'The Self-Isolated Artist' Series: New York Profile of Maddie Rodrigue and Trent Soyster
Information compiled by Damon Bradley Jang, Vancouver correspondent
Maddie Rodrigue and Trent Soyster are artists who halted work due to Covid 19. When restrictions lifted and they planned to visit each other they decided to get to work and create “Broadway At Home: The MT Revue!” Now that video is going viral and I reached out to chat with them both to reflect on the last two months.
Maddie Rodrigue, a Baltimore native, is a New York City based performer, teacher, and choreographer. Most recently, she made her debut as a Radio City Rockette in the 2019-2020 Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Film/TV appearances include: "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" (Season 3), 2019 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. As a choreographer she has created and presented work at Pace School of Performing Arts, HIVHERO's Broadway & Ballet, 3LD Technology & Art, and Young Artists of America. Maddie is a proud graduate of Pace University's Commercial Dance program, and is represented by Clear Talent
Trent Soyster is a Pittsburgh-raised, New York City-based Performer, Choreographer/Director, and Teacher. Pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre with a Minor in Commercial Dance at Pace University, recent performance credits include Escape to Margaritaville (Broadway National Tour), Disney’s Newsies (PCLO, Interlakes Theatre), Grease (FLMTF/Merry-Go-Round Playhouse), Cats (Mr. Mistoffelees - Interlakes Theatre) and Pete(Her) Pan: a new musical (Michael Darling - Pace New Musicals). Choreography/Direction: The Iron Bridge Dinner Theatre, Young Artists of America, Comtra Theatre, and Dixon Place. See more at www.trentsoyster.com!
OSB: Tell me about what projects, contracts or work has been halted because of COVID 19?
Maddie: I remember being in rehearsal for a showcase performance in March when the news of Broadway’s shutdown was announced. I was looking forward to participating and performing in BCEFA’s “Broadway Backwards,” HIVHERO’s “Broadway & Ballet” Gala, and a showcase for a choreographer I admire greatly that month alone.
Trent: I had been traveling with the First National Tour of Escape to Margaritaville as a featured performer when we were sent home due to precautions and cancellations surrounding COVID-19. Additionally, I was set to choreograph a production of Grease at a regional theatre this upcoming summer, but it has also been postponed until the summer of 2021.
OSB: How would you two define your artistic practice?
Maddie: I started with a versatile dance background, and throughout my collegiate career I had many opportunities in the world of musical theater. I also dove headfirst into projects that allowed me to create as a choreographer and launch my teaching career. I would say I identify as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher with emphasis in Musical Theater, Commercial Dance, and Film.
Trent: I would define myself as a dancer, singer, and actor who doubles as a theatrical choreographer, director, and teacher. I like to say that I “wear a lot of hats” when it comes to theater and performance so my artistic practices are ever-evolving and always changing as a result of that. Work has taken me to both US coasts and many places in between, and I think that the opportunities to perform and create in many different locations has greatly influenced the work that I do.
OSB: What has been the hardest part of Covid for you both?
Maddie: The inability to connect with peers, dancers, students, and mentors in a physical place. There is no place quite as special as ‘that’ dance studio- the one that feels synonymous with “safe place.” The same can be said for the feeling we all know of being onstage. I miss the contagious energy, the unique connection, and the special space I have come to appreciate so fondly.
Trent: For me, I had taken a year off from my studies at Pace University to join the tour. When the situation first arose, I found myself frustrated and questioning if I had made the right decision. Ultimately, though, I think that I am extremely lucky to have had the 7 months that I did have with the show. The adjustment to “life after the road” has been an interesting one that continues to challenge me. Looking back, I know that my decision was the right one because I learned more than I ever thought I could about being a touring artist and professional actor during my time on tour.
OSB: Your "Broadway at Home.." video is trending hard and on it's way to being viral. What made you think of it, and how did you think of the Disco version of Ethel? (Btw the Sondhiem disco album gives me life)
Maddie: To be completely honest, we did not anticipate the wild response we received! Frankly, we weren’t even sure if we were going to share our little creation. We, admittedly, have a history of creating silly mini projects just for fun. We had planned to visit each other, and coordinated our quarantine accordingly and, when the time came, we decided we just had to make something.
Trent: To echo what Maddie said, our little quarantine production has taken off way more than we expected it to! Our story started with a series of text messages about making something for pure fun. The next thing we knew, our concept became diving into some of our favorite shows and re-enacting specific moments that we miss seeing live on stage. In the creation of the video, we made it our mission to send a little bit of Broadway love out to the theatre community.
Maddie: As for Ethel Merman, the song idea came from my go-to workout playlist (not ashamed). And I initially suggested it in sarcasm. But Trent said YES. The idea came, then we both said AND...
OSB: What were some highlights this year pre COVID 19?
Maddie: I feel very grateful I had the opportunity to live out a huge career dream of mine and experience the magic of high-kicking precision jazz this past year.
Trent: Yes! As I mentioned prior, I was with the show for 7 months! We started rehearsals in August and then left for tour in September. I played 25 cities during my time with the show and performed in the show for over 150 performances. I am so extremely grateful for the opportunity to see the country and bring the island lifestyle of Jimmy Buffett to audiences night after night.
OSB: What are you doing to keep yourselves busy?
Maddie: At first, I’ll be honest, I needed to feel the feelings of disappointment. I took some time to process, while staying as virtually connected to dance classes, and my own students, as possible. In the past few weeks, I’ve had a resurgence of creativity, and a desire to create and dance more. I think it’s important, as young artists, to keep moving, making and connecting in this time, but also to be honest about how we feel. I feel so lucky, and very appreciative, that I have been able to teach virtually for studios and companies I’ve been working with for a few years now. Trent and I both, actually, are teaching weekly for a Mid-Atlantic based performing arts program called “Young Artists of America,” and we will continue to teach, choreograph, and direct virtually for their summer intensives.
Trent: I started quarantine, as a lot of folks did, feeling pretty down about the future of my industry and was overwhelmed by the sudden lack of work for all of my colleagues. Balancing both the idea of rest and creation was weighing on my brain heavily. However, I have been extremely fortunate to also be teaching virtually for the same company that Maddie mentioned above - Young Artists of America. I have also been working on various other projects as well, including the direction and choreography for a singer/songwriter friend of mine’s new music video, producing this “Broadway At Home” video, and collaborating with mentors/friends on how to make the transition to a virtual platform for a few other summer gigs I have lined up.
SB: Any advice to theatre hopefuls who may not be feeling confident about our industry?
Maddie: A thought that keeps me grounded: in most cases in history, after a period of darkness often comes a renaissance. I have faith that our beloved performing arts community can turn the lights back on, hopefully in ways that will be even brighter than before. Also, artists know firsthand how to take a “no” and seek out the “yes, and…” We may be in a period of uncertainty and facing an abundance of responses we don’t want to hear. But, even with the weight of the rejection, there will be a “yes.”
Trent: Firstly, I think it is so crucial to remember that ALL feelings are valid, especially during this time of uncertainty. Our industry is one where you are required to lay your heart on the line and be emotionally exposed day in and day out. I share the feelings of disappointment and uncertainty, but I also know that theatre is about telling stories. The basis of our industry relies on exactly that - being human and telling a story. I would encourage those folks who may be struggling to find a light at the end of the tunnel to continue to check in on themselves and friends, and to share stories with others even through a virtual medium. This does not mean you have to put on a production in your house! But it DOES mean that you should listen, be curious, and stay hungry for any chance to be creative.
OSB You’re both from smaller regional theatre cities. To shed a spotlight can you speak of the Arts Scene a bit in Pittsburgh and Baltimore?
Maddie: My experience in the DMV area pertains mainly to dance-specific activity, as my focus as a young performer was primarily competitive dance. I’m very fond of the dance studios, and performing arts companies like YAA, that are based in this area! However, the Musical Theatre scene in Maryland is incredible. We have everything from smaller, regional theaters like Olney Theater and Toby’s, to larger houses like The Hippodrome in Baltimore, to The National Theater and the Kennedy Center in D.C. to name a few. It has been really exciting to make the transition from student, to professional, with DMV roots.
Trent: There are numerous theatre and dance programs to choose from in Pittsburgh and the surrounding regions, and I started my Musical Theatre training when I was a first grader at an after-school program called ACT ONE Theatre School. I eventually made the transition to working mainly with the Pittsburgh CLO which is where I made my professional stage debut at age 12 in their annual production of A Musical Christmas Carol (I turned 13 during the run). There are several professional theatre companies in the greater Pittsburgh area that produce year-round work which makes Pittsburgh a lovely, sustainable city for the arts. From the Three Rivers Arts Festival to Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, I would say that the arts are not only surviving but thriving in my hometown.
OSB: Are there positives, if any, of this situation?
Maddie: I’m all for looking for, and embracing, the positives so I say yes! I feel as though many people have been able to connect with friends and family that they may not have been able to given scheduling conflicts or location, but now have motivation and ability to be together through virtual mediums. I personally have been taking advantage of the ability to teach and work with companies I typically only spend limited time with at one point in the year, more frequently. And, it’s a great time for creatives to be creative. Simply put.
Trent: Finding moments of collective joy has been such a positive for me during this time. Whether it be on a Zoom call or just embracing the moments of relaxation I have been able to find, I think that the Universe is giving us a big “pause” here. It is up to us to decide whether we sink into the sorrow or we rise from it. This, in no way, means that I think we have to be “positive-go-lucky” all the time - quite the opposite! Allowing myself to feel all the emotions that have come with these crazy times have made searching for the uplifting moments that much more gratifying.
OSB: If you could pick a song to best describe how you're feeling, what would it be.
Maddie: “There’s No Business Like Show Business”
Trent: ^ The Ethel Merman Disco Remix, to be specific.
OSB: Why do you love performing the work you do?
Maddie: It is quite frankly an ineffable feeling. There are so many words that come to mind describing the sensation of being a performer. As cheesy as this may be, I think my own “love” for performing and for working as a creative, is the emotional response that comes to mind when hearing Zach’s famous prompt in A Chorus Line: “what do you do when you can’t dance anymore.” My love for performing, and the work that I do, has inspired the way in which I identify. Yes, I am a person and a human first, but I couldn’t imagine Maddie without dance.
Trent: As I mentioned previously, I love human beings. And I love stories. I really, really do. There is an unexplained need within me to communicate with others and an undeniable desire to feel connected. At the end of the day, these very two are at the center of the work that I do and are the basis surrounding my entire life. Though the current times have shifted our ability to tell those stories and connect with others, it's also been thrilling for me to experience storytelling in a new way. It both perplexes and amuses me to imagine the many twists and turns, highs and lows, avenues and bridges that make up someone's story. To listen to a slice of someone's life feels like a gem - an honored treasure, and I think that is ultimately why I chose a career in the arts.
Maddie: That. What he said. ^
OSB: Now as a nod to James Lipton and Inside the Actors Studio, here are the 10 questions he asks.
What is your favorite word?
Maddie: Serendipitous
Trent: GORG.
2. What is your least favorite word?
Maddie: No.
Trent: Never.
3. What turns you on?
Maddie: “AH I have a great idea,” exclaimed or stated in a knowing tone of eager excitement.
Trent: A charcuterie board.
4. What turns you off?
Maddie: “Can we do something else, I’m bored”
Trent: When people will not ask for what they want and expect someone to read their mind
5. What sound or noise do you love?
Maddie: I’m not sure this would be my typical answer, but right now I can’t wait for the next time I hear “Stand clear of the closing doors please.”
Trent: “SALT SALT SALT” #BuffettMusical #FinsUp
6. What sound or noise do you hate?
Maddie: Chewing. With an open mouth.
Trent: Grinding of teeth.
7. What is your favorite curse word?
Maddie: oh sh!t.
Trent: B!tch.
8. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Maddie: Entertainment lawyer
Trent: Event planner.
9. What profession would you not like to do?
Maddie: Accounting. I prefer numbers 1-8.
Trent: Engineering. Naw, girl.
10. If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?
Maddie: *phew* “Welcome.”
Trent: “Guac is no longer extra.”
Check out Broadway at Home a Musical Theatre Revue
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CAadXvrpUpu/?igshid=aar9k88fs7ya