Coast To Coast Music Theatre & Voice Intensive Returns To Oregon This Summer

Coast to Coast Music Theatre & Voice Intensive has announced its second session to take place this summer, July 22nd through July 27th, 2019 in Tualatin, Oregon at Bridgeport Church.

The Coast to Coast Music Theatre & Voice Intensive provides high school students with the important fundamentals of acting and singing repertoire from the musical theatre canon, in addition to the specifics of auditioning for college performance programs and professional productions. It also offers students a complimentary headshot session and showcase performance at the conclusion of the program.

Co-Founders and Lead Instructors, Oliver Mayes and Alishia Garcia are thrilled to bring Coast to Coast back to Oregon after a successful inaugural session last year. "We were so pleasantly surprised by the overwhelmingly positive support we received from last year's students and parents, so we can't wait to bring our intensive back with even more exciting programming" says Mayes. Garcia agrees, chiming in: "Now we know our overall vision and teaching methods work well together so we are working toward expanding the program, both by student population and in program offerings!" Both instructors say that students can expect to move quickly in this one week intensive. "We cover a lot of topics and material in one week; we maintain a nurturing learning environment while upholding professional standards in terms of preparation and enthusiasm" says Mayes.

Oliver Mayes is currently an MFA Directing student at the University of South Dakota where he teaches and directs undergraduate performance majors. Prior to USD, Oliver spent five years in New York City working as an actor, singer, director, choreographer, producer, photographer, and arts administrator.

New York & Regional Theatre performance credits include: Into the Woods, Homemade Fusion, Urinetown, Seussical, A Charlie Brown Christmas, American Idiot, Grease, A Year with Frog and Toad, Dogfight (Broadway World Best Actor in a Musical Nomination), RENT, HAIR, and Beyond Words (New York Musical Festival). TV/Film/New Media credits: It's Elizabeth (Wyatt; post-production), Capital Advice (Jim; My Final Shot Productions Best Supporting Actor Nomination), Bar Class or Barre Class (Lead). Directing credits: Mamma Mia! (Center for the Performing Arts; July '19), Mr. Charles, Currently of Palm Beach (University of South Dakota; March '19), Abnormal (Equity Staged Reading, Shetler Studios; NYC), After the End (Paradise Factory Theatre; NYC), First Time (Secret Theatre; NYC), and The Last Five Years (Assistant Director; 4th Wall Theatre). Other notable theatre credits: Spring Awakening (Choreographer, USD; April '19), On the Twentieth Century (Producer, Village Light Opera). Oliver is also recognized in the NYC cabaret circuit by providing artistic guidance for theatrical concerts. He has worked as a director, consultant, choreographer and producer for shows such as the Beyond the Binary concert series, Quarter Life Crisis, and Seams & Songs. His solo show, If I Were a Frontman debuted at Broadway's Supper Club, Feinstein's/54 Below in 2018.

An arts education advocate, Oliver spent his time in NYC also working at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy doing recruitment, enrollment, and academic/career guidance. He also offers private coachings for auditions and has served as a teaching assistant at the University of South Dakota. Co-Founder and Lead Instructor of Coast to Coast Music Theatre & Voice Intensive, held annually in the Portland, Oregon area. BFA Music Theatre graduate of AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles, California. Proud member of SAG/AFTRA. More information at: www.oliverinamayes.com.

Alishia Garcia is a mezzo-soprano known for her sparkling and rich tone, her musicianship, and her emotional connection to her performances. Her most notable roles include Anna in Maelstrom: A Zombie Opera, Meg in Little Women, Miss Pinkerton from The Old Maid and the Thief, and Hänsel in Hänsel und Gretel. Alishia has performed with Opera Bend, Eugene Opera, Cascadia Concert Opera, and in University of Oregon's Opera productions.

Alishia is a graduate of University of Oregon, and holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. She graduated Magna Cum Laude, and received honors in the school of music including the Bezinover Opera Scholarship and the Outstanding Undergraduate in Voice Award of 2015.

Alishia currently resides in Tualatin, Oregon where she has established a large voice studio. Her students have earned lead roles in school musicals, and gone on to pursue careers in music and the performing arts. She is also the Co-Founder and a Lead Instructor for Coast to Coast Music Theatre and Voice Intensive, which is held annually in the Portland, Oregon area.

Registration for the Coast to Coast Music Theatre & Voice Intensive is now open to high school students at www.coasttocoastintensive.com. A "New Year, New You" sale is being offered to students who register and pay in full by January 31st, with additional savings offered through their Early Bird Special rate and returning student discount.