A group of animated teens sits on the stage of the Village Theatre, dressed in costumes for the closing number of “Footloose.” They are waiting for notes about their final dress rehearsal.
Carrie Blanding, “administrative goddess” and music director of Danville’s Next Big Thing Theatre Company, stands before the crowd.
“I’ll give notes tomorrow,” she announces. “Right now, I have stars.”
The cast buzzes with excitement, wondering who will be honored today.
“This is for somebody who was with us last summer and has really made progress. Drum roll, please…” Blanding says.
Hands drum against the varnished wooden floor as she announces an actor’s name. A burst of cheers goes up, as a boy costumed in a black leather jacket comes forward.
Blanding repeats her presentation of stars and Next Big Thing pencils, accompanied by enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. One goes to someone who has “shown a lot of commitment,” and another is given to a “round-faced bundle of joy.” There is a star for someone who has “done a lot of great work,” and “someone who is new and a welcome addition.”
Everyone is valued here and the participants are bursting with pride. If they are not honored today, they know their turn will come.
Next Big Thing has been training performers from ages 8 to 18 in summer camps over the last five years. In addition to rehearsals, the camp offers audition workshops, field trips, dress-up days and game days, all leading up to quality performances. The talented staff plays a huge role in the growth of each performer.
Carrie Blanding and Erin McKevitt took over the company five years ago when the original director, Charlie Merenghi, left the area. He picked them for their energy, enthusiasm and devotion to the kids. Although Blanding has a background in arts administration, it is her directing talents that shine as she coaches and mentors the kids.
Erin McKevitt, who teaches drama at Borrello Middle School in San Mateo, is the “artistic genius” and choreographer. She puts on the same musical at Borrello that she will be working on with Next Big Thing, gaining experience with the script, the demands of the show, and even collecting costumes that can be reused. Like Blanding, she bubbles with enthusiasm and the kids love and respect her.
“Acting guru” and assistant director Jeff Morris was passionate about energy at the final dress rehearsal. He demands the best and he gets it. Who wouldn’t want to please this dynamic director?
Summer intern Mia Filippakoff, aka Smithers, rounds out the staff, performing numerous tasks that are critical to the success of each production.
Blanding loves her relationship with the aspiring actors and with the staff. It’s like “playing all day long,” Blanding says. Her enthusiasm is contagious.
The Teen Camp, for ages 12 to 18, was so popular among returning performers this year that it was filled by March 3. Thirty of the 37 performers came back. That’s a “big strength,” Blanding said.
After three days of auditions, the Teen Camp had four weeks to mount “Footloose,” which played to full houses in the Village Theatre on July 14-15.
Rising Stars Camp, for performers 8-12, is following. The camp culminates in the “Rising Stars Review,” which will be performed at the Village Theatre at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 10, and Friday, Aug. 11. Tickets cost $6 for children and seniors, and $10 for adults. Contact the Village Theatre Box Office at 314-3470.
“The review will include excerpts from productions we’ve done over the last five years since Erin and I took over – it’s a five-year anniversary show,” Blanding said.
Next Big Thing will offer performing arts camps again next summer and has information on its Web site, www.nibits.com. Sign up for the mailing list by e-mailing goddess@nibits.com. The camps will also be announced in the Town of Danville Parks and Recreation Guide for Summer 2007.
Next Big Thing offers a great opportunity for kids who want to be part of a tight, upbeat, performing arts community. They try on roles and search for their special talent, knowing they will be performing soon.
“It provides a place for kids who don’t have a niche elsewhere,” Blanding said. They get recognition, a place to belong, respect and friends. Next Big Thing Children’s Theatre is a place to build lasting skills – and memories. CharStyle:endbullet>n
