Trenton's Emily Fisher Charter School Flies High with Innovative Dance Company, STREB

On Saturday, December 4, a group of high school students from Trenton’s Emily Fisher Charter School made simultaneous debuts with the State Theatre and the Brooklyn-based STREB company as part of an innovative new project known as SLAM Remote. SLAM Remote used interactive video technology to connect performers and audiences in two different venues: in this case, Crossroads Theatre and the STREB Lab for Action Mechanics (SLAM) in Brooklyn. Audiences in both locations saw part of the show performed right in front of them, and part of the show onscreen via live-time streaming. In Brooklyn, the STREB ensemble launched into their high-flying, death-defying routines. Midway through the show, the action switched to Crossroads and the students from Emily Fisher. In preparation for the big event, instructors from STREB traveled to Trenton in November for a series of five workshops. The students learned the basics of STREB’s “Pop Action” technique, then created their performance piece.

In preparation for the big event, instructors from STREB traveled to Trenton in November for a series of five workshops. The Emily Fisher students learned the basics of STREB’s “Pop Action” technique, then created their performance piece.

A longtime State Theatre favorite, STREB is famous for their “extreme action” performances—a unique fusion of cutting-edge technology, dance, sports, gymnastics, and the American circus. Their performances are equally famous for creating a dynamic interaction between the audience and performers. SLAM Remote is their latest experiment in creating an artist-audience interface for this age of technology.

Below some of the students share their thoughts on the whole experience...

“I love STREB! It was so much fun I never tried anything to do with gymnastics so at first I didn’t really know what to expect…but once I got the hang of it, it was really fun. I was sore but it was so awesome I moved like never before. I hope I can do it again, the show was sooo fun! I loved to show everybody what we learned. I got so close to the teachers I didn’t want to see them go! I cried, lol, but I really am going to miss them! Love you guys :)
-Vicki, 11th Grade

“My experience with STREB was good, I really enjoyed it. Even though practice was hard and I even got hurt, it was worth it all. I'm thankful the STREB company took out time and came and showed us all we know. Thank you Sam, Cresslyn, and John. And to Ms. Miller.”
-Marelly, 11th Grade

“Well what can I say, I had soo much fun and I learned soo many things I never knew I could do, at first I was like I’m not doing that but I ended up loving it. It was an experience of a life time for me and once again thank you for this opportunity!”
-Carla, 11th Grade

“I liked it very much. It taught me a lot about myself, and what I thought I would never do. The rehearsals were hard and tiring, but through it all, it was fun. I’m very happy that I was able to be in the show, let alone to be picked as one of the students thanks to Ms. Miller. It was a good experience and it’s something I will never forget.”
-Asia, 10th Grade

“This was a once in a life time experience. I enjoyed it so much, the teaching artist's were great. They were friendly and very kind. I want to thanks them so much for teaching me stuff I never thought I would do. Now with this experience I want to keep on doing STREB. Take care Cresslyn, Sam, and John, I love you. Hopefully, I will get to see you soon and wish you the best luck on your performances. Don’t forget me!”
-Jesenia V

“Dec 4th, I thought it went excellent! My experience during the slam remote with STREB, was interesting at first. I didn’t think I was going to push myself as the way I did after the show. As myself just realizing, that anything is possible if you just try, you can conquer anything.”
-Sydnie, 10th Grade

“Well, after the great time I had in the Residency Program, it made me feel as though I should be more into theater! I loved all the attention, thanks to Ms. Miller and the staff of STREB (John, Cresslyn, Sam)”
-Katherine, 11th Grade

State Theatre staff takes a trip to Brooklyn for STREB's new show, Invisible Forces

Elizabeth Streb, the founder of STREB Extreme Action, is known for her use of odd mechanical devices for her performance pieces. As odd as they are, they make sense and wow you in ways that you never thought a piece of metal or wire could.

In their latest show, Invisible Forces, there are new devices, new tricks, and new performers. Last time that they visited us at the State Theatre in New Jersey, they brought with them a large human-sized hamster wheel, that they spun at great speeds and leapt in and out of continuously. This time around, the wheel is a lot smaller, bright yellow, and kind of reminds you of a circus act (particularly those death-defying motorcycle cages). Even though it's another wheel-contraption, as they have conquered in the past, this wheel is just different. The dancers or "action" engineers run and jump inside the wheel and as you watch you them, you feel like time has stood still (but in a good way). I guess what I am trying to say is that STREB shows give you a very optimistic outlook on life. Every time I have seen them perform, I have walked out of the show feeling like I can conquer the world (and that I should get to the gym). The few of us staff members that went that night, left in high-spirits and in a time like this, who couldn't use a little skip in their step.

The State Theatre is located at 15 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick, NJ. For information or to purchase tickets call 732-246-SHOW(7469) or visit http://www.statetheatrenj.org/.

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