Broadway Dreams Foundation Coming to Toronto

The Broadway Dreams Foundation (BDF) will give aspiring Toronto-area performers a chance to make their "big break" when the program presents Generation: The 2015 Summer Intensive Tour. The national non-profit training program, making a stop in Toronto for the very first time, will present an incredible roster of Broadway directors, performers, and industry insiders who will offer highly personalized musical theatre training and mentoring through unique, week-long performing arts intensive workshops for students of all ages, skill levels, and socio-economic backgrounds.

The Toronto program will take place Sunday, August 16th through Saturday, August 22, 2015. Training will be conducted at Sheridan College a final concert at Theatre Sheridan on Friday, August 21, 2015 at 8:00 pm.

Tuition for the program is $895 and students may register online at: www.mybroadwaydreams.com.

Toronto-area students will have the opportunity to work with an incredible roster of top Broadway professionals, including Tony Award-nominated director and choreographer Dan Knechtges (Xanadu, Spelling Bee), as well as a native Canadian and Olivier Award-nominated director Stafford Arima (Allegiance, Carrie), director Alan Souza (Camelot, Drury Lane), choreographer Shannon Lewis (Mystery of Edwin Drood, How to Succeed..), Maxx Reed (Spiderman), Ryann Redmond (If/Then, Bring It On The Musical), Craig D'Amico (Annie Get Your Gun, Fiddler on the Roof) and acclaimed musical theater writers Drew Fornarola (Shrek the Halls) and Tim Acito (Zanna, Don't) will turn Toronto-area performers into triple threat talents when The Broadway Dreams Foundation presents "Generation."

During each intensive, attendees will receive first-rate training in acting, dance and vocal technique before performing alongside their Broadway idols in a dynamic concert directed by one of the industry's finest directors. Students will also learn how to improve their audition skills and have the opportunity to audition and perform for top NYC casting directors and agents, who will offer valuable feedback.

"We are thrilled to be going international with our first-ever Broadway Dreams Canada program," says BDF Executive Director Annette Tanner. "It's exciting for us to be continuing to broaden our reach, and with it have the opportunity to help aspiring Canadian artists realize their Broadway dreams. Through our unique brand of training and networking, we ensure that each student we meet receives the access, opportunity, and mentorship he or she needs to succeed in a very competitive industry. When you enroll in a BDF program, you're paying for a week, but joining a network that provides a lifetime of support and guidance."

BDF Atlanta alum, Ryann Redmond said of her experience: "A few years ago I was asked to perform at the BDF NYC benefit and casting agent Bernie Telsey was in the audience. The next day he asked me to read for the role of Bridget in Bring It On: The Musical and the rest is history. I wouldn't have made my Broadway debut so soon without the guidance, support and opportunity BDF afforded me."

The Broadway Dreams Foundation takes great pride in guiding students through their professional journey as young artists, giving them the tools, support and industry connections they need to succeed. In the past several years, over 60 BDF students have landed roles in Broadway, national touring and regional productions, including Beautiful The Carole King Musical (Aisha Jackson and Noah Ricketts), The Book of Mormon (Paris Nesbitt), Violet (Emerson Steele), If/Then (Ryann Redmond), Holler If Ya Hear Me (Ariana Groover), Annie (Gaby Bradbury), Evita (Katie Huff), The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess (Lindsay Roberts), Motown the Musical (Rodney Earl Jackson, Galen Williams, Melanie Evans), Barry Manilow's Harmony (Greg Kamp