12 Student Performers work on 24-Hour Play with Local Alumni

12 NFA performing arts students participate in a 24-hour Play Workshop event hosted by Safe Harbors of the Hudson Valley. NFA Alumni Spencer Conti (Class of 2019), now the Associate Producer of Performing Arts and Community Programming in Newburgh, coordinated the event.

In just 24 hours, 12 Newburgh Free Academy students wrote, developed, cast, directed, rehearsed, promoted, and performed the first-ever original 10-minute play created entirely within the span of the Newburgh Fringe Festival. The students were guided by local writing, acting, and directing mentors Bobby Johnson, Jarvis Tondio, and Mike Pirillo (NFA Class of 2017).

In addition to working with alumni Spencer and Mike, Chaundre Hall Broomfield recently returned to work with students, NFA performing arts students were visited by Briana Bene (Class of 2017), who shared insights from her career in modeling, acting, and music, and Nyssa Valerio (Class of 2021), who is currently working in film production.

We are incredibly proud of our alumni and grateful for their willingness to return, share their journeys, and inspire our current Goldbacks who have big dreams.

Story and photos provided by Ms. Mandy Clifford, NFA Dance Teacher / Musical Production Director.

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!