Chariho Actors Get Masterclass From Broadway Actor

This year’s spring musical by the Chariho Theatre Company will be more polished than ever, thanks to a once-in-a-lifetime coaching from Broadway’s original Newsies cast member, Ben Fankhauser.

Chariho Theatre Company Director Rebecca Burns got in touch with Fankhauser through a New York company called “A Class Act.” This company works with professional actors and reaches out to schools to see if they are interested in setting up a workshop.

“When I saw Ben Fankhauser on the list, I knew we had to jump at the opportunity!” said Mrs. Burns.

Fankhauser made his Broadway debut in the musical Newsies and has enjoyed doing regional theatre around the country. He was more than happy to share his experiences from the original Broadway production with the Chariho Theatre Company in order to enhance their own production.

Bringing his fine expertise of theatre, Fankhauser prefaced the workshop by encouraging the actors to take creative risk through their storytelling.

“By taking creative risks we are able to learn from our failure and make creative growth,” Fankhauser told the actors.

During the workshop, Fankhauser helped with three title songs from the show and also emphasized the idea of storytelling through body language and reactions.

“In this workshop, I'm hoping to pass on an understanding of storytelling in which [actors] use their whole body to help tell the story,” Fankhauser said.

Ultimately, Fankhauser says that he hopes to encourage the students to find their passion and stick to it.

“Theatre is one of those cool things that has to be passed down. I think there is something about the legacy that comes with great responsibility and that it is the job of a certain generation of actors to pass that along.” Fankhauser continued, “It’s important to me that I am able to have a hand in expressing my passion for acting and hoping that someone else out there might identify with that passion—whether that be for theatre, science, engineering, writing, designing.”

Although undoubtedly excited and nervous about Fankhauser’s visit, Mrs. Burns says that her nerves subsided and that she was truly able to enjoy the experience.

“It was surreal,” Mrs. Burns said. “Ben enhanced the show by giving purpose to every movement the actors complete. I am excited for everyone to see what these students have to offer.”

And as for the professional actor, Fankhauser said, “I was super impressed.”

The Chariho Theatre Company’s performance of Newsies opens on Friday, May 3 at 7 p.m., with two more shows on Saturday, May 4 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 5 at 2 p.m. General Admission is $10 and Students & Seniors Admission are $8. Tickets will be sold at the door, located at the Chariho Middle School auditorium.