We’re taking our programming to the world.
Welcome to The 52nd Street Project’s podcast – The PROJcast!
A production of The 52nd Street Project, a non-profit arts education organization working with the children (ages 9 – 18) in Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan. The Project brings kids together with adult artists to create original work for the theater. The PROJcast offers a behind-the-scenes view of the work of the Project as the kids create and explore theater as well as other art forms, such as song, dance, poetry, film, radio and more. Long term-mentoring relationships form the basis of much of the Project’s work, and these episodes will feature reporting, stories, performances and interviews with kids and adults.
EPISODES:
“What’s the point of living if you don’t put up a fight?” – Amari, age 12
We’ve got an especially cool episode this month: Sevan interviews professional hockey player Brett Howden of the Rangers, and we have a performance of “Put Up A Fight” lyrics by Amari – who is appearing in our current production.
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The Members: Sevan & Amari
Project Volunteers: Marina Kondo (Social: @marinakondo); Sean P. Pallatroni (Web: seanpallatroni.com); Danny Ursetti (Web: dannyursetti.com, Social: @dannyursetti); & Chris Wendelken.
The PROJcast theme song was written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and is performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson).
“Brain, I love you. We are SO smart! Thanks for all of that help 15 years ago” – Ethan, age 15
Bringing you holiday magic, Project-style, we have Ethan’s fiction piece from Radiomaking; an interview between Smart Partners Nikolai & Alex Gould; and Nora Fox’s performance of Money, lyrics by Kiara, music by Jarrett Murray, from our Songmaking concert 2018 – Songs of Hell’s Kitchen.
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The Members: Ethan, Nikolai, & Kiara.
Project Volunteers: Frankie Alvarez, Joanna Parson (Web: joannaparson.com; Twitter: @jtparson), Clayton Grimm (Web: claytongrimm.com), Alex Gould (Web: alexjgould.com; Instagram: agouldini), Nora Fox (Web: NoraFoxMusic.com; Instagram: Nora_Fox), & Jarrett Murray (Web: JarrettMurrayMusic.com; Social: JarrettMurrayMusic)..
The PROJcast theme song was written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and is performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson).
“I thought it would be very fun, and I don’t think I was wrong in any sense of the word.” – Longan, age 9
Previewing our newest Playmaking production, we have a conversation between brothers Emmanuel and Logan. Emmanuel joined the Project seven years ago and Logan is one of the latest batch of writers about to make their debut on the Project stage. We’re also highlighting a performance by Jon-Michael Reese of Christian’s song “I Am A Pooper Hero,” with music by David Andrés Trujillo-Tapias from last year’s Songmaking concert. Jon-Michael can be seen performing in Logan’s play this weekend.
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The Members: Logan, Emmanuel, & Christian.
Project Volunteers: Jon-Michael Reese (Web: jon-michael.com, Social: TheJMRavatar), and David Andrés Trujillo-Tapias.
The PROJcast theme song was written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and is performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson).
“If you haven’t seen a family member for like a long time – introduce yourself. Be kind to them. Treat your family right.” – Gilbert, age 15
In time for the Halloween season, we have a spooky story, a song about changing your identity, and an interview with one of our Playbackers about his experience in a corn maze and apple picking, and working on his show — which premieres this weekend!
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The Members: Gilbert, Sevan, & Nyla.
Project Volunteers: Chris Wendelken, Katie Lee Hill, Danny Ursetti (Web: dannyursetti.com; Social: @dannyursetti), Kim Jinhyoung (Instagram: @mynameiskimyeah), and Natalie Walker (Email: natlieleerwalker@gmail.com; Social: @nwalks).
The PROJcast theme song was written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and is performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson).
“There’s a whole New York City, full of rats, waiting to be explored” – Justin, age 18
This time we’re spotlighting a couple of our graduating seniors. We have a monologue from our Radiomaking program about a stressed out teen trying to escape into the memory of her first kiss. Then we’re bringing you a conversation between Smart Partners Justin & Eric March about how they got started, and what they imagine the future holds. PLEASE NOTE: Contains mature language.
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The Members: Tiniah, & Justin.
Project Volunteers: Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), Zonia Tsang, Channie Waites, and Sophia Zukowski.
The PROJcast theme song was written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and is performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson).
“There’s a whole New York City, full of rats, waiting to be explored” – Justin, age 18
This time we’re spotlighting a couple of our graduating seniors. We have a monologue from our Radiomaking program about a stressed out teen trying to escape into the memory of her first kiss. Then we’re bringing you a conversation between Smart Partners Justin & Eric March about how they got started, and what they imagine the future holds. PLEASE NOTE: Contains mature language.
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The Members: Tiniah, & Justin.
Project Volunteers: Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), Zonia Tsang, Channie Waites, and Sophia Zukowski.
The PROJcast theme song was written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and is performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson).
David Andres Trujillo-Tapias and Christian teamed up to make some songs.
“Now I win, yes now I win” – Christian, age 10
We’re going to level up on video games this time. We’re featuring, from last fall’s Radiomaking program, Ethan’s interview with Roger Clark, who performs the lead role of Arthur Morgan in “Red Dead Redemption II” And we also have, from our Songmaking concert, a rap from the perspective of a gamer who’s a husky (and a rager), “The Truth About Messirez,” lyrics by Christian, and as performed by him.
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The Members: Ethan, & Christian.
Project Volunteers: Joanna Parson (web: joannaparson.com; Twitter: @jtparson); Clayton Grimm (web: caytongrimm.com), David Andres Trujillo-Tapias.
The PROJcast theme song is written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson).
Ricardo editing his piece with Ben Moss and Rafe Terrizzi during Radiomaking 2018.
Lynne & Sarah on a Smart Partner adventure.
Kiara & Jarrett Murray in Songmaking 2018.
“You can’t really expect the world to change by itself … only a person of power can do that. So, I think that the first step is to gain recognition and show people what good can do.” Sarah, age 11
Three different pieces exploring the theme of change – a Radiomaking play by Ricardo; an interview between Smart Partners Sarah & Lynne Marie Rosenberg; and a song with lyrics by Kiara, from our Songmaking concert last November.
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The Members: Ricardo, Sarah, & Kiara.
Project Volunteers: Arielle Goldman, Ben Moss (Instagram & Twitter: @benkmoss), Jarrett Murray (Social Media: JarrettMurrayMusic), Nadia Quinn (Social Media: @nadiaquinn), Lynne Marie Rosenberg (Twitter: @lynnerosenberg, Facebook & Instagram: @lynnemarierosenberg), & Rafe Terrizzi (Instagram: @randywaif).
The PROJcast theme song is written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson).
Karen in Playmaking Spring 2014
Wren Schmidt as the tv and Greg Hildreth as the wall outlet in Karen’s THE COMMOTION, Spring Playmaking 2014.
Ayah in Playmaking Spring 2019
Meredith Garretson & Jennifer Ikeda in ACCEPTION by Ayah
Antonella in Playmaking Spring 2019
Roma Maffia as Banana & Nick Mills as Nicky in Antonella’s THE ABUSED CHILD TURNS TO PRINCESS
“I’m kind of shocked that I wrote this. I’m like, ‘Wow! This is your prime.’” Karen, age 16
Project teen Karen revisits her first experience in Playmaking with one of her actors, Greg Hildreth. Then a couple of our newest Playmakers, Ayah & Antonella, share what their plays are about and what what inspired them. Drawn from our Behind the Pencil interviews, these two playwrights are having their NYC debut in OUT OF THE BLUE, Mar. 24 – 24 at The Project’s Five Angels Theater.
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The Members: Karen, Ayah, & Antonella.
Project Volunteer: Greg Hildreth (Soc. Media: @greg_hildreth)
The PROJcast theme song is written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson).
Laila, age 11, author of DARKNESS MEETS KINDNESS
Angelica Toledo & Marisa Kennedy in DARKNESS MEETS KINDNESS by Laila, age 11. Directed by Kimiye Corwin, music by Avi A. Amon
Frankie, age 11, author of NEVER GIVE UP
Geoffrey Cantor, Alex J. Gould, & Joshua David Robinson in NEVER GIVE UP, by Frankie, age 11. Directed by Nolan Duran, music by Avi A. Amon.
“My dad and my mom wanted us to go to 52nd Street Project because they wanted us to get entertained and they wanted us to have fun, instead being home.” Frankie, age 11
A couple of our newest Playmakers, twins Laila & Frankie, share what their plays are about and what they see for themselves in the future at The 52nd Street Project. Drawn from our Behind the Pencil interviews, these two playwrights are having their NYC debut in HEAD IN THE CLOUDS, Nov. 30 – Dec. 2 at The Project’s Five Angels Theater
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The Members: Laila, & Frankie
The PROJcast theme song is written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson).
Coleman, at age 10
GUMMY ENGLAND recording with Billy Crudup, Ben Mehl, Patrick Barnes, & John Sheehy. Photo credit (and voice of narrator): George Babiak.
Billy Crudup & Ben Mehl in GUMMY ENGLAND by Coleman. Original production photo: Winston Rodney
John Sheehy, Billy Crudup, & Ben Mehl in GUMMY ENGLAND by Coleman. Original production photo: Winston Rodney
Hannah introducing her song SPACE at our Gala, May 2018. Original event photo: Winston Rodney
Korey Jackson & Gizell Jimenez perform SPACE at our Gala, May 2018. Original event photo: Winston Rodney
“Now, I think that 10 year olds are small and weird … but if I’m 18, and I hear this … I’ll probably think I’m small and weird.” – Coleman, age 14
A radio play version of GUMMY ENGLAND, an interview with its author Coleman, and a performance of a Songmaking song, SPACE, from our May 2018, gala.
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The Members: Coleman, & Hannah
The Adults: Billy Crudup, Ben Mehl (web: benmehl.com), Patrick Barnes, Alanya Bridge, Korey Jackson, Gizel Jimenez, Avi Amon (web: aviamon.com, Instagram: @aviamon), Doug Derryberry, & Chris Schultz
The PROJcast theme song is written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson).
Smart Partners Joanna & Nicole pre-interview March 2018.
Joanna & Nicole prepared for Halloween 2018.
Ryan introducing his song JUMP OFF, at the Project gala, May 2018
Jin Ha, performing JUMP OFF at the gala 2018, backed by Avi Amon, Doug Derryberry, & Chris Schultz
Ryan & Jin taking a bow at A BUNCH OF BANANAS, our gala 2018
“I really love Hell’s Kitchen. I feel like, if I really HAD to change something … I don’t even know. I don’t think I would change anything.” – Nicole, age 13
A Smart Partner interview about life in Hell’s Kitchen, and a song about conquering your fears on a zipline.
Check out how you can help with the Puerto Rico recovery effort at hispanicfederation.org
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The Members: Nicole, Ryan
The Adults: Joanna Parson (web: joannaparson.com, Twitter: @jtparson), Avi Amon (web: aviamon.com, Instagram: @aviamon), Bryan Blaskie, Doug Derryberry, Jin Ha (Instagram: @ mistterjin), Chris Schultz.
The PROJcast theme song is written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson).
“Her screams echoed the woods…” – Kaitlin, age 18
Two creepy, crawly stories from our Radiomaking program, featuring a not-so-evil vampire and a not-so-ordinary girl in the town of Plainsfield…listen…if you dare…
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The Members: Kaitlin, Daniel
The Adults: Annabelle Cousins (web: annabellecousins.com), Michael Propster (web: michaelpropster.com. Instagram & Twitter: @michaelpropster), Grace Fojtik (web: gracefojtik.com, Instagram: @gracefojtik), Joanna Parson (web: joannaparson.com, Twitter: @jtparson), Avi Amon (web: aviamon.com, Instagram: @aviamon)
The PROJcast theme song is written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson).
Smart Partners Eliza & Thiana
“I would love to have a lot of siblings, but I can’t even deal with my own sister.” – Thiana, age 10
It’s a family affair! Sisters Tatianna & Thiana chat with their Smart Partners about family, travel, and being a member of The 52nd Street Project. Plus, a totally real and actual commercial for a completely imaginary movie.
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The Members: Tatianna, Sevan, and Thiana
The Adults: Krystel Lucas (web: flordelizperez.com), Sean Kenealy (web: aviamon.com; Instagram: @aviamon), and Eliza Huberth
The PROJcast theme song is written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson).
“He went from a gangster to a hamster.” – Jasmine, age 18
Project alum and current staff member Jasmine interviews her dad about his experience as a young man in prison. Listener discretion is advised.
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The Alum: Jasmine
The Adults: Flor de Liz Perez (web: flordelizperez.com), Avi Amon (web: aviamon.com; Instagram: @aviamon), and Jasmine’s dad.The PROJcast theme song is written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson).
“I was just wondering: for what reason do you send me to school?” – Ricardo, age 16
Grab your backpacks, we’re going back to school! A Smart Partner conversation about going to college, and two short original pieces about high school.
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The Kids: Kaitlin, Ricardo, Jasmine
The Adults: Eliza Baldi, Rafe Terrizzi (Instagram: @randywaif), Ben Moss (Instagram & Twitter: @benkmoss), Flor de Liz Perez (web: flordelizperez.com), Avi Amon (web: aviamon.com; Instagram: @aviamon)
The PROJcast theme song is written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson).
“And it’s kinda really fun cuz writing your own plays…actually kinda feeling like you’re in a Broadway show.” – Kassandra, age 9
A mini-episode featuring some of our newest members, plus a song about a magical doll.
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The Kids:Kassandra, Christian, Nikolai, Ricardo
The Adults: Wes Braver (composer; Web: wesbraver.com; Social: @wesbraver), Andy Danh (vocalist; Web: andydanh.com, Social: @en_dedans), Doug Derryberry (guitar), Jon Epcar (percussion; Web: jonepcar.org), Kimberly Grigsby (music director/keyboards), Backing vocals: Emily Afton & Trey Ellett.
The PROJcast theme song is written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson).
“I honestly thought that it was meat, but then flashback to reality – we were trying vegetables.” – Bryanna, age 12
In the second part of her food adventure, Bryanna tries vegetables.
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The Kids: Aaron, Bryanna, Kassandra
The Adults: Alexandra O’Daly (www.alexandraodaly.com)
The PROJcast theme song is written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson).
“It tastes crumby. Not like bad crummy, like food crumby.” – Bryanna, age 12
A picky eater tries new foods with her Smart Partner. Plus, a Playmaking play featuring a food fight, and a song about a very hungry tree.
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The Kids: Ayman, Tatianna, Bryanna, Emmanuel, Sabrina
The Adults: Krystal Lucas, Alexandra O’Daly (www.alexandraodaly.com), David Shih (www.davidshih.net), Kareem Lucas (www.kareemmlucas.com, Instagram:@KareemMLucas), Taylor Trensch, Danny Ursetti
Music for this episode by Avi Amon (www.aviamon.com, Instagram: @aviamon)
The PROJcast theme song is written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson).
“Any little thing that you say makes me laugh…and I don’t find that many people funny.” – Britney, age 18
Smart Partners Britney & Flor chat about roller coasters, dancing, and Britney’s departure for college.
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The Kids: Britney
The Adults: Flor de Liz Perez (www.flordelizperez.com)
The PROJcast theme song is written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson).
“I think I asked her like, almost, probably, every day…like when could I get a Smart Partner.” – Chayse, age 17
Let’s take a closer look at Smart Partner mentorships at The Project!
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The Kids: Chayse, Britney, Sevan, Lovely, Valeria
The Adults: Korey Jackson, Flor De Liz Perez (www.flordellizperez.com), Sean Kenealy, Therese Barbato (www.thatswhatshesaidpod.com), Mikhaela Mahoney
The PROJcast theme song is written by Justin & Eric March (Twitter: @eriqmarch), and performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson).
“It’s 3:42, June 16th, in the front of Dunkin’ Donuts…” – Jayleen, age 12
Three more stories told by Project members in our Storytelling program.
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The Kids: Rodery, Jayleen, Natasha
The PROJcast theme song is written by Justin & Eric March, and performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson).
“For me, the hardest part was picking one of my many fabulous stories.” – Jayla, age 14
A collection of short, personal stories told by Project members in our Storytelling program.
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The Kids: Jayla, Beyonce, Milen, Thiana, Nicole, Brandon
The PROJcast theme song is written by Justin & Eric March, and performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson).
“In the beginning, I was like, oh my god, what is my play gonna be about?” – Lakshmi, age 13
“When we go on the trips and get to spend time with everyone, and they take away your phone, that’s the best part…I totally forgot I had a phone.” – Lakshmi, age 13
We hear more from Smart Partners Lakshmi & January about their experience with Playmaking.
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The Kids: Lakshmi
The Adults: January Lavoy (Twitter: @justjanuary)
The PROJcast theme song is written by Justin & Eric March, and performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson.
41 mins. Released on Dec. 1, 2017 – “I remember writing the play and how agonizing it was.” – Emmanuel, age 13
Kids and adults take a look at The 52nd Street Project’s signature program: Playmaking!
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The Kids: Karen, Emmanuel, Gianna, Jayden, Nyla, Amari, Ethan, Lakshmi, Rosneyri
The Adults: Tim J. Lord (timjlord.wordpress.com; Twitter: @TimJLord), Frankie J. Alvarez, January Lavoy (Twitter: @justjanuary), Celia Keenan-Bolger (Twitter & Instagram: @celiekb), Rachel Dean (Twitter: @rachelmakesmusic)
The PROJcast theme song is written by Justin & Eric March, and performed by Rebecca, Nicole, and Marinda Anderson (Instagram: @marindaanderson, Twitter: @marindanderson).
4 mins. Released Nov. 17, 2017 – The 52nd Street Project is creating a new monthly podcast (with bonus episodes in between) called The PROJcast.
You’ll hear all kinds of content. Stories, interviews, songs, poems, radio journalism, commercial spoofs, and more. All of it by and about the kids and adults participating in the Project. This teaser is a sampling of what you’ll find on our show.
