Chicago 2025 - Day Seven
Chicago Day 7 – The Main Event and Tough Goodbyes
As the Chicago sun shined through the hotel windows and into our breakfast area, the students were very excited about this afternoon’s main performance. Yet, saddened by the thought of this being our final day at Ridgewood.
...let's go New Bridge!
Chicago 2025 - Day Seven
When we arrived at Ridgewood, the Ridgewood staff team and students welcomed us with a candy-coated treat to kick our final day off in style.
During the first section of the morning, New Bridge and Ridgewood students signed each other’s t-shirts, took selfies and lots of photographs, and the New Bridge students signed a Union Jack flag which was given to Ridgewood. In turn, Ridgewood students signed an American flag and presented it to us.
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During the later part of the morning, an award ceremony was held in Ridgewood’s theatre.
Throughout the week, staff from both New Bridge and Ridgewood have been observing the students’ interaction and communication with each other.
The following students selected for an award were not chosen based on their stage presence and improv skills alone. Moreover, the staff looked at important factors such as teamwork, creativity, being ready to learn, supporting each other, problem solving, respect, following instructions, resilience, self-discipline, versatility and curiosity.
It was very difficult for the staff to select the winners of the awards as all of the students have been truly amazing during the past week.
Award Winners:
- The Mentor Maestro Award – Jay Frausto
- Outstanding Performer – Fran Malo
- Above and Beyond – Larimar Rivera
- Most Creative – Joshua Leigh
- Best Improv Moment – Taira Hodzic
- Best Ensemble:
o Ben Greenwood
o Jill Nicole Rivas
o Mia Glasgow
o Maia Clay
o Oliver Illingworth
Well done to the winners and a massive well done to all students... you have all been incredible.
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For lunch, we were treated to Portillo’s and Raising Canes. Students enjoyed tasty chicken fingers, meatballs, pasta, salad and falafels.
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After lunch, it was time for New Bridge and Ridgewood students to showcase their Armando improv skills, on stage, in front of a live audience for the second time this week.
However, this time it was recorded live and beamed across to the UK.
https://www.youtube.com/live/81a5EcfKqM0?si=WfXiwKQXckpTLC2C
As I’m sure you will agree, all of the students played their part and they were absolutely amazing.
“One of the greatest aspects of theatre is not just the wonderful stories, the gorgeous songs, the thrill of live performances; it’s the friendships that are made throughout the process; the camaraderie that grows during show week; and the sense of pride in working together with a group of people to make a memorable piece of art” - Theatre Thoughts: Creating Community
We all then said our very tough goodbyes.
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Tonight at the hotel, for our evening meal, the kitchen staff exclusively made us a variety of pizzas, waffle fries, salad and chocolate and vanilla ice cream.
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To end the day, some of the students had a dip in the pool and others decided to hit the gym. After some exercise, some of the students chilled with a movie, listened to music or chatted with their friends.
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