We
have had the pleasure of showcasing and working with many individuals.
Below are their views on being part of the Prescott Park Arts Festival
tradition
Our big band has performed at the Prescott
Park Arts Festival twice, most recently as part of their
July 4th 2004 celebration. The park is a gem of a location
for the performing arts, and offers a diverse mix of entertainment
to the Greater Portsmouth community. In all the venues we
perform at around New England, there is nothing quite like
the Prescott Park summer series. It brings great crowds
to a picturesque location, and the support infrastructure
and staff are first rate. As funding-challenged venues for
the performing arts disappear - especially those for jazz
and big band music - I would hope that Prescott Park continues
to remain an asset to audiences and musicians alike. Our
band wholeheartedly supports their mission, and I can think
of no more worthwhile beneficiary for performing arts grant
funding.
Al Saloky, Director, Compaq Big Band
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When I was three
years old I had my first theater experience and it was at
Prescott Park. It was what turned me onto theater. Fourteen
years later after performing in over forty professional shows,
I finally had the opportunity last summer to be onstage at
Prescott Park. I was also offered the position of music director
for a pre-show whose purpose was to showcase the talent of
ensemble members in the mainstage show. As music director,
I arranged the music, taught the performers their songs and
harmonies, and also accompanied them on the piano. Being a
part of this incredible experience helped me to discover my
passion for music and my love of teaching it. Now, as I am
beginning to applying to colleges I am looking at schools
that offer quality music education programs because music
directing the pre-show made me realize that is what I want
to do with the rest of my life.
Patrick, Portsmouth High School Junior
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Last summer for the first time, I worked a real job. I don’t
think I could have found a more welcoming environment to start
than Prescott Park. I began my summer as a gatekeeper but
as the summer progressed I began working in the membership
booth. From the beginning, the people that I worked with were
friendly and energetic both of which lasted throughout the
entire summer. In such a family-oriented and social atmosphere
it was hard to find work boring or tedious because the happiness
was contagious. Working at Prescott Park was a unique experience
because I was able to converse with people, enjoy the outdoor
venue, and the entertainment was always great!
Lorelle, St. Thomas High School Junior
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Last summer I worked
as a gatekeeper and site manager for the Prescott Park Arts
Festival. Prior to working for the park, I had had very little
work experience and it was wonderful learning opportunity
that will certainly prove valuable for future jobs that I
will hold. I say this because, while many kids have summer
jobs, working at the park is unique for its feeling of community.
This work environment is an ideal one for young people because,
while operating as part of a community, one learns to better
interact with others and value teamwork and cooperation. Furthermore,
being exposed to the artistic scene of the seacoast and meeting
active members of the community, made me further realize the
opportunities we have in Portsmouth, made me feel part of
our town community and further motivated me to get involved
with community oriented activates.
Eric, Exchange Student in Italy, Portsmouth
High School Senior
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For the past three
summers I have spent my time performing at Prescott Park in
Portsmouth, NH. Friends first introduced me to the Park. When
watching their productions the talent and collaboration of
young and old captivated me. It was the first professional
theatre that I auditioned and worked for. Prescott Park offers
amazing opportunities for younger performers to learn their
trade through professional experience and exposure. It is
not only a play but an education as well.
Tim, Emerson College Student
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Last summer I had
the extreme fortune to work at a delightful place called Prescott
Park. Not only was I able to experience the joy of performing
in front of thousands of appreciative audience members, outside
in the beautiful park, I was also working with great people--cast
and crew. I attend the University of New Hampshire, and I
major in Theatre (of course!), and last year I was looking
for a new environment to perform in. Summer is the best time
of year in Portsmouth, when all the businesses and little
shops are thriving--But what I love most is that theatre is
in full bloom all around! I realized last summer how crucial
Prescott Park is to Portsmouth, and the whole seacoast area.
No other outdoor venue holds so many opportunities for actors,
singers, musicians, bands, dancers--and the list goes on.
When I was cast in "Joseph...Dreamcoat," not only
was I surrounded by supportive and fun people, I was given
other amazing opportunities: I took part in a pre-show with
other talented performers, I sang with a trio for another
pre-show, and I was also a part of the Motown and Broadway
concerts. I was immersed in fun, music, theatre, and great
vibes all summer. I would do it again in a heartbeat! To me,
Prescott Park exemplifies what summer theatre is all about:
Great times with amazing people! I wish other performers to
experience the joy I did last summer, for summers to come!
Merrill, University of New Hampshire Student
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