GCI is partnering with the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts and Broadway Alaska to bring the Broadway experience to classrooms across Alaska. On April 16, Alaska students can virtually meet members of the cast and crew of the popular production of “Disney’s Aladdin.” GCI is proud to partner with ACPA to make this webinar available to Alaska students right in the classroom!
When GCI first agreed to sponsor the Broadway Alaska program that has brought award-winning plays including “Hamilton,” “Come From Away,” and “SIX: The Musical” to Alaska, we wanted to make sure we provided opportunities for all Alaskans to experience the magic and the talent of Broadway. We also wanted to make sure that students in classrooms across the state could learn more about Broadway as well as hear from professionals in the field about the possible career paths in the arts.
Over the past four months, students from communities like Tok, Galena, Platinum, Kodiak, Utqiaġvik and more have tuned in to our webinars to hear from the cast and crews of “Come From Away” and “SIX: The Musical.” This unique experience has enabled youth from small communities who may not often travel to Anchorage, let alone major urban cities in the Lower 48, to get a glimpse of the production and star power that makes up so many famous musicals.
The production of “Disney’s Aladdin” follows the 1992 animated feature about a young man who discovers a magical lamp containing a genie, granting him three wishes as he embarks on a journey to win the heart of princess Jasmine and outwit the villain, Jafar. The Broadway musical adaptation of “Disney’s Aladdin” captures our nostalgic hearts all over again with its vibrant choreography, stunning set design, and memorable performances that bring the story to life on stage. We’re thrilled to give Alaska students across the state a glimpse into that magical world.
Alaska student gets special backstage access with Broadway Alaska
During the Backstage with Broadway Alaska webinar, students will hear from the cast and crew of the play in a panel discussion centered on the various careers available in the arts and what goes into creating a large-scale performance like “Aladdin.” From the actors and scriptwriters to the lighting crew and stage managers, there are a lot of people who help bring Broadway to Alaska. For students in more remote areas of the state, this webinar provides a chance to learn more about career paths available in the arts that go beyond the on-stage actors.
Panelists will share with students how they got started in show business and their role in making sure the play goes off without a hitch. They will also share advice about pursuing their goals related to the arts. The crew members will also share some of the unique jobs backstage that are critical to making a play a success on stage. We are excited to share this opportunity with educators and students and get backstage with “Aladdin.”
At GCI we often say that closing the digital divide in Alaska means that Alaskans in remote communities can share their values, culture, and way of life with the world. In this case, the connectivity that we provide to remote communities across Alaska will help rural students have behind the scenes insight into a world-class theater production. GCI is proud to provide the connectivity that makes both these exchanges possible.
If you’re an educator and are interested in participating with your class, you can register here.