Issue link: https://trevordayschool.uberflip.com/i/915972
1 5 T R E V O R D AY S C H O O L n FA L L 2 0 1 7 – 2 0 1 8 Yorkers, many students are thrilled to perform in a play that they might well have seen on Broadway. Using a real Broadway show lends a certain professionalism and reality to the experience. In 2016, for example, the MiniTerm musical was Annie, Jr. Students watched a video of the play and the movie. ey then analyzed what the actors were doing—with their bodies, their voices, every movement—to make their characters come alive. Similarly, as students prepared to take on Seussical, Jr., they did a lot of work on character development before they watched a video of Trevor's prior interpretation. Why? So they would not feel bound by the last approach and would have a greater ownership. ey could work with the characters in a way that made the most sense to them. rough the process of inquiry—asking themselves, "What defines this character? What makes this character real?"—students could embody these different characters in a way that was uniquely theirs. In the four Fridays before MiniTerm officially begins, students participate in one-hour workshops that help them prepare for the demanding rehearsal schedule. ey learn improvisation (this year taught by Trevor parents Jen Holmes and Jon Socas), dance (always taught by Ms. Goldberg), and voice projection/ articulation (taught by Trevor parent Roberta Kastelic for the past few years). During these workshops, Ms. Kulawitz and other teachers observe the students and take notes. Ms. Kulawitz assesses the students' musical abilities; ultimately it is her decision to cast the major roles. It takes four full days for her to do so. is year, for the first time, set design (Prop Masters) was offered as a MiniTerm elective. Previously, the art teachers created all the sets, with assistance from the children. is year's dedicated class provided students with much greater, in-depth, hands-on direction and involvement. Several group-leader teachers expressed appreciation for having the chance to tap their backgrounds in the At the MiniTerm musical, all the essential elements of collaboration, risk-taking, and achievement are on full display. arts. Ms. Moran, for example, was a professional dancer for years before she returned to graduate school and teaching. Still passionate about the performing and fine arts, she says that MiniTerm reminds her, "I am an artist at my core. I just wish I could get up there and dance on stage, too!" Mr. Scholz agrees: "In addition to providing a vehicle for students to take risks and stretch their creativity and talent, MiniTerm provides Trevor teachers with that same opportunity." Teachers, like many students, discover gifts they didn't know they had. How quintessentially Trevor…that the teachers are learning as much as their students. And having as much fun, all while expanding their horizons to places they never imagined they might go. n