Students from local New Spark Performing Arts (NSPA) in Memphis won a Freddie G award for Excellence in Ensemble Work, among other recognitions, at the 2022 Junior Theater Festival Atlanta (JTF Atlanta). The 2022 JTF was held online and in-person in January, and the festival brings together troupes from all over the world to celebrate student-led musical theater.
Musical theater helps bring students of various art disciplines together to create one wholesome package. Acting, singing, and dancing intersects with lights, sounds, and visual art in the form of costumes, projections, sets, and backdrops. “We have the chance to experience being stage crew members, choreographers, music directors, and more so early on,” says Sadie, an NSPA student. “Not only does this expand the range of people who come work with us, but it also shows that there is a place for so many different skills and interests in the theater industry.”
The musicals at NSPA are all student-led, helping them grow into leaders. “I feel like having a youth-led production is such a memorable way to participate in the arts because of how important we make each other feel by knowing that we understand our similarities and differences,” adds another student, Genevieve. “Working with a younger director and choreographer has made all the difference in how we as a theater represent ourselves both on and off stage.”
“Part of the benefits of the student-led process at New Spark is we each get to put our own ideas into some part of the shows,” explains Gabbi, another NSPA student. “For instance our choreography for our performance we did in JTF was choreographed by one of my peers and friend Kylah, and our stunts by another peer and friend Adriyana.”
Kylah adds, “As a student choreographer at New Spark, I can say that Raejah [Bratcher] has done a phenomenal job at fostering student leadership. It’s given me confidence in myself, because everyone is so supportive and we can all still be friends and get along without feeling like we are “leaders,” but simply showing that through the love that we have for each other, the space, and our craft.”
“We have student stage managers, choreographers, music directors, lighting designers, and set designers. If you’re interested in any part of the theater world, we’ll make a place for you here with us,” says Bratcher, NSPA Artistic Director. “As for our JTF show, we typically do the full JR version of the show in the fall. Then we have our kids re-audition, and we rework it with a smaller cast in the winter to take to JTF. You do not have to be in the full show to attend JTF with us, but you have to be a New Spark alum.”
This year NSPA students performed a 15-minute cutting of Moana Jr. in Atlanta, Georgia, for a panel of highly ranked judges and walked away with the Freddie G award for Excellence in Ensemble Work.
Steven G. Kennedy, one of the judges at JTF, had this to say about this talented group from NSPA: “New Spark Performing Arts production of Disney’s Moana Jr. was absolutely beautiful, from its wonderful student-driven choreography to a cast that worked together in a breathtaking way. New Spark clearly supports all forms of musical theater jobs including student choreographers, actors and directors.”
When asked how it feels to win the Freddie G Award, Katie, a student at NSPA says, “To me, Excellence in Ensemble Work represents how we’re all able to work together, which is very important at New Spark because even though we’re small, we can still tell big stories and have a big impact on people. More than anything I think this award just highlights how hard we’ve all been working and how much we support each other.”
“Seeing so many other kids who love theater just as much as I do made me feel at home, it made me feel safe,” says Harper, an NSPA student. “Representing Memphis made me feel lucky, knowing that now other theaters from all over the country and world might now know NSPA’s name makes me feel very happy.”
NSPA students Camden Barber and Dylan Stevenson were adjudicated as All-Stars, an outstanding group of young performers at the festival. “It feels so rewarding to be awarded All-Star,” says Stevenson. “I was determined to put my all into my performance. The moment I received the notification announcing the winners, I felt like I could cry. I am honored to win All-Star! My message for young performers: Believe in your power! If you truly love this art, then hone your skills. You do that, and there is no limit that can hold you back from achieving your dreams.”
Barber adds, “It’s exhilarating! To all the young performers out there, if you feel like you aren’t heard or seen, you are. If you just keep your head up and have fun with it, you can do unfathomable things. All you have to do is continue to have a positive attitude and have the energy that a lightning bolt would have. All you have to do is believe, work hard and strive to make your dreams come true!”
The restrictions of Covid-19 and the demanding rehearsal schedule didn’t dampen the spirits of this team of young performers. “Because of Covid, we have had to wear masks while singing and dancing and try to stay distanced while we can,” says NSPA student Eli. “Trust me, wearing a mask while you’re sweaty is not pleasant, but we always did. We are a lucky group because everyone in the cast was vaccinated and took precautions where they could, so we didn't have to cancel because of an outbreak. Our group stayed very safe so we could continue rehearsal, and I think that was a big thing for just the trust you build when you work so closely with a group of people.”
“The first show I did at New Spark was filmed so that we could avoid spreading germs within a live audience,” Sadie says. “However, we did still meet in person — masked and distanced — for rehearsals. I love that instead of shutting down completely, New Spark has found creative solutions to continue putting on theater in a safe and mindful way.”
Many of these students find the rehearsals and NSPA to be their happy place. “A lot of times I get home from a stressful, tiring, or emotional school day and all I want to do is get to rehearsal. It takes my mind off things and my friends help me raise my spirits with their energy even if they too are having a bad day,” says student Kaelyn. “I do my homework when I get home and if I need to, after rehearsal. Both Raejah and the people associated with NSPA have made this my safe space, my closest friends are here. This is my social life! And I don’t mind that.”
“The process of joining us at New Spark Performing Arts is really simple and easy,” says Bratcher. “We do cattle call auditions for all of our shows including JTF, which means that all you or your student would have to do is fill out an audition form and show up. We learn all of the audition material in the room, so there’s nothing to worry about and very little preparation needed.”
Auditions for each show are posted on their Facebook (New Spark Performing Arts) and Instagram (@NewSpark901).
For more information on New Spark, visit newspark901.org