A group of more than 20 conservatory students attended a performance of “The Other Americans” at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., on Sunday, Nov. 3, as part of Shenandoah Conservatory’s Capital Performances program. Students met members of the cast after the performance, including Sarah Nina Hayon and John Leguizamo. The trip was led by Director of Acting and Associate Professor of Theatre Scott Hudson, M.F.A., and Professor of Theatre Kirsten Trump, M.F.A.
“It was such an incredible experience seeing ‘The Other Americans’ at Arena Stage in D.C.,” said Wyatt Moore ’27 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting). “The theatre and set were beautiful, and the story was so powerful and moving. It’s such a beautiful family drama, and each character was so real and multi-faceted.”
“Seeing the world premiere of a new, inspiring work at a renowned venue like Arena Stage has been such an honor,” said Phelan Newman ’27 (Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting). “I think I can say for sure that everyone in my group was very moved, including myself. Although we come from different backgrounds, we were all able to find ways to relate to the material on a personal level. I was truly in awe to be in the presence of acting superstars like Leguizamo and Luna Lauren Velez, and cannot thank the company enough for meeting us after the show. For me, the show almost felt very Greek-tragedy-like. I just performed in a production of ‘Antigone’ here at Shenandoah, and the essence of the tragic hero with hubris can be very much seen in both productions. However, unlike the Theban King Creon, life must go on for Nelson Castro after losing everything.”
Capital Performances helps conservatory students attend exceptional performances in professional arts venues, realizing the incredible cultural resources available in our nation’s capital. By providing transportation and lower ticket prices, this initiative strives to remove barriers that prevent students from attending these outstanding performances. Conservatory faculty members travel with the students, allowing the opportunity for great discussions and expanded learning beyond the classroom. Students have attended performances at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Signature Theatre, Studio Theatre, Warner Theatre, Arena Stage’s Kreeger Theatre, and more. Capital Performances is facilitated by Coordinator for Theatre & Dance Recruitment and Associate Professor of Dance Erica Helm, M.F.A., in collaboration with faculty from throughout the conservatory.
