The new play with dance written by d'Amboise will open on the Julianne Argyros Stage, April 30. d'Amboise directs and choreographs the work for the Costa Mesa, California stage.

The Studio takes a behind-the-scenes look at the New York dance world as it tells the story of a very well-known choreographer with an unknown private life. At work on a new ballet, the choreographer works with two dancers — a weathered veteran and an eager newcomer.

d'Amboise has worked as a choreographer, director and dancer. On Broadway, he co-starred with Bernadette Peters in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Song and Dance, earning him a Tony nomination. His choreography was featured in the original production of High Society and Terrence Mann's Romeo and Juliet. He has also created over 70 ballets for companies including the San Francisco Ballet, the New York City Ballet, the Het National Ballet in Amsterdam and The Royal Ballet of Flanders.

The multi-faceted artist comes from a dance-heavy family. He starred in Song and Dance with his sister Charlotte d' Amboise — whose credits include Contact, Chicago, Company and Carrie. Their father is choreographer-performer Jacques d'Amboise (Shinbone Alley).

The world premieres of The Studio and Amy Freed's Safe in Hell will be part of SCR's seventh annual Pacific Playwrights Festival. The event will also include readings and workshops of five other plays yet to be announced. For tickets to The Studio at 655 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa, CA, call (714) 708-5555 or visit www.scr.org.