On a personal note, my family and I were fortunate enough to be able to visit New York City this weekend. One of the reasons we went was to visit two friends of NSAA: Rebecca Hare, alum as long time student and performer with NSAA. She is attending school in New York and it was terrific to catch up with her. We are so proud of all of her accomplishments and her desire to keep realizing her dreams through the arts.
 
And then Paul McGill, a newer friend to NSAA, he was our celebrity guest at Starlight Night last year and has joined our artistic advisory board.

My family and I went to the musical “Memphis” which is the show Paul is performing in on Broadway. Knowing Paul and what he’s involved in, I did expect the show to be terrific but it was beyond that. The dancing, singing, characterization telling the  story of Memphis was moving, to say the least. I left re-inspired on how the arts can be such a potent form of communication and how important it is for our culture and for our own souls.
 
Paul’s individual contribution to the show was nothing short of amazing. Obviously, the fact that he’s been in movies and on Broadway and in tv shows indicates that he has talent, but watching him on stage was truly an experience. He can fly as he dances, move as fluidly as the wind and has the energy that I always ask our young performers to give to their performances.
 
What’s more beautiful yet is Paul’s belief in what he does and his interest in sharing his gifts. I’m so proud to announce that he’ll be coming to NSAA on February 7th to teach, choreograph and share his insights into the world of performing arts. It’s a two hour workshop you won’t want to miss. Spaces are limited so look to register for this in our upcoming winter/spring brochure, soon to be released. How often do we have a chance to be taught by a performer on Broadway? We are grateful….

Finally, we do have one more exciting project that we are working on, in the visual arts department. I can’t wait to share it with you, and as soon as the details are finalized, I will. So please stay tuned, and thanks again for your continuous support.
 
Blessings,
Sheri

“Thanks to the special training she received at NSAA under the expert direction of Sheri Bestor, Debbie Knuth and Angela Mack, Rebecca Hare was selected to be part of New York City’s Fordham University Musical Theater Program. The Musical Theater program at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center Campus performs one production each semester. Many of the productions are original musicals directed by students.

Rebecca is thrilled to be part of this group, and will let all of her NSAA directors and friends know what production they are performing and when the show opens just in case there is a New York trip in your future.”  —Paula Hare, Co-Founder, Creative Director of Hare Stringenz

Becca Hare began with NSAA when she was kindergarten age.  Her role was a munchkin in the Wizard of Oz.  Many years later and many MANY shows later she was the lead in Seussical, Aladdin, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Wizard of Oz and more! 

Becca will soon be going off to college in New York to major in music and minor in theatre.  We think this is a fabulous fit for a FABULOUS girl!

One of the things that NSAA appreciates about Becca is that she works so well with people.  You will find her smiling most of the time.  You will find her helping somebody A LOT of the time.  Becca is a great role model for many of our young students.  She has been willing to mentor them as a volunteer as well as help around the NSAA facility over the years.  Becca is a giver.  And we are confident that whatever she learns in New York she will give an abundance back to society.

Becca Hare will be giving a voice recital on Saturday August 14 from 1 to 5 at Newcastle Place in Mequon.  We suggest that you go see her now before she gets too famous…….:)

“Becca” began with NSAA Stagekids when she was just a small child.  The first show that she was in was the “WIZARD OF OZ”.   After almost a decade and many, many more shows at NSAA, Becca ended her last Stagekids role as “Dorothy” in the WIZARD OF OZ. 

Becca is returning for NSAA’s 10 year anniversary production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” as one of the lead narrators.  This is despite the fact that she is also the lead role at Mequon Homestead High School’s production of “Annie Get Your Gun”.  As if that weren’t enough, she has some other major “out of state” auditions coming up.  “I’m never home,” Becca told us last night.  She works hard and her dreams are big.

Becca is is a shining star of NSAA.  She is a great student, role model, hard-working, ambitious and talented young girl who has an amazing future in front of her.  Keep your eyes on this gal.  She is going places!  And NSAA is glad to have had a part in developing the talents that she exudes today.

Please go see Homestead High School’s “Annie Get Your Gun” Feb. 25-28 then a month later our 10 year Anniversary “Joseph” Production at the Cedarburg Performing Arts Center March 25-28. 

As always, thank you for supporting the arts.  Arts programs build strong leaders such as this fine young lady.