Feature: Young Theatrical Professionals to Debut Triple Threat Training Ground

A new theatrical training experience is debuting on Long Island this winter. Created by two local professionals with a passion for theatre, Triple Threat Training Ground promises to be just what you need to polish your skills - whether you're pursuing a professional acting career or enjoy the craft as a hobby.

For Matt Kunkel, 22 of Northport, whose love of theater began with a sixth-grade production of 42nd Street, Triple Threat is an opportunity to take what he has learned over the years on a professional level - he holds a BFA in directing from the University of Michigan and has served as an associate and assistant director at The Muny in St. Louis for the last four summers - and impart it on developing performers. It also gives him a chance to pursue one of his greatest passions - teaching.

"I've always loved teaching, and I've been fortunate enough to work with kids of all ages. From high schoolers to little kids, there's something so demanding but rewarding about trying to have more energy than 50 kids in a room, and I am always up for that challenge!" said Kunkel. "I wanted to create Triple Threat to continue my love for teaching. I want to be able to inspire young artists with the passion for theatre just how my teachers have inspired mine."

Co-founder and St. Louis native Emma Gassett, who keeps busy traveling across the country choreographing commercial dance pieces and instructing master classes, also revels in the opportunity to teach.

"I've always had a special place in my heart for teaching and enriching future generations," she said. "If you ask any of my close friends, they will tell you that I have a soft spot for kids. I want every child to have the ability to achieve their dreams, no matter how big or small. If I can have a small part in helping a child further their passion and skills in the musical theatre industry, then I will the happiest girl on earth!"

Both professionals have a plethora of knowledge to pull from. In addition to Kunkel's work at The Muny, he has also assistant directed the New York Concert of "Maize and Blue On Broadway" directed by Linda Goodrich and Gavin Creel, as well as Assistant Directing the 2017 Obie Awards hosted by Lea DeLaria. And this fall he will be assistant directing the National Tour of Elf the Musical and co-directing a New York industry reading of a play called "Twist."

Meanwhile, Gassett - who received her Actors Equity card at 18 - booked her first professional show at the place where her love for musical theatre started - The Muny. Over the past few years, she's performed in 10 equity shows and had the pleasure to work alongside top Broadway directors and choreographers. Recently, she's moved into dance captain and assistant choreographer roles - admittedly falling in love with creative side of showbiz. This winter, her choreography will be used to represent a Team USA soloist at the IDO World Dance Championships in Poland.

After meeting and becoming friends and colleagues at The Muny, the two decided they wanted to venture out to create something that would really benefit the theatrical community.

"Because I watched my dad create and now manage his own business, I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit," Gassett admitted. "Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed about starting my own company. At first, I thought I wanted to start a dance competition or convention. My dream quickly expanded to encompass singing, dancing, and acting as I began to pursue musical theatre professionally."

And after brainstorming with her friend Kunkel, Triple Threat Training Ground began to develop into a reality.

"Because we've collaborated on productions as director and choreographer, the collaborative effort to create TTTG was no different," said Kunkel. "We each bring our own unique talents and perspectives this organization, which we will share with every student who experiences Triple Threat Training Ground."

This first intensive, which will be held from December 27 to December 30 in East Northport, is designed for 13-20 year olds. It includes: four dance masterclasses in a variety of styles, audition prep and technique, acting and scene work, vocal technique, and a mock audition with a NYC Casting Associate from Stewart/Whitley Casting.

The team is also planning several one-day masterclasses with Broadway stars for the winter months.

"We hope to produce an intensive for younger students in the spring," they said.

And eventually, they said they would like to bring Triple Threat Training Ground to cities all across the country, "so that students everywhere have access to the incredible training that [their] faculty provides."

"It's not every day that NYC industry professionals come to your hometown to help you grow into an incredible artist!"

For more information and enrollment please visit tttground.com or find them on Facebook at Triple Threat Training Ground for updates on new and exciting intensives and master classes.

Use special discount code BWAYWORLD100 for $100 off

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