Brandon Contreras

Age: 20
Internship: Performer, 2010
Home Town: Jackson, New Jersey
School Attending/Attended: Pace University
Theatre Credits: Mitch Mahoney (Spelling Bee…), Luther Billis (South Pacific), Quanah Parker (Quanah), Sunday in the Park with George.

Describe your experience with Summer Stock NYC:

This experience was very valuable. With this production i was able to work with 7 outstanding Equity Ladies as well as students in the CAP21 program. It was a wonderful collaboration and I believe that it truly impacted me for the better. To learn from each other and grow from each other through this tough process was fantastic and I learned so much.

What did you learn from working in a professional theatre setting?

I learned that professionalism is the key ingredient when putting a show together. You have many things to take into account. The safety and comfort of the fellow actors around you is extremely important and you should respect it. Working with the "Leading Ladies" was a very valuable tool, I was able to see in what regards how they would address problems kindly and respectfully, how well you should know your material, as well as how you can keep a professional demeanor and have a fantastic time whilst doing it. I have also learned that other actors may not understand the full value of concentration but you have to focus and finish your own task before worrying about others. From individual growth and experience, you will shine in your own fashion.

What was the most successful aspect or element of your experience?

The most successful aspect was learning a new way of professionalism. Also, I would have to say working with a choreographer like Tony Stevens is an opportunity one has in a lifetime and to grasp as much information and learning technique as you can from this experience.

Are there any other comments you can share to provide insight for future participants in Summer Stock NYC?

There are many things us "young hopefuls" can learn from each other as well as grow from.