April 2012 Archives

Pictured above is Ben Shimkus with sister Katelynne Shimkus at last year's Rising Stars Showcase

As we mentioned last week, Rising Stars at the Wood is a chance for local high school students who are talented in the areas of performance to put on a great showcase at the Charles R. Wood Theater each spring.

This year, we feature an exclusive interview with two-time Rising Star Ben Shimkus, a local senior at Glens Falls High School.

In the following 10 Questions interview, Shimkus shares his experiences as a Rising Star, including the audition process, rehearsals and his relation to other Rising Stars in the show this year.

1. Congratulations on being chosen for Rising Stars at the Wood. How does the selection process work?

Thank you very much! Rising stars has an audition process much like a professional theater troupe would. First, all candidates send in an application to Mr. Woodward at the Wood Theater. From there, we had to prepare two different complete songs that we felt best displayed our singing as well as stage acting talents. In mid-April, we had a tryout with a board of judges, consisting of a performance of these two songs and a personal interview much like one for a job.

The Rising Stars at the Wood is back for another show this year at the Charles Wood Theater in Glens Falls, featuring the most talented performers from area high schools.

Visitors will no longer be able to smoke in certain areas outside at Moreau Lake State Park starting this year. 

Glens Falls Mayor Jack Diamond announced last week that the NYS Boys Basketball Tournament will take place at the Glens Falls Civic Center through 2016. The tournament has been a local tradition since the early 80's, and the current contract was due to expire in 2013.

If you want to test in yourself with something that's more than just a foot race, then sign up for the "Glens Falls Urban Assault." This race is much more than just a 4.9 mile walk in the park.

A new restaurant called Recovery Sports Grill, an Albany-based family restaurant chain, is coming to the area. The restaurant is expected to be open in time for the next football season.

Lisa Cartier is a Birth and Natural Fertility Coach, Monitrice/Birth Doula and a Reiki Master. Cartier helps women connect with their inner resources to discover their true beliefs about themselves and their ability to birth and parent their children.