October 19, 2023
Students and faculty from Borough of Manhattan Community College’s (BMCC) Speech, Communications and Theatre Arts department delivered solid and moving performances before a packed house during a monologue slam from the Vartan and Clare Gregorian stage at the Perelman Performing Arts Center (PAC-NYC) October 18.
“The monologue slam is an hour- long performance that features a series of monologues weaved together by the beat and sound of the drum and spoken word,” said Theatre Professor Angela Polite who curated the event. “The monologues come from a diverse group of writers and they beautifully exemplify the universal themes of love and loss, second chances, family and redemption.”
This was the Speech, Communications and Theatre Arts program’s debut performance at PAC-NYC, part of the ongoing BMCC Live series, which also includes the College’s music program. The BMCC Live series is the result of a civic alliance between BMCC and PAC-NYC.
As he welcomed an enthusiastic audience filled with local community members, students and tourists, Speech, Communications and Theatre department Chair Vincent Cheng thanked PAC-NYC “for making this space available, approachable, and accessible for our students, faculty, and staff, and for opening another door for us to interact with community members.”
Theatre major Emmalee Hernandez who performed the character Catherine’s monologue from the play “Proof” by David Auburn, said she had prepared for the monologue slam in various ways, including using inspiration from her own life.
“Professor Polite discussed her overall idea for the performance and I read my monologue for her and although I was nervous at first, she was so reassuring,” said Hernandez, who grew up in the Manhattan neighborhood Marble Hill. “She gave me valuable notes and encouraged me.”
Hernandez said her experience at BMCC has been wonderful. In addition to growing academically, staff are understanding and willing to lend a hand.
“During the spring semester I took Theatre 110 with Professor Lori Kee who really pushed me to stay focused on school,” said Hernandez. “Professor Key created a dynamic environment where I looked forward to every class because I knew I’d leave with a new gem every time. The assignments were insightful and we covered material from (Samuel) Meisner technique to scene study to characterization to stage work.”
After BMCC, Hernandez plans on transferring to a four-year institution. She actually has a top ten list with her first choice being New York University followed by SUNY Purchase as well as the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.
“In five years, I’d hope to be working full time, booking roles and doing what I love for a living,” said Hernandez
In addition to Hernandez, the student performers included Shaetjuan Smith, Luis Herrera, Natalya Gammon, Jasmine Gosein, Diego Yanez, Ethan Holman, Jessica Roberts, Oluwafemi Olosunde and Wilmary Nunez.
Faculty performers at the monologue slam included Speech, Communications and Theatre Arts Professors and Lecturers Angela Polite, Joel Oramas, Lisa Haas, Virginiya DiDonato, Rebecca Collier, and Chris Moss.
Students and faculty from the Speech, Communications and Theatre Arts department will perform again at the PAC NYC on December 20.
- This was the debut performance at PAC-NYC for Speech, Communication and Theatre Arts Department
- Department will perform again at Pereleman Performing Arts Center on December 20
- Nine students participated in the performance
