Hello, and WELCOME to Camp Broadway’s Develop Your Character Blog.
I would say “Welcome back,” but the last time Develop Your Character was updated regularly was in 2018. Back then, some of you were in diapers, and I was 14 years old playing Miss Hannigan in a production of Annie Jr. Time flies. Whether you’re returning or discovering this blog for the very first time, I’m so glad you’re here.
My name is Jenny Silence (yes, like the word, and no, it is not an accurate description of my demeanor). I am thrilled to be taking over as editor of Develop Your Character. I know credentials mean different things to different people, so I will try to give my elevator pitch in words we the theater community have a collective understanding of:
I recently graduated from Fordham University with a degree in Journalism and Digital Media. At Fordham, I was taught and mentored by Emmy Award-winning journalists and producers. Throughout college, I worked in publicity, social media, and entertainment marketing. At one point in my life I could comfortably belt all the notes in Astonishing from the famously under-appreciated Little Women. I cannot tap-dance. And, most importantly, I have met both Jeremy Jordan AND Jonathan Groff. I hope this gives you a little bit of insight into who you will be hearing from for the next few months, and makes you feel at least somewhat prepared to work on this blog alongside me. That’s right. I’m putting you to work.
Well, kind of. Think of Develop Your Character as a large-scale musical. I am just one person. I am a single player in a huge production. I need all of you, the readers, to slowly build my cast of characters, musicians, directors, stage managers, and everyone else in between. Tell me what you’re curious about. What Broadway shows are you obsessed with? Which performers inspire you? What questions do you wish someone had answered when you first started performing? What do you want to know more about?
Together we’ll talk about everything that makes theater kids theater kids. And, just to clarify, I, a 22 year old, still identify as a theater kid. This is a label one does not outgrow. I plan to write about everything from Broadway news, and reviews to Camp Broadway traditions and memories. I will also touch on topics such as creative careers, tips from industry professionals, confidence, storytelling, and have all the wonderfully niche conversations that only people in our community truly understand.
You’ll find Develop Your Character here on the Camp Broadway website, but the conversation continues over on Instagram (@officialcampbroadway), where you can vote in polls, submit questions, suggest topics, and share your opinions. (And let’s be honest, if theater people have opinions about anything, it’s things like Tony snubs and the greatest key changes in musical theater history.) But if social media is not your thing, you can also send your input directly to me at blog@campbroadway.com
This is only the beginning! I am so excited to get to know you all, and begin to build something that feels like Camp Broadway, even when camp is not in session. Thank you so much for welcoming me into your world, and let’s get started!
More soon,
Jenny