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.