Kaufman Center Announces Musical Theater Program

Musical theater is more popular with young people than ever: a Golden Globe award for "Glee," a new "Fame" feature film, the triumphant teenage cast of Broadway's "Bye Bye Birdie" revival, and the phenomenal success of the "High School Musical" franchise. At a time when children and teens are more inspired than ever to take center-stage and delight audiences with rousing show tunes, Kaufman Center offers an abundance of opportunities for young students to pursue their passion for song, dance and drama.

Founded in 1952, Kaufman Center has grown to become one of New York City's mainstays for performance and arts education, offering classes, workshops and concerts through its Lucy Moses School and Merkin Concert Hall.

Lucy Moses School: Summer Musical Theater Workshop

At the Summer Musical Theater Workshop, a gem in an otherwise crowded landscape of New York City summer camps, children and teenagers are provided with the unique opportunity and inspiration to live out their dream of performing on stage. For five weeks in June and July-Monday through Thursday-campers take part in comprehensive singing, acting, movement and stagecraft classes and rehearsals culminating in a full-scale performance at Merkin Hall, giving each child an opportunity to be a star. Unlike most theater camps where children perform standbys like "Annie" or "Grease," Lucy Moses students perform original musicals, written especially for them by the faculty. More than 100 original shows have been produced through the Workshop-each year with a different theme, such as "The Little Apple," "Myth Mash," "Island Treasure," and "Appalachian Spring." The theme for the 2010 summer session, beginning June 28, is "Classic Stories from Old England."

Founded and directed by Sean Hartley, the Workshop started in 1990 with 14 campers and now accepts more than 100 participants annually, with more on a waiting list. In January 2010, alumni, interns and faculty from Summer Musical Theater Workshop took the stage at Kaufman Center's Merkin Hall to celebrate 20 years of creativity and performance.

Registration is still open for 2010 for kids in grades 3-5 (closed for K-2 and 6-8). Teen internships are still available.

Lucy Moses School: Theater Classes & Workshops

Theater classes offered at Lucy Moses are an active and joyful exploration of the dramatic arts. Children develop concentration, stage presence, confidence and teamwork. In the Young People's Division students explore the dramatic arts through an age-appropriate and sequential theater curriculum. Weekly classes during the school year and celebrated vacation programs offer something to fit everyone's schedule.

Other theater classes for children and teens at Lucy Moses School include Theater Adventures, fall and spring Musical Theater Workshop, Teen Acting Workshop, Sketch Comedy, and Musical Theater Scene Study, among others.

One of the country's most respected community schools for the arts, Kaufman Center's Lucy Moses School provides a multi-faceted arts education for children and adults at all levels of skill and experience. For more information on Lucy Moses School's classes and registration, call (212) 501-3360 or visit kaufman-center.org.

Merkin Concert Hall at Kaufman Center Presents: Broadway Playhouse

A student's exploration of her or his artistic talents at Kaufman Center extends beyond the classroom and into the world of performing arts presentations. Broadway Playhouse concerts introduce children ages 4-11 to classic musicals through captivating medleys, rousing sing-alongs, lively games in which audience members participate, and mini-musicals. Children and their families can sing along to well-known songs and hear the stories behind the making of some of the greatest musicals of all time. Past seasons have featured Frank Loesser, Jerry Herman, Cole Porter, Ahrens & Flaherty, Bock & Harnick, Lerner & Loewe, Alan Menken and Jule Stein.

Sun 03/07/10 at 11:00 am: Leonard Bernstein
Leonard Bernstein is one of the most brilliant and innovative composers ever to write for the musical theater. His hits include two comedies written with Betty Comden and Adolph Green (On the Town and Wonderful Town), the classically inspired operetta Candide, and the immortAl West Side Story, with lyrics by the young Stephen Sondheim.

For more information, visit: www.kaufman-center.org