LEARNING THE BIZ: “The Business of Show Business” Masterclass taught by Broadway veterans Jeff Kready and Nikki Renee Daniels was a favorite among students. Sitting: Eden Singletary, Hannah Lynch, and Daniel Cruz-Gomez. Standing: Jenna Marie Melvin, Keyshawn Mitchell, Kennedi Smart, Alyssa Edwards, Mark Russo, M’Kenzie Prater, Jeff Kready, Nikki Renee Daniels, Jane Waver Willis, Ellis Hendrix, Ella Singletary, Morgan Griffin, Lydia Harrison, Sara Maxwell, and Corrine Carrillo.

CAIRO- A handful of Cairo High School Stage Makers went on the trip of a lifetime to New York City last week. Seventeen students and 18 adults left Monday, June 5th to go on a four day Broadway themed trip that included two shows and two masterclasses for students interested in pursuing a career in performing arts. According to the Stage Maker’s director, Austin Harrell, they have been preparing for this trip for over a year.

“We announced this trip in May of 2022 and have been fundraising, planning, and preparing for this trip ever since,” he said. “We are thankful for our district and country administrators who have been so supportive of this trip, and to the community members who helped us with fundraising to make this dream a reality.”

On Monday the group arrived in Manhattan mid-afternoon and visited Time Square, the “Top of the Rock” at Rockefeller Center, and then ate dinner at Gayle’s Broadway Rose, an iconic downtown diner where waiters are aspiring actors that perform while they serve.

Tuesday started with the favorite student masterclass, a two hour voice and dance training taught by John Madore, a Broadway music director, and Zackary Daniel Jones, an ensemble member of Wicked. The workshop was packed full of tips and training and ended with the group of students performing a song and dance from the show.

Other events on Tuesday included RISE NY, a pop culture experience, and The Museum of Broadway which covered the beginnings of the iconic NYC theaters through modern day shows.

Tuesday ended with a trip to see The Lion King at the Minskoff Theatre, and a special treat. Former CHS Theatre alumna April Hollingsworth Phelan used her professional connections and arranged a meet and greet with Ezekiel Andrew, an ensemble member and understudy for the role of Mufasa. He signed playbills and gave the students an inspirational speech about chasing their dreams and never giving up.

Wednesday started with another workshop taught by Nikki Renee Daniels and Jeff Kready who covered “the business of show business”. These two veteran Broadway actors shared their journeys to “The Great White Way” along with advice about education, networking, training courses, and other helpful guidance. Students that have an interest in a career in performing arts were able to gain valuable insight into the inner workings of the industry through this masterclass.

After the class, the group enjoyed a harbor tour with an up close look at Ellis Island and The Statue of Liberty. While on the tour, heavy smoke from the Canadian wildfires engulfed the city, and views were not what they normally would be. Thankfully the smoke blew out overnight and the flight back to Georgia was not delayed. After the harbor tour, groups had free time to explore the city; some chose to seek out the best New York cheesecake, others went shopping downtown, and some other groups visited various sights for iconic pictures.

Wednesday ended with a classic Broadway show, Wicked. The students were lucky enough to meet Jordan Litz, who plays Fiyero, and McKenzie Kurtz, who plays Glinda, when they waited at the stage door. Kennedi Smart, president of The Stage Makers, stated, “I couldn’t believe that we got to meet two of the leading actors! and to know that the actress that played Glinda was from a small town in Georgia, just like us, showed me that I can do anything if I work hard and chase my dreams.” Actors coming out to greet the public has been kept to a minimum since the reopening of Broadway post-pandemic, but luckily Wednesday night these two stars came out and inspired the waiting Stage Makers.

Thursday morning was open for exploration and free time before heading to the airport at 10:30. Overall this trip was jam packed with not only the sites, but also the training that these students can bring back and use to shine even brighter in upcoming productions at Cairo High School.

According to Joshua Moore, the music director for The Stage Makers, “this trip was such an amazing opportunity for our kids. The quality of instruction that we received isn’t easily accessible in our area of the world, so being able to experience the singing and dancing masterclasses with actual Broadway performers was an opportunity that is few and far between. There is nothing like seeing a Broadway show on Broadway. It was invigorating to see some of our students with Broadway aspirations light up as the curtain opened. I believe some of them were finally able to envision a career for themselves that puts them on that stage in the future!”

The Stage Makers would like to thank the community for their continued support of this growing program and cannot wait to see what the future holds.