Recently, three talented theater students from Plainfield Academy for the Arts & Advanced Studies (PAAAS) recently visited the Marymount Manhattan College Theater Program in Manhattan, where they observed and participated in a Process and Technique acting class. Their visit left a lasting impression on both the hosting professor Ellen Orenstein and her students.
Following the visit, Professor Orenstein shared glowing feedback about the experience, calling it “a magical session” and praising the students—Jasmin Person, Izabella Acosta, and Gabriel DeJesus—for their insightful contributions and professionalism.
“The visiting students offered excellent and truly insightful feedback after each presentation,” the professor wrote. “They totally got it! They were honest, thoughtful, creative, and generous. And their teacher clearly knows how to teach acting—his input aligned perfectly with our work and elevated the discussion even further.”
The professor went on to express strong interest in continuing the connection between the programs, even encouraging the students to consider auditioning for admission, noting that they “would thrive in our programs” and “would be highly deserving of significant scholarships.”
The students’ teacher, Mr. Othell Miller, who leads the theater program at PAAAS, reflected on the visit with pride:
“It’s incredibly affirming to see our students not only hold their own but contribute meaningfully in a college-level environment. They represented our program, our school, and themselves with thoughtfulness and artistry.”
The visit served as both an inspiring educational experience and a bridge between high school and higher education theater communities. Plans for future collaborations are already being discussed.
