TAKE IT FROM THE TOP Workshops at Wharton Center Kick Off Today

TAKE IT FROM THE TOP, a series of interactive workshops offered through the MSU Federal Credit Union INSTITUTE FOR ARTS AND CREATIVITY at Wharton Center, gives participants - from Pre-Teens to Young Adults and beyond - an opportunity to experience what it is like to be on Broadway.

TAKE IT FROM THE TOP was developed by (2007) Tony Award nominee and Legally Blonde star Laura Bell Bundy and Paul Canaan. Canaan is currently starring in this season's most Tony© nominated Broadway show (13)Kinky Boots. "When we started Take It From The Top I wasn't sure I would perform on Broadway again. But now that I am, I feel more connected than ever to my passion for education. I love what I do and I want students to learn as much as possible about professional theatre and have fun doing it! I'm sending a team of amazing Broadway performers to Michigan who I trust to provide an exciting and inspiring week for our students there."

Canaan returns this year to be an instructor. Other instructors include Meredith Akins, Hair, Footloose, Mamma Miaand Wicked; Carlos Encinias, Mamma Mia and Scandalous; Leslie McDonald, American Idiot, Hair Spray andLegally Blond; and musical directors are Jeff English and Allan Decipulo.

Former instructors include Billy Porter who plays Lola in this season's most Tony© nominated Broadway Show,Kinky Boots. Porter's role landed him a Tony© Award nomination for Best Performance By An Actor In A Leading Role In A Musical. Porter says, "I remember when I was a kid growing up in Pittsburg trying to figure out how to live as a creative person.

I had lots of influences and teachers and people who helped me. Without those people I wouldn't be where I am today. I'm so grateful when I get the opportunity to give back and share what I know with aspiring young artists."

Participants learn the craft of musical theatre with basic to advanced skills, industry history and practical content in an exciting, fast-moving, interactive setting. TAKE IT FROM THE TOP offers participants a chance to experience Broadway with the pros. Learn, work and sharpen your skills in a creative, fun and supportive environment. If you ever wanted to be on a Broadway stage, now is your chance to perform and pick the brains of the people who are doing it!

The full-day advance workshop will focus on learning a condensed version of a current Broadway hit.

MUSIC / DANCE / THEATRE (MDT) WORKSHOPS:
Five-day workshop
PRE-TEEN: Ages 10-13
TEEN: Ages 14-18
ADVANCED: Ages 15-22

Monday, July 29 - Thursday, August 1, 2013
- PRE-TEEN - 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- TEEN - 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Friday, August 2, 2013
PRE-TEEN and TEEN - Noon to 5:30 p.m. rehearsal
7:00 p.m. recital (Free)

Monday, July 29 - Saturday, August 3, 2013
ADVANCED - Monday-Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (lunch 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.)
ADVANCED - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tech
1:00 p.m. - recital on Saturday, August 3 (Free)
Must audition to be considered. Call Dana Brazil to schedule: 517-884-3166

The workshop will feature an exploration of Broadway music, dance and theatre training culminating in a recital on the final night for family and friends. There will be ample time for questions and discussion throughout the workshop.

All workshops are held at Wharton Center for Performing Arts. Space is limited; to register, log onto www.whartoncenter.com/takeitfromthetop or call 1-800-WHARTON.

Following workshops in East Lansing, the team will present a similar series of workshops at the Old Town Playhouse in Traverse City and at the Grand Rapids Ballet Company.

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