By: Rick A. Elina
Sarah VC Henderson, the Artistic Director at Teatro delle Muse was recently selected to attend a workshop on Broadway. As artistic director, Ms. Henderson was allowed to choose two students to accompany her and participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The students, Cam Wenrich and Alexis Henderson, no relation to Ms. Henderson, have both been previously written about in this column as standout talents.
I sat down recently with Ms. Henderson and interviewed her about her experiences on Broadway.
Ms. Henderson, why was this particular workshop so important for you?
I consider myself first and foremost, an educator. The purpose of this workshop is to help educators, such as myself, to better prepare students who have the desire and talent to work on Broadway. I was able to learn the ins and outs so-to-speak of making sure my students have the best chance for success. Let’s face it, the odds of making it in this business are astronomical and I want my students to have the best possible shot.
So as a theatre professional what was it like working on Broadway?
Well first of all, the fact that it takes place on Broadway, which is the pinnacle of the performing arts, just defies description. As Artistic Director at Teatro delle Muse, I have been fortunate over the last year to work with many gifted actors. In fact, a few of these actors you may very well find on Broadway in the near future. But personally, as a theatre professional, it’s very humbling to look around the room and realize you’re working with all these gifted award-winning individuals.
Like whom?
We worked with Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Enchanted, Pippin) Courtney Young (Young Frankenstein) Casting Director Justin Huff and Musical Director Kimberly Grigsby (Spring Awakening, Grease) Lin-Manuel Miranda (In The Heights) Angelina Avallone (Young Frankenstein). We also had talk-backs with Harvey Fierstein (A Catered Affair) Tom Wopat (yes the one from Dukes of Hazzard but more recently A Catered Affair). The list just goes on and on. I feel like one of those actors accepting an award and trying to remember all the people to mention. There’s just too many to name.
What valuable lesson did your students learn from the experience?
No matter what anyone says, you really can make it on Broadway. And by the way, this is something we constantly tell all of our students. We met with Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell, the writers and composers for [title of show] which is a great musical about the hopes, dreams and of course fears of making it on Broadway.
How has this workshop made you a better teacher?
I learned some great new spins on the standard theatre lessons. I came away with new and creative ways to challenge and inspire my students. But just the experience of learning from the best and most talented on Broadway will definitely go a long way in helping my students reach their potential and at the same time reach for the stars.
And Ms. Henderson quickly adds, “If you want to know more, just sign up for my classes starting in the fall.”
Rick A. Elina is a playwright based in Plano, Texas and is the Theatre Critic for the North Dallas Gazette.
