Posted on: May 31, 2017 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Over the course of the last decade, the Striving Artists company has carved out a name for themselves. Coming into creation in 2006, Striving Artists held a number of holiday shows before deciding to place their performances onto a home audio format. This led to the creation of the Christmas with the SAC Pack album in 2012 and Spare Ornaments in 2013. 2017 brought the release of the Jesus Christ Superstar performance. On this record, Striving Artists imbue the classic Andrew Lloyd Webber / Tim Rice rock opera with their own unique qualities. In fact, I feel that on tracks like the initial Overture, John Nineteen Forty-One and Gethsemane are stronger than early cast recordings. The group places their own spin on plays as well; in performing selections from a tetrad of Shakespeare plays, they create a high-energy hodgepodge of each work’s seminal elements.

Striving Artists is inclusive, ensuring that there is gender-blind casting for their positions, coupled with an “everyone can play” ideal – three or four actors can share the spotlight playing a character. As a political scientist, it is always heartening to see an organization attempt to engage the local community. While the advent of smartphones is a boon in terms of keeping connected with friends and family, being part of a troupe showcases a care and consideration for your neighbors. Striving Artists have spent their free time teaching middle schoolers in the works of Shakespeare, hosting fundraisers (their Shake It for Shakespeare is in its 5th year), and entering into the Boston 48 Hour Film Project.

For any of our readers that wish to be kept in the loop about the latest Striving Artists news, hear samples of their performances, or communicate with Greg and the others directly, add their social media – we loved the videos SA placed up showcasing some of their activities. With the Striving Artists taking on a number of musical and theatrical paths over their decade in existence, we’ll be eagerly anticipating the next thing to come down the pipeline. If you are in the Massachusetts area, the Striving Artists perform live – The Henriad will be presented throughout Massachusetts through July and into August.

https://www.facebook.com/StrivingArtistsTheatreCompany/

http://www.strivingartists.org/

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