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Hamilton Spectator
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
All the world's a summer camp
There was a dissection going on in the director's lounge on the second floor of Theatre Aquarius. No blood. But by the end, a lot of guts. As in confidence. The seven teenage girls seated around music teacher Treasa Levasseur were working through the lyrics of 'This Is Me,' from the Broadway musical and film 'The Greatest Showman' (starring Hugh Jackman, Zendaya and Zac Efron), figuring out how to move from one section to another. Levasseur pushed a few keys on her phone and the music spit out from a powerful speaker on the ground by her keyboard. 'Everyone feeling good about their parts?' she asked. 'Not terrible,' one girl groaned. Teenagers. These teens were one of three groups of children participating in this year's Theatre Aquarius summer camp. Three programs are offered this year: Glee-atre, a weeklong song-acting-and-dance program; a weeklong comedic acting class based on commedia dell'arte; and a creation camp, where students write the songs and story for a musical, then act and direct it in two weeks. (You read that right.) As well, each of the programs is divided by age group. There are teens (14 to 17 years old), 'middles' (10 to 13 years old) and 'littles' (six to nine years old). Levasseur asked two girls to approach a microphone for their solos. They sang. She got them to do it again. And again. Each time, pushing: 'Can you repeat that with conviction?' 'Can you give me a Superman pose?' Speak the lyric, Levasseur asked: 'I am brave, I am bruised; I am who I'm meant to be: this is me.' 'What is the feeling under this lyric?' 'Confidence,' they answered in one voice. 'Can we dial up the confidence?' You could hear the volume in your feet. Camp starts the same each day, with a group circle of all the campers, teachers, volunteers and 'emerging leaders,' or junior teachers. Last Tuesday, the day started with a round of duck-duck-goose and what's known as the clapping game, where a camper claps at their neighbour, the neighbour 'receives' the clap and then repeats the move to their neighbour and on around the circle the clap goes. Such games are normal warm-ups for acting students, no matter what age. Then the kids break up into three areas of the theatre under the direction of three teachers: music with Levasseur in the lounge; dance with choreographer Katie Edwards in the Studio theatre; and acting, under the direction of Stacy Smith on Aquarius's main stage. Stacy Smith leads the 'middles' through a session on acting. Each session culminates in a showcase where the kids perform the songs they've worked on all week for family and friends. One recent morning, the 'littles' group, comprising 16 or so girls, performed stretching exercises under the direction of emerging leader Juaneta Noman. A butterfly exercise — seated with the soles of their sneakers touching and the knees bouncing up and down — turned into a discussion about pizza toppings. Faves: cheese and pepperoni. And then 'I only like mushrooms when they're on pizza.' Noman asked the girls what kind of animals populate the world of 'The Lion King.' Answers ranged from 'courageous lion' to 'farting warthog' and 'wise meerkat.' After each answer, they moved about the stage channelling that animal. Noman pointed out that there are ways for actors to 'be' an animal on stage without crawling on hands and knees: finding a characteristic of that animal and inhabiting that. A girl pointed out that sloths sleep all day, then lay on stage. Noman seemed completely unfazed by the easy distractions. To her, being a teaching assistant to Stacy Smith was a matter of creating a welcoming environment for the children, something Smith echoed. Being on stage acting can be scary, she said. Smith said she isn't so much interested in building their confidence to get on stage than in establishing 'safe spaces where we can create.' Theatre games open the door. Theatre Aquarius campers look over the lyrics to 'I Just Can't Wait to be King.' Because the culmination of this particular session, Glee-atre, was a song-and-dance showcase, Smith's acting class was designed around getting the student performers to inhabit the lyric. One of the lyrics from the middles' song — 'Try Everything' from the movie 'Zootopia' — says 'I mess up tonight, I lost another fight.' The question to the tweens was whether they should aim to interpret that lyric as a character in the film or relate to it personally. The answers were mixed, but soon enough Smith got her neophytes to understand that in musical theatre, as in any drama, you'll lose the audience if you can't convince them of the authenticity of the emotion. To do this, she had them break down lyrics into a set of emotions they could act out in what are called 'tableaux,' like a staged still life. 'I messed up tonight' and 'I lost another fight' became opportunities to physically know what a lyric meant. Then, each actor was required to perform a dramatic reading of the lyrics. 'Don't just say the text, but make it personal, to your own story.' Later, the 14 girls and two boys stood before their campmates acting out 'I messed up tonight, I lost another fight, I still mess up, but I'll just start again.' Acting like they meant it. Acting like there were no truer words in their still-young worlds. Openings for the single-week comedy acting camp and the two-week creation camp, July 21 to Aug. 1, remain. For other summer camps in the Hamilton area, check out or .
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Lanarkshire theatre group Ups and Downs celebrate Pride of Scotland award
The group for young people with Down's syndrome and their families earned the P&O Cruises inspiration award in their 30th anniversary year A much-loved Lanarkshire theatre company is celebrating after earning a prestigious Pride of Scotland award. Ups and Downs, made up of young people with Down's syndrome and their siblings, was awarded the inaugural inspiration category prize sponsored by P&O Cruises at the glittering annual awards ceremony in Glasgow – where members then 'stole the show' with their impressive rendition of The Greatest Showman hit This Is Me. The group's representatives were given a standing ovation from a capacity audience packed with celebrities from across Scotland as they received their glittering trophy from Coronation Street actor Liam Bairstow, Strictly Come Dancing star Dr Punam Krishan and Wellerman singer Nathan Evans, of Airdrie. Now the group is planning a special celebration at Hamilton racecourse later this month to mark their achievement and to be able to celebrate with all of the organisation's members and families. Ups and Downs are celebrating the group's 30th anniversary in 2025, staging their special annual show to mark the milestone at Hamilton town house in March. They also have an exciting engagement in the diary for later in the year, as group patron Calum Beattie has invited the Ups and Downs performers to join him on stage by opening for him at his forthcoming show at the Hydro in Glasgow. Guests at the Pride of Scotland awards ceremony saw a special video showcasing the group's busy and fun rehearsals, with performers and their families speaking about the close-knit atmosphere, support among members and their loved ones and 'joyful' times together – with long-standing member Joanne Toner saying: 'I treat my Ups and Downs peers as family.' The group was first formed by three music teachers who had noted recognised that young people with Down's syndrome in the schools where they worked had a particular musicality and love for theatre; and now more than 70 young people plus their siblings come together for weekly rehearsals to show their creative talents and get set for their much-anticipated annual shows. Winning members were interviewed on stage at the awards event in Glasgow by Scots stars Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli – and group member Ellis Leggatt, 26, told them: 'Ups and Downs have been the most amazing friends of mine for 20 years and it's been so much fun.' He has been involved with the group since the age of five and mum Lorna, who now serves as club president, added: 'Rehearsals are the most uplifting thing and when you come to see the show it is the best feelgood factor you could hope to have. 'The joy that Ups and Downs are capable of spreading, and the idea that the rest of Scotland can get to hear about us and we can spread that joy, is just incredible. 'Young people with Down's syndrome can be funny, frail, musical, mischievous, wilful and witty just like everyone else. They're individuals with their own strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, hopes and dreams and, above all, they love to sing and dance – Ups and Downs allows them to show off their passion and they thrive on it.' The inspiration award winners' performance of This Is Me at the awards ceremony was described as 'spellbinding' and , fittingly, 'one of the most uplifting moments of the night'; while Lanarkshire musician Nathan said: 'When they sang everyone in the room got goosebumps.' Calling Ups and Downs 'amazing', he added: 'They are pure joy to watch; I had a lump in my throat. Their enthusiasm and passion is absolutely incredible.' Actor Liam said he was 'so honoured' to present the group with their Pride of Scotland award, while Dr Punam told members: 'Words that come to me are talent, heart, sparkle, joy – you are all so inspiraitonal. You've been lighting up the stage, lighting up lives and Scotland is so proud of all of you.' *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
Scottish Sun
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
J-Lo takes savage swipe at ex Ben Affleck as she debuts brutal new song about ‘broken' actor
The new track is a stark contract to J-Lo's 2024 album This Is Me . . . Now, which was all about rekindling her love with Ben AFFLECK A 'WRECK' J-Lo takes savage swipe at ex Ben Affleck as she debuts brutal new song about 'broken' actor SINGER Jennifer Lopez has lashed out at ex-husband Ben Affleck in a new track — calling him a 'wreck'. J-Lo, 55, also appears to accuse him of having 'broken parts' in a song called Wreckage of You. 3 Jennifer Lopez has lashed out at ex-husband Ben Affleck in new song Wreckage of You Credit: Getty 3 In the track J-Lo calls Ben a 'wreck' and also appears to accuse him of having 'broken parts' Credit: Getty 3 J-Lo debuted the song when she kicked off her Up All Night European tour in Spain Credit: Getty Kicking off her European Up All Night Tour in Pontevedra, Spain, earlier this week, J-Lo told fans: 'This is a new song that I want to sing for the first time that came to me when I was up all night, one night.' Performing the piano ballad live, J-Lo belted out: 'Thank you for the scars you left on my heart. 'I won't fall apart because of who you are and all your broken parts.' She later sings: 'Now watch me climb out of the wreckage of you.' read more on jennifer lopez PARTY VIBES J-Lo parties until 3am with huge British DJ after he remixes hit single The lyrics echo words she told her 17-year-old twins Max and Emme, her children from her earlier marriage to singer Marc Anthony. Following her split from Ben, J-Lo told El Pais magazine that she had told the twins: 'I said, 'I promise you, this is a difficult time, but you're going to see that I'll come out the other side stronger and better.' 'I promised them that and I did it. "They feel it now. That gives me a great sense of peace in my life.' It is also not the first time she has written about Ben. Her 2024 album This Is Me . . . Now was all about rekindling her love with Ben. Jennifer Lopez and rarely seen kid Emme co-ordinate outfits at Broadway opening night in New York It was seen as a sequel to her 2002 album This Is Me . . . Then, which was all about falling for actor Ben the first time. J-Lo and Ben first started dating in 2002 and became engaged. But they postponed their wedding in 2003 and split the following year. They rekindled their romance in 2021 and finally tied the knot at a surprise Las Vegas wedding in 2022. But they split again last year, with their divorce finalised in January this year Wreckage of You lyrics Thank you for the scars you left on my heart Was showing me that stars shine brighter in the dark I won't fall apart because of who we are But your broken parts Because of you, I am stronger, wiser Better than I've ever been I won't let you no longer, longer Ever say goodbye to me It was perfect the while that you made me believe Really got only greater for me And it made me stronger, stronger, bulletproof Now watch me climb out of the wreckage of you Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
The Irish Sun
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
J-Lo takes savage swipe at ex Ben Affleck as she debuts brutal new song about ‘broken' actor
SINGER Jennifer Lopez has lashed out at ex-husband Ben Affleck in a new track — calling him a 'wreck'. 3 Jennifer Lopez has lashed out at ex-husband Ben Affleck in new song Wreckage of You Credit: Getty 3 In the track J-Lo calls Ben a 'wreck' and also appears to accuse him of having 'broken parts' Credit: Getty 3 J-Lo debuted the song when she kicked off her Up All Night European tour in Spain Credit: Getty Kicking off her European Up All Night Tour in Pontevedra, Spain, earlier this week, J-Lo told fans: 'This is a new song that I want to sing for the first time that came to me when I was up all night, one night.' Performing the piano ballad live, J-Lo belted out: 'Thank you for the scars you left on my heart. 'I won't fall apart because of who you are and all your broken parts.' She later sings: 'Now watch me climb out of the wreckage of you.' read more on jennifer lopez The lyrics echo words she told her 17-year-old twins Max and Emme, her children from her earlier marriage to singer Marc Anthony. Following her 'I promised them that and I did it. "They feel it now. That gives me a great sense of peace in my life.' Most read in Celebrity It is also not the first time she has written about Her 2024 album Jennifer Lopez and rarely seen kid Emme co-ordinate outfits at Broadway opening night in New York It was seen as a sequel to her 2002 album This Is Me . . . Then, which was all about falling for actor Ben the first time. J-Lo and Ben But they postponed their wedding in 2003 and split the following year. They rekindled their romance in 2021 and finally But they split again last year, with their divorce finalised in January this year Wreckage of You lyrics Thank you for the scars you left on my heart Was showing me that stars shine brighter in the dark I won't fall apart because of who we are But your broken parts Because of you, I am stronger, wiser Better than I've ever been I won't let you no longer, longer Ever say goodbye to me It was perfect the while that you made me believe Really got only greater for me And it made me stronger, stronger, bulletproof Now watch me climb out of the wreckage of you Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
Tatler Asia
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tatler Asia
‘The Greatest Showman' star Keala Settle takes the stage at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater
This Is Me, An Evening with Keala Settle also features an orchestra and Settle will be joined by Jillian Itaas, Jep Go and a special appearance by fellow Broadway star, Arielle Jacobs. Mikko Angeles helms the show as the director, with musical direction handled by Farley Asuncion and choreography by JM Cabling. Audiences can expect a powerful performance of Broadway numbers, original compositions and reimagined pop anthems set behind the backdrop of immersive visuals and vibrant theatrics care of Ohm David, Meliton Roxas and Joyce Garcia. This is Me, An Evening with Keala Settle takes the stage on July 11 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theatre. For more information, follow their social media pages. NOW READ The Playbook Club's 'First Love, Last Love: A Twinbill' tells intimate stories of time and connection Reimagining the narratives of the past: the UP Vargas Museum highlights works by Lee Paje and Ampannee Satoh Virgin Labfest (VLF) 2025 courageously opens difficult conversations
