Musical theatre artists who wish to participate in New York City Center’s new series of intimate musical theatre master classes can now audition online for a chance to be taught by Tony-winning theatre veterans Victoria Clark, composer Jeanine Tesori and director Bartlett Sher. The trio will coach artists on skills such as directing, composition and the synthesis of vocal technique and acting.
The series, Front and Center: Learning from the Masters, is also open to audience members who wish to observe. The dates are November 21 (Clark), January 23, 2017 (Tesori), and February 27 (Sher).
Artists wishing to participate in Clark and Tesori’s classes should submit an online application at nycitycenter.org. Submissions for Clark’s class include two contrasting songs, a resume, and a brief questionnaire to be completed by October 24. Submissions for Tesori’s class include two prior work samples of previously written musical theatre songs to be submitted by December 19.
Here is how New York City Center describes the three master classes:
November 21 at 6:30 PM
Victoria Clark teaches a master class designed to unlock the connection between text and songs from the musical theatre canon while having an eye toward vocal technique. Using games, exercises, and techniques that inspire the imagination and freedom to play, Clark will lead students on a journey to explore their own unique creativity and originality.
January 23 at 6:30 PM
Jeanine Tesori’s composition master class is designed for emerging musical theatre composers and lyricists. Tesori will give the same assignment to two young writers: adapt a news article from the past year into a musical theater song, based deeply in character and story. She will examine song structure, musical embodiment of character, and the process from source to song. This workshop will provide participants and observers with a look into how stories from the world around us translate onto the stage and become musicalized. Audience members are also encouraged to bring an article that resonates with them to the class.
February 27 at 6:30 PM
Bartlett Sher: Reasons to Go Places
In Bartlett Sher's directing class, designed for emerging theatre directors, Sher will offer snapshots of the layered and complex art of interpretation. Elements of the art of directing will be explored in approaches to verse, design, movement, and realization. Vigorous audience participation is expected.
Front and Center takes place in New York City Center’s Studio 5, located at 130 West 56th Street, New York. Individuals wishing to attend as observers can purchase tickets for $25 at NYCityCenter.org, by calling CityTix at (212) 581-1212, or in person at the City Center Box Office.
