Get ready to sing and dance to your heart’s content because, this summer, Peterborough’s new Theatre Arts Training Academy is introducing themselves in a big way. Their inaugural production in July will offer no shortage of familiar show tunes and your favourite pop songs, performed by talented and professionally trained youth.
Two local artists, program coordinator Kim Curry and artistic director Shannon McCracken, founded the Theatre Arts Training Academy earlier this year to offer more training and performance opportunities for “triple threat” performers (those who can sing, dance, and act).
“Our goal is to give everybody opportunity and really great educational training with high-quality instructors,” says McCracken, noting the academy will also be offering workshops and master classes for adults as well as children and youth.
The Theatre Arts Training Academy’s first-ever production, called Broadway and Beyond, will feature the talents of artists participating in the inaugural Summer Intensive taking place in July. Over two weeks, the performers — who all auditioned for the program and range from 10 to 27 years old — will hone their skills in singing, dancing, and acting, with instruction from local professionals including McCracken, improv instructor Jennine Profeta, and choreographer Madison Sheward.
With a through line connecting the musical numbers, Broadway and Beyond promises to have you out of your seat with songs and scenes from several beloved musicals including Shrek, The Sound of Music, Wicked, Frozen, Legally Blonde, and more, as well as reimagined songs from Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Billy Joel, and Adele, among others. Audiences will recognize some of the stars from local community productions, while other talents are from outside the region.
Under the musical direction of Kelsey Van Blarcom, Broadway and Beyond will be on stage at the Peterborough Theatre Guild at 364 Rogers Street at 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 20th. Tickets are $30 general admission ($15 for children 12 and under) with priority seating available for an additional $10, and are on sale now at theatreartstrainingacademy.com/shows.
After Broadway and Beyond, the Theatre Arts Training Academy will be hosting a musical theatre workshop for kids aged 8 to 13, inclusive to both those who are new to theatre, and those who are well-versed on stage. Held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 10th at the Peterborough Theatre Guild, the one-day workshop will invite participants to explore their creativity while connecting with fellow theatre lovers. More workshops and master classes will be announced soon.
For more information on the Theatre Arts Training Academy, or to register for the upcoming Musical Theatre Workshop, visit theatreartstrainingacademy.com. Follow the Academy on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on workshops and master classes as they are announced.
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