Welcome to PLAYBILLDER Spotlight, where Playbill highlights shows from educational institutions or regional theatres and special events around the country (who have used Playbill's program-building service). By welcoming these PLAYBILLDERs center stage, we hope to give our readers a more in-depth look at theatre programs that are fostering the love of the performing arts in the next generation and the way theatre lovers are bringing Playbill along for life's big moments.
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This week's Spotlight is Eagles' Wings Studio of Charlotte, North Carolina, and their production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. The Frank Loesser, Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock, and Willie Gilbert musical follows ambitious J. Pierrepont Finch, a window washer who rises to chairman of the board of the World Wide Wicket Company with the help of a "How To" book of the same name. The musical originally opened on Broadway in 1961 and ran for 1,417 performances, winning seven Tony Awards including Best Musical.
Senior Company Director Gwen Berger shared with Playbill why her proudest moment as an educator actually happens regularly, and how the performing arts teach students how to turn mistakes into success.
Tell us about yourself. How many years have you been teaching?
Gwen Berger: I started teaching oboe and voice lessons when I was in high school. Teaching has been a constant in my life.
What is your proudest moment as an educator?
My proudest moment happens every time a student gets a vocal concept. That is a golden moment of discovery.
Can you share a little bit about the value you see in having a performing arts program in schools?
The performing arts shape and mold so many important skills that are needed over a lifetime: courage, turning mistakes into successes, making strong choices and creating resilience, telling great stories, making people laugh, using your body and face to convey communication, understanding truthfulness and it's importance in life.
Tell us a little bit about the production. What made you pick the show? How do you choose shows for your students?
The choice of the musical is based on the talent of the students. Their voice type, range of characters, experience, level of commitment and willingness to take direction are all elements to making those important decisions. The actual story needs to contain relevant topics or issues of note.
What message do you have for your students as they take the stage?
The message I have for the students when they take the stage is enter with focus on your objectives as a character, your breathing, your props, and your costume. Deliver your lines differently using different inflection to create in-the-moment tension.
What reactions do you expect to see in students when they see their name printed in this Playbill for the first time?
Another moment of joy erupts when the student realizes their bodies and faces are in the lights and their name is in a Playbill.
How has PLAYBILLDER impacted your performing arts program as a resource?
Having a Playbill, made on PLAYBILLDER, puts that extra special professional touch on the event.
To design Broadway-quality programs for your next show or special event, head to PLAYBILLDER.com. Who knows, you might just be featured in our next PLAYBILLDER Spotlight! And if you are looking for a beautiful way to display your Playbills, click here to purchase Playbill frames.
