‘Celebrity Substitute’ Puts A-Listers Like Andrew Garfield, Florence Pugh on the Spot at NYC Public Schools

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As a seasoned gamer with years of experience under my belt, I must say that “Celebrity Substitute” has piqued my interest like no other educational web series ever has. Having spent countless hours in front of screens, both gaming and learning, I can’t help but appreciate the unique blend of entertainment and education this show offers.

The old adage goes: Those who can’t do, teach. Or so Aristotle might have said, though it’s more of a misquote. But what about the reverse? Can some of the most accomplished individuals in their respective fields effectively manage a class full of boisterous schoolchildren? That’s the question humorously presented in the recently debuted web series titled “Celebrity Substitute“, now available on YouTube and other social media platforms.

In the initial episodes of the series, “We Live in Time,” Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh engage in mentoring acting skills for New York City’s public elementary school pupils. Meanwhile, Lisa from the K-Pop group Blackpink leads a class to learn dance moves and create a music video, and Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles helps another group master a workout routine.

Each episode, lasting between 4-8 minutes, is spearheaded and jointly produced by Julian Shapiro-Barnum, renowned for his hit web series and social media sensation, Recess Therapy. This show features Shapiro-Barnum in unique, one-on-one conversations with kids on various subjects such as bedwetting to global warming. The impact of this show is so significant that it has attracted notable figures like Michelle Obama, Matt Damon, Jenna Ortega, Bill Murray, and Elmo as guests, and Shapiro-Barnum’s youthful troupe even conducted red carpet interviews at the Golden Globes. To boost its prestige, Celebrity Substitute is helmed by director Jake Wilson, who has worked with artists like Lizzo, Cher, and Kacey Musgraves. The series is also co-executively produced by EGOT-winning composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, known for their work on Broadway hits such as Dear Evan Hansen and The Greatest Showman, the film La La Land and the Hulu series Only Murders in the Building.

25-year-old Shapiro-Barnum drew inspiration for his latest project from a significant encounter during his elementary school years in Brooklyn. He recalls, “The most influential and meaningful event in my school career happened when two improv comedians, Mike and Laura, visited my third or fourth grade class to conduct a comedy workshop.” Shapiro-Barnum was unaware that such a profession existed, and the experience broadened his horizons like never before. He has never forgotten this enlightening moment.

In the new series, Shapiro-Barnum aimed to pay tribute to the transformative influence that “in-school field trips” can have on students. He was interested in exploring the effects of this experience not just on the students but also on the experts themselves. Additionally, he wanted to depict the difficulties and significance of working within a classroom setting. As he put it, “Even though these highly accomplished individuals are proficient at what they do, teaching is a different challenge.” He hoped to create a scenario where these experts would be out of their comfort zone, demonstrating their abilities in front of a class of students. Furthermore, this setup would serve to underscore the complexity and importance of teaching.

To ensure that the all-day shoot event benefits the participating schools significantly, the show includes a charitable aspect beyond just highlighting the unique aspects of each school. As Shapiro-Barnum explains, “We not only showcase the teachers and administrators who make a school exceptional, but we also have a segment where we can give back generously, with our partner Amazon sponsoring the series.” In other words, if schools request anything – from basic supplies to major items like laptops for every student or brand new gym equipment – we are able to provide them.

As soon as we arrive, it’s go time. It’s just like a normal school day, where we have to quickly impart essential information, incorporate enjoyable activities, provide breaks, and encourage active participation from the kids. Shapiro-Barnum admits that although she is accustomed to working with one child for short intervals, this new situation feels overwhelming because she’s suddenly dealing with a larger group all at once.

Shapiro-Barnum shares that there haven’t been any major mishaps or unfortunate events during filming. However, he notes that one consistent issue arises as soon as the day’s work begins: it’s incredibly difficult to keep the kids focused and on task. “Even if we’re doing something fascinating with a well-known figure,” he explains, “they might get distracted by wondering if me and the celebrity stand-in are related, or if they can have some extra Cheez-Its.

Like Recess Therapy before it, Celebrity Substitute is made with kids but mostly for adults.

He expresses his hope that it resonates with individuals like himself, as well as those who are older, who find joy in discovering novel experiences. He finds this aspect intriguing and appealing. Additionally, there’s the enjoyment of observing celebrities attempting something they’ve never done before.

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2024-10-23 00:55