All In A Day's Work – Day 5 at NHSMTA!

Posted on July 1st, 2013

Good morning DSM Fans!

Yesterday was Day 5 for Cameron and Dakota at the National HSMTA. I know I speak for them when I say it was their most challenging and rewarding day so far! Check out what they had to say about their day below!

DAKOTA:

Today we finally finished the opening and closing number. After that we performed our different medleys for the director and the other nominees, which was a blast. We spent the majority of our time today cleaning everything, and I’m so excited for the show tomorrow. We ate lunch then dressed in our character costumes for the medleys (I had missed being my Audrey more than I realized). Performing for the judges was more fun than anything else, and after that we changed again into our black dresses for our solos. I was a little nervous for the solos, but I tried not to be and just have a great time singing. We gathered at the end of the day in a big group around our choreographer, and as she started talking about everything that would be happening tomorrow I just couldn’t believe that I actually will be performing on a Broadway stage. This whole experience has been so rewarding, and I hope it shows tomorrow in our show. Wish us broken legs!

(Note from DSM Amanda – WE WISH YOU MANY BROKEN LEGS!!!!)

CAMERON:

I’m on a serious high right now because today was so epic. We started off the day by perfecting the opening number and proceeded to finish choreographing the finale–and might I say, both numbers are phenomenal. Next we finalized our medley numbers and performed them for the judges (just for fun; they don’t get scored until tomorrow).

From Cameron: My fellow medley members (excluding Rynne who was in the bathroom) in costume!

After that it was time to perform our solo pieces for the judges… Probably the most nerve-racking experience I’ve had in a while. And it didn’t help that I chugged a bottle of water before the solos started and couldn’t leave the room the entire time (not an ideal situation for a nervous actor with a small bladder). However, I pulled myself together and did nearly the best performance of my solo that I could’ve done.

Tracy and I after the solo performances (he cried because he was so proud!!)

That being said, I think everyone did their best performance tonight, based on what I’ve seen throughout the week. I can’t get over how insanely talented these fellow nominees are. So now the grueling part is over, and I can relax and enjoy my first time performing on a Broadway stage! I get to sleep in a bit tomorrow, but it’ll still be one of the most taxing days we’ve had so far. In the end, I know all the hard work will be worth it. Even if I don’t “place” in the top 3 male performers, I’ve had the experience of a lifetime, and nothing can take that away from me. I’m beyond anxious to see what happens tomorrow night!

Today is the day! The National High School Musical Theatre Awards are tonight! All the rehearsing, the sweat and tears, it all is in preparation for tonight! We know that Cameron, Dakota, and all of the other nominees from around the country are anxious and excited for tonight. We wish everyone (especially Cameron and Dakota) the VERY best of luck and can’t wait to hear about their day today!

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I hope you have a Marvelous Monday!

-DSM Amanda