Theatre Arts Center New York to Host 15th Anniversary Celebration

Theatre Arts Center New York (Robert Laconi, Executive Director), New York's premiere theatrical summer training program for young artists, celebrates a major milestone: 15 years of producing and training students in acting, musical theater, and dance in New York City. To celebrate the auspicious occasion, Theatre Arts Center will host a Theater Partyon Sunday, March 6 at 2:00 in the Shadow Box Theater on the campus of Queensborough College (222-05 56th Avenue, Bayside, Queens). In addition to master classes being offered that day, there will also be a panel of casting professionals to meet with parents regarding the in's and out's of youth in the business. The Theater Party is free, both alumni and new students are welcome. Reservations may be made by calling (718) 595-2905, or by visiting the website atwww.TheatreArtsCenter.com/New-York/ (under "Auditions.")

More than 55 Broadway Artists have taught, choreographed, and directed at The Center during the past 15 years, along with artists from Yale, The Acting Company, The O'Neill Center, and regional theaters throughout the U.S. Broadway artists such as Karen Mason, Shannon Lewis, Robbie Roby, Kelcy Griffith, Westley Taylor, Tony Gonzalez, Heather Parcells, Christine Dwyer, Steven Ray Watkins, Devin Brain, and J. Austin Eyer have guided students like Jeremy T. Villas, who after two years at The Center, landed on Broadway in Kinky Boots.

Taking the program to the next generation of young performers, Executive Director, Robert Laconi, has named Disney Theatrical Teaching Artist, Steven Cardona, the new Artistic Director. Mr. Cardona is a Boston Conservatory graduate and is a New York-based director working in film, theater, & dance. He has been teaching & directing at Theatre Arts Center for the past five years. His experience working with shows like Murder for Two off-Broadway, Associate Choreographer on Law & Order SVU, national and international tours, the Little Orchestra Society, and his work developing new material, makes him an ideal artist to shape training programs for their students.

"Theater Arts Center is a program near and dear to my heart, as I began teaching there after my first Broadway show," states Stephanie Klemons, currently an Associate Choreographer withHamilton. "They afford their students, both hobbyists and pre-professionals alike, a unique opportunity to work with and study from working professionals to create a memorable and enriching experience, in a positive environment."

The training center, based at the Professional Performing Arts Center in Bayside, Queens, has been attracting talented students locally, nationally and internationally since its launch in 2001. Students from Manhattan to Long Island commute to the Center each summer, and a new housing plan at Queens College makes the programs available to even more rising young talent nationally. The professional teaching staff provides students the tools to succeed and build their performing skills. The Center offers a variety of theatrical training programs: an Actors Conservatory, Musical Theater & Dance, Vocal Performance Workshop, and Audition Prep. There are sessions for ages 8 - 18 and pre-college. In keeping with their professional approach, all students must audition to participate.

Karen Mason, Broadway veteran and cabaret star, has taught at the Center for several years. "I love working with young singers & actors because they are on the brink of their careers and are eager to share and learn" states Ms. Mason, who last year directed the Vocal Performance Workshop with Steven Ray Watkins.

Robert Laconi brought the program to New York City from Bucks County Pennsylvania where it was founded by Kristine Lewis. Ms. Lewis is a partner in Lewis & Fox Casting and Mr. Laconi teaches, produces and directs between summer programs. When he was looking for a NYC home base, the 800-seat Professional Performing Arts Center at Queensborough Community College in Bayside was the perfect fit. Parents and students from the boroughs and Long Island are pleased to have a professional program in their own back yard, and parents from Manhattan like the suburban atmosphere of the CUNY campus. "This is an excellent match," says Susan Agin. Executive Director of the Performing Arts Center. "Our theatre, already the host to major artists like Bernadette Peters, Steven Schwartz, Chita Rivera, Joel Grey, and Ben Vereen, is a wonderful professional learning laboratory for budding talent," states Agin. Their housing plan at Queens College offers safe and modern sleep away options for their out of town students from across the U.S. and abroad.

Auditions are held in NYC and by video for out of town applicants. Talented young performers interested in auditioning for the summer programs should call 718-595-2905 or emailTheatreArtsCtr@AOL.com for an appointment. Out of town students can submit a video audition. You can also find information and request an audition on their web site atTheatreArtsCenter.com/New-York/