by Maddie Cassidy
Senior at The Heschel School
Photo by Da Ping Luo
Should you find yourself strolling through Central Park near The Pool at West 103rd Street, you may stumble upon something truly one-of-a-kind: a New York Classical Theatre rehearsal. Filled with laughter, smiles, and thought-provoking character discussion, NY Classical rehearsals cultivate a welcoming yet devoted attitude among actors and crew alike, who work together to create an exceptional, textually faithful production—and have fun while doing it.
Part of what distinguishes NY Classical’s rehearsal process is Founder and Artistic Director Stephen Burdman’s relationships with his actors, some of whom he has been working with for over a decade. Yet even with actors making their NY Classical debut, Burdman possesses a unique ability to not only deliver helpful constructive feedback, but to accept and consider that of the actors in doing so. He recognizes that all of the actors have studied their individual characters in just as great a depth as he has, and asks them for notes and feedback when difficulties arise. Ultimately, the rehearsal process is an entirely collaborative one, one where actors and their director work as partners in conversation whose contributions are equally important in perfecting the final product.
From the very first table read to the first public performance, to see the ways a NY Classical production comes to life during the rehearsal cycle is profoundly rewarding. Throughout the rehearsal cycle, actors and director alike make choices—some that stick, and some that don’t. But whether or not a certain blocking or pause tested in rehearsal makes it into the final cut, the little conversations that happen in making those final decisions develop into caring, lasting relationships built on a shared love of high-quality, accessible theatre.
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Join us for Open Rehearsals in Central Park, held Saturday–Thursday from 10:00am to 3:30pm, May 5–27. Drop by for a behind-the-scenes look at how scenes are staged, lines are shaped, and characters come to life. Rehearsals take place near the lake by the entrance at Central Park West and West 103rd Street. No tickets or RSVP required—just come as you are and stay as long as you like.