Penn-Trafford graduates are bringing ‘Broadway to the Burgh’
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Penn-Trafford High School grads Lindsey Brett Carothers and Jarrett Reiche know what it takes to make it on New York City’s famed Broadway.
Carothers is an actress who has been in the Broadway musical “Bring it On” and starred as Glinda in the national tour of “Wicked.”
Casting professional Reiche works for Binder Casting and has had a hand in Disney’s “The Lion King,” on Broadway and its national tour, as well as the Radio City Rockettes’ “Christmas Spectacular.”
The pandemic put all of that on hold and has forced Broadway shows to be canceled until at least 2021.
So Carothers and Reiche came home and created “Broadway to the Burgh,” an opportunity for high school and college students, as well as adults interested in theater.
They have 15 years combined experience and want to share their behind-the-scenes knowledge during a series of classes.
The pair will focus on how to prepare for an audition, the difference between a manager and an agent, and the key to setting oneself apart from hundreds of actors and actresses.
There are three classes, all on Sundays beginning Oct. 18 through Nov. 22 at M&M Studios in Monroeville. Space is limited.
The classes are: The Broadway Audition, from noon-2 p.m.; The Actors Roadmap, 2:30-4:30 p.m.; and What’s In Your Book?, 5-7 p.m. Cost is $347 for one class, $619 for two, and $841 for three. All are for the six-week period. On Oct. 4, there will be a free two-hour Zoom class to offer insight on the upcoming classes. Learn more about it here.
“We are here, so why not do something to help someone else? We have the knowledge, so we should do something to share it,” Reiche said.
The Broadway Audition will introduce different scenarios and show one how to come in, be handed music and then sing it. They will teach how to approach an audition and make it your own, said Carothers, 29, who attended Pace University in New York for musical theater.
“As a performer you have to be flexible and malleable,” she said. “It takes preparation but it also takes confidence.”
The Actor’s Roadmap will teach improvisation, script analysis, scene breakdowns, character development, monologue work and cold readings, reading aloud from a script with little or no rehearsal.
The pair will teach the principles of acting, singing and dancing. You have to know how to do all three, they said — and the most important is acting. You also have to be able to make decisions on the spot.
“They can tell in your face the truthfulness in your story,” Carothers said. “And that will almost always get you the job over someone who is a better dancer or singer. You also need good energy and a casting director can feel the energy the minute you walk into a room.”
What’s in Your Book? focuses on songs from different genres, such as country and pop and rock. It’s important to have a myriad of songs and Carothers and Reiche will help students learn about a range of music.
“Don’t just sing musical theater songs,” said Reiche, 25, who attended Marymount Manhattan College for musical theater and business management. “We can help you find good songs for your book. And you have to love everything you have in your book. It’s an opportunity to show off your personality. What you do in an audition is what makes us want to call you back. What about you is different?”
Just like in life, developing good relationships is essential, Carothers said. Because at a certain level, everyone is really talented. And there will be rejection. They coach students on how to handle that, as well as anxiety.
“You will be nervous, but if you are prepared, you will be less nervous,” Reiche said. “That’s why we are doing this, to help you be less nervous and anxious and more prepared. We love what we do and are super passionate about Broadway and acting. We weren’t offered anything like this when we were just starting out, so we want to give these people a launch pad. It’s also a way to keep theater breathing during this crazy time.”