Feature: Broadway Dreams & Theatre Under The Stars Collaborate for UNPLUGGED 2019 Intensive Tour

In an industry where there are countless workshops and trainings for performance experience, Broadway Dreams is an authentic, irreplicable gem. This organization has proven itself to be a standout from others in ways that can be the determining factor in theatrical success. From July 20th- 26th, the Broadway Dreams UNPLUGGED tour intensive is partnering with Theatre Under the Stars to bring top-notch, tailored theatre training to the students of Houston through collaboration with Broadway professionals.

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Broadway Dreams Founder & President Annette Tanner voiced her enthusiasm in coming to Houston, "I always believe that Texas is a hotbed for talent. It just is. For us to be able to start cultivating that and be a part of that journey is really thrilling." Theatre Under the Stars' Dan Knechtges and Megan Larche Dominick will be among the several reputable teaching artists working with the students in Houston throughout the intensive. UNPLUGGED's tie to Theatre Under the Stars also offers the special chance to perform on the Hobby Center Main Stage.

The Broadway Dreams tour consists of a week-long process broken down into stages. However, the creative choices and final product varies from city to city. "The funny thing with Broadway Dreams is that there's a typical framework, but there's never a typical day" said Tanner, "This year's theme is 'UNPLUGGED'...as in individuals asking 'Who really am I?' and then being able to tap into that." After launching earlier this summer in Atlanta and Los Angeles, UNPLUGGED will tour to Houston, Charlotte, Philly, Calgary, New York, Modesto, and Germany throughout July and August.

Rather than creating a strict structure for the intensive and merely transferring it to each city, this intensive uses the aptitudes of each group of students to craft the experience. There is no need for you as an individual to fit the mold, because at this intensive you are the mold. Tanner explained this choice in saying, "We create what we think is the show that is going to show those students off best". The following days are packed with masterclasses and rehearsals tailored to the specific production needs, so that in one week's time the students will have constructed a fully-developed production onstage. The creative outcome of the intensive is entirely dependent on what the students bring to the room, gifting them the unique chance to showcase a skill that could then be incorporated into the framework of the performance.

The program schedule generally runs from 10:00am to 6:00pm, mimicking the 'real-world' of theatre rehearsals. Additionally, the quick tech and rehearsal process offer the opportunity to experience the anomalies of live theatre firsthand. Tanner noted the adaptable nature of this program in that "Really anything is possible. It's all about creation, it's all about learning. Depending on the city, we change the classes on a daily basis based on what we think the children might need."

Broadway Dreams' mission of accessibility with their arts training extends into this program through scholarship options to assist with the $850 tuition. "We invest everything that we can into the experience for the students and the ability for them to come to the program if they have the love and passion, regardless of if they can pay for it. The arts are one of the most valuable things you can invest in for you and your child. It becomes such a life-changing experience for those students."

Tanner emphasized that the interest of Broadway Dreams lies above-all in the students, regardless of financials. If you feel compelled to support young theatre artists in Texas, any donations for tuition or lunches is valued-- "If someone says they can't afford to spend $800 on tuition, but can spend $100 to cover lunches for the faculty or college interns, we would so appreciate them as well."

One of the distinguishing factors of the Broadway Dreams intensives is the incorporation of Broadway mentors that will be working directly with the students. "It truly becomes an eight-day audition," says Tanner, "Who you know and the connections that you make within this industry are the most important thing for artists to understand." In the fast-paced world of auditions and casting, opportunities come up that need immediate attention. Time after time, the person that gets the call is a trusted individual of someone already in the room. "I've seen that so many times be the break that somebody needs. The opportunity to break in [to the industry] becomes narrower and narrower, and who you know is the determining factor many times."

In addition to attending the week of training, Broadway Dreams also offers all students that have attended the training to come--free of charge--to "Broadway Dreams University". This program allows students to connect with ten different universities regarding the college audition process. As a part of the program, students will perform monologues, music, and attend a mock dance call. The result is direct feedback from universities outlining what the student should work on to be considered for their school's program.

Broadway Dreams offers ongoing, direct mentorship with their network of professionals. Tanner concluded with saying, "When you are a Broadway Dreamer, we are dedicated to you. We will do whatever it takes to work with you from that point on." In this way, the Broadway Dreams team serves as a liaison between the industry and unrepresented talent, as organizations look to Broadway Dreams as a trusted resource for quality talent. The genius of this program is its customizable structure and commitment to listening to students' needs. You can be assured that if you send your student here, they will receive an all-encompassing, personalized experience.

UNPLUGGED will be at HSPVA in Houston from July 20th - 26th. Visit broadwaydreams.org for more information regarding tour dates, tuition, donations and more! Please email office@broadwaydreams.org or call 347-927-4233 with any questions.

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