The Morning Brew--A Brewster High School Production

Fans of Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Update” will recognize its cousin, Brewster High School’s own, “The Morning Brew.”

A hybrid sketch comedy troupe and newscast for the high school community, “The Morning Brew” covers both large and small moments from fundraisers to sports events to shows.
The group was started last year by two seniors–Daniel Ramos and Talia Rubeo–and is currently made up of approximately 20 seniors and juniors–12 cast and eight crew. They hold positions such as : Producer/Director, Editor, Head Writer, Lead Anchor, Sports Anchor, Interviewer, Crew, and “The Jordan.”

Segments of “The Morning Brew” include: news, sports and specialty segments like, Musical Moments on performing arts news, and Ask Autumn in which viewers can email or direct message Autumn Takacs, a self-described “guru” on anything from bad haircuts to rules of the Bear Den. The goal this year for the group is to release one episode a month with some room for “specials”--like last year’s episode on “Prom Safety."

Director/Producer Ellie Cassidy joined the club because she is a huge fan of Saturday Night Live. “I love the club because it’s the most creative outlet and is special to get to share what you make with the whole school.”

Marko Tyhansky is an anchor for “The Morning Brew” and he films for the news segments. “Being able to sit as a group and make jokes and film the events that make our news so interesting is what makes “The Morning Brew” fun. I am involved in many clubs and I travel with those clubs so I get to do reporting first hand. “Morning Brew” feels like vlogging. I am able to connect to Brewster students by presenting news they would love.”

The club meets after school and during free periods as often as the group decides. Members brainstorm skit ideas as a group, peel off to write, and then regroup to film and edit in “The Morning Brew” studio in the ILC where they have access to a green screen and video equipment. Kim Perillo, the club’s academic advisor said, ‘The Morning Brew’ was one hundred percent supported by Principal Nikki Horler and the rest of the BHS administration. Mrs. Horler worked her magic and somehow found us funds to get a green screen, fancy camera, and Macbook for editing.”

Today, the club is meeting after school at the Bear Den–the high school football stadium–to record a video on “The Rules of the Bear Den” for underclassmen, who are new to game time etiquette. Members are standing on the bleachers in four rows, four astride, with a paper Mache orangutan.

“A friend of mine made it and gave it to me. I just brought it along,” said Griffin McCullough, also known as “The Jordan.”

“The Jordan” is a role based upon Jordan Salmon, one of the founding members of “The Morning Brew.”Griffin was nominated to be “The Jordan” by his peers for his sense of humor and positive, fun attitude.

“Ok, Rules of the Bear Den, we can do two takes in case one needs to be cut,” said Kim Perillo, “Action!”

As a group, they explain:

Rule #1: “Seniors in the front, juniors in the middle-front, sophmores in the middle-back, freshmen in back. Don’t be that underclassman who tries to sneak their way in front.”

Rule #2 “Don’t Be A Slob. Be Mindful of Your Surroundings! Make sure not to push or shove anyone. And please don’t litter.”

As the group cheers in the stands, Griffin, “The Jordan,” dumps a garbage can filled with littere on the ground. The group stops, raises their hands in disgust and shakes their heads.

Rule #3: “Show Respect for Fallen Players. When a player gets hurt, make sure to sit down to show respect for the fallen player.”

The group sits down.

“Once everything is alright, you can stand up again.”

The group stands back up and starts to cheer.

Rule #4 “Last, Don’t Be Afraid To Show Off Your Brewster Spirit. “Whoop, whoop, whoop!”

That’s a wrap. See you all for the next episode of the Morning Brew.