AYAA Interview: Julia Davis

Another winner of the National Youth Arts Artist of the Year Award, Julia Davis is a staple at the Musical Theatre of Anthem. Some of her favorite roles in the past couple of years have been Cosette in Les Miserables, Jellylorum/Griddlebone in CATS, Cinderella in Into The Woods, Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Carrie in Carrie the Musical, and Ronnette in Little Shop of Horrors. She has won Upscale Singer’s Scholarship awards for both 2013 and 2014 and was runner-up for the statewide competition of “Call for Christine and Raoul” with Frank d'Ambrosio. Next year, Julia will attend the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University to major in musical theatre. Can't wait to see what this talented lady will do in the college, adult, and, hopefully, the professional theatre world!

Full Real Legit Name Julia Francis Davis 

Where were you born? Phoenix, Arizona

What’s home like? Brothers? Siblings? Parents? Pets? 2 little sisters- Grace (14), Mary (10), 2 dogs and a cat, my parents names are Karen and Joe. They are all very supportive of me and my dreams!

When and why did you start performing? My 6th grade music teacher convinced me to join choir and audition for the school play. I played Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical the Musical, then figured I would audition at Musical Theatre of Anthem, where I’ve learned everything I know!

In CATS
cred: Michelle Celentano

First show you ever saw? Beauty and the Beast

First Broadway show you ever saw? The Lion King

Most influential show you ever saw? Why was it so influential? Phantom of the Opera is so

influential to me because I find the show so incredibly beautiful.

Most challenging acting experience? Why? Definitely Carrie in Carrie the Musical, it was difficult at times to channel such a character with so much emotional turmoil. I had no real life experiences to pull into my performing, so I had to do my best to try and connect with and understand the character in order to perform her to the best of my ability.

How does it feel to win a National Youth Arts award for Artist of the Year? I am incredibly honored and excited to receive this award. Performing is what I love most, so it makes me very happy to be recognized for it.

This year, you worked pretty extensively with Musical Theatre of Anthem? Can you explain what you like about them so much? I’ve learned so much from MTA. Every director who comes to the theatre brings something new and unique to offer. MTA has a very professional attitude and the

As Cinderella in Into the Woods
cred: David Powell

directors will always push you to do your best, while still encouraging you in every way possible. I’ve learned vocal skills, acting skills, dance skills, and just all around performance skills during all my time at MTA.

Carrie, the Musical is a pretty unusual show for theatres to do and in 2013, you got to play the title character. What was that experience like? Why do you think more theatres don’t do Carrie? It was a really interesting experience to play Carrie. It was unlike any role I have ever played or most likely will play again. There were definitely moments where it was difficult or awkward to act as her character, but I feel like I grew a lot from the experience. I think a lot of theatres don’t perform Carrie because there are some sensitive and questionable subjects within the play. It is, however, a very powerful and moving story that I will always be grateful I had the chance to participate in. MTA chose to do this show to highlight the effects of bullying and how it is so prevalent in our society, and to remind us all: “What does it cost to be kind?”

As Cosette in Les Miserables
cred: Michelle Celentano

Cosette in Les Miserables is a pretty iconic character. What challenges come with playing an iconic character? How did you make her your own? I think it can be difficult to perform such an iconic character as Cosette. You want to play her as traditionally and as classically as possible, but also want to add some of your own performing techniques to the character. I think I made Cosette my own by developing a relationship with the characters I interacted with outside of rehearsal, and being able to play off of that in my performing.

Favorite character you got to play this year? I loved all of my roles this year… but I think my favorite would be Jellylorum and Griddlebone in CATS. It was a really unique experience, and out of my direct comfort zone. I really enjoyed playing a humorous character and it was fun getting to be a cat!

Favorite person you got to play opposite of this past year? (Romantically or otherwise) Honestly, I had fun with and learned from each person I played opposite of this year. Each character partner I had I had a completely different relationship with. I got to act out in anger at Cinderella’s Prince in Into The Woods after being the victim of an affair, sing a humorous Italian Aria with Growltiger in CATS, and pretend to be blindly in love with Marius in Les Mis!

What is the Upscale's Singers Scholarship? What did winning it entail? What was the process in applying? The Upscale Singer's Scholarship is an audition in which you perform 1 or 2 songs for a panel and are rewarded money for voice lessons based on your rank. I was 5th place in 2013 and 2nd place in 2014.

Can you describe the Call for "Christine and Raoul" experience?

The Call for Christine and Raoul was another audition where you sang a song from Phantom [of the Opera] and being the runner up, I was able meet Frank d'Ambrosio- the longest-running Phantom- go to his concert, and do a workshop with him!

Dream role? My dream role is definitely Christine in Phantom of the Opera

Theatres in Arizona you would love to work with, but haven’t? I would love to work with Arizona Broadway Theatre and Phoenix Theatre, and I’m hoping to audition there eventually!

Craziest stage experience (mishap, funny improvised joke, etc.)? During Into The Woods, after one of Cinderella’s falls, I dislocated my shoulder on stage and had to discreetly pop it back in in the middle of the performance. It was pretty painful and startling at the time, but I find it funny now!

As Cinderella in Into the Woods
cred: David Powell

Favorite costume you’ve ever worn? Least favorite? The wedding dress I wore in Into The Woods was so beautiful, I loved it. I can’t really think of a costume I haven’t enjoyed!

Best youth production you have ever seen? I haven’t really seen a lot of youth productions… but one show I saw at MTA that I really regret not auditioning for was 42nd Street. It was fantastic!

What is your go-to audition song? Letting You Go by Jason Robert Brown

Advice for young performers? Auditions? Behavior? Life? ALWAYS have a professional attitude, no matter who you are or what theatre you’re at or what role you are playing, give everything your all and be the very best performer you can be! Come to auditions completely prepared with an appropriate audition piece, and study the show and it’s music before you go in blind to an audition. Dress modestly and look nice and always have all your dance shoes with you! Greet the directors and crew with confidence and kindness and give it your all!

Favorite plays? I’ve always loved Our Town

Favorite musicals? Phantom of the Opera

Musical/play on Broadway currently you’re dying to see? Kinky Boots

Secret guilty pleasure? I drink throat coat tea all the time

Personal mantra(s)? Always take criticism as a lesson to better your performing, every critique is an opportunity to improve.

In CATS
cred: Michelle Celentano

Performer you would die to perform with? Anyone from Broadway

What’s your “adult” plan? Keep performing professionally or…? I’m going on to major in musical theatre this year, and my dream would be to carry it on into my adult life and make a living out of it!

Upcoming projects? To go to college and start the new chapter of my performance life!

Young actor/actress in the Phoenix area you'd love to perform with Anyone with dedication and passion!

How do you feel about the atmosphere of youth theatre around Arizona? What do you like about it? What do you feel like can be improved? I think all the youth theatres bring something different to the stage, and from the few shows I’ve seen elsewhere I’ve been impressed! I think each theatre can learn from one another and continue to provide an educational and fun environment for each performer.

So why do youth theatre?

Today is July 27th. Today was also for many students around the Valley the first day of our second week of school. Yay year round schooling! But, with a new school years comes new questions about art education and the value of teaching kids drama.

I go to a high school where athletics are king. The school will try to convince you sports aren't, but it is and all the students know it. Now, this is not the same at all high schools, but the trend across the nation tends to be to cut arts programs first and leave sports be, popularized during the No Child Left Behind program. Even though last year my high school's production of Legally Blonde went to standing room only, many schools, like mine, don't see the economic and educational value of participating in theatre. So I've been doing some research.

From the National Association of Youth Drama in Ireland list of Benefits of an Art Education:

• Increased theatre skills
• Increased appreciation of theatre and the arts
• Increased creativity
• Increased levels of confidence and self-esteem
• Increased numbers of friends and an increased ability to make friends
• A more developed sense of personal and group identity
• A sense of belonging
• Increased self-discipline and commitment
• Improved abilities to articulate and express feelings and opinions
• A sense of happiness, fun and well-being
• Increased levels of activity
• A sense of personal and group achievement
• Increased understanding and knowledge of relevant issues
• Increased ability to take risks and be spontaneous within a safe environment
• A sense of empowerment
• A sense of escape and relaxation

And that's just a laundry list of social perks. There are also academic benefits. According to the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, students involved in the arts outscored those who weren't by 65 point on the verbal section and 34 points of the math section on the SAT (as of 2005.) Students involved in theatre are less likely to drop out of school and have better attendance records. They also report a link between participation in theatre and an increase in reading comprehension skills. These statistics become even more astounding for youth considered "at-risk."

If you have the time, read this. It's a really comprehensive article on why an arts education is important.

Don't have time to read that? Check out this infographic and this one: (also below)

And if all of that, still didn't crave your need for info on arts education here are one, two, three more great articles in color! with pictures!

Now, if you don't feel like reading any of this, that's cool. But just keep this post in my mind if you ever need to argue with someone -- friend, coworker, principal, or school board -- that art education IS important. If this isn't enough to convince them, then I don't know what will.

Additional links to mentioned articles:

http://www.nayd.ie/youth-theatre/benefits/

http://www.aate.com/?page=effects

http://arts.gov/news/2012/new-nea-research-report-shows-potential-benefits-arts-education-risk-youth

If none of this is your cup of tea, I have two interviews really close to completion and should be up within the next week! Want more content? Get the ball rolling! Submit something yourself? And don't forget to answer the Community Query.

So, what now?

Hey there, everyone!

I wanted to take some time to just talk frankly about the goals I have for this site and how they can be achieved. We've gotten a really good response from the community; I could not be happier about that. However, for an interactive, community-building site to work and enact real change, there needs to be interaction. Reading interviews and watching videos on the site is great and I totally appreciate it. But today, I'm here to encourage interactivity.

I really set out on this project with the goal of loosening tensions between youth theatres across Arizona, especially in the heavily populated theatre areas around and in Phoenix. Unfortunately, this led to comments of people assuming this site is meant to only promote certain theatres that my friends and I have connections to. This is not the case. No matter if I receive comments, submissions, or partnerships from a student or a theatre in Arizona that I have worked with extensively or one that I haven't heard of, the entire goal of this website to reward young art. None of that will be changed due to a personal opinion.

Additionally, I just want to remind our readers of our major goals:

• To create a comfortable, supportive environment for all young actors in Arizona.
• To give the youth a voice in the theatre community
• To connect young actors to new friends and opportunities
• And most importantly, to give everyone their best chance.

None of this is possible without community participation, especially with young actors and actresses. 

If you are a young actor or actress, I implore you share your artistic talents with the community -- whether that be singing, acting, juggling, writing, anything! -- or submit a review of a show you see or respond to a Community Query -- we have only one response so far! -- or if you have another idea for something you would like to see, let me know. I read all my emails at mackenna.azyoungactors@gmail.com 

If you own a theatre or are involved with one, please encourage your kids to get involved. Community is such an important part of development and life satisfaction and I really just want to create a positive environment for the kids you care so much about. Additionally, I hope to eventually grow this program to a point where you would be willing to partner with us and donate tickets, lessons, etc. to get more kids into your program, seeing your shows, and get our great talent circulating throughout the area.

Please interact and please share us with your friends. If you haven't liked us on Facebook, do that. If you have thirty seconds, answer the Community Query. The more interaction we get, the better chance we all have at getting to do fun end-of-the-season projects like an awards shindig and a youth cabaret. 

So, today, I entreat you to interact with Arizona Young Actor's Alliance and help youth reward other youth.

Thank you.

Mackenna

Community Query: What are some of your favorite plays!

Hi, everyone!

So this is a Community Query. All you have to do is answer a quick question. In the future, as the site hopefully grows, these will turn into giveaways of cast recordings, theatre tickets from around Arizona, etc. (Just another incentive for you to help this page grow.) However, we aren't quite at that place, so the best answer to this question will be featured on the site and as the cover of the Facebook page!

So the community query today is: What are some of your favorite plays? Why?

Comment your answers directly below or on Facebook in the comments section! Can't wait to read all of your answers. The winner will be announced next Wednesday!

Bedroom Session #1: Becca Webb

Welcome to the first Bedroom Session! Our first one is a young actress from Mesa named Becca Webb singing the iconic song "Don't Rain On My Parade" from Funny Girl -- music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill.

Please watch the video and then read about what Bedroom Sessions are.

Bedroom Sessions are a chance for young actors around AZ to share their talents -- singing, acting, dancing, juggling, etc. -- in a casual environment on the Internet. (Hence the name, BEDROOM sessions.) Here are some bullet points about submissions.

• Must be in a casual setting; no formal production videos
• Please try to keep it PG-13. We are not in the business of censoring youth, but we do want to keep the site friendly for all actors. If you do choose to submit something R rated -- whether for swearing or sexual content -- it is likely to be tagged "NSFC" (Not Safe for Children) with an explanation why. Only in extreme cases will we reject a video for content and we will explain to the submitter why. I believe in doing work that is age appropriate for the most part, so if you are 11 years old, please don't submit a video of you singing a vulgar song about sex meant for a 30 year old woman. 
• That being said, this is an environment for exploration. As long as it is overall appropriate, do not be afraid to cross gender and other "type" lines. A girl singing "One Song Glory" from Rent or a guy singing "Pretty Funny" from Dogfight is not only fine, it's awesome!
• Less than 6 minutes; audiences don't have long attention spans.
• Can be multiple people in the video; SILLY CAST VIDEOS ARE ENCOURAGED.
• And finally, if you submit something to us, we will review it just to make sure everything is squared away and so we can label videos appropriately, but if everything is fine and dandy content and video wise, we will accept it. We are not in the business of judging your talent. If you are bold enough to submit a video to be put on the Internet, we are not going to put you down. 
• Commentors: be kind. If you're being unkind, you are completely disregarding the mission of AZ Young Actors' Alliance. And please speak up! Write a comment. Encourage your fellow performers.
• Finally -- although cheesy -- have fun with your selections! Explore, do something different; share yourself with us.

If you have a submission, feel free to e-mail it to mackenna.azyoungactors@gmail.com. Please submit; this is a safe, encouraging place.

100 Likes on Facebook?!?!

Holy cats!!!! In one day, we already hit 100 likes on this Facebook page. Please keep sharing this with your friends. We have three more interviews and two Bedroom Sessions lined up. Just looking to bring you the best content and the best connections we have.

If you haven't given the Facebook page a like, click right here!

As the site continues to grow, we'll be doing giveaways at big milestones in page views, posting reviews of youth theatre shows so if you wanna write a review of ANY show you see, send it to me at mackenna.azyoungactors@gmail.com -- I will post as many as I can, but I can't be everywhere at once -- and God willing, doing some really fun end of the year projects. Please just keep up the support and SHARE WITH FRIENDS. Word of mouth and the magic of the internet are the best way to give everyone their best chance and help youth reward other youth.

Thank you all!!

National Youth Arts Awards - Tempe Ceremony

The National Youth Arts Awards posted their second round of Arizona wins and nominations last night. This is the Arizona Mesa Ceremony which will be at Marcos de Niza on August 16th at 7:30 pm.

For a full list of winners: http://www.nationalyouththeatre.com/news/news_nya_awards2015.asp

And additional nominees: http://www.nationalyouththeatre.com/news/news_nya_awards2015_nominees.asp

Congrats to all the wonderful performers, directors and technicians from Musical Theatre of Anthem, Greasepaint Youth Theatre, Spotlight Youth Theatre, , Notre Dame Prep, Sandra Day O'Connor, Liberty High School, Marcos de Niza High School, Desert Stages Theatre, Starlight Community Theatre, Theatre Works, Acting Zone, Chaparral High School, Desert Foothills Theatre, Desert Mountain High School, Mountain Ridge High School, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help! And a big thank you AGAIN to Robert Hopper and everyone over at the NYAs; thank you for supporting young arts in Arizona and the country. We all cannot be grateful enough.

We will post links to the Western Regional Ceremony when those become available as well! Yay, youth arts! 

AYAA Interview: Jacqueline Brecker

(cred: Joanne Wastchak)

Welcome to our first interview! Today, we have an interview from Jacqueline Brecker, a young actress from Chandler, Arizona. Jackie started out with Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy and has since worked with many other theatres around the Phoenix metropolitan area, including Queen Creek
Performing Arts and Mesa Encore Theatre. And in this coming year, she will be starting a teaching position as a musical theatre instructor at Studio 3 Performing Arts.

Jacqueline found success in the youth theatre world, and then in the summer of 2014, she auditioned for Footloose at Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert and landed the lead role of Ariel opposite of Connor Wince, who would become her dance partner and friend over the next year.

After Footloose, Jacqueline launched into an incredible season of seven shows at four different theatres, culminating in her current performance as Tarzan's Mother/Ensemble in Tarzan at Hale Centre Theatre, directed by Cambrian James, the same man who cast her in Footloose one year ago, starting this shooting star's trajectory.

Full, real, legit Name?
Jacqueline Denise Brecker

Where were you born?
Simi Valley, California.

What’s home like? Brothers? Siblings? Pets?
I have two dogs, Emma and Bailey! An Aussie and a chocolate lab. Two siblings, a little brother (Jeffrey) and sister (Kaitlyn).

When and why did you start performing?
I started performing when I was around eleven, I think. I originally wanted to be a pop star. Britney Spears was my IDOL.

First show you ever saw?
The first show -- that I remember seeing, anyway -- was Beauty and the Beast at DST.

First Broadway show you ever saw?
Phantom of the Opera! It was amazing. I couldn't stop crying the entire show; I was so overwhelmed.

Most influential show you ever saw? Why was it so influential?
The most influential show was probably Phantom of the Opera as well. It was my first Broadway show! And it lived up to my every expectation. It's one of my favorite, favorite shows.

Brecker hanging out with Danny Karapetian, Connor Wince,
Audrey Sullivan, Sarah Bartley, and Grace Kirkpatrick
during a Footloose rehearsal at Hale. (2014)

Favorite show you've ever been in? Why?
Hm... I loved Footloose, because the cast was so dedicated. Everyone involved with the show was so intent on creating something magical, and I think that translated well to the audience. We all loved every second on stage during that show. It was a big family.

And if your favorite isn’t one, favorite youth show? Why?
Oh, definitely The Drowsy Chaperone! It was so much fun. The cast was full of friends, and the role was unlike anything I had ever played before -- which makes sense, considering I was a 14 year old playing a drunk 40 year old.

So you were like in a bazillion shows this season -- starting Footloose at Hale and now you’re back at Hale in Tarzan. What was the challenge in doing so many shows?
Keeping my sanity! No, I'm kidding. I have been really lucky this year and I've gotten a lot of work. The challenge is probably just staying healthy and making sure that you can dedicate yourself equally to each show that you get involved in.

Favorite character you got to play this year?
Ariel in Footloose. Lots of fun dancing, awesome music, and it was such a great learning experience.

Most challenging acting experience? Why?
Carousel was a really interesting experience, because so much of Louise's character is developed through dance. It was a totally new experience, having to create a bond with the audience and other characters without saying a single word to each other.

Brecker with Connor Wince as Louise and the
Carnival Boy in MET's Carousel. (2015)
(cred: Alastair Gamble)

What is like playing a character like Louise is Carousel where most of the emotion is expressed through movement?
It was so interesting.  Everyone always says "Acting is reacting" and it is SO TRUE, especially for
Louise. When I can't speak, I become hyper-aware of every little moment and movement on stage, and I think the audience does as well. The smallest gesture, a release of breath, could say so much more than words could. I feel like a learned so much playing Louise, because I really had to stop, pay attention, and be aware of what was happening around me, and react accordingly.

Favorite person you got to play opposite of this past year? (Romantically or otherwise)
I got to work with one of my best friends [Connor Wince] a lot this year, so that was a ton of fun. It was cool to create a bunch of different relationships and partnerships with a person who I knew I could trust. It made it easier to take risks.

How does it feel to be named the National Youth Arts Artist of the Year?
It feels wonderful! I'm so excited, especially since I won alongside a very good friend of mine, Jessie Jo! It's so great that we get to share this!

Dream role? Dream role of the opposite sex?
Right now, I would LOVE to be Natalie in Next to Normal.  Dream role of the opposite sex would have to be Henry Higgins, My Fair Lady. Or Billy in Carousel.

Theatres in Arizona you would love to work with, but haven’t?
Oh my gosh, too many to name. Everyone. Everywhere. I just want to keep working.

Craziest stage experience (mishap, funny improvised joke, etc.)?
I fell up the stairs and down a ladder in the same show once. That was pretty embarrassing. Not a good matinee.

*Interviewer's insert: I was in a production of The Wizard of Oz with Jacqueline once where another actor forgot a prop that was critical to the progression of the scene and we spent around nine minutes -- really -- improvising until one of the other actor's found the prop backstage. We were terrified, but the audience loved it.

Brecker with Wince as Liesl and Rolf in Hale's Sound of Music.
(2014)
(cred: Nick Woodward-Shaw)

Favorite costume you’ve ever worn? Least favorite?
Oh, I loved my "Sixteen Going on Seventeen" dress [in The Sound of Music]. So gorgeous. My least favorite? I wore a pair of yellow "banana pants" in a show recently, and they were hi-larious. They were perfect for the role, but they were pretty ridiculous.

Best youth production you have ever seen?
Don't ask me this question! Ah! Too many great ones. Beauty and the Beast at Studio 3 was really good, Addams [Family] at Actor's Youth Theatre, Valley Youth Theatre's West Side Story was really great.

Advice for young performers? Auditions? Behavior? Life?
Soak in as much knowledge as you can! Everything is an opportunity to learn. Be gracious and just remember to do what you do because you love it.  Don't let yourself get jaded. Enjoy the experience,

Favorite actors and actresses
I. Love. Sutton. Foster. And Brian D'Arcy James. Sierra Boggess! Kelli O'hara.

Favorite plays?
I LOVE Peter and the Starcatcher.

Favorite musicals?
Phantom of the Opera, Next to Normal, Dogfight

Brecker as Millie in Thoroughly Modern Millie at Studio 3.
(2012).
(cred: Arlene Welch)

What is the best showtune of all-time?
Two of my favorites right now are:  "If I Loved You" from Carousel, and "'Til I Hear You Sing" from Love Never Dies.

Musical/play on Broadway currently you're dying to see?
Fun Home! And American in Paris. And Something Rotten.

Favorite movie? TV Show?
Peter Pan! Orange is the New Black, or House.

Secret guilty pleasure?
Dr. Pepper, and it's not even close to a secret. I'm addicted.

Personal mantra(s)?
"Thank you for being." "You are enough!"

Assemble your dream cast of any musical you have been in the past year!! (Opened or closed after July 1st, 2015 and before July 1st, 2016) 
My cast of Footloose. *drops metaphorical mic*

Most underrated show?
Drowsy Chaperone. 

Brecker as Serena in Legally Blonde 
at Studio 3. (2013). She previously played
Margo(Queen Creek) and recently, Brooke
(Hamilton High).
(cred: Joanne Wastchak)

What’s your “adult” plan? Keep performing professionally or…?
College and then yes, continue with performing.

Upcoming projects?
Something's Afoot at Hale opens after Tarzan closes! It's a super fun murder mystery musical. [Brecker plays Hope Langdon.]

Young actor/actress in the Phoenix area you'd love to perform with
So many! India [Chudnow], Sarah [Davidson] and Kale [Burr], when are we going to do a show together? Jessie Jo [Pauley] and I finally got to work together, which was fun.

How do you feel about the atmosphere of youth theatre around Arizona? What do you like about it? What do you feel like can be improved?
I love the youth theatre community! I wish they offered some more support for each other. Lift each other up! There are so many talented kids in this valley, let's celebrate that and focus less on the competition aspect!


Please comment any young actors/actresses you'd love to see interviewed next.

Happy NYA Awards!

The National Youth Arts Awards posted their first round of Arizona wins and nominations last night. This is the Arizona Mesa Ceremony which will be at Mesa High School on August 3rd at 7:30 pm.

For a full list of winners: http://www.nationalyouththeatre.com/news/news_nya_awards2015.asp

And additional nominees: http://www.nationalyouththeatre.com/news/news_nya_awards2015_nominees.asp

Congrats to all the wonderful performers, directors and technicians from Mesa High School, Actor's Youth Theatre, Studio 3 Performing Arts Academy, Chandler High School, Red Mountain High School, Seton Catholic Preparatory, Mesa Encore Theatre, Fountain Hills Youth Theater, East Valley Children's Theatre, Queen Creek Performing Arts Center, Hamilton High School, and Hale Centre Theatre! And a big thank you to Robert Hopper and everyone over at the NYAs; thank you for supporting young arts in Arizona and the country.

We will post links to Tempe Ceremony and Western Regional Ceremony when those become available as well! Yay, youth arts!

Yay first interviews!

I am happy to announce our first interviews will be with Jackie Brecker and Jessie Jo Pauley. I hope to have one or both of these interviews up by the first week of August!

*Both these ladies just won National Youth Arts Awards for Artist of the Year! Congrats!

Interested in being interviewed? Shoot me an e-mail at mackenna.azyoungactors@gmail.com

Welcome to the Arizona Young Actors' Alliance!

Hello!

Welcome to our new little group! This is the Arizona Young Actors' Alliance. Here, we support all theatres in the Arizona -- particularly the Phoenix area -- geared towards youth and young actors in Arizona no matter what their endeavor is! The goal for this is to be a supportive conglomerate that will improve the relations between young actors and help us all achieve our greater goals.

My name is Mackenna Goodrich and I will be your fearless leader. I have lived in Arizona for around 10 years and have worked with a few different theatres around the Valley. (Though, not as many as I would like!)

Recently, I've noted some tension between actors and actresses around the Valley who feel they are "brand loyal" to a certain theatre and discourage other young actors from auditioning at theatres they don't feel is their "home." The idea is to knock these barriers down a bit and make everyone feel at home in the community as a whole in addition to giving young actors a voice.

"Okay, yay, that all sounds nice and warm and hot-chocolate-chip-cookies-on-a-brisk-winter-day, but how?"

Well, here are some of basic ideas my friends -- all actors in this area -- and I have fleshed out:

• Interviews with young actors, actresses, directors, writers, etc. in Arizona
• "Bedroom Sessions" -- like "Broadway Sessions" (if you've never seen any, YouTube. Now.), but with young actors and actresses submitting videos of them singing or acting in a casual environment -- like a bedroom.
• Reviews of shows -- Users can submit reviews of youth productions around AZ! Obviously, these will be screened before being published.
• Upcoming audition and show listings
• And then the more "pipe dream"-y ideas: 1) An end-of-the-year cabaret style show featuring actors and actresses under the age of 21 from across Arizona 2) An online "Arizona Young Actors' Alliance" Awards (we'll think of a snappier title!) where WE submit the nominations and WE decide the winners. Youth rewarding other youth.

And I am sure we'll think of some other cool ideas to add along the way.

So, that's the basic gist of what my peers and I wish to accomplish through AZ Young Actors' Alliance (or AYAA). To end with some primary goals:

1. To create a comfortable, supportive environment for all young actors in Arizona.
2. To give the youth a voice in the theatre community
3. To connect young actors to new friends and opportunities
4. And most importantly, to give everyone their best chance.

And that is all, folks! If you have any questions, comments, submissions, etc., please e-mail me at mackenna.azyoungactors@gmail.com. I am hoping to get upcoming auditions and productions up as soon as possible, as well as an interview from an exciting young actress in the Valley!

Thank you so much! Let's support the arts and our young Arizona artists!

Mackenna Goodrich