The Broadway Dreams Foundation will give aspiring performers across the country their big break with "Circle of Dreams," the 2013 Summer Performing Arts Intensive Tour. The national non-profit training program will present an incredible roster of Broadway directors, performers and industry insiders who will offer musical theatre training, mentoring and career opportunities through unique, week-long performing arts intensive workshops for students of all ages.
The Broadway Dreams Foundation will kick off "Circle of Dreams" at RISPA in Atlanta, GA on June 3, 2013 followed by week-long intensives at the Matthews Playhouse in Charlotte, NC; UCLAin Los Angeles, CA; Omaha Performing Arts in Omaha, NE; The KimMel Center for Performing Arts in Philadelphia, PA and Hartford Stage in Hartford, CT.
"Making it on Broadway is not an easy task," says Executive Director Annette Tanner. "It's a given that you have to be exceptionally talented, but what you really need is an edge. BDF gives our students that edge by offering them the rare opportunity to work with top Broadway directors, performers and decision makers for a full week. That's far more valuable than any open call."
Attendees will receive first-rate training in acting, dance and vocal performance before participating alongside their Broadway idols in a dynamic public concert event directed by one of the industry's finest directors. Students will also learn how to improve their audition skills and have the opportunity to audition and perform for top NYC casting directors and agents, including Craig Burns andRachel Hoffman from Telsey + Company and Jamie Harris from Clear Talent Group, all of whom will offer valuable feedback.
Acclaimed directors Stafford Arima (Allegiance), Dan Knechtges (Lysistrata Jones) and Matt Lenz (Pageant) along with Emmy Award nominated choreographer Spencer Liff ("So You Think You Can Dance") will lead the creative team which also includes BDF Artistic Director Nicholas Rodriguez (Tarzan), Education Director Craig D'Amico (Fiddler on the Roof) and Executive Director Annette Tanner. The Broadway faculty will also include Nick Adams (Priscilla), Quentin Earl Darrington (Ragtime), Meg Gillentine (Fosse), Deidre Goodwin (Chicago), Greg Graham (Fosse),
Tyler Hanes (A Chorus Line), Liz McCartney (Annie), Nancy Opel (Memphis), Andrew Palermo (Wicked), Nicole Parker (MadTV, Wicked), BDF alumni Ryann Redmond (Bring It On The Musical),Otis Sallid (Smokey Joe's Café), Kirsten Scott (Big Fish), Matthew Scott (Jersey Boys) and more.
The Philadelphia intensive will include master classes devoted to mastering the college audition process led by Mary Anna Dennard, top college audition coach and author of "I Got In!" Joining Dennard will be representatives from top musical theatre schools including, Gary Kline (Carnegie Mellon University), Kaitlyn Hopkins (Texas State), Mark Madama (University of Michigan) and Robin Lewis (Rider University).
The Broadway Dreams Foundation is the country's premier performing arts education program dedicated to ongoing engagement, inspiration, and access regardless of a student's ability to pay. In 2012, 42% of all BDF students participated on full or partial scholarship. With a faculty of Broadway stars, directors and agents committed to giving back to the theatrical community, BDF provides invaluable training to anyone who aspires for a career in the performing arts. The unique program offers students highly personalized and supportive mentorship, an exciting and collaborative learning environment and ongoing networking to build confidence and life skills. The Broadway Dreams Foundation provides a life changing experience.
More than 4,000 students have participated in BDF programs. Past students have gone on to perform with Broadway, national touring and regional productions including Bring It On: The Musical (Ryann Redmond, Calli Alden), bare (Ariana Groover), Memphis (Lindsay Roberts), Catch Me If You Can (Greg Kamp), The Book of Mormon (Paris Nesbitt), Shrek(Chase Todd), The Addams Family (Ethan Wexler), A Chorus Line (Sidney DuPont), Spring Awakening (Blake Daniel) and more.
For more information on The Broadway Dreams Foundation, please visit: www.mybroadwaydreams.com.
CIRCLE OF DREAMS - THE 2013 SUMMER INTENSIVE TOUR
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
Dream LAB
June 3 - June 7, 2013
RISPA (4155 GA Highway 9, Milton, GA)
Directed by Stafford Arima, Dan Knechtges and Matt Lenz
Audition Dates: Final casting on June 1, 2013
Tuition Cost: $495 for 12 and over and $395 for 11 and under
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA
Dream LAB
June 9 - June 11, 2013
Matthews Playhouse (100 McDowell Street, Matthews, NC)
Directed by Dan Knechtges
Audition Dates: Final casting on June 8, 2013
Tuition Cost: $295 for 11 and over
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
June 17 - 23, 2013
UCLA Freud Playhouse (245 Charles E. Young Drive East)
Directed by Stafford Arima with Choreography by Spencer Liff
Tuition Cost: $895
OMAHA, NEBRASKA
July 8 - July 14, 2013
Omaha Performing Arts (1200 Douglas Street)
Directed by Matt Lenz and Dan Knechtges
Audition Dates: Final casting June 14 - 15, 2013
Tuition Cost: $895
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
August 5 - August 11, 2013
KimMel Center for the Performing Arts (260 South Broad Street)
Directed by Stafford Arima
Audition Dates: Final casting July 26 - 27, 2013
Tuition Cost: $995
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT
August16 - August 18, 2013
Triple Threat Extreme Workshop
Hartford Stage (50 Church Street)
Tuition Cost: $195
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