn music for the Opening Number and Best Actor/ Best Actress medleys. I run from studio to studio and work to create, hopefully, dynamic performance numbers that will feature the talents of each of these very special groups of young arts enthusiasts.

I consider it an honor to have the opportunity to work with Pittsburgh CLO, the Gene Kelly Awards and all of the high schools students.  I am so very fortunate to work with the most brilliant producing team, Pittsburgh CLO Education Department staff...special thanks to Mike Cerchairo, Patty Maloney and Kelsey Deck... and how could I forget this year's co-coordinators, Seth Laidlaw and Laura O'Malley.  I am surrounded by an amazing, inspiring and dedicated group of people.  When you are surrounded by amazing people, you can accomplish anything.    

Check out this clip from vocal rehearsals last night:  

http://gkawards.blogspot.com/2012/05/rehearsal-clip-day-one.html

Here's a link to the Gene Kelly Awards facebook page: 

http://www.facebook.com/GeneKellyAwards

Monday 

I flew to NYC on Monday to hold auditions for North Shore Music Theatre's production of "All Shook Up".  I spent most of Monday evening preparing and choreographing a few combinations for the extensive dance calls on Tuesday.  I did find time to eat dinner at the DaMarino.  I love the ravioli with cream, mushrooms and asparagus.

Tuesday 

The next day was filled with hours of dancing...dance audition after dance audition after dance audition.  Of course, I had a great time.  We were all feeding off the positive energy and excitement in the room.  I was fascinated and comforted to see so many familiar faces in the crowd.  Several of the dancers were former students or people I've worked with in the past.  I was so impressed with the talent in the room and inspired by the versatility and depth of skill.  It was a tiring, but awesome experience.  Favorite memory has to be from a dancer that grabbed my hand after the audition and thanked me for being so "real".  That was a great feeling.  So dancer, if you're reading this...thank you for reminding me to stay real.  I often give this advice: stay true to you...that's all you can do.  

That night, I left for the airport and boarded a plane for Pittsburgh.  I had to be back in town for the 2012 Pittsburgh CLO Gene Kelly Awards Press Conference and Point Park University Senior Showcase.  My flight landed in Pittsburgh around 11:30pm.  I got home, packed the boys lunches for the next day and crawled into bed, but not until after I took some ibuprofen for my aching muscles.  That dance call reminded me that I am not 20 years old anymore.  What was I thinking?  Ha!

Wednesday  

I was off and running to Pittsburgh for the Senior Showcase solo performance tech rehearsals.  I had the great pleasure of watching over 30 graduates put the finishing touches on what would be their final performance as a Point Park University student.  I teared up several times, as these students...the class of 2012...will forever hold a very special place in my heart.  

I took a deep breath around 2:00pm and ran across town to the Pittsburgh CLO.  I walked into the Benedum Center, changed into my suit and prepared to host the Gene Kelly Award Press Conference announcing the nominees of 2012.  Honestly, I have the best staff.  Everything was well organized and ready to go!  Script in hand, a few run-throughs to rehearse the pronunciation of names and before I could say "I'm ready", it was time.  I stepped up to the podium and begin to announce the nominations.  The Gene Kelly Awards celebrate excellence in high school musical theater.  It was a great opportunity to celebrate and recognize the importance and value of arts education.  

After another deep breath...and latte with an extra shot...I ran back to Point Park University to meet the Artistic Directors invited to audition our graduating seniors.  The performance was our strongest showcasing yet.  The dancers blew me away.  I was so proud...so very, very proud.  

I headed home for a nap, as my plane back to NYC was leaving first thing the next morning.  

Thursday

4:30am...alarm.  Hmmm...is this a joke?  Nope...ready, set, go!

I boarding the plane at 6:00am and left for NYC.  I walked into another day of auditions, this time mostly call backs and invited soloists.  The dance call is always my comfort zone.  I'm at home with 50+ people in the studio.  I feel good moving dancers through space.  For me, that's the easy part.  Sitting still for any length of time is quite a challenge for me.  Sitting still this time was actually much less difficult than what I expected.  Singer after singer I was in awe.  I have such respect for signers.  As a former dancer, I remember being terrified of getting up and singing...all alone...in front of anyone.  Like I stated above, I can take control of a room with hundreds of dancers...the thought of singing alone was terrifying.  The singers and actors on Thursday were fascinating.  Some of the actors even played the "All Shook Up" original roles on Broadway.  One actress made me cry, as her voice exuded one of the most passionate sounds I have ever heard.  Breathtaking...and inspiring.

Thursday late afternoon was boring.  I took a power nap...needed it.  That night I organized and typed up the Act I and Act II running order for the Gene Kelly Awards.  Even more intriguing (insert sarcastic laughter here) I finished organizing, compiling and submitting all of my final grades for PPU. 

Friday

Final audition day!  We began the day with final vocal auditions and readings.  We ended the day with one more dance call.  I remember each and every one of the dancers as they entered the room.  I wanted to hire them all.  Every one of them could do the job.  There are so many complex factors involved in the final decision process.  My advice for every aspiring performer:  Chin up and keep going.  It will line up for you.  Don't wait for it to happen, make it happen.  Every audition is one moment in time...the next one may be yours.  Go get it!   

We ended the day with the casting meeting.  It was so very clear.  The cast came together organically, honestly.  I know it's going to be an amazing production.  There are some heartfelt moments in this story.  I know this cast can take "All Shook Up" to that real, soulful place it could go.  I want to help take us there...to that place just beyond another production.  It's going to be special...I can feel it.  

That night, I boarded a plane back home for Pittsburgh.  I slept.   

It took me the weekend to re-charge my batteries.  I'm back now and the real work begins.  Preparations for "All Shook Up" are underway.  The 2012 Gene Kelly Awards are in a week and a half.  The National High School Musical Theater Awards are only a month away.  Throughout that process, PBS is filming a 3 part, one hour each, documentary series on the NHSMTA.  Perks of Being a Wallflower is premiering the movie trailer on June 3rd.  So many exciting things.  I can't believe this is my life.  I am so thankful!