Due to the global pandemic, this year in the theater department Director of Theater Kyle Reynolds has strengthened and amplified the Broadway at KO program in place of the winter musical. Mr. Reynolds has brought in several Broadway artists for KO’s theater students to learn from in a series of masterclasses.
KO’s theater program has attained quite the reputation over the past few years. Last year’s production of “Thoroughly Modern Millie” brought home multiple HALO awards, including Best High School Musical in the entire state. Previously, KO’s production of “Chicago” won multiple HALOs as well, including Best Choreography. Though it’s unfortunate that we will not be able to have a musical production this year, it’s no surprise that Mr. Reynolds has some tricks up his sleeve to make this a productive season, and we are sure that next year the theater program will be back and better than ever. The alternative this year is a fun, innovative way to keep theater students’ skills intact.
This year, the theater department will be holding a series of masterclasses. For an hour every Thursday, KO students will work on dancing, stage presence, or singing. In addition, every student is preparing a song to work on and eventually perform for one of the eight masterclass teachers in order to get feedback from a professional. One-on-one rehearsals with Mr. Reynolds and choir director Steve Mitchell will take place leading up to a student’s performance.
These classes are with the best of the best: Broadway stars, choreographers, singers, and dancers. Thus, despite not being able to hold a winter musical, the KO Theater Department has certainly raised the bar in terms of providing top-tier artistic training. Normally, there would only be two or three Broadway masterclasses held during the school year, but to make sure the students are able to maximize their theater experience, Mr. Reynolds is bringing in one artist every week for the entire winter sports season.
“These aren’t just regular household names,” Mr. Reynolds said. “These are the best performers, directors, choreographers, singers, actors, original Broadway cast members, but most importantly, excellent educators.”
Mr. Reynolds explained the role of these events in his larger goals for the theater program. “The purpose of these classes is to continue a thriving, artistic destination for theater, dance, and singing within the theater department,” Mr. Reynolds said. “I’m most excited that the students in my department, who I love so dearly, continue to get the opportunity to learn from the best of the best. We can’t afford to miss this opportunity to level up.”
Students in their first or their last year of theater alike are disappointed in the lack of a traditional musical this year; however, because of this year’s alternative, spirits are still high, and everyone is still excited. Sophomore Jhanvi Daddala and senior Snehaa Ram expressed their thoughts about this opportunity. “I think the masterclasses we’re doing are very educational,” Jhanvi said. “It’s really good to get back to the basics of musical theater. It’s good to focus on individual interests”
Snehaa, an avid artist in the KO scene, also expressed her excitement for the opportunity the masterclasses provide despite not being able to take part in a normal winter musical. “As a senior, it’s sad because the musical is something I’ve done for as long as I can remember, but it’s nice to still have that time of year where I can sing and dance,” she said. “I think it’s really important to get feedback on things you’ve been working on. It really makes you want to put in the effort to work on technique so that you can really get the most out of these classes.”
Moreover, through the fantastic efforts of Mr. Reynolds, the KO Theater Department is making the most of these tough times, providing those involved with the performing arts a unique opportunity to learn and grow as actors, singers, musicians, and dancers.
