BLOCK 1:
9 am to 10:30 am
Broadway Bootcamp: Heart of Rock n Roll Audition!
presented by Elizabeth Burton Lyons, Broadway Beginnings
Location: TWH Game Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College
This Broadway dance audition workshop is your ultimate guide to mastering the world of dance auditions. From quickly mastering complex HEART OF ROCK ‘N ROLL choreography to nailing those intricate routines under pressure, this intensive experience will turbocharge your skills, boost your confidence, and equip you with the techniques to thrive in your next dance call!
PRESENTER BIO: Performer, educator, and founder of Broadway Beginnings-- BFA Musical Theatre Florida State University. NYC credits: RADIO CITY SPRING SPECTACULAR featuring The Rockettes, Derek Hough, Laura Benanti (Laura Benanti understudy), BEETLEJUICE pre-production (Lydia), 1st National Tour of ELF (understudy Jovie), National Tour of the WIZARD OF OZ (understudy Dorothy), PARADE- Gallery Players (Iola Stover), THE UNDERCLASSMAN- The Duke on 42nd Street. Follow @broadway_beginnings.
Making Costume Jewelry for the Staage
presented by Evelyn D. Tyler, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (Workshops Chair for Florida Theatre Conference)
Location: TWH Large Art Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
In this creative and fun filled workshop, learn more about the process and materials used in designing and making jewelry from different materials. Participants will be able to design and create their own unique pieces for the stage by hand building/manipulating clay.
PRESENTER BIO: Evelyn D. Tyler is an Associate Professor of Theatre and Generalist at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee. Tyler’s outside professional activities include workshops at the Florida Theatre Conference (Gainesville, Fl), Southeastern Theatre Conference (Lexington, Ky), Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (Americus, Ga), National Black Theatre Festival (Winston-Salem, NC), Douglas Anderson School of the Arts (Jacksonville, Fl), United States Institute for Theatre Technology (Seattle, Wa), The International Black Theatre Festival (Winston-Salem, NC) and the International Collegiate Theatre Festival (Edinburgh, Scotland).
Shakespeare Alive: A New Way to Engage with the Bard
presented by Kaitlin Henderson, University of Florida
Location: TWH Mat Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
Shakespeare's characters exclaim their love, spew their hate, embody their sorrow, and always speak what they feel! So why do most students dislike Shakespeare? How can they interact with his work in a new and more exciting way?
This workshop will introduce students to a new way of engaging with Shakespeare's text. Through rehearsal techniques and exercises created by the world renowned Shakespeare & Company, this highly active workshop will get students up on their feet and introduce them to Shakespeare as his work was intended: Not plays to be studied, but Plays to be Played!
This workshop will introduce students to a new way of engaging with Shakespeare's text. Through rehearsal techniques and exercises created by the world renowned Shakespeare & Company, this highly active workshop will get students up on their feet and introduce them to Shakespeare as his work was intended: Not plays to be studied, but Plays to be Played!
PRESENTER BIO: Kaitlin Henderson is an actor, director, voice and dialect coach, singer, and Shakespeare enthusiast. Originally from Massachusetts, Kaitlin became a company member with the world renowned Shakespeare & Company in Lenox, MA in 2005, and has maintained that artistic home for 18 years. Under the mentorship of Tina Packer and Kevin Coleman, Kaitlin worked at Shakes & Co. as an actor, a director, a teacher, most recently spearheading their national teacher training program, which introduces school teachers and professors to new ways of approaching Shakespeare in the classroom.
Kaitlin is currently an Assistant Professor of Acting at the University of Florida with a specialization in Classical Acting, and has held faculty positions at Northern Illinois University, Monterey Peninsula College, and Southern Oregon University, as well as adjunct appointments at several other institutions. She is an experience Voice and Dialect coach and has trained extensively in Linklater Voicework and Knight-Thompson Speechwork.
She holds an MFA in Acting from Northern Illinois University, a BA in Theatre Arts (with a Vocal Performance concentration) from Gordon College, and is a proud member of Actor's Equity Association, Voice and Speech Trainers Association, and the Shakespeare Association of America.
Kaitlin is currently an Assistant Professor of Acting at the University of Florida with a specialization in Classical Acting, and has held faculty positions at Northern Illinois University, Monterey Peninsula College, and Southern Oregon University, as well as adjunct appointments at several other institutions. She is an experience Voice and Dialect coach and has trained extensively in Linklater Voicework and Knight-Thompson Speechwork.
She holds an MFA in Acting from Northern Illinois University, a BA in Theatre Arts (with a Vocal Performance concentration) from Gordon College, and is a proud member of Actor's Equity Association, Voice and Speech Trainers Association, and the Shakespeare Association of America.
Accessibility Thinking
presented by Sara Brunow, University of Montevallo (FTC Inclusion Division Chair)
Location: TWH Ballet Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
Theatre is for everyone--but sometimes its not built for all. In this workshop, participants learn about services and tools that can make productions more accessible to more people. Through conversation and collaboration, this workshop challenges theatre makers to developing creative ways of making rehearsals, productions, and stories more inclusive for artists and audience members.
PRESENTER BIO: Sara Brunow (she/her) is a theatre maker, teaching artist, and arts administrator who has worked within education and community engagement departments of professional theatre companies around the country (Asolo Repertory Theatre, Theatre Under The Stars, Orlando Family Stage, Nashville Children’s Theatre,). She has a BFA Music Theatre (Shenandoah Conservatory) and an MFA Theatre for Young Audiences (University of Central Florida) with a focus on creating accessible and inclusive theatrical practices and experiences. Her passion is developing unique and responsive theatre-based programming within disability and neurodivergent communities. Sara is an Adjunct Professor of Theatre at University of Montevallo and is a member of the Florida Theatre Conference Board where she serves as the Chair of the Inclusion Division. Theatre is for Everyone!
Protecting the Performance: Boundaries and Closure Practices for Actors
presented by Nicole Perry, Momentum Stage
Location: Fieldhouse Meeting Room G
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College
How do performers cultivate consent and closure in their own creative processes? How do they articulate boundaries? Students will learn how to evaluate their own boundaries in context and content, as well as physicality, so as to best offer consent. They will be introduced to practices for communication and closure, developing resources for healthy working environments.
After the Protecting the Performance Workshop, the theatre, dance, etc. student will be able to understand the importance of working consent in a rehearsal room, and develop a personal practice for future performances.
After the Protecting the Performance Workshop, the theatre, dance, etc. student will be able to understand the importance of working consent in a rehearsal room, and develop a personal practice for future performances.
PRESENTER BIO: Nicole Perry, MFA, CLMA, CID/C is an award-winning intimacy director, as well as intimacy coordinator and dance choreographer. Career highlights include 2 Broward County Artist Investment Grants for KINesphere (site-inspired dance), intimacy coordination for God Forbid (Hulu), and a Carbonell nomination for the intimacy direction of To Fall in Love (Theatre Lab).
She is currently the Miami Unit Intimacy Coordinator for two new series filming in South Florida. She is on the SAG-AFTRA Intimacy Coordinator pre-registry.
Nicole has taught Movement and Dance for several South Florida institutions including the Palm Beach County School District, NYFA: Miami Beach, and the University of Miami. She teaches Intimacy and Movement for Intimacy Professionals Education Collective. She is a founding member of Intimacy Direction in Dance and Florida Intimacy Professionals and the founder of Momentum Stage, a professional development company for dance and theatre educators.
She is currently the Miami Unit Intimacy Coordinator for two new series filming in South Florida. She is on the SAG-AFTRA Intimacy Coordinator pre-registry.
Nicole has taught Movement and Dance for several South Florida institutions including the Palm Beach County School District, NYFA: Miami Beach, and the University of Miami. She teaches Intimacy and Movement for Intimacy Professionals Education Collective. She is a founding member of Intimacy Direction in Dance and Florida Intimacy Professionals and the founder of Momentum Stage, a professional development company for dance and theatre educators.
BLOCK 2:
11 am to 12:30 pm
"Mean Girls: A Broadway Dance Workshop"
presented by Jake Swain, Open Jar Institute
Location: TWH Game Room
Appropriate Age Group: Middle School, High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
A unique opportunity to work with Jake Swain from Smash Broadway Hit “Mean Girls". Learn original choreography from the show. Discover the secrets to mastering dance combinations swiftly. Elevate your dance abilities in this inclusive workshop. All levels are warmly welcome. Jake will be awarding a $500 Open Jar Institute tuition scholarship to one of the students in his workshops.
PRESENTER BIO:
Playwrighting: Structure, Submissions, and Staging "Oh, My!"
presented by Gretchen Suarez-Pena, Florida Atlantic University
Location: TWH Large Art Room
Appropriate Age Group: Middle School, High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
An introduction to playwriting structure and characters, how to submit your work, and get it up on the stage.
PRESENTER BIO: Gretchen Suárez-Peña is a Puerto Rican playwright with an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University (2024), a board member of Conch Shell Productions (NYC), an Assistant Professor at Florida Atlantic University, and a proud Dramatist Guild member. Awards and Recognitions: Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Tampa Bay Theatre Festival, Voices of Women Theatre Festival, Downtown Urban Arts Festival, SheATL and the Straz Center.
Character-Based Improvisation
presented by Leah Page, Flagler College (Devised Theatre Co-Chair for Florida Theatre Conference
Location: TWH Cabaret Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
Developing interesting and dynamic characters is an essential skill for improvisation. In this workshop, students will play several short-form improv games that will develop their physical and vocal choices, encourage specificity, and embrace fearless risk-taking all in the service of creating funny and engaging scenes.
PRESENTER BIO: Leah Page is an Associate Professor at Flagler College in St Augustine, FL. She has worked at a number of regional theaters and community-based organizations across the country including Asolo Repertory Theatre, Two River Theater, McCarter Theater Center, viBe Theater Experience, Making Books Sing, and CAT Youth Theatre. Some of her favorite directing experiences include Streetlight Woodpecker (Flagler College), A Doll’s House Part II (Limelight Theatre), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Flagler College and Limelight Theatre) Sideways Stories from Wayside School (Daytona Stage College), The Giver (Flagler College), and Edges (Flagler College). She has an MA in Applied Theatre from CUNY and an MFA in Musical Theatre from UCF.
Side by Side: A Singing Actor's Workshop
presented by Dr. Erik DeCicco and Dr. Jay Ivey, Jacksonville University
Location: Fieldhouse Meeting Room G
Appropriate Age Group: High School
This workshop focuses on connecting the dots between acting, singing, and the music underlying it all. Participants should come prepared to sing a 16-32 bar audition cut (please bring sheet music). Drs. DeCicco and Ivey will work together to help you enhance your audition performance both in acting and singing. This is a great and rare opportunity to work with an acting specialist and music specialist simultaneously.
PRESENTER BIO: Dr. DeCicco was born and raised in Jacksonville. He graduated from Stanton College Prep, Jacksonville University, earned an M.F.A. in Acting at The University of Louisville, and an Ed.D. from The University of New England. Erik has acted and directed throughout the Northeast Florida area and has been seen at the Alhambra as Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast and King in Big River. His credits include: Jump Man! A Mario Musical (2014 NYC Fringe Best Musical Winner), Amadeus, Seminar, Phantom, Next to Normal. TV: AMC’s Making of the Mob, Mysteries at the Museum. Directing: The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Metamorphoses, In the Heights, Legally Blonde, Urinetown, Little Women, The 39 Steps, Weird Romance, Into the Woods, Little Shop of Horrors, Once on This Island, Xanadu. He co-starred in the upcoming feature film, Albert and Claude, which is streaming now on Amazon.
Dr. Jay Jay Ivey has been seen in such operatic roles as Rigoletto, Lescaut (Manon), the title roles of Don Giovanni and Gianni Schicchi, Morales (Carmen), and Maximillian in Candide with Jerry Hadley. Most recently he performed the role of British Ambassador in the world premiere of the new performing edition of The Ghosts of Versailles by John Corigliano with the Opera Theatre of St. Louis. Other roles performed with Opera Theatre of St. Louis include Spalanzani (Tales of Hoffmann), The Imperial Commissioner (Madama Butterfly),and Priest (Troilus and Cressida). Jay has also performed a number of oratorio and chamber works including Carmina Burana, the Fauré Requiem, the Brahms Requiem, Händel’s Messiah, Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast, and Stravinsky’s Pulcinella. On the other side of the stage, he is an active music director, pianist, composer, and author. His book FEUER UND EIS has been placed on the recommended reading list of Winterreise.net.
Acting Shakespeare's Text
presented by Trent Stephens, Palm Beach Atlantic University
Location: TWH Ballet Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
Shakespeare's words are very rich, but understandably, some actors have a hard time naturalizing the words and finding them in their own body. The text of Shakespeare's plays have natural affordances and opportunities that may not be apparent unless we know what we are looking for. We are going to use early modern acting techniques to approach the text as Shakespeare's company would have and uncover the performance that is buried in the text.
PRESENTER BIO: Trent Stephens received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University in 2011 and his Master of Fine Arts degree in Shakespeare & Performance from Mary Baldwin University in 2022. In the summer of 2009, Trent began as a company member of the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival. Stephens directed an independent production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream that was featured in the November 2013 issue of American Theatre Magazine. Since 2015, Trent has annually served as guest director for Shakespeare by the Sea and Shakespeare by the Palms, where he has been honored to direct Hamlet (2015), Taming of The Shrew (2016), Love’s Labour’s Lost (2017), Antony and Cleopatra (2018), Romeo and Juliet (2019), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2020/21), Richard II (2022), Measure for Measure (2023) and King Lear (2024).
Laban Movement
presented by Matthew Buffalo, New World School of the Arts
Location: TWH Mat Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
A Laban based movement exploration to discover the physical life of a character.
PRESENTER BIO: Matthew Buffalo is a passionate theatre director, performer, and educator. His career spans from the national tours of Fosse and Spirit of the Dance, to dancing with the NY Baroque Dance Company, as well as many regional theatre roles. Most recently Matthew has been seen in South Florida productions of Which Way to the Stage, Buyer & Cellar, Pageant: The Musical Comedy, and the world premiere of Tracy Jones. Matthew holds an M.F.A. (Acting) from Indiana University, is a CMA in Laban Movement Analysis, and a proud member of AEA.
BLOCK 3:
2 pm to 3:30 pm
Acting in the Moment: Allowing Presence over Planning
presented by Nick Trotta and Uma Paranjpe, Atlantic Acting School
Location: TWH Cabaret Room
Appropriate Age Group: Middle School, High School, College
This workshop uses the foundational principles of Practical Aesthetics to introduce students to the risky fun of play in the moment to determine their acting choices. It will introduce new inputs for the making of choices on stage, beyond preparation, allow students to experiment with the utility of physical and mental ease over effort in performance, and prioritize the moment over the idea of the scene/text/play.
PRESENTER BIO: Nick Trotta is a Brooklyn-based actor and acting teacher with the Atlantic Acting School. He is one of the founders of the Tugboat Collective and Clementine Players theater companies. He has recently performed in productions of: Rhinocerous, Pride and Prejudice, Shedding Load, and All My Sons. Recent films include: Ebba, Last Meal, Fish King, Public Relations, and Vestiges.
Uma Paranjpe (she/they) is an actor, playwright, and teaching artist. She most recently appeared as Pi to close the Broadway run of Life of Pi at the Schoenfeld Theater. Off-Broadway: Short Stack (Ma-Yi), tango of a crumbling wall (Teatro Latea). Regional: Life of Pi (American Repertory Theater), Much Ado (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Nerve (Theatreworks), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Catskill Mountain Shakes). Film: Beast (Tribeca New Voices), King Lahiri (Amazon Prime). Uma currently teaches at the Atlantic Theater Company in New York City, and out of her home in Brooklyn. BFA Musical Theatre: University of Miami. umaparanjpe.com | @superumapuma
Your Passport to Careers in Live Entertainment
presented by Disney Live Entertainment
Location: Fieldhouse Meeting Room A
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College
Join members of the Disney Live Entertainment Team for this action-based introduction to the world of careers available in technical theatre and live event production.
DLE Team Members will guide you through a series of hands-on activities while offering insights from their own career journeys, so you can better plot and understand the journey you may already be on. With stops including Technical Design, Creative Development, and Production, members of our team will help you connect the skills you’re gaining today to the path that awaits you tomorrow.
Broadway Dance with a Broadway Performer: "Moulin Rouge"
presented by Andrew Cao, The University of Florida
Location: TWH Game Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College
After performing on Broadway for 10 years, I'm now teaching musical theatre and dance full time at The University of Florida. In this class, we'll explore some exciting choreography from "Moulin Rouge." We'll also talk a little about college auditions and what it means to have a long and successful career in the musical theatre industry!!!
PRESENTER BIO: BROADWAY: Disney’s Aladdin, Anything Goes with Sutton Foster, Nice Work if You Can Get It. NORTH AMERICA: The Stratford Shakespeare Festival, The Old Globe, The Goodspeed Opera House, PCLO, and The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey. TELEVISION: Iron Fist, The Mysteries of Laura, Blue Bloods, The Detour, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tony Awards, and Nickelodeon’s The Backyardigans. COMMERCIAL/PRINT: PNC Bank, Huggies, Baby Jogger, Vanguard, and Cheerios. @ufmusicaltheatre on Instagram @andrewchoreography on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
Playwrighting: Structure, Submissions, and Staging "Oh, My!"
presented by Gretchen Suarez-Pena, Florida Atlantic University
Location: TWH Large Art Room
Appropriate Age Group: Middle School, High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
An introduction to playwriting structure and characters, how to submit your work, and get it up on the stage.
PRESENTER BIO: Gretchen Suárez-Peña is a Puerto Rican playwright with an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University (2024), a board member of Conch Shell Productions (NYC), an Assistant Professor at Florida Atlantic University, and a proud Dramatist Guild member. Awards and Recognitions: Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Tampa Bay Theatre Festival, Voices of Women Theatre Festival, Downtown Urban Arts Festival, SheATL and the Straz Center.
Monologue Audition Techniques
presented by Rachel Kelsey, National Theater Institute at the Eugene O'Neil Theater Center
Location: TWH Ballet Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College
Program Representative and Teaching Artist, Rachel Kelsey, draws upon her professional audition experience to bring you this workshop. The intention of this session is to assist performers in improving their audition technique and specificity for both self-taped as well as in-person auditions. Here we will work on crafting strong, professional, and creative auditions experiences. Actors should have a 1-2 minute monologue prepared to workshop in a mock audition setting, in which Rachel will get the actors on their feet. During the workshop, participants will perform, receive feedback, and have the opportunity to take risks in a safe and supportive environment. The session is taught from the lens and personal experience of Rachel Kelsey as she has been in the room with individuals such as Alison Franck (Casting Director), Jeff Whiting (NYC Director/Choreographer), Kristian Charbonier (Casting Director), Sue Frost (Broadway Producer), etc. The workshop is open to actors at all levels in their educational career. We are thrilled to bring FTC a taste of the current audition climate!
PRESENTER BIO: Rachel Kelsey (She/Her) is an actor, singer, dancer, and creative artist originally from Omaha, NE. Additionally, serves as program representative and a teaching artist for the National Theater Institute (NTI) at the two-time Tony award winning, Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. Here, she travels across the country to offer workshops in a variety of artistic disciplines as well as bring awareness to the institution, otherwise known as the launchpad of the American theater.
She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and Business minor from Drake University, in Des Moines, IA. In addition to studying at Drake, she also spent the Fall of 2022 in Connecticut, studying with NTI’s Music Theater program. While traveling for the O'Neill and teaching at various conferences, festivals, and institutions throughout the nation, Rachel is actively involved in the theatre scene as well as seeking additional theatrical opportunities. To get in touch, email ntirep@theoneill.org or itsrachelkelsey@gmail.com.
She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and Business minor from Drake University, in Des Moines, IA. In addition to studying at Drake, she also spent the Fall of 2022 in Connecticut, studying with NTI’s Music Theater program. While traveling for the O'Neill and teaching at various conferences, festivals, and institutions throughout the nation, Rachel is actively involved in the theatre scene as well as seeking additional theatrical opportunities. To get in touch, email ntirep@theoneill.org or itsrachelkelsey@gmail.com.
Vocal Exercises: What do they do? Optimize your Vocal Workout
presented by Wesley Morgan, Florida Southern College
Location: TWH Mat Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College
What are vocal exercises ? Why do you do them? When do you do them?
There is confusion and ambivalence among singers of all levels around vocal warmups and exercises. I want to empower you to improve your singing by shedding some light on what exercises do and how to alter the ingredients to target your specific vocal goals.
There is confusion and ambivalence among singers of all levels around vocal warmups and exercises. I want to empower you to improve your singing by shedding some light on what exercises do and how to alter the ingredients to target your specific vocal goals.
PRESENTER BIO: Dr. Wesley Morgan has served on the voice faculty at Georgia State University, Georgia Perimeter College, Haverford College, Temple University, and currently Florida Southern College. Musical Director posts at regional and collegiate theaters include: Florida Southern College, The Puppetry Arts Center in Atlanta, Atlanta Lyric Theater, and The Oregon Children’s Theater. As a singer Dr. Morgan has appeared as an operatic soloist with Orlando Opera, Helena Symphony Orchestra, El Paso Opera, Atlanta Opera, Opera Delaware, Charlottesville Opera, Windsor Symphony, Tulsa Symphony, Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, Opera in the Heights, St. Petersburg Opera, GLOW Lyric Theater, Boise Philharmonic, and Tacoma Symphony. Wesley's professional students appear in regional theatre, opera, and Broadway National Tours.
Belt & Beyond: The Art of Belt and Mixed Voice
presented by Isabel Tucen and Evelyn Saavedra, Isabel Tucen's Vocal Studio and Evelyn Saavedra's Vocal Studio
Location: Fieldhouse Meeting Room G
Appropriate Age Group: Middle School, High School, College
Join vocal coaches Isabel Tucen and Evelyn Saavedra for Belt & Beyond: The Art of Belt and Mixed Voice, a workshop designed for singers of all levels eager to master belting and blending their mix voice. This workshop will provide you with the tools to develop a strong, versatile voice, ready for the demands of today’s musical theatre and beyond.
What You’ll Learn:
Belt Techniques: Unlock the secrets to a powerful and healthy belt.
Mix Mastery: Seamlessly transition between chest and head voice for a connected sound.
Vocal Health: Maintain vocal health while belting and mixing, ensuring longevity in your singing career.
Storytelling Through Song: Use your belt and mix to enhance storytelling and emotional expression.
Workshop Details:
Participants are encouraged to bring a 32-bar cut of a ballad or uptempo song they are struggling with. Isabel and Evelyn will provide personalized feedback and techniques to help you overcome challenges and master your piece.
PRESENTER BIO: Isabel Tucen is a dynamic vocal coach and performer known for her engaging teaching style and passion for helping students discover their true voice. A graduate of the University of Florida via New World School of the Arts, Isabel has taught musical theatre camps at Camp Broadway Miami and Camp Arsht, both held at the Adrienne Arsht Center. She has also led impactful workshops at Coral Reef High School, Hialeah Senior High School, Miami Senior High School, and taught at New World School of the Arts. Her teaching emphasizes fun and versatility, empowering students to explore their full vocal range. Isabel's students have been accepted to prestigious schools like New World School of the Arts, Southwood Middle School, Miami Arts Studio, and Coral Reef Senior High School. They have also participated in the ArtsBridge program at the Boston Conservatory and have garnered superior ratings with their prepped competition material. On stage, Isabel has captivated audiences with standout appearances in Bullets Over Broadway, Guys and Dolls, Parade, and JACKED, as well as her role as Bumble Bee in The Busy Bees Great Adventure at the Adrienne Arsht Center.
Evelyn Saavedra is a seasoned vocal coach with an Artist Diploma in Opera Studies from the Juilliard School. Evelyn has performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and Alice Tully Hall and has taught at institutions including the New World School of the Arts and Miami Dade College, Area Stage Company, Conchita Espinosa Academy, and Florida International University. She empowers her students with tailored techniques to unlock their vocal potential, with many going on to achieve success in esteemed programs and performances. From captivating audiences at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami to performing on Disney Cruise Lines and earning spots in prestigious programs such as the Summer Performing Arts with Juilliard and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Summer Musical Theatre Workshop.
Join vocal coaches Isabel Tucen and Evelyn Saavedra for Belt & Beyond: The Art of Belt and Mixed Voice, a workshop designed for singers of all levels eager to master belting and blending their mix voice. This workshop will provide you with the tools to develop a strong, versatile voice, ready for the demands of today’s musical theatre and beyond.
What You’ll Learn:
Belt Techniques: Unlock the secrets to a powerful and healthy belt.
Mix Mastery: Seamlessly transition between chest and head voice for a connected sound.
Vocal Health: Maintain vocal health while belting and mixing, ensuring longevity in your singing career.
Storytelling Through Song: Use your belt and mix to enhance storytelling and emotional expression.
Workshop Details:
Participants are encouraged to bring a 32-bar cut of a ballad or uptempo song they are struggling with. Isabel and Evelyn will provide personalized feedback and techniques to help you overcome challenges and master your piece.
PRESENTER BIO: Isabel Tucen is a dynamic vocal coach and performer known for her engaging teaching style and passion for helping students discover their true voice. A graduate of the University of Florida via New World School of the Arts, Isabel has taught musical theatre camps at Camp Broadway Miami and Camp Arsht, both held at the Adrienne Arsht Center. She has also led impactful workshops at Coral Reef High School, Hialeah Senior High School, Miami Senior High School, and taught at New World School of the Arts. Her teaching emphasizes fun and versatility, empowering students to explore their full vocal range. Isabel's students have been accepted to prestigious schools like New World School of the Arts, Southwood Middle School, Miami Arts Studio, and Coral Reef Senior High School. They have also participated in the ArtsBridge program at the Boston Conservatory and have garnered superior ratings with their prepped competition material. On stage, Isabel has captivated audiences with standout appearances in Bullets Over Broadway, Guys and Dolls, Parade, and JACKED, as well as her role as Bumble Bee in The Busy Bees Great Adventure at the Adrienne Arsht Center.
Evelyn Saavedra is a seasoned vocal coach with an Artist Diploma in Opera Studies from the Juilliard School. Evelyn has performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and Alice Tully Hall and has taught at institutions including the New World School of the Arts and Miami Dade College, Area Stage Company, Conchita Espinosa Academy, and Florida International University. She empowers her students with tailored techniques to unlock their vocal potential, with many going on to achieve success in esteemed programs and performances. From captivating audiences at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami to performing on Disney Cruise Lines and earning spots in prestigious programs such as the Summer Performing Arts with Juilliard and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music Summer Musical Theatre Workshop.
BLOCK 4:
4 pm to 5:30 pm
Movement Matters
presented by Neka Zang, AMDA College of the Performing Arts
Location: TWH Cabaret Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College
This workshop is designed to equip young thespians with the tools to enhance their
storytelling through movement and dance. Whether you 're a seasoned dancer or
someone with limited experience, this class will teach you how to use dance as a
powerful tool to develop characters, build stage presence, and elevate your
performance.
storytelling through movement and dance. Whether you 're a seasoned dancer or
someone with limited experience, this class will teach you how to use dance as a
powerful tool to develop characters, build stage presence, and elevate your
performance.
PRESENTER BIO:
Neka Zang is a 20- year Broadway veteran who has performed in numerous productions (Wicked, Mary Poppins Rock of Ages , American Psycho) , including the recent Broadway revival of "Bob Fosse' s Dancin' ." In addition to her performance career, Neka is a sought-after educator and coach , offering workshops in over 14 countries . Her approach to teaching is grounded in her belief that movement is a crucial part of storytelling, and she is passionate about helping actors unlock their full potential through dance.
Neka Zang is a 20- year Broadway veteran who has performed in numerous productions (Wicked, Mary Poppins Rock of Ages , American Psycho) , including the recent Broadway revival of "Bob Fosse' s Dancin' ." In addition to her performance career, Neka is a sought-after educator and coach , offering workshops in over 14 countries . Her approach to teaching is grounded in her belief that movement is a crucial part of storytelling, and she is passionate about helping actors unlock their full potential through dance.
Introduction to Production Management using Propared
presented by Ryan Kirk, Propared
Location: TWH Large Art Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
As production managers, stage managers, and arts administrators, scheduling is one of the most complex, time-consuming, and important parts of our work. Propared is being used by many schools and arts organizations to address these challenges. Join Propared co-founder, Ryan Kirk, for an introduction to production management and to learn how Propared is being used in professional theatre, education, and live event production to efficiently schedule theatrical productions, university theatre departments, venues, festivals and large scale performances.
PRESENTER BIO: Ryan Kirk is the co-founder and CEO of Propared which builds production management & scheduling software for arts organizations. He held management positions in theater, TV, fashion, corporate events, and venue operations for 20 years. Ryan co-founded Tinc Productions, a Broadway production management company based in New York City. He holds a BA in Theatre Arts from Virginia Tech and a MBA from NYU. Ryan cherishes the time he spends working with event organizations to improve their workflows; enabling them to continue their missions. Ryan also loves to cook, ski, run, play piano, and travel.
Funny Girl: Rat-a-Tat-Tat
presented by Danielle Jolie Dale-Hancock, Lynn University
Location: TWH Game Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College
An exciting tap class with choreography from Funny Girl and Rockette style choreography.
PRESENTER BIO: DANIELLE JOLIE DALE-HANCOCK started as a Star Search Dance Finalist and member of Hubbard Street Dance Company Chicago after attending the “Fame” Performing Arts High School in NYC. As a graduate from the University of Michigan. While being a Radio City Rockette, Dance Captain, Choreographer, and Director for 18 years she earned an MFA from NYU Tisch on a Full Merit Scholarship. In addition, Danielle has performed in numerous musicals, including the Original Broadway Cast of Saturday Night Fever, the World Premiere Tour of Contact, and the World and American Premiere of Ragtime working with such renowned Broadway choreographers as Susan Stroman, Daniela Graciela, Kathleen Marshall, and Jerry Mitchell. Besides performing for the Rockettes at the Flamingo Hilton in Las Vegas, Danielle has also performed in countless television productions: such as the Tony Awards, Oscars, and over 10 Thanksgiving Day Parades and Today Show appearances. Currently Mrs. Dale-Hancock is an Assistant Professor and Director of the Dance Program in the Drama Program at Lynn University.
Laban Techniques for the Actor
presented by Landon Green, University of South Florida
Location: TWH Ballet Room
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College, Adult/Professional Development
Use Laban Technique (a Dance philosophy) to map out, block, and illustrate a character's, or characters', journey. Understand defined qualities of movement through space and apply them to the use of the voice. Beneficial for novice and veteran actors and directors.
PRESENTER BIO: Landon Green is a Tampa-based actor and entertainer; graduating from USF, receiving his MFA from West Virginia University. His stage work has been seen at Stageworks, Jobsite Theater, Next Generation Ballet, The Tampa Repertory, Think Tank Theatre, Silver Meteor Gallery, St. Pete Shakespeare Festival, and others. As a clown and stilt walker, Landon's character work has been found at The Florida Aquarium, ZooTampa, The Franklin Vault, and at various other venues through Odd-O-T's Entertainment, Bay Breaks Entertainment, and Aerial Dragons Entertainment companies. He has also taught, designed, and directed with a number of those companies and with The Patel Conservatory and American Stage. Landon currently instructs courses and workshops in Scene Study, Movement, and Voice at the University of South Florida.
Auditioning 101
presented by Joshua McKinney, Harrison School for the Arts
Location: Fieldhouse Meeting Room G
Appropriate Age Group: High School, College
This workshop is designed to help aspiring performers create a standout audition package for college applications. Participants will learn how to choose a monologue that highlights their strengths and fits the requirements of college programs. We'll discuss selecting a professional headshot that captures your personality and makes a memorable impression. You'll also get tips on building a resume that effectively showcases your experience and skills. For those applying to musical theater programs, we'll cover how to pick and perform a song that best demonstrates your vocal abilities. By the end of this workshop, you'll have a polished audition package that sets you apart from other applicants and boosts your chances of getting into your dream college.
PRESENTER BIO:
Joshua McKinney is currently teaching acting and playwriting at Harrison School of the Arts and serves as the Production Coordinator for Central Florida Community Arts. In addition, he works as a freelance voice teacher and audition coach. With a rich background in directing, performing, and teaching globally, Joshua holds an MFA in Musical Theater from San Diego State University and a BFA in Musical Theatre from Palm Beach Atlantic University. He is a proud member of Actors' Equity, IATSE, and SAG-AFTRA.
Joshua McKinney is currently teaching acting and playwriting at Harrison School of the Arts and serves as the Production Coordinator for Central Florida Community Arts. In addition, he works as a freelance voice teacher and audition coach. With a rich background in directing, performing, and teaching globally, Joshua holds an MFA in Musical Theater from San Diego State University and a BFA in Musical Theatre from Palm Beach Atlantic University. He is a proud member of Actors' Equity, IATSE, and SAG-AFTRA.