MANCHESTER – It isn’t often that a Broadway star comes to visit the township, much less host a workshop for high school and middle school drama students, but Constantine Maroulis did just that when he came to both schools recently.
The actor spoke with members of each school’s Drama Clubs for an exclusive workshop. He starred in the Broadway version of “Rock of Ages,” earning a nomination for a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. Therefore, it was fitting for him to share his knowledge and experience when local students perform “Rock of Ages-Teen Edition” later this spring.
Maroulis gained fame as the sixth-place finalist on the fourth season of “American Idol.” He has since starred in the title role in “Jekyll and Hyde” on Broadway, for which he received a Drama League Award Nomination for a Distinguished Performance Award.
Students were able to ask questions over a pizza dinner, take selfies, and learn from a professional in their field of interest. He conducted an interactive session, providing students with a deeper understanding of the musical. He offered tips on vocal techniques, stage presence, character and song development, and the nuances of bringing the 80s rock vibe to life.
MTHS Drama Director, Krystyna Hubbard quote: “We are incredibly excited to have had Constantine Maroulis lead this workshop,” said Middle School Director Kate Sherman. “It’s an extraordinary opportunity for our students to learn from a Broadway star who has left an indelible mark on the world of musical theatre.”
“It was awesome to see these talented students learning from a Broadway star. You could see their confidence and their interest in the performing arts growing. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said MTMS Drama Director Katie Sherman.
Manchester High School and Middle school students join Broadway star Constantine Maroulis who visited the two schools for a drama club workshop. (Photo courtesy Manchester Schools)
MTHS Sophomore Drama student Marisiya Goins said, “working with Constantine was truly a dream! As a student who eventually wants to end up in the spotlight and is looking for more workshop experiences.”
“Constantine’s constructive criticism and helpful remarks not only push me to do better but also give me a taste of musical theatre in the big lights. Not only was he incredibly nice to all of us, but he gave feedback to everyone no matter how big or small of a role,” she added. “I truly thank Constantine for coming in and hope that our Drama Club can get more exposure to musical theatre from other familiar faces.”
“The Rock of Ages workshop with Constantine Maroulis was so much fun. It was so interesting to hear about Constantine’s life and tips on performing. I learned so many helpful things like how to improve a performance or, if you want to choose the career path of music, how to get there,” said 8th grader Jenna Meyer.
Actor Constantine Maroulis joins Manchester drama students on stage during a recent workshop that he conducted. (Photo courtesy Manchester Schools)
The Township High School is inviting the community to witness the culmination of this exceptional workshop during the highly anticipated production of “Rock of Ages-Teen Edition” on March 22-23.
The virtual box office will open soon at manchesterhs.booktix.net.
Maroulis was born in Brooklyn but moved to Wyckoff, N.J. when he was five years old. He developed an interest in music and following the lead of his older brother by age 11 he was studying the trumpet at Eisenhower Middle School.
The performer later sang in high school garage bands, including Lady Rain and Milkbone. Maroulis graduated from Ramapo High School in 1993 and received a B.F.A. in Music Theater from Boston Conservatory.
He was in the cast recording of the 2000 musical, “Suburban Dreams,” which was produced by composer Stephen Thompson, Richard Kenner, and Jesse Merz. A few years before appearing on “American Idol,” Maroulis competed on the dating show “Elimidate” and was an extra in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
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