News

What is your background in theatre?

Theatre and music have always been passions of mine. Using acting to portray a story and process my emotions was something I have done since a young age. I loved being involved in school productions at the primary/elementary grades all the way to graduation. In high school, I participated in seven of the productions as cast or tech and sang/played saxophone in all of the ensembles. I even went on to concentrate in music while getting my Bachelor’s of Science in Childhood & Special Education from SUNY Geneseo.

What are you most excited about?

In December of 2023, I was hired by Canandaigua Academy as their assistant director for the theatre program. Working on three of CA’s shows reminded me of the joy and love I have not only for theatre, but for education and working with young minds.

What goals do you have for the Academy Players?

As the new director, I am most excited about collaborating with the students and growing the program. Canandaigua Academy students are incredibly creative, intelligent, talented, and caring people. I love problem-solving with them and encouraging them to go beyond what’s written on the page, script, and musical score. I have a desire to meet students where they are and empower them to elevate the skills they have within them so they are confident to push to the next level.

What do you like most about working on musicals?

The things I love most about working on shows are that everyone comes together to work on a common goal. A variety of different students encourage and support each other throughout the entire process and become a family. Inclusivity is a priority for me when it comes to the students. It is important to cultivate a safe and fun environment for any students who choose to be part of the program so they view the theatre as their home away from home.

How do you plan on incorporating student input and creativity into your productions?

There are always new learning opportunities and areas for growth. Providing those opportunities for our students through the many disciplines of performing arts is a highlight for me. I am continually in awe of the hard work, dedication, and talent these students put forth every single day. I cannot wait to hear what the students see as their vision for the program and then put those goals to work. I do not take this position lightly and will work diligently to help expand this program to make it a vital part of our community.

Anything else we should know about you?

Master’s of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, 4 children in the Canandaigua City School District- 3rd, 5th, 7th & 8th graders, when I’m not rehearsing with the students, I’m watching sports (Go Colts, Yankees & Pacers)

If you're new to the theater program (and even if you're not), here are some brief notes about this year's Play and Musical.

• Communication goes out every Friday via ParentSquare and email from our secretary, Britta Crystal. We try to keep information brief, but please review this each week so you don't miss important dates and information. The CPP Officer's names and contact information are at the bottom of every weekly email, so you always have a way to reach out with questions.

• If you're interested in helping with the show, email us at canandaiguaplayers@gmail.com. There will be a mentor available who has done the job before, so you need no experience to help!

Thank you,

Sarah Fantauzzi

CPP Interim President

canandaiguaplayers@gmail.com

https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/news/2022/03/18/spongebob-musical-marks-final-curtain-longtime-director/7079750001/?/