Singers Forum Turns Over New Leaf in Chelsea; Open House Set for Today

With a long and prestigious 33-year history that has catered to the likes of Liza Minnelli, Brooke Sheilds and Mandy Patinkin, non-profit vocal academy Singers Forum moves into the 21st Century with an expanded mission, a new look, and exciting new classes.

Long time Artistic Director Don Rebic and newly appointed Executive Director Lynly Forrest have appointed Multi- Award winner and current MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs) president Lennie Watts to expand its curriculum and create exciting new opportunities for students. From Writing Magical Songs with Grammy Award winner Julie Gold (1991 Song of the Year "From a Distance") to The Business of Show a practical entertainment business skills class taught by Melissa Robinette (Eastern Regional Vice President of Actors' Equity Association), Singers Forum will have something for everyone!

"Singers Forum is a unique gem in New York. We are the only non-profit organization dedicated to the vocal performing arts that also has a roster of professional, successful teaching artists. Everyone at Singers Forum is an active participant in New York's arts scene. Nowhere else will you find a community more willing to embrace artists and give them the support and skills they need to live their dreams." says Forrest (herself a long-time student of Singers Forum).

Following their new motto, Aspire. Prepare. Perform. , Singers Forum welcomes performers of all levels from the aspiring beginner to the seasoned professional. "Everyone has to start somewhere", continues Forrest "There are always new skills to learn, new ways you can stretch yourself as an artist. It's why, in addition to vocal technique classes, we're offering basic musicianship classes for singers. We want to give people an opportunity to challenge themselves; to experiment, to learn and really discover the joy of singing."

The Winter session kicks off with an Open House on Thursday, January 17th, 6pm-9pm and Saturday, January 19th, 3pm-6pm where Singers Forum will debut its new classes including: Jazz Explorations, a Jazz Master Class, with David Epstein (international Jazz musician); Get the Part!, an audition prep class with Kristine Zbornik (Into the Woods, Central Park); two levels of musicianship classes with Mark Wade (bassist, featured on The Today Show); and Patter, Puns and Punchlines! with Nancy Witter (Nick @ Nite's Funniest Mom Contest). There will even be the opportunity for the next generation of artists to discover the exciting world of cabaret through CabLab: Teen Edition with the award-winning duo of Gretchen Reinhagen and Tracy Stark. "Because of Glee and The Voice, more teens are looking for a personalized ways to express themselves through song," says Forrest.

Watts will also be offering CabLab: Master Series which gives students a chance to work with different master teachers during the session. Joining Watts will be Karen Mason, Alison Fraser, KT Sullivan, Johnny Rodgers, and John Bucchino.

In addition to the new classes, many Singers Forum favorites will be returning: Audition and Vocal Performance, a lyrical interpretation class for professional performers with the award-winning director/actor/vocalist, Eric Michael Gillett, and The Arrangement Experience, the original "remix" class with Lennie Watts and Steven Ray Watkins. There are also a variety of vocal technique classes for all levels, as well as the opportunity to take private lessons with most of the teaching artists under the Singers Forum umbrella.

Located in the historic Flatiron neighborhood of Manhattan, Singers Forum is a non-profit musical oasis committed to providing the highest quality vocal training for New York City residents. Singers Forum draws from it's long and illustrious 33-year history to create a safe haven for artists.