Mariel Blatt

Age: 20
Internship: Performer, 2010
Home Town:Brooklyn, New York
School Attending/Attended: CAP21
Theatre Credits: Cassie (A Chorus Line), Sarraghina (Nine), Mazeppa (Gypsy).

Describe your experience with Summer Stock NYC:

I had a very enlightening, rewarding experience with Summer Stock NYC. I gained the opportunity to learn new, invaluable things from fellow peers I had not previously worked with as well as seasoned professionals. Additionally, this was the first real opportunity I had to apply all three disciplines of what I've been studying intensely for three years--song, dance, and acting--simultaneously. To do all that and know that I was getting paid was nothing I had ever experienced before and hope to experience throughout the rest of my career.

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

I learned that there will be a tremendous amount of music and choreography to learn and take beyond the notes on the page and the steps we learn in rehearsal. Time is of the essence and it's best not to waste any of it. If I have a bit of free time at rehearsal, I have to utilize that time to the best of my ability, whether that means listening to my body and getting a snack or reviewing a step.

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

The most successful aspect of my experience was all the practice I got with song and dance and having to perform it not just in front of a paying audience. Until I had the Summer Stock NYC experience, I really only sang and danced at the same time once or twice a year. I also found that I learned a lot about how I will have to deal with all kinds of people.

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

Summer Stock NYC is the experience of a lifetime. It is like musical theatre boot camp, in a way; a kind of intensive. But it is a consistently supportive environment. You learn a lot from peers legends such as Karen Mason. Just watching her sing "As If We Never Said Goodbye" felt like a master class each time. Also, being in NYC, paid for your craft and passion, is awesome.