Chenoweth to Visit New School for Drama Summer Intensive

The New School for Drama has announced that Tony Award-winner Kristin Chenoweth (Wicked, The Apple Tree, You're A Good Man Charlie Brown) has joined the roster of visiting artists to its Summer Music Theater Immersion Experience. During the three-week program, which runs June 11-27, The New School for Drama gathers Broadway talent to give a group of aspiring music theater artists the inside track from leading stars, choreographers, and casting agents.

Returning master class artists from last summer's season include Tony, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award-winners Wayne Cilento (choreographer, The Who's Tommy, Sweet Charity, Wicked), Bill Irwin (Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Fool Moon, The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?), Judy Kuhn (Les Miserables, Chess, She Loves Me), Denis O'Hare (Take Me Out, Assassins, Sweet Charity), Michele Pawk (Hollywood Arms, Mamma Mia!, Cabaret), and Christopher Sieber (Spamalot, Chicago, Into the Woods).

New School for Drama director Robert LuPone states in the press release, "In its first year, the Summer Music Theater Immersion Experience was a resounding success-it was intense; it was exhilarating and, for many of the students, transformative. We're calling the program a boot camp for Broadway-this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for aspiring music theater artists to receive personalized training by some of the best talent in the business."

Press notes continue, "The program aims to give students a comprehensive understanding of the skills and techniques they will need to have successful careers in music theater. Open to undergraduate and graduate students (undergraduates may receive college credit), as well as professionals looking for more specialized training, the intensive program includes a challenging array of activities that engage students day and night, including instruction in speech, voice, acting, and dance. The school has assembled a faculty of distinguished industry professionals under the direction of New School Drama faculty member Keith Buhl and Music Theater Group producer Diane Wondisford."

Students will also be able see Broadway shows such as Les Miserables, Company, and Spring Awakening. The students will have the opportunity to speak to the casts and crews afterward. The program culminates in a showcase for the students demonstrate what they have learned.

For more information about the Summer Music Theater Immersion Experience, including how to register for the program, please email dramasummer@newschool.edu, call 212.229.5859 x2628, or visit www.drama.newschool.edu.

Photo of Kristin Chenoweth by Retna Ltd.