'On Broadway' Workshop Offered for Young Australian Performers

"On Broadway" is an experience currently being offered to young performers across Australia. Headed by four seasoned Broadway professionals, this opportunity allows both professional (over 18) amateur (under 18) to learn from these music theatre masters and also audition in front of them as part of a competition that enables the winners to travel to New York to meet agents, see shows, meet cast and receive advice on obtaining an 0-1 visa to potentially relocate and work in the U.S.

Seth Stewart and Sherona D'Ornellas, both of In The Heights fame head the dance component of the day. D'Ornellas explains to me that her and Stewart teach participants a routine that simulates the audition process in New York. 'It's fast, it's varying in style with a particular hint of R&B to highlight the contemporary developments in modern music theatre.' During the morning workshop session, participants also work with acting specialist Johnny Ramey on scene work, with a focus on character and delivery in an audition. D'Ornellas emphasizes the perceived lack of importance placed on acting within a musical and the downfall that any young performer can have if they believe this to be the case. Furthermore, participants have the opportunity to work with renowned musical director Julie McBride on their own, as well as some prescribed songs throughout the morning, focusing on the presentation of these within the context of an audition.

The second half of the day takes the form of an audition with participants presenting their song and scene to the panel as well as simulating a dance audition from the routine learnt earlier in the day. It is during this process that participants are filmed. Upon the conclusion of the workshop, their audition is sent to leading Australian casting director Lynne Ruthven and music theatre performer Todd McKenney to view and determine who the strongest performer from both the professional and amateur categories are and who will ultimately be afforded the opportunity to travel to New York and explore their performing options in the United States.

"On Broadway" has already seen some wonderful talent in Brisbane, Sydney and the Gold Coast where D'Ornellas tells me that her and her colleagues 'have been blown away by the talent they have seen and that they are truly excited about what talent they will find in the coming weeks when they will head to Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide.' It is a wonderful opportunity for all performers across the country to work with some highly distinguished artists and learn from their experiences and their creative lives.

Bookings can be made at http://www.talentdevelopmentproject.org.au/?p=3078

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