FSPA Students Take Broadway Master Classes in NYC

Several local students at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) traveled to New York City on January 14-17, 2011 to hone their craft and take master classes with Broadway artists.

The customized weekend program was offered to FSPA by the Broadway Artists Alliance (BAA) of New York City. The classes were held at the Ripley-Grier studios on Eighth Avenue, where many of the actors in Broadway shows audition and rehearse. The students enjoyed the Broadway show Mary Poppins and a reception with FSPA alumni currently living and working in New York City.
Following an initial orientation session with BAA Founder and Director Jennifer Johns, the group enjoyed a Fosse-style dance class with Jeff Shade, former dance captain of the original Broadway production of Chicago. The Saturday afternoon session with Bob Cline of Bob Cline Casting featured work in audition techniques. Sunday's two master classes in song interpretation were taught by Broadway's Alexander Gemignani and John Arthur Greene who recently debuted on Broadway as Riff in West Side Story. The final session was a Broadway dance repertoire class with Jessica Lea Patty, currently appearing in The Addams Family.
The FSPA students were then treated to a surprise question and answer session with Jonathan Groff, from Broadway's Spring Awakening and the TV show Glee; and Trent Kowalik, who won the 2009 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical in Broadway's Billy Elliot.

"We were all surprised, because we hadn't been told who the extra guest was...Trent was really nice...it was fun to meet someone my age who has already been such a big success on Broadway," said Maddy Williams, 12, of Medway. "I love the BAA weekend because it gives me a chance to learn from new teachers with different ideas and techniques."

Other FSPA students attending the BAA program include Hailey DeMello, Ali Funkhouser, Jocelyn Jones, Shaina McGillis and Katharine Waples of Franklin; Julie Wiles of Medway; Jenna McDermott of Wrentham; and Lindsey White of Mansfield.

The Broadway Artists Alliance also offers Weekend Intensives, which are open to students ages 10-21 by audition. FSPA's Michael Egan of Hopkinton, Ali Funkhouser of Franklin, Lindsey White of Mansfield and Jef Mettler of Westborough were accepted to the upcoming Intensive in February. Along with students from across the country, they will participate in advanced classes and audition for an industry panel of New York agents, managers and casting directors.

Serving more than 45 Massachusetts communities, FSPA offers instruction and performing opportunities in Music, Dance and Drama. Registration is ongoing throughout the school year, and new students are welcome anytime. For more information, stop by the school's office at 38 Main St. in Franklin, call (508) 528-8668 or visit http://www.fspaonline.com