Wharton Center to Host Broadway Summer Camp TAKE IT FROM THE TOP, 7/27-8/1

TAKE IT FROM THE TOP is a series of exciting, interactive, workshops offered through MSU Federal Credit Union Institute for Arts & Creativity at Wharton Center, running Monday, July 27 - Saturday, August 1, 2015. Participants - from Pre-Teens to Young Adults and beyond - receive a unique opportunity to train with a brilliant team of top Broadway professionals. Former instructors include top Broadway performers such as Tony Award winner for Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical, Billy Porter, who played Lola in 2014's Broadway's Kinky Boots and Shoshana Bean who played Elphaba in WICKED; to name just a few.

TAKE IT FROM THE TOP was developed by Tony Award nominee and Legally Blonde star Laura Bell Bundy and Paul Canaan, currently starring on Broadway in 2014's most Tony nominated show, Kinky Boots. Canaan says, "We started TAKE IT FROM THE TOP as a catalyst for creativity in life. We bring a team of world-class artists at the top of the performing arts field to Michigan and immerse students in a full week of training in music, drama and dance - and advance their skills, no matter how accomplished, or inexperienced, they are. This is a truly unique educational experience, and culminates in a FREE performance at the end of the week! Each student will be given the opportunity to video an audition for a top New York casting agent who will offer feedback. It's an incredible opportunity!"

Porter says "I remember when I was a kid growing up, trying to figure out how to live as a creative person. I had lots of influences and teachers and people who helped me. Without those people I wouldn't be where I am today. I'm so grateful when I get the opportunity to give back and share what I know with aspiring young artists."

Participants learn the craft of musical theatre - including basic to advanced skills, industry history and practical content - in an exciting, fast-moving, interactive setting. TAKE IT FROM THE TOP offers participants a chance to experience Broadway with the pros and sharpen their skills in an inspirational, creative, fun, and genuinely supportive environment. Participants will make friendships that will last a lifetime!

All workshops are held at Wharton Center for Performing Arts. Space is limited. To register, visit www.whartoncenter.com/takeitfromthetop, or call 1-800-WHARTON. Late registrations will be accepted based on class size.

Tuition (based on workshops below):

- $395.00
Six-Day Advanced Musical Theatre Intensive - INTO THE WOODS
Monday, July 27 - Saturday, August 1, 2015 o (Ages8-25)
Audition required to participate

- $315.00
Five-Day Musical Theatre Intensive
Monday, July 27 - Friday, July 31, 2015
Two sections: Pre-Teen (ages 8-13) | Teens (ages 14-19)

- $25.00
Improv and Song Interpretation, theatre games, fun
Wednesday, July 29, 2015 *ONE NIGHT ONLY!
Adults

Call Kris Koop Ouellette to inquire about limited, need-based, financial assistance -- 517.884.3166. All workshops are held at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts. Registration: www.whartoncenter.com/takeitfromthetop, 517.432.2000 OR 1.800.WHARTON.

Test and expand your Broadway knowledge with our new game - The Broadway Match-Up! How well do you know your Broadway casting trivia?	Play the Daily Game, explore current shows, and delve into past decades like the 2000s, 80s, and the Golden Age. Challenge your friends and see where you rank!
How well do you know your Tony Awards history? Take our never-ending quiz of nominations and winner history and challenge your friends.	Can you beat your friends? Play today’s daily Broadway word game, featuring a new theatrically inspired word or phrase every day!