Photo Flash: SPONGEBOB's Gaelen Gilliland Gets Groovy at Actors Connection with a Special Kids & Teens Class

SpongeBob Squarepants the Musical star Gaelen Gilliland, also known for Broadway's Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde, Wicked and more, dropped by Actors Connection over Presidents Day Weekend to meet with Kids & Teens participating in a Broadway masterclass - see photo's below!

The masterclass included a meet and greet with Gilliland who also taught acting and movement with a sneak peak musical number from the show. Young performers got on their feet in a hands-on lesson with the special guest and also had the opportunity to ask her several questions regarding life of a Broadway actor. Gilliland shared some insight and inspiration regarding the process, from auditions to performances, and reminded students to "always be yourself!"

Following the masterclass, the students took a trip to the Palace Theater on Broadway and watched the Saturday evening performance of SpongeBob, especially excited to see Gilliland on-stage as Miss. Mayor.

This musical masterclass is part of Actors Connection Kids & Teens year-round programming featuring classes and camps taught by industry professionals and created by Director Walid Chaya. Chaya says "Our young performers are learning from pro's activity working in the biz with opportunities that go farther than the classroom walls and into real-world experiences. In this case, they go from the musical masterclass with Gaelen to seeing her and the rest of the cast act and sing in the Broadway performance."

The next Broadway masterclass will be part of one of the many events at Actors Connection's Performing Arts Summer Camp happening July 16-20, 2018 and August 13-17, 2018. Past guests have included Broadway stars Nala Hamilton (The Lion King), Tia Altinay (Aladdin), Jesse Swimm (School of Rock) and more.

Actors Connection Camp 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. Their mission is to inspire creative Kids & Teens, and provide them with tools for success with some of NY's most appreciated and talented professionals. For more information about camp or year-round events, please visit actorsconnection.com/kids or call (212) 776-4900.

Broadway Star Gaelen Gilliland speaks to young performers at Actors Connection over Presidents Day weekend.

Broadway's Gaelen Gilliland warms up the group of students before teaching them a musical lesson at Actors Connection New York.

Actors Connection Kids & Teens learn part of the opening number from SpongeBob Squarepants the Musical with Broadway Cast Member Gaelen Gilliland.

Kids and Teens are all smiles with Broadways Gaelen Gilliland and Director Walid Chaya at Actors Connection.

Broadway Star and SpongeBob Squarepants the Musical Original Cast Member Gaelen Gilliland signs autographs for Actors Connection's Kids and Teens following their musical masterclass.