YOUNG STARS ON THE RISE

• Hi Sheree, So today at our final dress rehearsal for my school's production of Rimers of Eldritch, the administrator's decided to cut a few inappropriate lines from the show. My fellow cast members were freaking out and yelling and criticizing the principal, saying how unfair it was, saying that they shouldnt have done it so late in the game, and this went on to a point where I felt the need to say something. I told them all that although it seems bad, its really not. There were many inappropriate things in the show that could have been cut, but that were not. I also told them that as actors, learning to adapt to unexpected change is a great skill to have and that it will only help us to grow. I told them about the first show of Broadway Jayne and how we had to cut a lot of things mid-run and kept having to adjust. I told them that it was hard but as a performer, it helped me to learn to adjust and roll with the punches, hone improvisational skills, and gain an overall sense of professionalism. I just wanted to let you know because in the situation, Emily and I immediately thought about how working with you and working in both My First Kiss and Broadway Jayne, has really helped us to grow as actors and gain a sense of maturity when it comes to dealing with things like this. I feel as though I am much better off than any off my cast mates because of all the valuable lessons I learned from working with you. Thank you for everything:) I know the situation with cutting scenes in Broadway Jayne was unexpected, but it had to be done, and working through that  has really helped me learn to act professionally and maturely, along with many many other things that I learned about working with original material. While people in the cast are still carrying on about how they cannot believe the horror of the situation, I feel really good to know that I can adapt to change easily and quickly, think on my feet when things go wrong in a scene, and act professionally on all fronts. I think all of these things will help me tremendously in pursuing a career in the arts and I wanted to thank you for the amazing experience one more time♥ ~Stephanie Occhipinti~

Dear Sheree -

Dear Sheree- I just wanted to say thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for everything. You have taught me so much about theater, and how to take direction and so much more. I am so glad that I was a part of My First Kiss. I don't know what I'll do with my Sundays anymore! Meeting you, Frank, and Lily has been a wonderful part of my life and I hope that we will keep in touch, because I consider Lily a fantastic friend, and I hope to see all of the Kren family soon. I made so many new friends in this process and I wouldn't change them for the world. When I am in that theater, acting your script, I feel like myself. I feel happy and full of life. Thank you. Thank you for making me feel that kind of emotion through this art. I will never forget the times we had throughout the six months we rehearsed. Thank you for everything. You are fantastic.

Love,

Olivia

Hi Sheree,

Well my experince in our show was very productive because every one worked their part perfectly.I as Jackeline got the chance to know what it feels like to be on spotlight meaning getting to know how it feels like to be an actress truly.My exprince in the My First Kiss show was also very fun to do with everyone even it was alot of work but we pushed through and I now see how my cast and I got sooooo far. I also experinced this showing by having to to really sacrifice myself for six months but as I got use to it being in this show didnt and isn't like work to me, thanks to you Sheree.I just want to say that I'll never forget you ,you will always be my role model and like a secong mom to me. I AM GOING TO MISS YOU SHEREE.=)

Dear Sheree,

I just wanted to thank you for everything you did to put this show together and keep it running as smooth as it did.

Your experience and teachings have obviously impacted and rubbed off on every single one of us in some way, shape, or form. I truly appreciate your outlook on, as you put it, "the art" instead of "the business." Anyone with eyes can see that you truly care and are deeply passionate in all that you do with the theatre.

 I don't think I could have learned more from this experience. You are just so great, and so wonderful to work with. Even when you are hard and tough on us I KNOW that everyone (definitely including me) understands that you have the experience and that you are doing it to teach us, and that couldn't mean more to me. 

Again, thank you so very much for this extremely wonderful experience I will never forget. Please, please, please, please keep in touch (did I say please?) 

As I'm sure you know, or maybe you don't, I will not be trying out for Broadway Jayne due to severe conflicts it has with another show I am in, however I really would love a chance to work with you and some of these wonderful cast members again so please keep me on the mailing list!

Again, I cannot say enough how grateful I am for everything you and Frank did to make this a possibility. The joy that performing brings to me is too much for words and it is fantastic to know that there are people like you and Frank who are truly in it for the enjoyment it brings you as well.

Words cannot describe how much I took from this experience, and how much I will take with me to use in my next shows, or wherever I end up. 

Thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart for everything Sheree, this experience was unforgettable.

Love,

Matt Luyber

Thank you so much for giving Jacie the role for dee:) we had so much fun, it was a journey, and we can'T WAIT TO do it again, again and again,we loved it!!!!!

Janna Gonzalez

Dear Sheree,

Thank you so much for giving our daughter, Amanda, the opportunity to play the role of Coral in your original production of My First Kiss. We are grateful and appreciative for all the support you, Frank, and Lily provided to her during this experience. In looking back at where Amanda was in October when we initially embarked on this journey with Young Stars on the Rise, we could never have imagined how much Amanda would develop and grow as an actress under your direction and leadership.  It was indeed a lot of hard work and a lot of tears along this journey, but it was all so worth the effort.

You are an extraordinary writer, director, producer, mentor and coach with a vision for excellence.  You know how to motivate and nurture your cast so that they can become the best actors/actresses they can be. Your patience, time, and dedication to each cast member were extremely admirable. Even though there were unforeseen challenges that presented themselves, you managed to overcome these unexpected circumstances and successfully put on an awesome show.   You are a professional in all that you do and your passion for theater is evident. 

You kept us informed of assignments and timelines well in advance. Although we had nightmares of those character bio, prop/costume logs and moment before documents, we learned so much from them.  One of the many things we learned from being part of your show is that without taking the time to really prepare, organize and develop one’s character you will be doomed on stage and will not succeed in this competitive industry. It is the actors/actresses responsibility to engage the audience. Amanda was able to organize herself and develop her character as well as she did with the help of these assignments. THESE DOCUMENTS ARE SO CRITICAL and Amanda will reference these materials in all future productions she may be in. THANKS TO YOU!!!!!

I do not want to leave out your wonderful husband, Frank and talented daughter Lily. Frank was so supportive of the cast particularly during tech week and performance nights.  His feedback was always so constructive and sensitive to each cast member.  Lily, our cheerleading choreographer, you are an inspiration to all young actors out there. Your work ethic is admirable.  You are such a phenomenal young lady and performer!  You rocked your “Firework” solo and you were such an amazing Lane.  As Lane and Veronica would say, “OMG” totally awesome! 

Although, Amanda was not able to audition for Broadway Jane due to conflict in schedule, we do look forward to having the privilege to audition and work with all of you again in the future.  Please keep Amanda Velazquez on your list.  We will also keep in touch through Young Stars on the Rise website.  We will be in the audience to support BJ this coming August. Woohoo!

We love you all and see you soon.

Silvia and Amanda Velazquez (aka Coral)

Sheree and Frank,

I can't believe I miss it and I didn't even perform!  I just wanted the both of you to know, that the cast and everyone involved with My First Kiss had a certain kind of energy that you just can't put into words.  It was electrifying, contagious and fun!  It was great to see a bunch of kids grow as actors and not be afraid to give it  their all. The both of you made them feel that they could accomplish anything in a safe and loved environment.  Sheree you set ground rules that also made it a professional place to be.  I was amazed at how everyone came together as a family and everyone was respectful and just  plain NICE!  Being a part of My First Kiss was a unique, exciting and memorable experience.  I know I must have said it a thousand times but thank you both for giving Cara the chance to be in MY First Kiss.  I wanted her to experience being a part of show and have the opportunity to do something you love.  I would love for Cara to have the opportunity again to be a part of Young Stars On The Rise.  To use Sheree's words it was "JUST AWESOME!"  Barbara Mandile