Richard Biever Launches Singing OnStage Productions

Artistic Director and Founder Richard Biever is pleased to announce the creation of Singing OnStage Productions, a new musical theatre production company dedicated to developing new writers, performers and musicians as well as presenting original and neglected musical theatre productions. 4-week Audition and Showcase Classes begin September 12, 2011, followed by a unique Music Director Training Program, September 16-18. The company's premiere theatrical production will be a fundraiser, "Side By Side By Sondheim," to be held at the Laurie Beechman Theatre September 13 & 15.

Singing OnStage Productions (SOS) is a new musical theatre production company located in the heart of New York City's theatre district. SOS is committed to developing new musicals and new talent by providing audition classes & showcase classes taught by industry leaders, and producing showcase productions, all of which give participants the opportunity to hone their craft and to be seen by casting directors, directors, agents and other industry. In addition, SOS's unique Music Director Training Program is a rare opportunity for talented musicians to develop their works and to learn from industry leaders the various skills necessary to be a successful music director.

Singing OnStage Productions' 2011-2012 season of musicals will be "Side By Side By Sondheim" Fundraiser (September 13 & 15, 2011); "The Musical of Musicals The Musical" (November 11-19, 2011); "Romance Romance" (February 10-18, 2012).

"After the successes of last year's productions of "Smile" and "Harmony, Kansas," we are excited to launch our first full season of showcase productions." stated SOS founder Richard Biever. "We'll also be adding an educational component of classes and workshops and developing new shows with writers. The idea is to keep all our activities focused on creating the best musical theatre possible."

Singing OnStage Productions accepts tax-deductible donations as a sponsored artist of The Field, a not-for-profit, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization serving the New York City performing arts community.

Artistic Director Richard Biever is the founder of Singing OnStage Productions in New York City. After attending the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Richard received a degree in voice and choral conducting from the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, developing a long career as a music director, conducting shows around the U.S. and around the world. At Indiana University, he worked with alum Howard Ashman to produce the first college production of Little Shop of Horrors. Richard conducted the National and European tours of Little Shop and conducted a leg of the smash West Side Story European tour. Soon after, Richard began directing and received a MFA in Directing for the Musical Theatre Stage from Penn State University, under the tutelage of Tony-nominated director Susan H. Schulman. While at Penn State, he directed productions of Fat Pig, Romance, Romance, and Sunday in the Park with George, among others. In 2003, Richard and his wife Heidi opened Singing OnStage Studios, a musical theatre training school for children in State College, PA. In the fall of 2010, Richard founded Singing OnStage Productions in New York City, directing readings of Smile and Harmony, Kansas.
For more information on Singing OnStage Productions, visit: http://singingonstageproductions.com/