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.