Independence Charter School

Philadelphia, PA

Reporter: Cindy Ripley, iTheatrics Senior Education Associate, Resident Master Teacher

April 12, 2012

When you work on a musical you often begin to see the cast as your second family. And the folks at Independence Charter School in downtown Philadelphia really have become a family. Independent Charter School serves students in grades K-8, but the musical is performed by the students in the upper grades. This means that there are some younger brothers and sisters who have nowhere to go while their older siblings are in after-school rehearsals. So what did the creative team do?  They invited these younger students into rehearsal where they can quietly do homework in the corner. But what happens more often than not is they watch everything that is happening in rehearsals, take it all in and it’s easy to see they are waiting for the day they too get to be in a musical.
Meet JUSTIN From Independence Charter School



Grade: 6 Favorite subject: Math Favorite band or singer: Bruno Mars Favorite sport: Soccer What’s interesting about you and your family? We do a lot of cooking. What do you want to be when you grow up? Singer or a dentist Role in show: Oliver Warbucks Favorite part of the musical's story: I like how a poor orphan gets adopted by a rich guy. Favorite part of rehearsal: The acting and singing Hardest part of being in the show: The work How has being in the show changed you? Respect and responsibility What do you think your family will say when they see the show? I think they will be proud. If you could travel in time and visit yourself right before you perform in the show, what would you say? Be relaxed. Don't really be that nervous.
Meet HANNAH From Independence Charter School
Grade: 6 Favorite subject: Math problem solving Favorite food: Cheese Pizza Favorite color: Light blue Hobbies: Baking, singing and dancing What’s interesting about you and your family? We mainly do everything together. What do you want to be when you grow up? Singer and Chemical engineer Role in show: Grace Favorite part of the musical's story: When Annie finds a good home Favorite part of rehearsal: When I get to sing How has being in the show changed you? I'm realizing who I truly am. Do you think it is important for other kids to be in a musical? Yes, because they will learn how to be storytellers. If you could travel in time and visit yourself right before you perform in the show, what would you say? I would thank everyone for making my dreams come true.

*Read about the "Make A Musical" Team's first visit to Independence Charter School!*
“NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make A Musical” program is administered by iTheatrics under the supervision of Timothy Allen McDonald.  For more information, or to apply to become a part of the program, logon to www.MAKEAMUSICAL.ORG.