CEI hosted a Careers in the Arts panel as part of the Renaissance Charter School (TRCS)’s Rensizzle Week on Thursday October 24^th.  Rensizzle Week is a key element of The Renaissance Charter School’s unique curriculum that provides students in grades K through 12 opportunities to experience “real world” connections to their learning experiences. Rensizzle Week consists of five consecutive days during the school year when the school’s 7^th to 12th grade students have the opportunity, together with Renaissance teachers, to actively explore a topic of interest in great depth. Architecture, Drama NYC, Exploring NYC’s Neighborhoods, Get Fit, Science Explorations, and Students Care are some of the other topics offered for the Fall 2013 Rensizzle Week.

CEI’s Careers in the Arts panel took place the day after 15 students attended a performance of Murder for Two through Early Stages at CEI, a program that provides students with opportunities to attend plays and musical performance across New York City. At the panel, which was held at CEI’s Manhattan offices, the students met three different arts professionals: Amanda Dubois (Broadway producer), Jack L. Davis (Actor/Voice over artist), and Nadette Stasa (Commercial Casting Director).

Each of the professionals discussed their career paths and gave advice to the students aspiring to work in the arts.  Ms. Dubois advised the students to “See everything you can!” Mr. Davis added to that, stating “Do everything you can—acting is a doing verb. Don’t limit yourself.” Ms. Stasa encouraged both future actors and arts professionals to “Keep in touch and be yourself” to establish a long lasting network of relationships.

The students were curious about if one should have a back-up plan and recommendations for training programs. The most insightful discussion started around the question on what to do if your parents are not supportive of a career in the arts. Guidance on the subject of parents ranged from finding support for your dream within the community to getting your family involved in the arts so that they can see your passion for what you do.

TRCS students left with a wider knowledge of the array of careers in the arts, full stomachs and inspiration for the future. When CEI President Sy Fliegel stopped by the panel to say hello, he encouraged the students to “be courageous” to pursue their dreams and “practice, practice, practice” so that they too could one day be as successful as the panelists in whatever their chosen careers.

Thank you to Ms. Dubois, Ms. Stasa and Mr. Davis for lending their time and expertise to our students!