Cox, Baker Lead Musical Theater Summer Intensive Program 6/6-10, 7/13-17

Young people who aspire to the Broadway spotlight, or perhaps just to land a solid role in their High School Musicals, will have the opportunity to hone their singing, dancing and acting skills in a new musical theater summer intensive program directed by Tony Award-nominated actress Catherine Cox and Broadway veteran Darrin Baker.

Two one-week Broadway Triple Threat intensives for ages 13 - 18 will be offered July 6 - 10 and July 13 - 17 at the new Manhattan Movement & Arts Center, a state-of-the-art studio and theater complex on Manhattan's Upper West Side.

Ms. Cox, who received a Tony nomination for Oh Coward and had leading roles on Broadway in Footloose, Baby, Barnum, Rumors and Oklahoma, presently teaches at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City, Stagedoor Manor, and Queens College. Her co-artistic director is Darrin Baker, a longtime Broadway, film and television actor. The composer David Evans, who is currently the associate conductor of Wicked on Broadway is the musical supervisor.

The program is designed to be more interdisciplinary than most musical theater intensives, says Ms. Cox. She and Mr. Baker share the belief that performers must focus on process, continually asking themselves, "What am I trying to accomplish through the combination of singing and dancing with acting?'"

"Singers and dancers often get overly involved in their technique, and they forget to tell the story," Ms. Cox says. "You must never forget to tell the story."

"The program really celebrates the process of creating a scene from a song," says Mr. Baker, who has taught at New York University's CAP 21 Program, and whose credits include leading roles in Broadway's Tarzan, Wonderful Town, and Laughing Room Only.

Ms. Cox and Mr. Baker are backed by a star-studded line-up of talented actors, singers, choreographers and other industry professionals representing shows such as Wicked, Spring Awakening, Jersey Boys, Rent, and Nine to Five. They will provide not only excellent instruction in the "triple threat" disciplines of singing, dancing and acting, but also insiders' perspectives on the New York musical theater world.

"Students will be learning from people who are working today in the musical theater business," says Mr. Baker. "These performers are able to bring all of the most current, relevant information and advice to our students."'

The inspiration for Broadway Triple Threat evolved from Mr. Baker's and Ms. Cox's work together a decade ago in the Broadway production of Footloose. They were drawn to one another's energy and vowed that they would work together again.

"We both remember being incredibly impressed with the discipline of the young dancers," says Ms. Cox. "If we could harness that discipline and apply it to singing and acting, that would make any performer the ultimate ‘triple threat.' "

The program's daily schedule, which runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., includes intensive classes in vocal technique, dance (jazz, tap or hip-hop), acting with emphasis on musical theater performance, and afternoon Q&A's and/or master classes with leading Broadway professionals. Each weeklong session will conclude with an informal presentation celebrating the week's accomplishments for participants' families and friends.

The program's location at Manhattan Movement & Arts Center places students within easy reach of both the Broadway theater district and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets to a Broadway show are included in the tuition, which is $1150. Complete program information, including sample daily class schedule: www.manhattanmovement.com/triplethreat

In addition, please check the Broadway Triple Threat NYC page on Facebook.

Manhattan Movement & Arts Center, located on the Upper West Side just south of Lincoln Center, comprises 18,000 square feet of obstruction-free dance studios and a state-of-the-art, 160-seat theater. MMAC is the home of the Manhattan Youth Ballet pre-professional academy and performance company, which was founded in 1994 as Studio Maestro by Rose Caiola. MMAC also offers a full schedule of adult open dance and fitness classes for all levels and a comprehensive children's program, and has become a popular rental venue for auditions, rehearsals and special events. Broadway Triple Threat is one of several summer programs introduced by MMAC to encourage creativity and artistry in young people. Additional information: www.manhattanmovement.com and www.manhattanyouthballet.org