Jennifer Damiano, Wesley Taylor, and Krysta Rodriguez to Teach Masterclasses in Texas this Month

Broadway stars Wesley Taylor, and Krysta Rodriguez will be joining Straight from New York to teach musical theatre master classes in Texas.

JENNIFER DAMIANO is known for her clear soprano voice, classic good looks, sharp acting skills, and is quickly becoming one of Broadway's most in-demand young talents. She made her debut at the age of 15 in Spring Awakening, garnered a Tony nomination and Helen Hayes Award nomination for her performance in Next to Normal and originated the role of Peter Parker's next-door neighbor and love interest Mary Jane Watson in Spider-Man, Turn Off the Dark.

WESLEY TAYLOR co-starred in the hit TV show SMASH, as Bobby, a flamboyant ensemble member who is not afraid to say what is on his mind. He currently stars in the Hulu series, It Could Be Worse, a show he co-created. Taylor made his Broadway debut in the rock musical Rock of Ages, where he originated the role of the German city developer Franz. His second major role on Broadway was as Lucas Beineke in the musical The Addams Family, a role he originated after 2009 Chicago production of the show. Taylor also participated in a reading for a play called A Dog's Tale (or The Thing About Getting) at the Kennedy Center. He has appeared on television in ABC's One Life to Live, Live! with Regis and Kelly, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

KRYSTA RODRIGUEZ made her Broadway debut in the short-lived 2005 jukebox musical Good Vibrations. She later became a replacement for the role of Bebe in the Broadway revival of A Chorus Line in 2007. She has played numerous ensemble and understudy parts in the Broadway productions of Spring Awakening and In the Heights, as well as making her big screen debut in the role of Krysta in the 2010 film The Virginity Hit. Rodriguez originated the Broadway role of Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family. Other credits include an Encores! production of Bye Bye Birdie. Her first television role was a guest appearance as the character Jordan Steele in Gossip Girl. Rodriguez joined the cast of the NBC series Smash for its second, and final, season in 2013, playing the role of Ana Vargas. In July 2013, Rodriguez returned to Broadway playing the lead in First Date the Musical, co-starring with Zachary Levi.

THE CLASS:

Artists will be working with musical theatre performers on performance tips, acting skills, connecting through song, as well as audition techniques -- how to land the role you want, how to determine your "type," choosing the right material for you, and valuable industry information on how to make it in NYC.

WHO SHOULD SIGN-UP:

Anyone interested in further developing their audition skills. Whether you are a college student who dreams of moving to NYC soon, or a high school student planning on auditioning for colleges, or just someone wanting to learn from the best, this class will teach you audition and performances skills that will have you ready to go out and land a callback!

DATES:

Jennifer Damiano & Wesley Taylor:
October 16th-18th, Dallas, Austin, Houston, TX

Krysta Rodriguez:
October 21st-22nd, Dallas, Houston, TX

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