BWW TV: BROADWAY DREAMS FOUNDATION - Eden Espinosa

THE BROADWAY DREAMS FOUNDATION (BDF) returned to Atlanta, Georgia Monday, June 1 through Saturday, June 6, 2009 to host their fourth annual BDF Summer Performing Arts Intensive program. The goal of the non-profit organization is to bring young talent closer to their Broadway dreams, regardless of their financial status, through an intensive week-long Broadway training program lead by some of Broadway's brightest stars. BWW TV is proud to bring you an inside look at this very important program, in this segment, Eden Espinosa talks about her experience at the inspirational event.

The 2009 BDF Summer Performing Arts Intensive was held at Centennial High School (9310 Scott Road, Roswell, GA 30076) with the final performance taking place at the Centennial Theatre on Saturday, June 5 at 7 p.m. 

This year's exceptional faculty was comprised of Broadway stars, casting directors and the most sought-after dance and vocal coaches in the industry. Leading the roster is Georgia native, popular "American Idol" finalist and Broadway veteran Diana DeGarmo (Hairspray), Paul Canaan (Legally Blonde & MTV's "Legally Blonde: The Search For Elle Woods"), Eden Espinosa (Wicked, Brooklyn, Rent), Billy Porter (Grease, Miss Saigon), Carlos L. Encinias (Mama Mia!, Altar Boyz) and Telsey + Company casting director Craig Burns. BDF students will also benefit from the instruction of Royal Australian Ballet dancer Matt Trent (Billy Elliot), NYU CAP 21's Kate Guyton (Cyrano de Bergerac, TV's "Cashmere Mafia"), Los Angeles based celebrity vocal coach Dave Barrus (Les Miserables), composer Jeremy Schonfeld, and Clear Talent Group agent Jamie Harris.

The week-long BDF Summer Performing Arts Intensive brought together faculty members and 150 students for the most demanding, inspiring and career shaping summer camp in the country. Students audition for vocal placement within the camp and invited to audition with NY casting director Craig Burns for a lead role in the camp's final showcase. Each student's track is an individual placement to provide the best possible learning experience. During the course of the week, all the students participated in educational classes on audition skills (focusing on song selection and cold readings) vocal coaching, pop stylings, career planning, college preparation, dance and head shots & resumes.

A considerable portion of the week was spent rehearsing the final showcase - a revue style concert in which the students performed alongside the renowned faculty. During the rehearsal period, BDF students learned first hand the dedication and talent required to put together a Broadway caliber show.

Additional workshops will be held August 4th to the 9th at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, and in late summer in San Diego.

For more information on the BROADWAY DREAMS FOUNDATION, please visit www.mybroadwaydreams.com.

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