Sabina Sadiq, a resident of Forest Hills and a rising junior at Hunter College High School in Manhattan, won a prestigious scholarship to attend the first-ever summer acting program for high school students at the acclaimed Terry Knickerbocker Studio in Brooklyn.
Sadiq, 16, is among four students selected for the two-week summer program that includes a master class taught by renowned actress Jurnee Smollett.
“It was the craziest thing. I felt so valued, like all of my hard work was paying off. It’s such a renowned award and it’s an amazing feeling to earn that recognition,” Sadiq said. “It’s driving me further to pursue my goals.”
The studio’s programs are typically focused on college-level or older adults, including many professionals refining their craft throughout their careers.
Terry Knickerbocker Studio’s summer program will host 10 high school students (sophomores, juniors and seniors) for a 10-day intensive acting program — with core classes in the Meisner technique, voice, movement, clown and creating your own work, and master classes in singing, staying grounded and auditioning for college programs.
The program aims to help young actors find and cultivate their unique voices and create their own original work in the community with a like-minded ensemble of other daring artists of the future. The two-week experience culminates in a public sharing of devised work.
“All of the staff and teachers are so passionate and everyone knows each student individually. They really push you in a good way, and make you strive for what you want to achieve. It’s really inspiring and I am really learning so much,” Sadiq said.
In teaching a master class and question-and-answer session, Smollett will offer a unique perspective on beginning a career in the arts at a young age and sustaining and nurturing it over time.
Terry Knickerbocker, who has acted, directed, coached and produced art with some incredible people, said he developed a lifelong interest in theater when he was in high school. According to Knickerbocker, the program that they’re offering to high school students this summer is the one he wished he could have attended.
“It’s a chance for high school students to study with distinguished professionals, explore their own talents and dreams, and acquire vital skills that will benefit them always,” Knickerbocker said.
Sadiq, who loved performing at a young age, said she will continue to work hard in theater and the film industry to fulfill her dream.
She has earned a New Faces Award from the Broadway Education Alliance, a presenter of The Roger Rees Awards for Excellence in Student Performance.
New Faces is a new performance award for high school-age performing artists in the greater New York area who are pursuing careers in acting, dance and vocal performance in any genre.
“The Broadway Education Alliance is excited that Terry Knickerbocker Studio has made possible these scholarships to four New Faces Award winners,” said Susan Lee, director of business development for the Broadway Education Alliance. “This is both an added recognition for these aspiring actors and a generous gift of an opportunity for them to enhance their skills and pursue their ambitions.”
