Scottsdale Musical Theater Teams Up with Conservatory of Dance

Phoenix's Conservatory of Dance Studio (COD) will be Scottsdale Musical Theater Company's (SMTC) new home base for rehearsals and auditions. COD has a wonderful up to date modern facility with fOur Studios that will allow SMTC to fully prepare for their shows in one central location.

"Most vAlley Theatre companies are struggling," says SMTC Executive Producer David Hock. "The only way to ensure survival is to collaborate within the community. Not only do we have a great partnership going with Phoenix Country Day School as our performance venue, now we have a great partner in COD, too. It's a synergy that's virtually unheard of here in the valley and everybody wins."

COD owners Bill and Leah Hotaling both have theater backgrounds and are excited to join forces with SMTC to bring better theater training and exposure to the Valley. Bill and Leah took over Conservatory of Dance after successful dance careers in New York City. Bill taught for 9 years at Broadway Dance Center and 5 years at Steps on Broadway while Leah was a Radio City Rockette for 5 years. Both have danced in a variety of shows, music videos, industrials and Broadway productions. Together they have taught at over 200 dance studios across the U.S. and Canada.

Hoping to solve one of the most pressing issues for valley performers, COD will now offer theater oriented tap and jazz classes on Monday nights. Beginning August 5th, the Monday night classes will be comprised of Tap at 7:30pm, taught by SMTC's David Hock and Jazz at 8:30pm, taught by various dance teachers on a rotating basis to keep classes exciting and fresh. There will be no set experience level assigned to the classes so that anyone looking toimprove their dance technique or just get some additional dance work in between shows and auditions can attend. There will be no lengthy commitment, no registration fees, no year-end recitals and classes are open to any adults and young adults ages 16+. Single classes are being offered, with "no-expiration-date" discount packages also available.

SMTC's goal (since 2010) is to "bring Broadway's favorites back to life" by presenting beloved shows, great local talent and always featuring a live 20+ piece orchestra. Past productions have included Fiddler on the Roof, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Guys & Dolls, Man of La Mancha and Carousel.

SMTC's next production will be Meredith Willson's The Music Man (November 14 -17). Tickets are on sale now at www.scottsdalemusicaltheater.com or by calling (602) 909-4215. All performances take place at Dorrance Auditorium on the campus of Phoenix Country Day School at 40th Street and Stanford Dr. in Paradise Valley.

Conservatory of Dance is located at 13637 N. Tatum Blvd in Phoenix. For more information on COD, visit www.cofdance.com.

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