Giving Thanks

Tis the season to give thanks. Although FYP members won't be gathered around a dinner table to feast on turkey and stuffing together this Thanksgiving, we still recognize how much we have to be thankful for as a result of being members of First Year Players at Syracuse University. Aside from the opportunities that FYP provides, being a part of this organization means automatic acceptance and love from hundreds of students on this campus.

Some Renters at Show Reveal

"I'm thankful for FYP because it has allowed me to maintain my theater interest throughout college, while giving me roommates and best friends," says Will McDonald, a Drowsy Chaperone cast member. FYP members often end up living together in the later years of college because they've created such a strong connection with one another.

Regardless of how long each of us has been a part of this org, the gratitude for FYP abounds. How could it not? From organized events to just hanging out to watch a movie, there's always something to do you when you're in FYP. We consider ourselves more than lucky to have this organization in our lives. "FYP provided me with friends and memories I will have for a lifetime, and I could not be more thankful!" says Kelly Egan, a stage crew member of Rent.

"I'm thankful for FYP because it has given me a place to call home on this enormous campus since freshman year," Wedding Singer cast member Lauren Green says. "So much has changed since then, but the love and kindness from every single person in this organization has not—and for that, I am forever grateful." Green provides her answer from a flat in London, where she lives with three other FYP members for a semester abroad.

Drew Muller & Sam McAllister, '14-'15 Producers

"FYP provides a space for me to be myself and be surrounded by people I love and respect," says Andrew Martini, a Rent cast member. "No matter what mood I find myself in, I know there's someone in FYP who can cheer me up." One of the biggest perks of FYP: you can always find someone with a smile plastered on his or her face for us when you need it! And no matter what walk of life you're coming from, First Year Players provides a safe space for you to be yourself.

"FYP has shaped my college experience," adds Sam McAllister, a cast member of The Drowsy Chaperone. "The people within this org inspire me to be better every single day. There are so many diverse talents of people within this org, and it continues to amaze me."

Finding Your Place

F e e d  Y o u r  P r o g r e s s 
F u e l  Y o u r  P a s s i o n
F i n d  Y o u r  P l a c e  

This is First Year Players' mantra, and it comprises what we as an organization hope to help our members accomplish year after year. From bonding events to performances to the show itself, these phrases are instilled in the very nature of what FYP is. Last Thursday we held the "Find Your Place Cabaret," for instance, where FYP members and those from outside organizations performed. Even within events like Adopt-A-Street and the staff retreat, we look to embody the goal of this organization—that is, Finding Your Place.

We turned to nine staff members to get a little more insight as to what the term "Find Your Place" means to them, and how it relates to their experiences in First Year Players. Quotes include the speakers' names, positions on staff, and what show they were originally a part of.

Staff at Adopt-A-Street

"To me, Find Your Place means being in an organization full of 90+ people and still being able to talk to them all like they are my family and to have a personal connection with each and every one of them."

-Jaylyn Noble

Choreographer '14-'15

The Drowsy Chaperone '12

"Find Your Place means always feeling comfortable in your own skin whenever you're around the people who mean most to you. In FYP you can always find your place no matter who you are, because we're all a fun-loving group of people who are able to pick you up when you've fallen down."

-Gabby Dizon

Social Chair '14-'15

Rent '14

"Find Your Place is a phrase that I believe every new student at any university is faced with in some way.  College can be an exciting and new adventure for many, and I think one of the most important things outside of academics is finding that place on campus you can call home.  As a member of FYP for two years now, I can see the ways in which this organization gears so much of what it does in order to tailor the freshman experience.  Last year I had the opportunity to mentor an incoming cast member, and I could see firsthand the impact that was made on all the cast members, from the first rehearsal to closing night.  Being a part of FYP is that home away from home.  It is a place where friendships and relationships are formed for not just the few years while at Syracuse University, but the many years to come after."

-Mike Landivar

Set Construction Team '14-'15

The Wedding Singer '13

Nalae White & Gabby Dizon at the staff retreat

"Find Your Place is having somewhere to go to, or a group of people to go to, where you feel safe and you feel like you can be yourself, and you're just at your happiest. Theatre in general attracts the best people, because people who love to perform love to do things for others, and are open people and love to share a positive experience with as many people as possible. FYP is like that because everyone's included. It's a large group of people where everyone's different, but everyone appreciates each other, and no matter what, everyone is accepted. And that's hard to find." 

-Jesse Roth

Campus Outreach '14-'15

The Drowsy Chaperone '12

"To Find Your Place is to leave your comfort zone and never look back. It's acting on some of your greatest fears, meeting people who may share some of those fears, and then deciding to conquer them together. It's a work in progress towards realizing, molding, and accepting who 'me' is while having the undoubted support of the foundation of 'we.'"

-Carina Clores

Community Events Team '14-'15

Rent '14

"I was involved with other organizations before FYP, but none of them ever made the campus seem small enough to fully connect with. FYP reaches a really diverse group of people and brings them together into a family that has not previously existed in the SU community. It's cliche at this point, but you really do Find Your Place with us. We're a grossly proud and passionate and loud organization that never leaves the honeymoon stage of our love. Can you blame us for wanting to shout it from the rooftops?!"

-Bailey Pfohl

 Acting Coach '14-'15
The Drowsy Chaperone '12

Bailey Pfohl & Bridget McGlone at the staff retreat

"For me, Find Your Place means finding a space where you feel completely comfortable and safe, surrounded by people who accept you for you. That is what FYP is: we are a group of diverse students who support each other no matter what—with the added benefit being that we get to do what we love with people we love."

-Kate Poland

Community Outreach '14-'15

The Wedding Singer '13

"Find Your Place means realizing who you are, discovering who you want to be and figuring out how to get there. In FYP, we give first year students the opportunity to find their place, and through them and through FYP, we find our own place in the organization and on campus."

-Chip Weber

Social Events Team '14-'15

Rent '14

"Find Your Place means finding a group of people with whom you feel 100% comfortable. There is never any judgment or ridicule. These people just accept you and your flaws. They help celebrate with you when you are at a high point in your life and help lift you up when you are at a low point. First Year Players has offered that to me. I can go into a room or see someone on the street and I know I will get a warm smile. This is an organization of people who all genuinely care about the wellbeing of every member. We are each other’s family."

-Mackenzie Maloney

Stage Manager '14-'15

The Drowsy Chaperone '12

Staff at the 2014 retreat

Shacks & Cabins

Shacks and cabins.

FYP has spent a lot of time in these places over the years. Last week, the organization participated in Shack-A-Thon, an annual Habitat for Humanity event.

The objective is to build a shack, decorate it, and have at least one member of the organization inside the shack at all times for three days and two nights. Various organizations on campus participated in the event, and FYP was glad to be a part of it again this year.

Our immensely talented art team designed and created an Addams Family-inspired shack, complete with a headstone. We all enjoyed spending time bonding inside the shack.

And the bonding soon continued. The Saturday after Shack-A-Thon ended, FYP went on our annual staff retreat to Camp Casowasco in Moravia, NY. All day Saturday and Sunday morning, we spent time as a collective organization, without cellphones or the distractions of our hectic lives back in Syracuse.

“It was amazing to see the staff come together the way it did through creative, competitive, and emotional vessels,” this year’s director Mike Liebenson says. “We got to break down barriers, and it was just a really impactful experience. It kind of reminded us that no matter where we came from or what our back story is, we’ve found our place.”

Creatively, the organization got to explore their individual gifts via a talent show, as well as in groups through activities. Other events during the weekend sparked friendly competition between members, balanced out by emotional conversations. The retreat provided a way to amplify the connections we’ve already made as a staff and allowed for fresh friendships to form.

As an organization, FYP emphasizes personal connections and interactions between members above anything else. Simply put: we’re a family. And the addition of new members each spring for the show is what keeps us all going.

And the verdict is...

Accompanied by plates of pasta and formalwear, FYP members new and old ventured to the Spaghetti Warehouse in Syracuse to hear one of the most exciting announcements of the year for the organization. Curiosity plagued staffers as they sat in wait for the big news.

The annual FYP Show Reveal dinner was this Sunday, and attendees enjoyed one another's company (and some awesome food) before watching a skit put on by this year's E-board to reveal the show they chose. In the skit, E-board members, each representing one the six final shows (and some frauds), duked it out in a competition of winner-takes-all. At the end, after a deceiving fake-out, the victorious show was the only one left standing.

It is then that the agony of wait was ended for those staff members who are not part of the executive board. The show was revealed, and members cheered and applauded for the decision – this April, FYP will be putting on The Addams Family!

Kailey Smith and Mike Landivar pose in front of our famous letters

We are beyond thrilled about the decision, and think that it will make for a more than positive experience for all the staff, cast, pit, and crew members!

For those unfamiliar with the show, The Addams Family opened on Broadway in 2010 and was created by the writers of Jersey Boys. It tells the story of a grown-up Wednesday Addams and her decision in a potential suitor, and the family drama that ensues. The ghoulish scenery is offset by comedic characters and fun, upbeat musical numbers.

Although we can't wait to get the ball rolling with preparations for the show, we're already anticipating the arrival of new FYP members that will be joining us next semester!

That's one good-lookin' E-board!

If you're interested in hearing more about how you can be involved with the show, our general interest meeting will be held this Wednesday, September 24th at 7:30pm in Bowne 111. We'll be doling out important information about workshops that will be held throughout the semester, info for those interested in joining stage crew, and giving you an idea of what it's like to be a part of FYP. You don't want to miss it!

Until then, have a FREAKishly great week. From our Family to yours.

Welcome Back!

One of our lovely APs, Olivia Shaw, holding up the staff shirt!

The weather's getting crisper, our noses are running, and our backpacks are getting heavy. This can only mean one thing – Syracuse University is back in session. Which also means that WE are back in session!

FYP is looking forward to another amazing year, and with that, another amazing musical. We've chosen the E-board, hand-picked the staff members, and now we're already under way with planning our spring 2015 production.

This past Sunday, all the staff members gathered together to meet for a organization-wide show discussion. We deliberated the pros and cons of each of the six final shows. After a long night of debate after the fact, the 2014-2015 E-board decided on this year's production at 3:04 a.m. Monday, September 15!

Staff members, new and old, at our first meeting

Next week, the show that was chosen will be revealed to the staff members, as well as to the Syracuse campus. Follow FYP on social media to ensure that you’re in the loop as we move ahead with the process of working out the details of all aspects of the show! We have a feeling this might be the best one yet.

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It's Beginning to Look a Lot like Rent

Pedestrians passing by Schine Student Center Sunday may have noticed specks of paint flying through the air or power tools spitting out clouds of sawdust. Rusted out platforms and telephone booths sat on a sunny Syracuse sidewalk, looking out of place.

The goggle-clad, spray paint-wielding students causing the ruckus were hard at work constructing a piece of East Village New York City in Goldstein Auditorium that will play host to the characters of "Rent" this weekend. First Year Players staff members spent most of Sunday hauling, painting, hammering, gathering, sorting and everything in between to create the world of "Rent."

Some staff meticulously constructed the buildings in which the characters will live and interact, while others organized the props and costumes that will make the characters and scenes in "Rent" instantly recognizable.

The group effort, which at moments saw individuals that should go nowhere near power tools or manual labor somehow pulling it off, is all part of a process of immersing the audience fully in the world of "Rent." And a bunch of people who are technically adults enjoyed playing around with paint for a while, too.

We can't spoil too much of the set here. But if you want to see the incredible products of Sunday's work, grab tickets to "Rent" this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at the Schine box office.

We'll be checking in again later this week, but we don't need to tell you again that you don't want to miss this show.

Chugging Along

Since FYP’s executive board chose the organization’s new members in the wee hours of Jan. 22, production of “Rent” has been rolling. The cast has already learned much of the show, and the music, choreography and directing teams have combined for a rehearsal.

“It was really great to see everything come together,” said Meghan Flaim, FYP’s music director. “There’s still a lot of work to do but we’re chugging along.”

The music team has taught a variety of numbers, including rousing group songs like “Rent” and “La Vie Boheme.” Choreographer Bailey Marks said “La Vie Boheme”  will mark a high point in the show, especially because of the humor it brings.

She’s seen considerable dancing ability in the cast so far.

“You can expect great things because these kids can dance,” Marks said.

Outside of the hard work they’ve done in rehearsals, cast and crew have been immersed in the tight-knit organization. New members have been surprised, cheered and occasionally overwhelmed by enthusiastic staff members at a number of events.

From their first rehearsal to the costume fitting and Adopt a Street, the first few weeks of the new members’ experience have left few dull moments.

The experience will only get more immersive in the coming weeks, as cast and crew will finally discover the identities of their staff mentors. Mentors are currently showering their mentees with anonymous gifts, praise and door decorations.

Don't forget to keep an eye out for our Valentine's Day singing grams this Friday. Pay $5 to have some of Syracuse's most talented vocalists serenade a friend or lover from 3-9 p.m. Sign up at our table in Schine Student Center until Thursday.

Keep checking in on social media to hear more about the progress we’ve made with the show. We’re starting a series of posts introducing six cast members at a time with a Q&A and fun facts next week, so you won’t want to miss out. 

How to Kill Your Audition

Welcome back to campus, Syracuse! Rent auditions snuck up on us. Auditions start this Thursday, January 16, from 6-10 p.m. in Crouse 213 and they'll continue Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in Hall of Languages 215 and Crouse 213, respectively. Students interested in stage crew can interview Saturday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. in Hall of Languages 105 and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. in Crouse 214.

Auditions can horrify even the most confident individual. Shaking limbs and a pounding heart will ruin a great singing voice or a convincing monologue. But don't fret if you're considering auditioning for FYP. Our staff and former cast members have offered great advice on nailing your audition or stage crew interview.

Successful auditions and interviews take planning. As many prospective FYP members will determine their fate on Saturday or Sunday, it can be easy to get carried away with booze the night before. To avoid feeling under the weather for your audition, or missing it altogether, make sure to contain yourself this weekend. Rest up and stay hydrated.

Along the lines of preparation, make sure you know solos, monologues or potential interview questions extremely well by your time slot. Losing focus to nerves is much more difficult if you’ve nailed down the details beforehand. Plan for the unexpected, as you won't want to get caught off guard.

Confidence and personality factor into the process immensely. Often, fitting the organization's character holds as much weight as talent or experience. Don't be afraid to let your personality fly. Be memorable- an outfit or witty comment can stick in the staff's mind and set you apart from others. 

Don't feel restricted by past experience. Many of our former cast and stage crew members participated in few (or no) musicals before joining FYP. You won't be judged by your past roles and positions. 

Above all, make sure to relax. Our staff that will sit in on your auditions and interviews previously stood right where you do. They're not talent scouts, but past cast and crew members that want the best fit for the organization. Don't be intimidated, because that's not our staff's intention. 

Keep your priorities in line during the process. If you really want to join FYP, show it with your actions. As one former cast member said, DJ's will always be there tomorrow. 

Take our staff's advice to heart and you're primed for a successful audition or interview. Best of luck, and we look forward to seeing you this weekend!