Wooster School proudly announces auditions for Broadway at Wooster, a new musical theatre intensive that brings Broadway stars and hopefuls together for an unforgettable week of learning and performing. This program runs from June 22-26, with performances on June 27, at the intimate Black Box Theatre in the Wean Performing Arts Center on Wooster's campus.
Artistic and musical director Claire Simard, of Ridgefield, Connecticut and New York-based stage director Joey Murray share their passion for musical theatre with aspiring performers in grades 8-12, through daily voice, dance and acting training and rehearsals for an original Broadway revue, directed by Mr. Murray. The highlight of this program is a master class with a special guest artist every day, in which students will work one-on-one with seasoned professionals to hone their skills in an inspiring and nurturing environment.
Auditions for this select program are to be held by appointment only on Sunday, April 12 and Monday, April 13. To schedule an appointment and for audition requirements, please e-mail summeratwooster@woosterschool.org. Video submissions available for those who cannot attend auditions. Space is limited and auditions must be scheduled by March 31, 2015.
About Claire Simard
Claire Simard studied vocal performance at the Catholic University of America. She has acted professionally at the Tony-award-winning Signature Theater, Arena Stage, and has created new roles in several off-Broadway musicals, including War Brides, Christmas Interruptus, and The Freely Given. Other opera and musical theater performances include the prestigious Bard Festival, the International Institute of Vocal Arts in Chiari, Italy, studies in Paris at the Conservatoire and at the Sorbonne, and performances with the Bronx Opera and Underworld Opera companies. Mrs. Simard studied acting with legendary acting teacher and Broadway performer Andy Gale, and voice with Metropolitan Opera mezzo-soprano Trish McCaffrey during postgraduate studies at Brooklyn College Conservatory. She is also a pianist and music director, having music-directed over a dozen musicals at the school and regional level. She began her teacher career after the birth of her first child, fell in love with it, and has taught musical theater, voice, and elementary music at Concordia Conservatory in Bronxville, NY, and at Wooster School, where she is currently Head of Theater and Lower School music teacher. Mrs. Simard is passionate about passing on her love of acting and music to young people, and keeping music and theater alive in our schools and communities.
Joey Murray is a New York City-based stage director, who's work has been seen Off-Broadway, regionally, and on performing art center stages throughout the United States and China. He is currently the resident director for The Broadway Dolls (playing Ridgefield Playhouse Saturday, April 11), and Directing and Choreographing The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee for Jenny Wiley Theatre in Eastern Kentucky. His credits include Paper Mill Playhouse, Gateway Playhouse, New York Musical Theatre Festival, Fringe Festival, and numerous Off-Broadway, concert, and cabaret spaces in New York. Catholic University graduate; studied directing and playwriting at The Barrow Group and New York University.
About Wooster School
Wooster School is an independent, co-educational college preparatory day school, serving students from Fairfield and Westchester Counties. Located in Danbury, Connecticut, the School serves students from Pre-K through grade 12. A leader in classroom innovation and teaching, Wooster School is a place where thinking and learning are personal, meaningful, and visible; and where faculty work closely with students in small classes and cohorts to think and communicate critically and creatively. At Wooster, every student participates, every student contributes, and every student learns and develops the necessary skills to be a life-long learner and leader in college and life beyond.
To learn more, visit http://www.woosterschool.org/ or contact Wooster School Admissions at (203) 830-3916