The Broadway Dreams Foundation has announced three educational initiatives, including a sophomore album by musical theatre songwriter Joey Contreras, the development of a new musical and a showcase featuring BDF students from across the country at NYC's New World Stages.
"As Broadway Dreams continues to expand, we are thrilled to be able to lend our support and resources to help other emerging artists realize their dreams," said BDF executive director Annette Tanner in a statement. "Each of these new initiatives also provide unique and professional working opportunities for our current BDF students."
The first of BDF's three educational initiatives is a partnership with songwriter Contreras (All the Kids are Doing It, This Thing Called Love, "Love Me, Love Me Not") as he creates his sophomore album "Young Kind of Love." As the foundation's first Artist in Residence, Contreras will compose one single for the album that will feature vocal performances by BDF students. Proceeds from the single will benefit a Broadway Dreams scholarship for students pursuing an education in musical theatre composition. On Nov. 25 BDF will present a student showcase at New World Stages in New York City. BDF's Broadway faculty will nominate students from each city where programming is currently offered to participate in a showcase performance for industry professionals, including casting directors, agents and Broadway directors. Students will be selected based on their level of talent, dedication and passion.
The final initiative will offer BDF students an inside look at the process of creating a new musical as they participate in a developmental workshop production of Merrilee Mannerly A Magnificent New Musical in advance of a commercial run. Students will work directly with the musical's creative team in a New York City studio setting before presenting a staged reading of the musical to an audience of industry insiders.
The Broadway Dreams Foundation will kick off its 2013 Summer Performing Arts Intensive tour, titled Circle of Dreams, June 3 at RISPA in Atlanta, GA, followed by week-long intensives in Charlotte, NC, at Mathews Playhouse; UCLA in Los Angeles, CA; Omaha Performing Arts in Omaha, NE; Kimmel Center for Performing Arts in Philadelphia, PA; and Hartford Stage in Hartford, CT.
The Broadway Dreams Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to "training, mentoring and providing career opportunities to the next generation of musical theatre 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."
For more information, visit MyBroadwayDreams.com.
