BWW Previews: LAURA OSNES AND SANTINO FONTANA MASTERCLASS by Straight From New York

Laura Osnes and Santino Fontana visit Phoenix's Valley Youth Theatre later this month leading a musical theatre performance workshop.presented by "Straight From New York." Previously only available to Valley teens via cast recording, the Tony nominees will work with local students on January 21st. These two are uniquely fitted to connect with ambitious performers; their near opposite paths to the recent revival of CINDERELLA prove there is more than one way to Broadway. After speaking to the pair, it is clear they are equipped to recognize and encourage skills from a diverse set of participants.

"We're going to be coaching them on the pieces they have prepared, offering advice on song interpretation, learning how to act your song, connecting through song," says Laura, "After we talk, they perform their song again and the students learn from watching each other's work." Santino says his feedback draws on many sources. He gets excited talking about the class and is clearly eager to share his expertise with the actors. He says, "It is a hybrid of things I learned from my teachers as well as my own experiences; anything I can think of for an actor's specific skills." In fact, determining one's "type" is a key piece of the Straight From New York curriculum. Laura describes the importance of knowing what roles you're right for, "You have to know your talent before you can choose material that shows your strengths." An understanding of the larger concepts of casting seems to be a tent pole attribute of the Straight From New York philosophy. Both actors light up discussing their industry insights and students engaging with them on the subject benefit as much from their enthusiasm as experience,

These teachers are completely different but equally impressive performers. Santino played the title role of "HAMLET" at the Guthrie, received acclaim off-Broadway for plays like SONS OF THE PROPHET, and made his Broadway debut in 2007's SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE. (He is also the voice of Prince Hanz in Frozen.) Laura debuted on Broadway at age 21 bursting with talent that needed no ripening. Her credits include Tony nominations for creating the role of "Bonnie Parker" in BONNIE AND CLYDE and another for the title role in CINDERELLA. Acclaimed performances as Hope Harcourt in 2011's ANYTHING GOES and Polly Peachum in this year's THE THREEPENNY OPERA confirm her installation as a Broadway asset. It is a rare opportunity for Phoenix teens to spend time with professionals so embedded in the NY stage scene and anyone pursuing musical theatre as a career or hobby will certainly benefit from what they have to offer.

The masterclass is January 21st, 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at Valley Youth Theatre, 525 N. First Street, Phoenix, 85304.

Register at straightfromnewyork.com.

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