Talented Teens
Amanda Paige
Anna Alexander
Canton Winer
Carolyn Von Walter
Clint Ferguson
Darylyn Savage
Erkki Paunonen
Gaeton
Isabelle Sawhney
Madison McIntosh
Mary Quinn-Aber
Rachel Chapnik
Rafael Canuto
Shayna Tanen
Tiffany Ward
Zac Rich
Amanda Paige
Home Schooled
Question: How did you get into art/drawing?
Answer: An alternative to a diary, a way to keep my thoughts on paper.
Q: What do you like to draw?
A: Anything I feel.
Q: Some favorite artists?
A: I am a fan of the Italian Renaissance, and Vincent Van Gogh, though I will admit its difficult for me to just pick names, there are some many beautiful or unique art pieces out there, though I am a big fan of the Museum of Modern Art
Q: What do you want to do after high school?
A: Attend an Art school, for theatre and Drama, writing and costume design. Art/ drawing was something I unintentionally have been noticed for.
Q: Other hobbies?
A: Writing (love creative writing), Theatre, I have been doing classes and production since the 6th grade and now I am 17.
Q: Where do you take theatre/drama?
A: I just completed Drama class at the Osceola Centre For the Arts.
Q: What do you want to do for a career?
A: Well, everything I want to do as a career for me is fun. Continue working in the theatre/Acting, write either as an author, songwriter or script writer and Costume Designer. There is a lot I hope to accomplish in my life.
Q: What's your back-up plan?
A: Truthfully, probably cosmetic dermatology. But first I am going with what my heart wants.
Q: How do your parents feel about your drawing/artwork?
A: My Mom 100% supports everything, I am very lucky!
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Anna Alexander
G-Star School of the Arts
I attend G-Star because I have an interest in the arts. I mainly planned to focus on acting but since I didn't get an acting class this year my views on Television Productions have changed dramatically. We have all the regular courses that other schools have but our art courses like acting or Television Productions are taken just as seriously as every other course. I'm taking Film 2 and Television Productions 2 this year. These two classes have taught me so much about the field of work I have chosen to go into. I do not regret taking them this year, they've helped me to understand the film business to the extreme. I have come such a long way having never been a film or Television Productions student. The hardest thing for me is keeping deadlines and these classes are all about keeping deadlines, so I've to manage that.
The latest project that I participated in was a C-Span competition video in my Television Production class. We were put into groups of four, each student's job in the group was selected by the teacher for them. I, being new at using the camera, was selected camera operator in my group. We had a maximum of three weeks to produce a video for C-Span around a problematic subject and make a suggestion at a solution for the problem. My group selected the Second Amendment dealing with gun control. This subject not being too controversial nor easily disregarded was the perfect one for us. We set up interviews and learned all the basics of editing. We were basically on the tightest time schedule I have ever been on in any of my two art classes. But in the end our video project turned out just fine.
Aside from school I use my free time to write poetry in a new form called Spoken Words Poetry which I perform every Wednesday night at the CNN Café. Doing this gives a new way to express myself other than the art classes I have at school. I am a secretary for the Nulites of the Urban League. This program involves young adults who contribute their free time to doing community service and helping our community. We meet the first Thursday of every month and discuss the activities we have planned for that whole month. The Nulites don't just involve our youth, there are adult volunteers. It was through one of our adult volunteers that I learned about the task force of the Kravis Center. This task force involves youths in high school. We plan shows for the public, we are involved just as much if not more than the adults. The head of our task force is Lorraine Smith. But from holding auditions to hosting the shows we do it all. Our latest event was Open Air which took place in the Gosman outdoor Theatre. It was our first time doing the Open Air show but for that first time it did great, definitely exceeded everyone's expectations. We are definitely doing it again this year.
After high school I hope to attend Louisiana State University for business. Later on I plan to own my own business, most likely a bookstore. But for now, involving myself in my community and doing good in school is my motivation.
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Canton Winer Interview
Dreyfoos School of the Arts
Question: What school do you go to?
Answer: I am a freshman vocal major at Dreyfoos School of the Arts
Q: How did you get into singing?
A: When I was in the fourth grade at Meadow Park, my elementary school music teacher (Carolyn Urich) sent me to Spotlight on Young Musicians for singing and I loved it! I've been singing in choirs ever since. I also began singing in Young Singers of the Palm Beaches in the fifth grade (I have been in it since the very beginning).
Q: What do you like to sing?
A: I think that gospel music is just a blast to sing. I love the power and sense of community and belonging you feel while singing it in a choir. I don't get to sing it very often but I just love it!
Q: Some favorite bands or musicians?
A: I really like Bon Jovi, Nickelback and Maroon 5 but Bon Jovi is my favorite.
Q: What do you want to do after high school?
A: I am thinking about attending Duke University or University of Florida but I'm not really sure yet. Go Gators!!!
Q: Other hobbies?
A: I really like to act. I've been in the Christmas Musical at my church and it was a lot of fun. I am also enjoy painting and drawing and I have played the piano since the 2nd grade.
Q: What do you want to do for a career?
A: I'm not quite sure yet, but I am interested in being an environmental engineer or a patent attorney, because I love the environment, math and science,
Q: What's your back-up plan?
A: I don't really have a up-front plan
Q: How do your parents feel about your singing?
A: They love it! They are so supportive of me and come to every one of my concerts. My sister is also a singer at Bak MSOA, so my parents have A LOT of concerts to go to.
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Carolyn Von Walter
Bak Middle School of the Arts
Mark Twain once said, "Stay away from those who try to belittle you...the really great can make you feel that you, too, can become great." The best years of my so called 'short life' have been at Bak Middle School of the Arts; a place where I can be a kid. Bak provides certain privileges for its students such as no dress code, a safe learning environment, a place where I'm able to expand my knowledge about the issues going on in today's society, and a place that challenges me both academically and arts-wise. Bak is the place to be if you feel passionate about the arts; a place where determination and perseverance is vital. It's like entering a new realm; one filled with imagination, creativity, and hard work - a place also known as paradise.
To begin with, Bak allows students to follow their own dress code as long as they are not showing too much flesh. It's kind of like freedom of expression; students wear clothing items that resemble their personality the most. For example, those who are happy and jovial all the time tend to wear brighter colors and accessorize in certain ways that make their persona stick out like a sore thumb.
As for academics, Bak has mixed the arts and academics programs. Things that I have learned in my communications classes, I've been able to apply to all of my academics classes especially Language Arts, which requires us to READ, THINK, and EXPLAIN. There are teachers at this school who make both school and learning fun. One of my teachers has us do volunteer work, so I work in the balloon booth every morning at school. And the media specialist is my inspiration; she's the one that helped me my fifth grade year to prepare for the communications audition and has been a family friend for several years. My history teacher Mr. Lowe made us do a trading card on an influential American for our first nine weeks project. The first half was the research part, we were required to do through research on our influential American and then write a short narrative. Journalism is one of the many things taught in the communication arts department and in the process we're taught to conduct well research. Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Publisher are few of the programs used both in Mr. Lowe's class and our communications classes.
"Education's purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one," William Jennings Bryan once said. I attend Bak for various different reasons. Bak allows your average mind to expand and your imagination to wonder. I've also come to Bak so that I could attend a safe learning environment and study both arts and academics. When I entered the communications judging room, I took a deep breath and tried to look confident. Then I was asked why I wanted to go to Bak and I simply answered, "It's my dream and there's not another school in the whole entire world that I'd rather be in than here...I'm passionate about going here." Every morning I'll step off the bus and place my ID badge around my neck, turn to my friend and say "pinch me - am I actually a part of this group of exceptionally talented students who were either artistic enough to get in or just plain lucky?" It has been an honor to attend Bak and I would never take it for granted.
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Clint Ferguson
Bak Middle School of the Arts
I am passionate about being a student at Bak because it is such a fun and energetic place that allows you to express yourself freely and still be a student.
What I get out of Bak is a fun time, a higher level of education, and a higher level of education in my art area (theatre) and the freedom to choose. Being at Bak helps me with my love of theatre and the technical part of it. I feel that my academics have not suffered at all from being at an art school and I encourage anyone to express themselves freely and to follow their dreams.
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Darylyn Savage
Lantana Middle School
My name is Darylyn Savage. I am currently attending Lantana Middle School and studying music under the direction of my music teacher, Dr.Goffe. She has taught me a lot about music in the three years that I have been in her class. Her enthusiasm and love for music really has been a great influence on me. Dr. Goffe is the one who first told me about Young Singers of the Palm Beaches and urged me to audition, explaining that it would be a great choral experience.
This is my first year with Young Singers and I really love it. I have met so many nice people and made friends with people who share my same interests. We have bonded as we rehearse and prepare for performances. The teachers, directors and others involved have the interest of our group foremost as they lead us. We have had the opportunity to perform at the Flagler Musuem, The Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach and other places. This increases our exposure and gives us more self-confidence as we perform. I am so glad Dr. Goffe encouraged me to become involved with the chorus.
I started my path of music in 2nd grade when I took violin and piano lessons at Trinity Christian Academy. When I transferred to Lantana Middle School I chose band and chorus. I played clarinet and sang alto in the chorus. I have also had the opportunity to participate in All State Chorus in Tampa, Florida. Singing is a big commitment, but I'm willing to accept the challenge.
Now I'm in 8th grade and I enjoy singing in my school chorus and also in my church choir. Next year I plan to be a part of the music program at Santaluces High School. Chorus, to me, is a good hobby. Singing is my passion and my way of staying positive. It definitely keeps me busy and out of trouble and I want to use my gift of music in my career. Someday I want to make my own CD that will help other young girls like me to stay positive and have someone to look up to as a good example. In my spare time I am usually spending time with my friends and doing my schoolwork, and I have begun to write some songs. This helps me get my feelings out without bothering anyone. I have to say I feel blessed and I thank God for my parents that have supported me in all these opportunities have taught me to go for my goal.
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Erkki Paunonen
An Actor in Motion
I can remember the first "theatrical" thing I was involved in. I was five years old, and really nervous. My mom signed me up for a summer class at the Lake Worth Playhouse. Before I knew it I was standing up, meagerly introducing myself to a bunch of hyper toddlers. We started these movement exercises, which thoroughly baffled me, and I did exactly as the teacher did. It wasn't that day that started my acting career, but the following days, when I realized that I was part of this group, and this group was doing something I loved. From then on I quite art classes, and the basketball team, because all I wanted was to be in that group.
I am very thankful that my initiation into theatre happened at such a young age, but say it hadn't: Well I probably would have been kicked off the basketball team, and art lessons were pretty drab...but theatre would have poked it's two faced head in sometime or another.
I had been poked. Yes, and I was proud of it. The first thing I told my mom after the week was "I want to do that again". Then the ball started rolling. I did eight shows at the playhouse, and in 2004 got into Bak Middle School of the Arts. In 8th grade at Bak I did Dracula and Anything Goes! and won a gold metal for duet pantomime at the district Jr. ITS competition. Then, I was cast in my first movie, Bachelor Party 2 (no, I wasn't the bachelor) and did a Winn-Dixie commercial. This is my first year at Dreyfoos High School, were we just finished Our Town, in which I played Si Crowell, and am currently a member of the Broadway across America Class Act troupe.
Of all these shows and performances, the thing I've learned from the most was the auditions. These are really the hardest part of the acting process, though they aren't listed on the resume. The audition calls for energy, adaptability, talent, focus, and passion. The audition is your one or two minutes to convince your peers that you are the one. If you've done this, you have the part. But even the greatest actors are sometimes turned down because of things out of their control, like they way they look. This is what makes the job of the casting director hard. They may have to turn down wonderful actors because of nit picky thing like this. But a wise actor walks away from every audition, whether landed or not, with this thought process: what did I do well that I should do the next time? What should I not do the next time? Then this actor will move on to his next audition, knowing it will be better then last one. If you can master this pattern, you can master the field.
And so I keep auditioning for things, and walk away ready for the next time. For example, my friend, Eric Earley, and I submitted a play for District ITS competition. We were not accepted. Did we throw the play away and form grudges against the playwriting judges? Nope. We rewrote the play and sent it to the Young Playwright's Festival. When I did poorly on my first stab at a Shakespearean monologue, did I wear a paper bag over my head the next day? No again. I learned from my mistakes and promised to do better next time.
I have come a long way since my original theatrical endeavor, but you've got to start somewhere. To anyone interested in starting theatre, it is something that you will never tire of. It makes you strong, it gives you confidence and leadership skills, and the ability to work with others. Anyone can do theatre. Try it, its fun.
Twenty four-seven I am perfecting my art. So doing the math, it is obvious that all those hours will pay off someday. I still have three and half more years to go at Dreyfoos, and see many opportunities lying ahead. Your going to end up seeing me in Hollywood movies, Broadway shows, plays at West End, Broadway tours, Television shows, and anything else related to performing. Am I being hopeful? I wouldn't say so. I think a better word would be stubborn, because I won't settle for any other career but this one. Where ever your passion lies, stick to it, because life is too short not to do all you can with it.
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Gaeton
G-Star School
In the 8th grade, I was part of a film program at the Amory art center. At the end of that program I won an award for Best Filmmaker. Working being the scene was something I always enjoyed. But in the 9th grade, I attended G-star school of the art, and I was introduced to acting. The more acting exercises I did the more attached I became. I took acting in 9th and 10th grade but in 11th grade I returned to film. So far I've directed a documentary on spoken word poetry, and I am now in the process of editing.
The thing I love about directing/producing films is the fact that its life through my eyes. It is all that I see and everything I want you to see. It makes me feel as if I have total control. As for acting, it's all about those moments that capture the audience's attention. Besides that I love transforming into different characters and bringing them to life.
After attending G-star school of the art for 3 years, I can honestly say, the school has help me mature.G-star has also help me find myself and also allowed to meet a lot of talented people. The friendship I have with some of the students is incredibly amazing. I can see us graduating and still hanging out with each other.
Taking acting for 2 years improved my public speaking skills. This allowed me to be involved in many activities or groups outside of school. Such as Task force at the Kravis center, I am co-secretary of N.U.L.I.T.E.S at the urban league of West Palm Beach, and a member of the S.T.Y.L.E.S, a group that is ran by the county commissioners. I have a passion for singing and writing poetry. And I've recently joined the cast of "This little light of mine," a musical.
After high school I want to attend Cornell University in NY to study musical theater or Florida state university for business. Until then I will stay at G-star and learn as much as I can about film and acting.
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Isabelle Sawhney
Bak MSOA
I have been attending Bak Middle School of the Arts for the last three years, and it has been one of the best experiences in my entire life!
Attending an art school is different from being at your local middle school because everyone has their own personality. Everyone is different in their own way. This is because at an art school, we are not afraid to express who we are.
I am a strings major at Bak, once a year, we travel to a certain place and compete against high schools across the country. This is a wonderful experience for me because, I have had the chance to travel to Anaheim, California, Williamsburg, Virginia, and will be able to go to Chicago this year. Not only do we get to compete at these places, we also have an opportunity to travel around the area. We also get to go to at least one amusement park if not more! Preparing for these trips is no simple task. You are challenged with professional music throughout the four months before the trip. So we have to practice a lot, in order to play any of the pieces well. So doing this helps me become a better violinist!
The academics at an art school are wonderful. We have dedicated teachers that work around your busy schedule in your art area, if necessary. For example, every year when we go to a place in the country to compete, our teachers will either get our missed-work to us ahead of time. Or they will give us enough time to finish not only their class's missed-work, but all of our missed-work! Many of our teachers stay after school for help classes at least two times a week. That really shows you how dedicated our teachers are in helping us succeed!
Attending an art school has given me many opportunities to meet different people, different places, learn more about my instrument, and finally, give me world-class teachers.
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Madison McIntosh - "Opera Girl"
Young Singers of the Palm Beaches
What's on your iPod?" This is a simple question, and a great conversation starter. Of course, if your iPod is filled with songs like "Der Holle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen," "Caro Nome," and "Una Donna a Quindici Anni," the conversations can be strange. These conversations are usually preceded by polite smiles, strained comments, or incredulous glances. Such is the life of a teenage opera lover - like me, Madison McIntosh.
Most people ask how a fourteen year old developed an interest in opera. I never "developed" an interest in it; I believe that I was born with it. Although I have been exposed to many kinds of music, my favorite has always been classical music, especially opera. In Kindergarten, I sang the National Anthem in my "opera voice." My resolve to sing this way was reinforced when I heard Charlotte Church.
I was too young for voice lessons, so my singing was confined to church, school, and home. In third grade, I attended a school which had a theatre class. I auditioned and was selected, surprisingly, to play the lead role in "Annie, Jr." This was the first time when anyone took me seriously as a singer. After this, I performed in several other plays. When I was selected at age 10 to play the role of Mother Abbess in "The Sound of Music," I needed to learn Gregorian chant, so I had my first singing lessons with Ms. Janna Howard.
I learned of Young Singers of the Palm Beaches through a friend who encouraged my family to attend their spring 2005 concert. I enjoyed choral music and had participated, as a home-education student, in the after-school chorus at the local public elementary school. I had the honor of being selected for the Elementary Honors Chorus in Spotlight on Young Musicians at the Kravis Center for two consecutive years. I was also singing with two church choirs. With this experience, I thought that I knew what to expect at the Young Singers' concert. However, I was dazzled by what I saw and heard - kids of all ages singing music of all genres. They sounded fabulous. I knew instantly that I wanted to join the group. I auditioned, was accepted, and began to sing with Young Singers in August of 2005.
Through Young Singers, I have had many incredible musical and personal experiences. I have met new friends, and have been exposed to many kinds of music from many cultures. I have also had the opportunity to go "on tour." In June of 2006, Young Singers went to Salzburg and Vienna, Austria for Jubilate Mozart!, The Mozart International Youth Choral Festival. This was one of many music celebrations which celebrated the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth. Last June, we sang in New York City at Lincoln Center, on the stage of Avery Fisher Hall, in The National Children's Festival Chorus. This performance was particularly memorable for me, as I was selected by the guest conductor as one of five soloists.
Young Singers was also responsible for my introduction to Mr. Fred Silver. He is an acclaimed composer, author, pianist, and teacher. When he lived in New York, he worked with many well-known singers, actors, and composers. Although Mr. Silver specializes in musical theater, he agreed to prepare me for the time when I was ready for an opera teacher.
Through a series of coincidences, I recently had the great fortune to meet the legendary soprano, Miss Virginia Zeani. She had a stellar international career, and sang in famous opera houses all over the world in over 70 different operas. After Miss Zeani retired from the stage, she and her husband (Nicola Rossi-Lemeni, the renowned basso) began to teach. They moved to the United States and taught at Indiana University as Distinguished Professors. Miss Zeani now resides in Palm Beach County, where she continues to teach opera singers from around the world. I was shocked and thrilled when Miss Zeani asked me to sing for her, and was euphoric when she took me as a student. In the short time that I have spent with Miss Zeani, she has taught me many things about singing, the opera world, and life.
I am a fortunate person, as I have had unique opportunities and the help of many remarkable and talented people. I want to take what I have learned from these incredible people, work diligently, and make them proud when I begin my career in opera.
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Mary Quinn-Aber
Spanish River High School
At the age of three, I was placed into a ballet class with other young, twirling girls, not knowing that this class was to mold my life entirely. For the first seven years of my life I studied at the Dance Academy of Boca Raton.
At the age of eleven, I switched to Magda Aunon School of Classical Ballet where I currently still study. I primarily study classical ballet, but I have been introduced to tap, jazz, modern, and character. During my summers, I continue my ballet training. In the summer years of 1999 and 2000, I attended the Miami City Ballet Summer Intensive. In the summer years of 2003 and 2004, I attended the summer intensive ballet program at the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. In the summer year of 2005, I attended the Houston Ballet Summer Intensive on a full scholarship.
Lastly in the years of 2006 and 2007, I attended the summer intensive program at the School of American Ballet in Manhattan on full scholarship. I also have participated in several performances. Though hundreds of hours worth of preparation, my company was able to create each and every show into perfection. In the 2007, I performed in the Southeastern Regional Ballet Association Festival in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I danced a lead solo in an excerpt from Le Corsaire with the Fort Lauderdale Ballet Classique.
For the past two years I have also been the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Fort Lauderdale Ballet Classique Nutcracker. When I was in seventh grade however, I tried auditioned from the part of the "Clara" in the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular in Fort Lauderdale. At the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. I landed the role, and for a month I was privately tutored on the set along side of the Radio City Rockettes. I performed 28 shows! I have been blessed with a special talent that I cherish and with the support of my family, friends, and most importantly my ballet teacher Magda Aunon, I would not be the ballet dancer I am today.
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Rachel Chapnik
Pine Crest School, Boca Raton
Question: How did you become a playwright?
Answer: I am also an actress and I use to belong to Youth Actor's Guild where we put on plays. I was several years younger than the rest of the actors and there weren't any plays that we could find to fit the ages of the members. So one day when I was backstage at the old Atlantis Playhouse waiting for my entrance on the stage, I decided to write a monologue. As I started to write, ideas just kept flowing. The process was exhilarating.
Q: Did you perform your monologue?
A: No. It turned into a full play. I was just going to keep it for me, but the person in the box office saw me working on it and asked if she could read it. She told me it was amazing and I should enter it in a contest. She convinced me to try, but I didn't think too much about it. I kind of forgot about the contest, but kept writing just because I loved the entire process. Later, I was notified that I had won. It was a tremendous feeling to know someone else liked my work.
Q: Did someone teach you how to write a play?
A: I haven't had any formal training. Since, I am also an actress, I have read several plays. Plus I like to read plays for the fun of it. It's quite different from reading a novel. Probably the biggest help I get is getting comments back from judges. I try to take suggestions to heart to make my writing better.
Q: Do you want to be a playwright when you grow up?
A: I am a playwright now. At least I consider myself a playwright and an actress. If you mean do I want to continue after college, the answer is indubitably. I love to write. Though I don't know if it will be the only thing I do. I don't want to starve, but I would love to write a musical to be done on Broadway. Maybe I'll star in it, or maybe even direct it.
Q: What are some of your other hobbies?
A: I like to fish. I play the alto, tenor and bari saxophone. I play lacrosse and volleyball. I like to bake and make fudge. I am also a Junior Life Guard at Lake Worth Beach.
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Rafael Canuto
G-Star School of the Arts
Question: What are your plans for college?
A: I graduated High School from G-Star in 2007 - part of the first graduating class. I'll be a freshman at the FSU Film School starting in the fall of 2008. (I broke my foot while playing rugby for FSU so I took a medical withdraw for this year)
Q: Have you always been into film?
A: I've always liked pictures and videos but I had no special interest in filmmaking. In 9th grade I started going to G-Star school of Arts and as I learned more and more about filmmaking I got into it more and more.
Q: What do you like to do, specifically?
A: I like making music videos, short films and anything I get to be creative with.
Q: Any favorite filmmakers?
A: My favorite filmmakers are mostly international filmmakers: Fernando Meirelles, Walter Salles and Bob Marley is favorite artist.
Q: What are you into besides making music videos and short films?
A: I play rugby for FSU, draw, swim, run box and wrestle.
Q: Plans for the future?
A: As far as a career path I want to own a production company for films, videos & graphic design.
Q: How do your parents feel about what you want to do?
A: My parents are 100% behind me and my art.
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Shayna Tanen
Bak MSOA
Upon entering Bak MSOA all five of my senses are fulfilled. I hear the rhythmic sounds of the band majors and the velvety voice of the vocal majors. My eyes are dazzled by the fluid movements of a paintbrush making permanent beauty on a sheet of paper. I smell the victory in a child majoring in theater whose monologue has just been deemed top - notch. I can almost feel the nerves emanating off of a dance major's body as they prepare for a dance recital. I can taste my own thrills when preparing to anchor on the morning announcements. I love being a student at this groovy school because of all the excitement, the worthwhile classes, and the benefits I reap from its programs!
I have fallen for the enticing things Bak has to offer. A day of video announcements never runs short of at least 5 new upcoming events! If I fancy I want to be in competitive plays I could join the International Thespian Society. Or if I feel like learning the exact technique to a perfect pirouette I can sign up for a dance elective. Bak is filled with exciting things to do at any given moment. There is never a dull day at Bak MSOA!
Along with the exhilarating art majors at Bak, the academics here also exceed expectations of any regular school. The scholarly classes at Bak are very competitive and keep me and my friends on our toes. I do get a lot of homework but it helps me understand the subjects more. All the courses I take this year at Bak are going to help me cope with my further education, and I am very glad for that.
I plan on being accepted to Dreyfoos, the High School of the Arts. Bak is truly helping me to prepare for that goal. I undoubtedly want to become a movie director when I grow up, so majoring in communications now will help me achieve my dreams. I have already had directing experience at Bak and I know the things that I have learned will take me somewhere. With the book smarts and art smarts Bak has provided me with my dreams will most definitely come true one day.
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Tiffany Ward
Bak MSOA
Passion. It is defined in the dictionary as ardent, adoring love, and that's exactly how I feel about being a student here at Bak Middle School of the Arts. Being a theatre major at Bak, I am constantly learning about all the aspects of theatre. It is also a step closer to achieving my dream of being an actress and last, but most certainly not least, it lets me express myself in the best way possible- acting.
Costume design, set design, lighting and, of course, acting. These are all very important aspects of theatre. If there were no lighting technicians, the actors would be in the dark. Costume designers help create the reality of a character, as do set designers. No matter which of the different professions you are pursuing in theatre, if you are dedicated, you would want to be exposed to them all. At Bak, they understand this, and do their best to give their students a well-rounded education in theatre. I have acted at Bak, taken costume design classes and am currently in a set design class while preparing to be acting in another play as well. It is undeniably important to be trained in all the elements of theatre, and that is exactly what I am getting at Bak.
Imagine trying to get a job as an accountant but not having any experience with math. It would be downright impossible. The same goes for acting. Getting a background in theatre prepares you further for a career as an actor. Presently, I am gaining the knowledge needed to make it in the real world. This experience is priceless to me. The bridge to cross into the realm of a professional actress is a difficult one to cross, but with the assistance of Bak, I am one step closer to my goal. They build upon my acting skills with their wisdom of what I need to succeed.
In my opinion, expression is vital in the existence of man. Some express themselves with violence, or verbal abuse. This is not healthy and is not encouraged in any way. At Bak, children express themselves with art. Whether it is drawing, singing, dancing, or my obvious favorite, acting. The theatre is a place of honesty and learning. When in the theatre, you are presented with no choice but to express yourself. When you animate a character, you are tapping into past experiences. You may show how you felt at a certain point in time with your performance.
Bak Middle School of The Arts - a place of expression, talent, and learning. Any student at Bak will tell you that it's one of the best, if not the best school to attend. It inspires creativity and nurtures passion. It prepares its students for the future, and is that not the best we can do? Prepare the next generation for what is to come. Arm them with the knowledge they need to survive. And when they enjoy collecting this knowledge, well, that just makes it easier to teach.
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Zac Rich
Dlorida Atlantic University
Swept Away Media-The Rock Star Stories
My sisters recruited me to help with Swept Away TV when I was turning 13. In the beginning my job was camera person and to help carry everything! The first interview that I ever shot was New Found Glory at the old Club Orbit, later Club Ovation and now closed. That was also my first concert.
There have been literally more than a thousand different kids who have worked on Swept Away TV in the last 8 years. Everyone is a volunteer and gets community service hours for their participation. We like for all of our volunteers to drive before they work on the show because transportation is one of the obstacles in getting to interviews and shoots. We all expect our cast and crew to act with the highest integrity and professionalism and it is these qualities that our staff takes with them to their real careers after college.
Our first student Director, Jeff Hendler is now the production coordinator for E! Entertainment News with Ryan Seacrest. Other members of our cast attend USC, UCLA, NYU, FSU Film School, UCF, UNF, FAU and many other prestigious universities and film programs.
My favorite interviews have been with Mute Math, The Receiving End of Sirens and The Fray. Some other interviews from the show of note include Avril Lavigne, Papa Roach, Queens of the Stone Age, Cartel, Chiodos, Hot Rod Circuit, Limbeck, Motion city Soundtrack, Boys Like Girls, and My Chemical Romance.
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