Laura Bell Bundy and Paul Canaan announce of Take it From the Top, an interactive touring workshop for young artists to develop performance skills, self-confidence and creativity by actively learning from working Broadway professionals.
The first Take it From the Top workshops will be in New York City on Monday, May 19 from 4 pm-7pm and Friday, June 20 from 3pm-6pm at New Dance Group Studio, 305 West 38th St. They will offer a music, dance, theater intensive experience where select students will rotate through a choreography session, a music lesson, and an acting and theater class taught by Laura Bell, Paul and other Broadway professionals. There will also be a chance to rehearse, perform material, and get feedback. The workshop concludes with a question and answer period with Laura Bell and Paul. An Audition Intensive will also be available for high school and college students serious about pursuing a career in the arts on Friday, June 27, 3pm-6pm at New Dance Group Studio. The Audition Intensive can only accept 15 students, as each student will receive individual attention to receive the greatest benefit from the class.
This May 19th workshop is for students ages 13 to 18 and is limited to 40 students. The cost is $150.00 per student and select scholarships are available for qualifying student. Future workshops will be offered to younger students late summer/fall 2008 (interested parties should visit Web site for more info).A portion of the proceeds go to Kreative Kids Foundation, Laura Bell Bundy's charity focused on supporting and nourishing children in the arts nationwide. "I developed Take It From The Top with Paul because after meeting so many kids through my work in 'Legally Blonde' I saw a need to reach out to these aspiring performers and give them a leg up," said Laura Bell Bundy.Paul continues, "I've always been passionate about Musical Theatre. Teaching is an opportunity for me to give back and have a blast doing it I would have loved the chance to work with people on Broadway when I was younger."
Take It From The Top plans to tour the country this summer after Laura Bell leaves "Legally Blonde." As of now they have plans to visit Laura Bell's hometown of Lexington, KY, as well as make stops in Nashville, Southern California, St. Louis and Michigan State University where they are Artists in Residence. Other cities and additional New York City workshops will be added shortly.Some of Laura Bell Bundy's credits include a TONY nomination for her work in Legally Blonde and performing in WICKED, HAIRSPRAY, RUTHLESS. Paul Canaan's credits include: Legally Blonde, CHITTY CHTTY BANG BANG, LA CAGE AUX FOLLIES, MISS SAIGON, and THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE.To sign up for the New York workshops of Take it From the Top or find out when Take it From The Top will be visiting your city, please visit www.takeitfromthetop.org.
You can read more about Kreative Kids Foundation by visiting www.kreativekidsfoundation.org.
