Billye Kubiak Stroudsburg Area School District Education: Scholarship student at The School of American Ballet and Joffrey Ballet School, NYC. Voice and acting classes in NYC. Experience: Broadway (“42nd Street”Principal Role: Annie Riley), National Commercials (Canada Dry, Milk of Magnesia), Industrials (Met Life), Tours, regional theatre and current Pennsylvania Artist in Residence. Why Did You Choose This Profession? I always wanted to be a performer and loved to dance! Dream Role? I just directed Thoroughly Modern Millie-loved Millie! But there are many more! Professional Inspiration? Ballet was my first love. I was fascinated with Cynthia Gregory (American Ballet Theatre) When I was really young, I wanted to be Hayley Mills! Favorite Quote? “Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip toe if you must, but take the step.” Also, “We rise by lifting others.” Career Aspirations? Continue sharing the performing arts with communities, students and public schools. Trained or untrained, everyone can participate and fall in love with the theatre. Biggest Challenge as a Drama Teacher? Children and adults of all ages and abilities are part of the projects in which I am involved. My coworkers and I try to create an experience that is educational and fun, and that is appropriate for the group. Best Part of the Job? Working with my friends, community members and the students. Arts in the public school brought us all together. We try to involve as many people as possible in the musical. Over 50 student performers, 40 student pit musicians, stage crew, lighting, sound, sets, painters, t-shirt and November 2016
poster-program designers and volunteer community businesses including hairdressers, makeup artists, seamstresses, artists, architects, builders…and more. Advice to Students Before an Audition? Be prepared and be ambitious. Understand things do not always work out as one would hope, but enjoy what you do achieve and always be willing to try again. Did any Former Students Pursue a Theatre Career? Andree Vermeulen is best known for her roles in Angie Tribeca (created by Steve Carell). Ashley Sumner-a 2006 graduate attended NYU Tisch School of the Arts and appeared in many commercials, TV series and films. Kelly Vaghenas- a 2010 graduate attended Montclair University, where she is assistant teaching a Choreography III course. She is currently performing in New York and Europe. Favorite Theater Exercise? Because most of the activities I am involved in include dance, I love to get the kids moving. They are willing to try any style of dance and they give it their all! Dream Show to Direct? Crazy For You, Music Man, Hairspray, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Guys and Dolls. Upcoming Season at Stroudsburg? The 2016-17 will be filled with performances–Jr/Sr Show Choirs, Jr/Sr Chamber Orchestra, Jr/Sr Jazz Band, Chorale, Percussion and Pep Band, the Musical and more.
www.HappeningsPA.com
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