Broadway Talent Set for BDF Workshop at Dallas Convention Center, 3/10-14

Top Broadway talent, including acclaimed director and choreographer Otis Sallid (Smokey Joe's Cafe?, Mariah Carey at the Beacon), Quentin Earl Darrington (Ragtime, Memphis), Nicholas Rodriguez (Tarzan, "One Life to Live"), and BDF founder and casting director Annette Tanner will turn Dallas-area performers into triple threat talents when The Broadway Dreams Foundation presents a five-day performing arts intensive workshop in partnership with the Black Academy of Arts and Letters, Inc. The unique performing arts intensive will take place at the Dallas Convention Center (600 South Griffin Street, Dallas, TX) Tuesday, March 10 - Saturday, March 14, 2015. The five-day intensive will culminate in a unique Broadway-style concert event featuring performances by Dallas' brightest rising stars on Friday, March 13, 2015 at 8 p.m.

In this one-of-a kind intensive, students will learn what it takes to make it as a professional performer while honing their skills and learning from Broadway's brightest. Classes will focus on acting, musical theatre dance and song selection for a successful audition. Tuition is $195 per student. To register, please visit: www.mybroadwaydreams.com/upcoming-workshops.

Best known as the creator of Smokey Joe's Cafe?, the musical revue that broke records to become the longest running musical revue in Broadway history, Otis Sallid forged his career as a visionary during the music video revolution and has since translated his talents as director/choreographer to theatre, film and television projects. Last year he collaborated with director Kasi Lemmons on the film, Black Nativity starring Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, and Mary J. Blige. In prior years he has teamed with a host of noted directors, including Spike Lee on School Daze, Do the Right Thing, and Malcom X. Sallid is currently developing several Broadway projects, including one that teams sisters Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad together, and another that will team him with the comic genius of Wayne Brady.

Nicholas Rodriguez is perhaps best known for the role of Nick Chavez on ABC's "One Life to Live." He recently debuted his solo show, "The First Time..." at the Orlando Cabaret Festival to rave reviews. Prior to that, he made his Carnegie Hall debut in a one night only concert version of Guys and Dolls starring Nathan Lane, Megan Mullaly, and Len Cariou. Earlier this year, he starred opposite Kathleen Turner in Mother Courage and Her Children at Arena Stage in

Washington, D.C. where he recently played Freddy in My Fair Lady and was also seen as Curly in Oklahoma! Nicholas made his Broadway debut in Disney's production of Tarzan.

Quentin Earl Darrington made his Broadway debut as Coalhouse Walker Jr. in the critically acclaimed revival of Ragtime. Professional roots in Tampa Bay at the Center Theater Company and Ruth Eckerd Hall. Off-Broadway: Lost in the Stars at New York City Center and The Roar of the Greasepaint... at the York Theatre Company. National Tours: Memphis, The Color Purple, The Lion King. Regional: Gee's Bend at Cincinnati Playhouse, I Dream at the Alliance Theatre, Ragtime at the Kennedy Center and Paper Mill Playhouse, A Little Night Music at Sacramento Music Circus, Abyssinia at Goodspeed Opera House and Jaques Brel at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.

Annette Tanner opened her first film and television casting agency in 1985. After just 2 years as an agent she made the move to casting consultant then casting director on several movies, television shows, and commercials. In 1991 she decided to pursue her other passion, photography, becoming the Director of Training & Operations for the largest photography studio in Australia and later became General Manager for the company's UK division. In 2006 Annette co-founded the Broadway Company, which later evolved into the Broadway Dreams Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to helping all students realize their Broadway dreams regardless of their financial status.

Helmed by Executive Director Annette Tanner, along with Artistic Advisors Nicholas Rodriguez and Stafford Arima (Allegiance, Altar Boyz), the Broadway Dreams Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to training, mentoring and providing career opportunities to the next generation of musical theater performers. Intensive programs are offered nationally throughout the year, led by an exceptional faculty of high-profile Broadway professionals. BDF offers significant scholarships to hundreds of participants each year, ensuring that all qualified students are able to realize their Broadway dreams regardless of their financial status. This past year, 42% of all BDF students attended programs on full or partial scholarship. Over the past several years, BDF has been successful in placing nearly 60 students into Broadway and Off-Broadway productions and national tours, including If/Then, Beautiful the Carole King Musical, The Book of Mormon, Motown the Musical, Holler if Ya Hear Me, Annie, Violet, Bring It On the Musical, The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess, Evita, and more.

For more information, please visit www.mybroadwaydreams.com.

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