ALUMNI NEWSLETTER

HUMPHREYS SCHOOL FOR MUSICAL THEATRE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

July 2013

A Note from TUTS Education Director

When I was asked to write a piece for the newsletter I struggled with what to say and then Meredith Bechtel walked down the hall and said Hi Bob. Some would see this as a simple gesture from a fellow employee. I saw it as this incredible evolution of life and a reflection of the world that is the Humphreys School of Musical Theatre. You see, Meredith is a recent graduate of the HSMT now studying theatre at Syracuse University. She agreed to provide us some part-time assistance this summer (for pay of course) while an employee was out on maternity leave. She is kind of sharing a job with another HSMT alum, Ally McGehee. The two of them expertly manage all that happens through the main reception area which often seems like playing traffic cop. To see Meredith and Ally here daily re-enforces for me all that is good with TUTS and HSMT.

To many of us, the proof that we have done a good job teaching and mentoring our students is watching them grow into adulthood. This summer has really driven this point home to me. It seems everywhere I have been lately I have run into a HSMT alum that has returned home. They seem so grown and more mature. They have all stopped to talk and share what has happened in their lives since they left HSMT. Every time I see an alum, I am left with this thought. Maybe we dont teach children theatre maybe we train for adulthood. I like to believe that what Shay and the amazing faculty at HSMT teach is not just how to sing, dance, and act but how to be the best you can be. Maybe what comes with all of that are lessons on respect and professionalism. It reminds me that not everyone leaves our halls to be the next Broadway star. In fact, many go on to become lawyers, teachers, doctors, and other professions. What they learn here provided them the discipline and sense of self to become who they are today. What an amazing legacy for a musical theatre professional development school in Houston, TX. You have provided over 40 years of training youth who have gone on to be successful adults. Truly amazing! I urge all of you, as alums, to come back and visit us on site, on stage, and on Facebook. We continue to inspire youth and welcome our adults home.

Rebecca Eckert, Matthew Smith and Bob Lawson

Bob Lawson, Director, Education

Save the Date

HSMT Rocks Miller!

With a pounding drum line, high energy dancers and talented singers, Humphreys School of Musical Theatre dominated the stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre with its production of Disneys High School Musical! For the first time in HSMTs history with Miller, the students performed both day and evening shows throughout the third weekend of June much to the delight of the almost 14,000 Houstonians who attended the production. The cast was comprised of 50 talented HSMT students performing hits such as Were All In This Together, Breaking Free, and Stick To The Status Quo. A truly show-stopping moment was during Getcha Head In The Game where the cast performed an intricate dance performance using basketballs, choreographed by TUTS Shay Rodgers. Directing the Academy show at Miller Outdoor Theatre is truly one of the highlights of my year, said TUTS Education Manager, Rozie Curtis. This year, of course, was even more special because Miller granted us the opportunity to present both during the day and evening. To see the joy on the faces of the young audience members watching the show during the day was wonderful! Then to see the magic of the evening with fabulous lighting put a very large bow on a very impressive gift. In addition to our amazing HSMT students, we also incorporated the energetic drum line from Westside High School and the exciting new group called Torn Tuxedos. The drum line students reminded me of how special our line of work is and shared their tweets exclaiming this is the most fun I have ever had in my entire life! TUTS and HSMT is thrilled with the overwhelming response Disneys High School Musical received and are grateful for the communitys support. We look forward to spending another great summer under the stars in 2014.

Annual Picnic in the Park

The annual Picnic in the Park cast party hosted by Humphreys School of Musical Theatre Alumni Association and Leading Ladies took place on Thursday, June 13th. Alumni Association and Leading Ladies members, cast members, and their parents gathered on-stage at Miller Outdoor Theatre to enjoy a delicious potluck lunch following the HSMT performance of Disneys High School Musical. The lunch provided the opportunity for Alumni to mingle with current HSMT students and show their support for the talented kids. Funds raised by the Alumni Association assist HSMT productions, like Disneys High School Musical, with the rising costs associated with putting on a musical.

Julian Malone, Alexis Vargas and Brittany Chapman

Thank you to all Alumni who participated in the Annual Picnic!

Katelyn Kapocsi, Samantha May and Alexa Magro

Where Are They Now?

Left to Right: Bruce Norris, Bruce Lumpkin and M.G. Perez

Acclaimed actor and playwright, Bruce Norris, began his theatrical career in Houston as a student in the Humphreys School of Musical Theatre. Years later, he continues to recognize the importance of HSMT firsthand. After college, Bruce focused on his career as an actor. He won roles at many venues such as the Steppenwolf Theatre Company of Chicago, in addition to numerous roles on Broadway. Following his time on the stage, Bruce began working behind-the-scenes as a playwright. He is best known for his recent play, Clybourne Park, which won the Tony Award for Best Play in 2012, Olivier and Evening Standard Awards (London) for Best Play in 2011, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2011. His newest play, Domesticated, will premiere later this year at the Lincoln Center Theatre in New York City. In April, Bruce was an honored guest at the 2013 Moonlight Serenade: Celebrating 45 Years Under the Stars Gala benefitting TUTS Education Programs. In appreciation of the training he received during his formative years, Bruce made a generous contribution to the Humphreys School of Musical Theatre Alumni Associations Artistic Fund. We would like to extend a special thank you for his participation and additional support of the HSMT Artistic Fund which supports HSMTs annual productions and enables the school to deliver high quality, full length musical productions to the community.
Bruce Lumpkin re-joined the staff at Theatre Under The Stars in July 2012 as Artistic Director to maintain artistic oversight of TUTS producing operations, provide creative direction to TUTS Humphreys School of Musical Theatre, and enhance TUTS voice in the arts community. After earning his BFA from the University of Houston, Mr. Lumpkin got his start in theatre here at TUTS as the resident director of the Humphreys School. He soon caught the attention of Tommy Tune, who tapped Mr. Lumpkin to work on several Broadways titles including Grand Hotel, My One and Only, Nine, Stepping Out, and The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas. His career has taken him to several respected theatres across the nation including the 5th Avenue Theatre, Cape Fear Regional Theatre, Casa Manana, Dicapo Opera Company, Heritage Entertainment, the Lyric Theatre, Maine State Musical Theatre, North Shore Music Theatre, the Pittsburgh CLO and Walnut Street Theatre. He counts Summer 69 and Honky Tonk Angel among his off-Broadway work, and he served as the artistic director to Broadways Mindfreak featuring illusionist Criss Angel. Additionally, Mr. Lumpkin co-directed Grand Hotel on Londons West End and served on the creative team for the national tours of Dr. Doolittle and Nine. He received the Barrymore Award for Best Director and Best Musical for his revisionist look at Cabaret. Other personal milestones for Bruce include his work in the world premieres of Dodsworth and Grossingers and the US premiere of La Vie En Bleu. Bruce is thrilled to return to Houston and the theatre that gave him his start in the industry. TUTS is equally as excited to have him back!

M.G. Perez grew up with TUTS and fostered his love for the arts at HSMT. He attended TUTS Humphreys School of Musical Theatre from 1973 -1980. The first HSMT production he had a role in was Grease during the summer session at the old W. Gray location. Many productions followed at the old Music Hall, including: King and I, Peter Pan, Carousel, Oliver!, and Pinocchio to name a few. While a student at HSMT, M.G. embarked on what would become an 18 year career as a news reporter. It all began as a child anchor for KHTVs News Before the Hour. Upon graduation from High School, M.G. continued his career in journalism as a news reporter in Houston, Austin, San Diego, San Francisco and New York. Deciding to return to his first love, the arts, M.G. became the first recipient of the University of Houston-Downtowns Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts (BAFA) with an emphasis in theatre. He continued his education earning his Masters of Arts in Teaching from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego last year. M.G.s degree emphasis was on special education and he developed his masters thesis on What is the impact of drama on the communication skills of children with disabilities. Much of M.G.s research for his thesis was conducted at TUTS River for Performing and Visual Arts Program. This Fall, M.G. will be applying to pursue a PhD in performing arts. Concurrent to M.G.s educational pursuits, he has continued to perform in a variety of productions in Houston and San Diego. He can currently be seen at the Coronado Playhouse in San Diego starring as Grobert in a production of Carnival! M.G. believes his time at TUTS has greatly effected his life and career. We are proud to have M.G. as an alum and ambassador of arts education in the community!

Congratulations to Tommy Tune Awards Nominees and Winners!

There was a full house at the Hobby Center on April 16, 2013 as high school students and teachers were honored at the Tommy Tune Awards. That evening, students nominated for best actress, best actor, and best musical performed highlights from the productions they have worked hard on all year. Nominees were chosen from forty-five Houston area high schools who participated in the annual awards competition, named in honor of native Houstonian and nine-time Tony Award winner, Tommy Tune. Many of the students nominated have attended classes or participated in the Humphreys School of Musical Theatre. Each year Tommy Tune best actress and actor winners Allison Anderson represent Houston at the National High School Musical Theater Awards in New York City. Nominees from all over the US spend a week in group rehearsals, individual vocal and acting coaching by Broadway professionals, and discussions with working actors. The week leads up to The Jimmy Awards where nominees showcase their talent at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway. The 2013 Tommy Tune Awards representatives were Allison Anderson, winner of Best Leading Actress for her performance as Nellie Ryne Nardecchia Forbush in Pearland High Schools South Pacific, and Ryne Nardecchia, winner of Best Leading Actor for his performance as Sweeney Todd in Klein Oak High Schools Sweeney Todd: School Edition. We would like to applaud Allison, Ryne, and all the talented high school students and teachers who participated in the 2013 Tommy Tune Awards!

Vo l u n t e e r O p p o r t u n i t i e s
Theatre District Open House Mark your calendars! The Theatre District Open House will be held on Sunday, August 25th. Details and shift information to come.

800 Bagby St, Suite 200 Houston, TX 77002 Tel: 713-558-2600 HSMT: 713-558-8801 Fax: 713-558-2650 E-mail: ashly@tuts.com

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Questions or comments? E-mail us at ashly@tuts.com or call 713-558-2600.