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!

Until Next Year...

Over two months ago, we revealed our 2014 show in a flurry of fanfare and theatrics. Since, FYP has morphed and grown the idea of Rent into something that becomes more tangible every day.

Fall semester brings a variety of changes, including new leadership and new members. Our staff has taken the transition in stride.

The combination of fresh positions and people meshed quickly, and Rent took off from the time we announced it. Junior public relations director Lisa Prywes has immense expectations for the organization every year, but even so, this fall’s staff soared past them.

"This year, I really wanted FYP to make a statement on campus. I want our name to be known, as well as the important things we do on and off-campus," Prywes said. "I want FYP to be an environment where everyone feels comfortable and "Finds Your Place." I think every year FYP grows and never ceases to amaze. It is very hard for me to set expectations, because I always know that FYP WILL exceed them." 

With finals quickly approaching (or already happening) and winter break in sight, FYP has completed most of the semester’s work. But we haven’t packed it in for the semester yet.

Our graphics team will reveal Rent’s logo this Sunday, a moment Prywes has anticipated since FYP chose the show. We will also hold one more acting workshop tomorrow, the final chance for prospective cast members to receive some advice before our auditions start January 16.

Staff members look eagerly toward the spring semester and one of the most exciting moments of the FYP calendar- the selection of a new cast. But for some, like junior Jaylyn Noble, the influx of new cast members isn’t the only long awaited addition. She looks forward to the return of the members of her Drowsy Chaperone cast that are studying abroad, as well as the selection of a new cast. 

"I'm looking forward to all the abroad Drowsies to be back and I'm REALLY looking forward to getting 24 new people and making them love FYP as much as everyone already in it," Noble said.

FYP has made a semester of great progress toward our production of Rent, and we couldn’t be more excited to get back to work in January. Next time you read one of our blogs, we’ll be selecting a crop of 24 fresh new faces to join the FYPhamily.  

Have a safe and enjoyable winter break, and we’ll catch you next year!