Q. Smith Hosts LEAP Event, 2 NYC Students On To August Wilson Nationals

Q. Smith, featured cast member of Broadway's Come From Away, hosted the 10th annual New York City August Wilson Monologue Competition, sponsored by LEAP (Learning through an Expanded Arts Program, Inc.). Two winning students, first place Teslyne Junior of Edward R. Murrow High School in Brooklyn, and second place Victoria Lino, of Repertory Company High School for Theater Arts in Manhattan, will move on to the National August Wilson Monologue Competition on Broadway in May. Anthony Perez, also from Repertory Company High School, took third place and is the alternate. The presentation was held March 5 on Stage 2 of New World Stages, 340 W. 50th St., New York, N.Y.

A total of 16 LEAP students from eight New York City high schools in four boroughs gave life to Wilson's extraordinary characters and provided unique interpretations. Q. Smith brought the house down with a rousing rendition of "Don't You Worry 'bout a Thing," and Tony Chiroldes, original Broadway cast member of In the Heights, inspired the contestants with "Make Them Hear You," from Ragtime, accompanied by Ben Rauch. LEAP alumnus Keith Thompson, a former contestant now attending Nassau Community College, provided encouragement and reflection on the lifelong benefits of the program. Thompson is also now a LEAP intern.

Through a comprehensive LEAP artist residency, students are immersed in Wilson's Century Cycle, 10 plays chronicling the African-American experience in the 20th century, and choose the monologues. The competition is the culmination of LEAP's August Wilson Program, and is part of a nationwide initiative, which introduces new generations of high school students to the works of the renowned playwright (winner of two Pulitzer Prizes), while exploring African-American history and his legacy. The top two winners move on to the National August Wilson Monologue Competition (held May 7, 7 pm, at the August Wilson Theatre on Broadway, presented by Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre Company, Jujamcyn Theaters, Delta Air Lines and Aetna, and hosted by Leon himself).

LEAP's NYC judges include accomplished directors and actors: Terry Berliner, Jessica Frances Dukes, Jolie Garrett, Gary John La Rosa and Jamil A.C. Mangan.

The contestants included two students from eight New York City schools:

• Belmont Preparatory High School, Bronx: Melody Velasquez and Winnifer Pichardo
• EBC High School for Public Service, Brooklyn: Maritza Barrera and Jhan Carlos Nunez
• Edward R. Murrow High School, Brooklyn: Teslyne Junior and Rashawn Sangster
• Hillcrest High School, Queens: Hershebed Dorcil and Kaitelyn Dorlette
• Juan Morel Campos Secondary School, Brooklyn: Michelle Morales and Joseph Diaz
• Millennium High School, Manhattan: Matt Barberio and Alfred Regan
• Repertory Company High School for Theater Arts, Manhattan: Anthony Perez and Victoria Lino
• Spring Creek Community School, Brooklyn: Natalya Gammon and Erika Pierce

"August Wilson's work resonates with students from every corner of this city and this event is proof," says Rich Souto, LEAP's Executive Director. "LEAP's programmatic focus is on collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creativity. This evening is a shining example of all of these essential competencies."

LEAP's August Wilson Program and Competition is made possible by Time Warner, the Applebaum Foundation, Axe-Houghton Foundation, Michael Tuch Foundation, Richenthal Foundation, Rosenthal Family Foundation and Ted Snowdon Foundation. Funding is also provided by the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

For more information about LEAP's programs, visit leapnyc.org.