WPAC offering Broadway Advantage workshop

 

Red Oak’s Wilson Performing Arts Center is offering professional training for budding actors through a special workshop in July. 

The “Broadway Advantage” workshop takes place through two sessions per day July 18-21. Session one is from 9 a.m. to noon each day, with session two from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. 

The workshop features training from two well-known theater professionals. Steven Applegate, a musical director, conductor and pianist, and Tabor native Kelli James, who has enjoyed a lengthy Broadway career, including the role of Eponine in the Broadway production of “Les Miserables” in 1986. 

While there’s a fear for actors in the area to take the plunge professionally in places such as New York or Los Angeles, James said as part of the workshop, she’ll be providing valuable tools for getting cast in large-scale productions. 

“Not only will I be able to give them insight, and share with them the real aspects of show business, I’m from Tabor, and Steven is from Council Bluffs. We’ve been there, and it doesn’t matter where you’re from, that question of being good enough will always be there. But I had the opportunity to work with pros, and that’s what I’m trying to bring to these kids, and give them the experience of working with people who have experienced first-hand,” James said. 

James said one of the most important tools she’ll share is brushing them up for an audition situation. 

“In order to go out and land jobs, you have to audition for everything. I’ll be coaching them through an audition process, I’ll be reviewing their material to make sure they properly represent themselves, and take them step-by-step through what they need to do to land the role they’re trying to be cast,” James said. 

Other tools will be guiding them through acting, through rehearsal songs, making sure they know their material, and rehearsing.

“It’s basically an overall development of their skills. I’ll also look over their resumes, their headshots, and their book of music so when they go to any audition, they are as prepared as any professional would be,” James advised. 

James said there’s not one particular road to success, and students preparing to graduate high school or college will get the chance to ask questions and get advice for what they need to do after graduation to prepare them to pursue a career. 

“Whether you go to college, a university, or study independently, preparation and finding yourself is the real key,” commented James. 

Following the workshop, students are eligible to audition and work with James through the student showcase. 

“There’s nothing better to hone your skills than to work with someone who’s done it. So, after they’ve worked and prepared in the workshop, we’ll be putting them into a performance and let them show an audience what they’ve learned and what they can do.”

James said she’s looking at holding future workshops here and in Nebraska to keep providing skills to local actors. 

Cost of the three-day workshop is $150 and includes a t-shirt. For more information, call 712-789-9751.

The Red Oak Express

2012 Commerce Drive
P.O. Box 377
Red Oak, IA 51566
Phone: 712-623-2566 Fax: 712-623-2568

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