Chaz Wolcott News

Equality, inclusion and joy permeated the performances at this year's poignant and record-breaking Red Bucket Follies. The show celebrated six weeks of enthusiastic fundraising by 67 Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring shows for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Six weeks of fundraising will culminate in an extravaganza of Broadway stars, extraordinary ensembles and one-of-a-kind performances at Red Bucket Follies at 4:30 pm on Monday, December 3, and at 2 pm on Tuesday, December 4. The show is produced by and benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Franklin School for the Performing Arts Director Raye Lynn Mercer will lead an 'Up Your Game' workshop today, Nov. 10 from 10 am-12 pm. The class will focus on audition techniques, preparing your audition binder, and wardrobe. Students will receive individualized instruction and feedback with the chance to focus on personal development. Parents are invited to observe, listen and ask questions. The class is open to Grades 5-12, however enrollment is limited. Please call (508) 528-8668 to register.

Franklin School for the Performing Arts Director Raye Lynn Mercer will lead an 'Up Your Game' workshop on Saturday, Nov. 10 from 10 am-12 pm. The class will focus on audition techniques, preparing your audition binder, and wardrobe. Students will receive individualized instruction and feedback with the chance to focus on personal development. Parents are invited to observe, listen and ask questions. The class is open to Grades 5-12, however enrollment is limited. Please call (508) 528-8668 to register.

They're the Kings of New York! Meet the cast of the Franklin Performing Arts Company production of Disney's Newsies! Photos shot in New York, NY by Ali Wonderly. The production stars Christopher Rice as Jack Kelly and features choreography by Chaz Wolcott.

Broadway veteran Robert Hartwell is scouring the country to find-and train-the next generation of Broadway performers.

On October 8th, cast members from the national tour of Newsies will reunite on the stage of Feinstein's/54 Below to present the 3rd annual The Newsboys' Variety Show. Audiences can expect to be dazzled by a variety of musical styles, dancing, and other special talents on display.

THE BLACK BOX, an exciting theater, concert, and event venue provides Franklin and surrounding towns with non-stop entertainment.  In the next few weeks alone, audiences can experience everything from fantastic local bands to Broadway stars.

The Franklin Performing Arts Company will welcome Chaz Wolcott of So You Think You Can Dance fame to choreograph their upcoming production of Disney's Newsies. It had previously been announced that Broadway's Clay Thomson would choreograph, but due to scheduling conflicts (Thomson will be joining the Original Broadway Cast of King Kong), Wolcott will be taking over.

Leg Up On Life is holding it's largest event yet NIGHT OF LIFE to benefit The Trevor Project at The Hudson Terrace, August 27th. Doors opening at 7PM. Hosted by Daniel Gold.

Encores! will present Me and My Girl as the final production of the Encores! at 25 season at New York City Center. Me and My Girl, the first Encores! production originally written and produced in London's West End, will star Christian Borle, Bill Buell, Chuck Cooper, Suzzanne Douglas, Mark Evans, Harriet Harris, JohnHorton, Simon Jones, Laura Michelle Kelly, Lisa O'Hare, Don Stephenson. Check out the cast in action and get to know the stars in front of and behind the scenes below!

Encores! final production of the Encores! at 25 season at New York City Center will be Me and My Girl. Choreographer Warren Carlyle gives us a behind the scenes look at the one particularly popular dance headed for the stage, The Lambeth Walk. Check it out below!

Fundraising records and gender norms alike were smashed by stars of stage, screen and pop music on April 2, 2018, at this year's inclusive, dynamic and loving Broadway Backwards.

What began as a small, grassroots concert performed at The Center in 2006 quickly grew into a highly anticipated event presented in Broadway's best theatres. Monday night marks the return of Broadway Backwards- Broadway's annual gender-swapped celebration of love and the LGBT community. In its 12 editions, Broadway Backwards has raised more than $3.4 million for Broadway Cares and The Center.

Tickets have sold out to next month's Broadway Backwards, Broadway's annual gender-swapped celebration of love and the LGBT community, as more stars of stage and screen join the already distinguished lineup of performers.

Me and My Girl, the final production of the Encores! at 25 season at New York City Center will star Christian Borle, Suzzanne Douglas, Mark Evans, Harriet Harris, Edward Hibbert, John Horton, Simon Jones, Laura Michelle Kelly, Lisa O'Hare, Ken Page, and Don Stephenson.

Legendary Tony Award winners, a three-time Emmy Award nominee, an Oscar winner and an iconic Disney princess are among the stage and screen stars coming together for Broadway Backwards, the theatre community's annual gender-bending celebration of love and the LGBT community.

A Chorus Line meets tequila, 18 singing actors will drunkenly perform 32,16,8, maybe event 2 bar cuts from their audition book in front of live audience and industry guests. Alison Franck (Franck Casting), Chaz Wolcott (Newsies/So You Think You Can Dance), and Cory Wade (Multimedia Recording Artist and 2nd runner up of America's Next Top Model) will be playing the roles of 'casting director.' Hosted by the hilarious Jacob McKenna. Half Messy Bar Show/Half Masterclass, DRUNK AUDITIONS gives you a front row seat at the other side of the table. If you're looking for a night of theatre shenanigans, industry networking, and comedic banter, the show's creator - producing casting director, Ian Connor offers you a [not so] private appointment for this Saturday, February 24th. 6:30pm at The West End Lounge. Tickets only $10 online and can be reserved here: https://ianconnorpresents.ticketspice.com/drunk-auditions *Venue requires two drink minimum/cash only!

At the 29th Annual Gypsy of the year Competition, Chaz Wolcott directed and choreographed a special uplifting number set to Sammy Davis Jr.'s version of Gonna Build a Mountain. The piece showed the irresistible and infectious power of one passionate actor's efforts (Tony D'Alelio) in making a difference with Broadway Cares.

The indomitable and generous spirit of the theatre community - those onstage, backstage and in the audience - shined brightly as the 29th annual Gypsy of the Year competition celebrated six weeks of fundraising work of 56 Broadway, Off-Broadway and national touring companies for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Gypsy of the Year (#GypsyOfTheYear), which was held December 4 and 5, 2017, raised a record-breaking $5,609,211 for Broadway Cares. Check out highlights from the show below!