White Plains Watch - February 2000

by Jane W. Neubardt

It's the Monday night before winter vacation. While most kids limp through homework for what they hope will be the last night, Jill Abusch, cofounder and artistic director of the White Plains-based Play Group Theatre, directs about 30 kids in a rehearsal of "Children of Eden," a musical adaptation of the creation story.

Kids of all shapes and sizes, from graceful girls in leotards to boisterous boys in baseball caps, throw themselves wholeheartedly into their parts-regardless of the size of their role. These kids check their inhibitions at the door: they belt out songs, dance steps in rhythm and remember the dramatic gestures that punctuate their lines. Some wait an hour for their moment to shine. Others are in demand the entire rehearsal. When they're not "on stage", they're eating snacks, talking very quietly, or going over their lines. These kids are positively focused, but most of all-they are having FUN.

Abusch guides the children with a spellbinding combination of determination, humor and praise. "Stay connected to the audience," she reminds them, "It's not about you-it's about sharing your gift with the audience."

Jill and Steven, her husband and cofounder of the group, have been sharing their own incredible gift with young thespians for the past five years. Each year this multi-talented duo (along with a small staff) teach, direct, coach, design sets and draw out the talents of about 200 kids aged 4-17 through various acting classes. In addition, the company mounts eight to 10 classic and original productions.

Preparing for a PGT performance is rigorous and requires real commitment. Anita Kaplan, mother of Steven, an 11 year old who has been taking classes at PGT for the past four years and will be in his fifth performance this winter, says, "When we began this and saw the time schedule (there are rehearsals one-two times per week, then nightly for the last two weeks before a show) we said ‘this is nuts.' But they get so much out of it. He does his homework when he gets home, or late at night or does extra work on the weekends or at recess during ‘crunch week.' Jill and Steven are particularly talented in teaching children. They teach life skills; they have a way of building community and sharing that will take my son everywhere."

PGT enables children to extend beyond what they thought they could achieve-doing wonders for self-esteem. As the mother of one young student explains, "It's not just the acting-there's something underneath it all-almost spiritual-that comes when people treat each other with love and respect. They challenge the kids by creating an incredible, safe place to stretch and grow, to try things they wouldn't normally try."

The spirit of camaraderie and acceptance is key, as 10-year-old Isabelle Russo describes, "I was nervous at first-I didn't know anybody-then everybody was so friendly that it just became like a second home."

PGT attracts kids for many reasons, as Highlands sixth-grader Alex Goldstick explains, "I had been dancing to music at home, and my mom suggested that I take a class. I play almost every sport except for hockey and football, and I play the clarinet. It's fun to be with everyone and to act and do what you enjoy." PGT also offers a six week summer program. Student scholarships are available, as are performance tickets for underprivileged groups. This summer, in a joint program with the city, White Plains residents will be treated to PGT performances in local parks.

The Jill and Steven Abuschs' passion and dedication to Play Group Theatre have created a successful actor training program, but, Jill says, "It's always been a scramble for space." As the PGT family grows, adequate performance/rehearsal space is less and less available. "PGT needs a home," says Steven, the company's managing director, "And we would like to find or create a space in White Plains."

In an ideal world PGT would be based in a building, "with some history and character...a building that has a story to it such as an old firehouse or mansion." On the Abuschs' wish list is performance space of 3,500 square feet with 20 foot or higher ceilings, with seating for at least 200 people, as well as two large rehearsal studios of about 1,000 square feet. Optimally, there would also be "a couple of smaller rehearsal/classrooms as well as office space, scene shop, prop/costume storage, backstage with dressing rooms, and a box office." This totals about 7,000 square feet.

Recognizing the challenge of finding this in White Plains, they are tapping into the expertise of many PGT parents through an ad hoc space search committee. Should you have any creative space solutions for PGT, wish to make a donation to their building fund, or to inquire about classes and performances, please contact them at 946-0649.