When we look back at the past decade, we see a radical shift in the way musical education is addressed in schools across America. A significant catalyst for this change was the launch of NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make a Musical’ – a national mentorship program initiated in 2012. The program was a collaborative effort by NBC and iTheatrics to build self-sustaining musical theater programs in under-served schools with limited arts programming. Today, we take a look back at this initiative that has shaped the musical theater landscape in schools, and we explore the impact it has had on fostering a love for the arts among students.
NBC and iTheatrics: A Philanthropic Initiative
The program was administered by iTheatrics’ non-profit arm, the Junior Theater Project, which guided schoolteachers step-by-step through the creation of a stand-alone arts program. The aim was to engage as many students as possible in all aspects and areas of the arts.
Launch of ‘Smash’
The new drama ‘Smash’ premiered in February 2012, starring Debra Messing, Katharine McPhee, and Oscar winner Anjelica Huston. The announcement of this nationwide partnership was made by Robert Greenblatt, Chairman of NBC Entertainment, and Timothy Allen McDonald, founding chairman of iTheatrics.
Program Expansion and Impact
The program started in 20 schools in 20 cities and grew over the years, aiming to launch 200 more Make a Musical programs in the fall of 2012 and 200 additional programs in the fall of 2013. Today, we see the impact of this initiative in the thriving musical theatre programs across America.
Legacy and Continued Efforts
Years later, the impact of “NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make a Musical” program is still evident. The initiative infused schools with the arts and engaged the greater community, including students, parents, and community members, through the process of presenting a show. The first 20 school programs launched with nationally-recognized master theater teachers leading workshops for the school teachers and students.
While this was the first time a program of this nature has been launched nationally, iTheatrics has been involved in similar city-specific projects for Music Theatre International and other organizations in the past.
Conclusion
Looking back, it’s clear that the ‘NBC’s ‘Smash’: Make a Musical’ program played a crucial role in advancing musical theater programs in schools across America. As we move forward, we hope to see more of such initiatives that harness the power of the arts to make the world a better place.
#MusicEducation #TheaterInSchools #NBCSmash #iTheatrics #ArtsInEducation
