A New Crop

Posted by Gerard Minaya, 15, a new member of MCC Theater’s Youth Company—

Growing up in the Bronx, with many aspirations, nothing caught my eye and heart like performing arts. I grew up listening to music and dancing to it. Watching movies and imagining myself in one. But, never did I imagine that I would be presented with two different opportunities / programs in the same year offering what I love to do: dancing, which I do Saturdays in dance school, and acting, which I now do every Tuesday at the Youth Company.

When I heard about the Youth Company, I wanted to know more. I was told that I’d have to audition and I immediately said no way! I thought it was going to be an American Idol type of thing where you have lots of people watching you on stage. I was nervous, but I decided to go because of that passion in me to pursue my dreams. When I got to the audition, I was totally amazed. The audition was nothing like I imagined it to be. The Youth Company staff made everyone feel comfortable and told us what they’re all about. Then we auditioned in groups and it wasn’t a hard monologue to perform at all. And I got accepted into the Acting Lab!

Entering the Youth Company (not knowing even one person) – it was a little hard for me to open up and let my guard down. But these past two months have been really stressful at school and having the Youth Company to go to really gets my mind off of everything. I think it’s made me a much happier person towards school.

I have a dream of one day becoming a successful actor and dancer and feel I can only accomplish that with commitment, passion, responsibility, collaboration, and strength. Being in the Youth Company, I know that I can accomplish my goals. I look forward to Acting Lab every Tuesday and feel that I have already learned a lot. I’m hoping to learn and accomplish even more this year and in the years to come.