Broadway Workshop's 2013 Children's Musical Theater Festival Kicks Off Today at New York Live Arts

Broadway Workshop, in association with Project Broadway, presents the 3rd annual season of the Children's Musical Theater Festival this weekend in New York City.

The Children's Musical Theater Festival (CMTF) features 50 theater-loving kids from all over the United States, performing in two family-friendly musicals, created by up-and-coming and well established theater writers. CMTF nurtures and educates these aspiring young actors who are selected to participate in this 9-day educational program, culminating in performances of the selected original works. Performances are held today, July 20-21 at New York Live Arts in Manhattan. The 2013 festival shows include:

WE ARE MONSTERS by Denver Casado & Betina Hershey
We Are Monsters is an original musical that follows human kids into a monster cabaret filled with quirky monster characters. The adventurous humans uncover vegetarian vampires and rock n' roll werewolves, gradually realizing there may be more to these monsters than meets the eye! Most importantly these monsters and kids discover the importance of friendship and celebrating in the attributes that make each of us different.
WE ARE MONSTERS is performed by students ages 9-13 on Saturday, July 20 at 3pm and Sunday, July 21 at 1pm.

FLIGHT OF THE LAWNCHAIR MAN; Music & Lyrics by Peter Ullian & RoBert Lindsey-Nassif. Adapted by Marc Tumminelli.

Flight of the Lawnchair Man follows Jerry Gorman, a regular guy from Passaic, New Jersey who just wants to fly. The neighbors think he's nutty and his mother disapproves. But his girlfriend Gracie believes in him. Loosely based on a true story, Jerry soars to 16,000 feet with nothing but a lawnchair and 400 helium balloons. FLIGHT OF THE LAWNCHAIR MAN is a musical that reminds us that dreams can come true if you believe in yourself. Broadway Workshop will be premiering a brand new student friendly version of this show.
FLIGHT OF THE LAWNCHAIR MAN is performed by students ages 13-18 on Saturday, July 20 at 8pm and Sunday, July 21 at 6pm.

All performances take place at NEW YORK LIVE ARTS, located at 219 West 19th Street in Manhattan. Tickets are $12 and are on sale by visiting www.CMTFnyc.com or www.newyorklivearts.org or by calling the box office at 212-924-0077

For complete information on the CMTF, its educational program, show submission and audition requirements/forms, visit the CMTF website: www.CMTFnyc.com. For more information on Broadway Workshop: www.BroadwayWorkshop.com or call 212.262.2636

The Broadway Workshop, now in its 6th year, gives young performers of all skill levels the opportunity to explore their creativity and perfect their craft in acting, singing and dance. Programs are taught by working professionals, from Broadway stars to casting agents to top theater experts. Through theatrical workshops, industry showcases, summer camps, private and small group trainings and full-scale productions, participants gain experience in all areas of the theater while learning necessary career skills in a supportive, positive and most of all FUN environment!

Project Broadway is a 501c3 non-profit organization, established in 2011 by Broadway Workshop, to provide inspiring educational experiences and scholarship opportunities for children in all areas of the theater arts. Project Broadway's mission is to increase children's access to the performing arts (acting, music and dance) and, in the process, encourage the development of important life skills, self-expression and personal development.