This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Syracuse chapter.
With all three nights SOLD OUT, #FYRent is the buzz around campus. But the “casties” of Rent would not be where they are now if it weren’t for all the FYP staff members. Allie Villa and Elizabeth Brydges hold the position of Co-Producers for this years production. Being a part of FYP for the past four years, they both got their start as “bees” in the 2011, production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
When I asked Villa what exactly her job as a co-producer entailed she said, “The co-producers are responsible for the current and future wellbeing of FYP; they maintain and manage the group’s day-to-day operations as well as the planning for future years. They work to improve the integrity and awareness of FYP throughout the entirety of the College community. They are also responsible for the selection of the rest of the Executive Board and establish the overall vision of the organization for the year.”
Many of you may be asking, “First Year Players? What’s that?” As Brydges eloquently put it, “FYP is the premiere student-run musical theatre organization at Syracuse University. We give non-drama major first-year and transfer students the opportunity to perform in an annual spring musical. Along with this, we have a staff of 92 students of all different majors and class standings, many of whom were in previous FYP productions. Our staff consists of many teams including production, art, choreography, directing, finance, music, public relations, and stage management. This gives everyone a chance to find their niche on staff. FYP strives to create an environment that fosters personal and professional growth for everyone involved, while our main purpose is to provide a family and home for students on campus. We’re a giant group of best friends: corny, but completely true.”
Up first is….Allie Villa
Home Town: Alameda, CA
Major: Public Relations and Spanish
Class of 2014
What does FYP mean to YOU?
Another acronym for FYP is “find your place.” FYP is my home. Those are the people that I care most about. They’ve seen me at my highest of highs and my lowest of lows. When I look back at my college experience, most of my memories are from FYP. Also, FYP has given me a chance to work on my leadership skills and figure out how I operate in group settings which is incredibly helpful in the future. I owe so much to the love and support of this organization and I am so incredible thankful to be a part of it.
What’s your favorite part about FYP?
The people. While we are all a little bit crazy, there is such a variety of personalities in this organization that I’m constantly surrounded by loving, hilarious, ridiculously weird and amazing people. I’ve met so many people who I never would have connected with if it weren’t for FYP, and I’m so thankful for that.
After being a castie, have you continued performing?
Since Spelling Bee, I’ve been in Hairspray, The Full Monty, Macbeth, Cabaret, Spamalot, and Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson. Thanks to the Red House Arts Center and the Central New York Playhouse, I’ve been fortunate enough to continue performing throughout my college experience.
Where did your love for performing come from?
I’ve always loved to perform. I started taking ballet classes when I was four and was constantly singing and moving at any chance I got. Theatre is a huge passion of mine, and I’ve been lucky enough to be able to continue having it be a part of my life even though I didn’t pursue it as a major.
What was your first performance?
In first grade, I was a member of the cast of “The Three Piggy Opera.” It was as amazing as it sounds. I played the mother pig.
What do you do in your spare time outside of FYP?
While sometimes I forget it, I do have other things going on in my life besides FYP. You can often find me working in Schine Student Center for Student Centers and Programming Services or dancing around at any chance I get. I also enjoy watching Netflix, eating sushi, and hugging.
What made you choose SU?
Originally, I came to SU because of the broadcast journalism major. When I came to visit in the spring, I fell in love with the campus and overall feeling I got from the university. There was so much opportunity and exciting things happening around campus that I felt like I would fit perfectly.
Being a senior, what’s the one thing you’re going to miss about FYP or SU?
Once again, it’s really about the people and the time I spend with those people. I’ve made lifelong friendships from FYP, and while I’m excited to move back to California it will be tough to no longer have that strong community of loving faces to see nearly every day.
Plans post graduation?
I’m a member of the Teach for America Corps! I will be teaching Spanish to 6-12 graders in Oakland, CA.
If you could relive one moment of your life, what would it be?
Whoa. That’s difficult. As of now, that home Duke game was pretty incredible- let’s go with that.
Any Netflix, movies, songs, tv shows to recommend?
Breaking Bad, Walking Dead, Scandal, Mad Men, Dexter, HIMYM (loved the ending btw, sorry!), Parks & Rec.
Any fun facts you would like people to know?
I hate pickles, mayonnaise, and ranch dressing. I like to communicate in weird voices more than actual words. I have the same birthday as Quvenzhané Wallis.
Final words to the readers? “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Albert Einstein.
Next Up…Elizabeth Brydges
Hometown: Orchard Park, NY
Major: Management/ Marketing Management
Class of 2014
What does FYP mean to you?
FYP has become my home away from home. It is my safe space as well as my space to be creative and goofy and completely myself. Through FYP, I have met the most incredibly talented and beautiful people. I’ve met my roommates and my life long best friends. I owe my wonderful college experience to FYP, and know that this community will continue out in the dreaded “real world”.
What’s your favorite part of FYP?
My favorite part of FYP is the community and family it creates on campus and ALWAYS having a friend to hang out with.
After being a castie, I have unfortunately not done any more musicals, but have performed in small cabaret-type events on the side (mostly for FYP fundraisers!)
Where did your love for performing come from?
My family introduced me to theater at a very young age, and it was something that bonded my brother and I since we were toddlers.
What was your first performance?
I was 3, playing a townsperson in Guys & Dolls, and I got so nervous before stepping on stage that I pulled my dad out there with me. The crowd got quite a kick out of it and my family still jokes about it today.
What do you do in your spare time outside of FYP?
I’m a member of Alpha Xi Delta, a Community Embassador and an avid Cuse Basketball fan.
What made you choose SU?
Syracuse has been a school that has been a part of my family for many generations. Rooting for SU only seemed natural. I loved all of the options Syracuse offered for me as an 18 year old who didn’t know what she wanted to do with her life.
Being a senior, what’s the one thing you’re going to miss about FYP or SU?
EVERYTHING! I think the thing I will miss most about FYP is watching others find their place at this university just as I did as a freshman. Each year, when we pick a new cast and crew, we take in a group of vulnerable freshman, and watch them transform and create bonds that last forever. I will forever miss the school spirit this campus has, and screaming the “OH” in the National Anthem during basketball games.
Plans post graduation:
I’m currently interviewing for marketing positions. I might just end up going to clown school. I heard that the market for clowns is really booming right now.
Any Netflix, movies, songs, tv shows to recommend: Everyone should do themselves a favor and watch Norbit.
If you could relive one moment of your life, what would it be? The closing night performance of Spelling Bee.
Who’s your inspiration? Beyonce and my brother, Andrew
Final words to the readers? Just remember, the best time to go to the dentist is always at 2:30.
As you can tell, both Allie and Elizabeth have contributed to FYP far beyond what can be seen on paper. As being apart of FYP as a cast member myself, I personally have gotten to know these amazing women and I think I speak for many when I say they will be deeply missed.
