Waterwell's Summer Theater Lab with Kelli O'Hara Kicks Off 8/4

Waterwell, one of the Village Voice's Best Arguments for Devised Theater and creators of GOODBAR and #9, announces the second year of its Summer Theater Lab, under the leadership of Victor Maog. The program has two sessions: Monday-Saturday, August 4-9, and August 11-16, 2014. For more information about classes and enrollment, visit www.waterwell.org/summer.

Now in its second year, the Waterwell Summer Theater Lab offers dedicated high school students the opportunity to engage in week-long intensives in theater and music theater with world-class practitioners in the heart of New York City's fabled Theater District. Last year's inaugural session brought students from across the nation including the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, LaGuardia School of Performing Arts and the Professional Performing Arts School, who were taught by guest artists Stephen Adly Guirgis, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Otis Sallid, and Beau Willimon. Four-time Tony Nominee Kelli O'Hara is the first Master Class Artist announced this season.

Victor Maog, known for his innovative stage productions and award-winning training models, returns to lead this flagship Waterwell program. Currently, Artistic Director of Second Generation (2g) in NYC, his multi-disciplinary collaborations and groundbreaking education programs have attracted world-class faculty artists and top-tier student talent. Allyson Morgan returns as Associate Director.

"Victor's vision for what young theater artists can and should be continues to inspire and energize all of us at Waterwell," said artistic director Tom Ridgely in a statement. "The Drama Program - both at PPAS and in the Summer Theater Lab - is not only about honing skills, it's about building community. Last summer was an incredible testament to what can happen when passionate students, dedicated parents and world-class educators come together around that simple but powerful idea. We're thrilled to have him back and thrilled to welcome what will no doubt be an incredible group into Year Two."

"The Waterwell Summer Theater Lab is about artistic risk, personal authenticity and the knowledge and discipline it takes to be in this field. Seeing Kelli onstage is one thing, but to have her in dialogue with our students speaking about this life is very special. STL is about hard work and knowing there are no short cuts. Ultimately, that's what gives our students the long-term advantage in art and, hopefully, life," said Maog.