In the lobby of an old theater, sophomore Kinya Young waits for her chance to showcase her singing talent for a woman who has the power to help make all her wildest dreams come true.
The Takoma Theater stands nestled away in northwest Washington, D.C., where it has been since 1922. In this theater where many memories are locked away in the stone walls and Grecian themed interior, Juanita Newell holds auditions for her monthly local showcase of emerging and under recognized artists called "Curtain Call."
"What we do is audition talent, and then we rent area theaters where we can showcase them," explained Newell. "The best of the talent I take with me to New York where I do a show at the Iguana for A&R representatives from different record labels."
Newell is originally from New York City, and grew up in a very musical family. This explains her strong interest in the music industry. "My grandfather was Orville Hoppy Jones of the Inkspots," described Newell. "They were like the Temptations of the late 30s and early 40s."
According to Curtaincallproductions.org, the show's mission is to "join producers with undiscovered talent and give under recognized performers exposure."
Newell is the show's creator and producer. Not only does she wish to help struggling performers gain more experience, but she also helps them develop into amazing artists. She has an artist development program where she teaches the basics of performing.
"We teach performers what [to] do in front of the camera," said Newell. "How you hold the microphone, how you connect with the audience, how you dress for a power-packed performance, are all a part of [these teachings]."
Not only are classes on basic performing available, but also classes on how to break into the music industry are accessible to determined artists. It is possible to learn about contracts, affiliations and different organizations to join from practicing attorneys.
In addition to Newell's development program, she also offers professional headshots and books entertainment for fundraisers, weddings, birthday parties, and the list goes on. "The whole idea is to get work for performers," she explained.
In order to become involved with Newell and "Curtain Call," an artist must make an appointment to audition for her personally. People come from as far as Pennsylvania to get the opportunity to audition for the show.
Catering to artists and helping to develop them has been a path that Newell has been traveling on since the 1970s when she and her best friend, Shelly Brooks, created a company called "One Step Before Stardom." Curtain Call became just another entrepreneurial spin-off.
After being in the business for over 30 years, Newell has been able to develop a substantial Rolodex. Working with people like Tim Allen, who is credited with discovering artists like the Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears, has become an everyday part of life.
"I won't tell you how old I am, but over the years I have just developed a strong network with people in the music industry," explained Newell.
Through Curtain Call, Jacuzzi Records was also started, which is a remix studio catering to performers who don't have original music. Dr. Winston Smith, who is also a Howard University Medical school alum, has been the musical director for "Curtain Call" since the summer of 2001, and is responsible for starting Jacuzzi Records.
Aside from helping local artists to get their start, Newell also reaches out to students from Montgomery Blair High School. She has an internship program where students can work for the company and earn their student learning hours.
"I love what I do. I love music," described Newell. "I'm [also] helping people. I'm becoming like an expert at this, and it's good to be helpful."
Young, who is a music therapy major, sat quietly at a small table in the lobby of Takoma theater, and like many others who've come before her she looks forward to the aid of Newell and "Curtain Call" to help jump start her career.
"I'm looking to get both exposure and a record deal [from this opportunity]," Young explained.
"Curtain Call" can be seen in Washington, D.C. on channels 5 and 10 on the Howard University cable system Tuesdays at 11 a.m. and Thursdays at 8 p.m.
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