The Royal Children's Show films in Sparta
BY AMY BATE
SPARTA — Sparta is yet again the “place to film” for TV Shows-A new series called “The Royal Children’s Show” has been filming at Acting-A-Part studio/theatre company on Woodport Road. The show will be pitched to major network and cable channels after its completion.
The show is for children ages three to four years old and incorporates yoga, storytelling, music, learning vocabulary and focusing on themes of kindness, friendship, sharing, respect and anti-bullying.
Children at home will also be able to interact by singing along to the words of the songs by way of a “bouncing ball” at the bottom of the screen.
It all started when Miriam Rosenberg, musician, occupational therapist and yoga instructor, connected with Erika Lupo, owner of Acting-A-Part Studio in Sparta.
“I had a vision for a TV show that would incorporate music, learning, positivity, kindness and caring for the environment," Rosenberg said. "I sought out someone who could help me create this vision; and, upon meditating on it one snowy winter day, I contacted Erika. We connected immediately and realized we could together bring this vision to life."
According to Lupo, “Miriam contacted me and when she told me her concept I realized immediately that we could work together. She wanted to be the narrator/host of the show but needed some guidance with how to portray her vision on camera. This worked well for me as that is my specialty; assisting actors and preparing them for sights such as Broadway or other avenues of acting. Miriam’s message and vision of the show instilling qualities such as friendship, positivity, sharing and building self-esteem really fit into what I teach in my workshops and acting classes."
Rosenberg was inspired by her experience at Royal Pathways Inc. in Canada, which is the headquarters of the School of Royal Yoga; hence the show’s name. “All children are ‘Royal’, said Rosenberg, “and should be treated with dignity and respect.”
“Miriam came to me with the concept and I wrote the script, Lupo said. "Each show has a positive message for children. I was a public school teacher for over 10 years so this project was a perfect fit for us. I was also able to coach Miriam on acting as well as use the show as a learning experience for some of my current Acting-A-Part students."
Cast and Crew were abuzz on Sunday preparing for and filming segments of the show on the theater stage. The crew consists of students of the arts and filmmaking, such as Michael Zayac who is currently studying Filmmaking at Montclair State and who is also a graduate of Sussex County Vo-Tech in Cinematography. Connor McKnight of Newton High School assisted in production as well as students of Acting-A-Part including Samantha Ammaturo, EmilyNicole Schuch, Jessica Burns, Cameron Leary and Nicolas Moore assisting with sound, lighting and set decoration.
The cast consists of Miriam Rosenberg as the Narrator/Host of the show and Acting-A-Part students Joey Delaney, Ella Duphiney, Ben Nascimento and Bella Biondo. The enthusiasm and dedication during the filming was apparent. The costumes were designed by Sandra Andrade and Broadway Hair Stylist Kim Schriver (also Hair Stylist for the hit show “Orange is the New Black” on Netflix) styled hair and applied makeup for the actors.
“We are hoping to have a premiere/screening at Sparta Theater when the show is finished,” said Lupo.
Miriam Rosenberg has a Music CD consisting of 10 contemporary songs called “Children of the Light” which can be purchased online. She has sold many throughout the U.S. and her CD has also been purchased by by hundreds of libraries across the country.
Acting-A-Part Theater/Movie Studio is located on Rt. 181/Woodport Road in Sparta. They are now enrolling for Winter workshops, offering classes in Musical theater, “Little Actors”, film, TV, commercials, fashion, private acting and voice Lessons for all ages. They also host birthday parties and special events. Visit www.actingapart.com for more information.