Photo Flash: Broadway's Felicia Finley Shakes It Up At Actors Connection Performing Arts Camp With A Special Class

Last Friday, Kids & Teens at Actors Connection Performing Arts Camp ended their weeklong program with a special treat, a class and Q&A with Felicia Finleyfrom Broadway's Mamma Mia, Aida, Smokey Joe's Café, The Wedding Singer and more. Finley just closed a production of All Shook Up at The Muny where she starred as Miss Sandra.

During camp this last week, young performers trained on-camera with TV, film and commercial scripts. This special class with Finley introduced participants to additional aspects of performance: song and dance.

Finley taught a movie-musical dance combination with an emphasis on character work and movement for actors performing on-camera, similar to hits recently seen Live on television like Fox's Hairspray and NBC's The Wiz.

While teaching the Kids & Teens, Finley worked with the group while giving each actor personal direction and advice like, "It's about honesty. If you're just talking because you want to be seen, you're not telling that story. When you're telling a story it's not about you, it's about the character."

Following the class Finley spoke about her career on Broadway and answered several questions. She encouraged the up-and-coming artists to pursue their passion. "You're doing exactly what you should be doing. I encourage you to keep going to class. Networking. Learning with your friends, it doesn't matter how old you are."

Actors Connection Performing Arts Camp, created by Director Walid Chaya, is the leading professional summer program for ages 7-16 of all backgrounds ready to take their acting skills to the next level with 12 Casting Directors, Talent Agents and Broadway Stars in one jam-packed week.

While the Performing Arts Camp is exclusive to the summer season, AC produces on-camera events and master classes year-round. Actors Connections mission is to inspire creative Kids & Teens, and provide them with tools for success with some of NY's most appreciated and talented professionals.

A second session of Performing Arts Camp will be offered August 14-18, 2017 at Actors Connection with an updated line-up of special industry guests. For more information about camp and year-round events, please visit actorsconnection.com/kids or call (212) 776-4900.

Photos courtesy of Walid Chaya

Felicia Finley answers questions about working on Broadway at Actors Connection Kids & Teens Performing Arts Camp.

Felicia Finley brings her Broadway experience to Actors Connection Performing Arts Camp and teaches musical movement for the actor.

Teens group at Actors Connection Performing Arts Camp train in movie musicals with Broadway Star Felicia Finley.

Broadway Star Felicia Finley talks about her career with advice for Kids and Teens at Actors Connection Performing Arts Camp.

Felicia Finley assigns characters for the musical acting lesson at Actors Connection Performing Arts Camp July 2017.

Kids group at Actors Connection Performing Arts Camp stretch with Felicia Finley before their musical acting lesson.

Felicia Finley teaches a class about movement for the actor at Actors Connection Performing Arts Camp.