The Program:
Musical U is a two-week-long musical theater workshop for kids in the North Country. Musical U is a complete musical theater experience, including auditions, vocal lessons, choreography, blocking, bodily movement, acting, character development, costumes, sets, props, make-up, theatrical lighting, and anything else the shows require, all packed into two very busy, full weeks!
Even though everyone gets to experience auditions, all students get at least one part and usually more. At Musical U, kids perform on stage as much as possible. (They're much better behaved that way!) Our audition process includes an opportunity to sing a song from the show, do a dry reading of lines, and demonstrate dance ability by learning a short, simple, basic routine to get a taste of what's to come! Auditions are scheduled at 15 minute increments, so they are quick and intense, so please be prepared! Wear comfortable clothes, no dresses or shoes that will keep you from moving freely (ie: flip flops or sandals!). We strive to make the students comfortable during this nerve-wracking experience, as we get to know each other. Absolutely no previous experience is required! We look forward to introducing your student to the stage! On the registration form, please select a preference for date and am/pm audition time, and we will try to accommodate. First come/first served, so register early so you can get the time of your choosing!
Rehearsals are daily from 9:00a-4:00p (a full day!) at the IHC High School Auditorium. Students are asked to bring their own lunch and a water bottle, as they'll be working hard! The rehearsal time is broken down into vocal work, choreography, and blocking. We work with
ensemble groups and individual solos to put the program together very quickly. My goal is to have the entire show taught to them by the end of the first week, so the second week can be devoted to introducing technical aspects of lights, sounds system, costumes, props, make-up, and putting it all together!
This year, our performances are moving to the IHC High School stage! Each program puts on two full performances to share what they've learned with the community. Nothing beats the experience of entertaining hundreds of people and receiving the warmth of praise and applause. Musical U is all about giving kids the opportunity to explore the performing arts in a safe, supportive atmosphere, and to tap into the humanity of our condition in a way nothing but the performing arts can do. We teach the rewards of hard work, working as a team, and taking chances to open yourself up to new and different ideas and feelings.
Many of our students return year after year, meeting up with friends and students from other area school districts and home-schoolers alike who share their passion for musical theater, and have the time of their lives. But as the program grows, new students join us every year, welcomed into our theatrical family. All this for only $150.00 tuition fee! Won't you join us this year? Learn to sing, dance, and act -- all at the same time!
Musical U is a two-week-long musical theater workshop for kids in the North Country. Musical U is a complete musical theater experience, including auditions, vocal lessons, choreography, blocking, bodily movement, acting, character development, costumes, sets, props, make-up, theatrical lighting, and anything else the shows require, all packed into two very busy, full weeks!
Even though everyone gets to experience auditions, all students get at least one part and usually more. At Musical U, kids perform on stage as much as possible. (They're much better behaved that way!) Our audition process includes an opportunity to sing a song from the show, do a dry reading of lines, and demonstrate dance ability by learning a short, simple, basic routine to get a taste of what's to come! Auditions are scheduled at 15 minute increments, so they are quick and intense, so please be prepared! Wear comfortable clothes, no dresses or shoes that will keep you from moving freely (ie: flip flops or sandals!). We strive to make the students comfortable during this nerve-wracking experience, as we get to know each other. Absolutely no previous experience is required! We look forward to introducing your student to the stage! On the registration form, please select a preference for date and am/pm audition time, and we will try to accommodate. First come/first served, so register early so you can get the time of your choosing!
Rehearsals are daily from 9:00a-4:00p (a full day!) at the IHC High School Auditorium. Students are asked to bring their own lunch and a water bottle, as they'll be working hard! The rehearsal time is broken down into vocal work, choreography, and blocking. We work with
ensemble groups and individual solos to put the program together very quickly. My goal is to have the entire show taught to them by the end of the first week, so the second week can be devoted to introducing technical aspects of lights, sounds system, costumes, props, make-up, and putting it all together!
This year, our performances are moving to the IHC High School stage! Each program puts on two full performances to share what they've learned with the community. Nothing beats the experience of entertaining hundreds of people and receiving the warmth of praise and applause. Musical U is all about giving kids the opportunity to explore the performing arts in a safe, supportive atmosphere, and to tap into the humanity of our condition in a way nothing but the performing arts can do. We teach the rewards of hard work, working as a team, and taking chances to open yourself up to new and different ideas and feelings.
Many of our students return year after year, meeting up with friends and students from other area school districts and home-schoolers alike who share their passion for musical theater, and have the time of their lives. But as the program grows, new students join us every year, welcomed into our theatrical family. All this for only $150.00 tuition fee! Won't you join us this year? Learn to sing, dance, and act -- all at the same time!
The Faculty:
Musical U is very fortunate to bring together highly motivated, creative, and educated people to serve as its faculty. With a strong
tradition of professional teachers, this organization boasts the talents of a powerful triumverate, all highly concerned with the quality of
the program, and care for the students:
Musical U is very fortunate to bring together highly motivated, creative, and educated people to serve as its faculty. With a strong
tradition of professional teachers, this organization boasts the talents of a powerful triumverate, all highly concerned with the quality of
the program, and care for the students:
Rodger Carr
Producer/Director Rodger Carr graduated from SUNY Oswego with a dual major Bachelor's Degree in English/Writing Arts and Philosophy. He has had several jobs, including 13 years at TLS working with emotionally abused teens, before deciding to go back for his teaching degree. He has a Master's Degree in Teaching through SUNY Potsdam, and holds a Professional Certification as a Primary Teacher, 1st-6th Grade. He has spent the years since getting his Master's looking for a full-time teaching position, and as a substitute teacher for Indian River, Sackets Harbor, and Watertown School Districts, teaching all grades and subjects. Rodger started his life on stage in high school as president of the drama club and paid stage manager for G. Ray Bodley High School in Fulton, NY. He took many stage-related courses in college, and served as a member of Watertown Lyric Theater's Board of Directors for many years. He started Musical U many years ago, after directing a production of "The Littlest Angel," his first youth production. He is proud to be able to bring this program to the youth of Jefferson County, and stands by the program's Mission Statement "to provide the experience of musical theater to as many children as possible, and produce quality entertainment for the public." |
Kim Essex
Choreographer/Vocal Kimberly A. Essex is a graduate of SUNY Potsdam with a B.A. in French Education and an M.S. in Reading Education. She has experience in teaching in pubic and private schools. She has also studied piano, dance, voice and theater and has taught each of these disciplines as well as French at The Centre Des Arts in Watertown (which she also owned and operated from 2006-2011). "Miss Kim" has also tutored with the HAPI Program and tutored for the Watertown City School District for the last two years. This past year she took on the challenge of tutoring English as a Second Language with an after school program at IHC. She has been actively involved in community theater and music practically since she was able to walk. While a student in the Watertown City School District, Miss Kim was a participant in band, choir, and theater. This is Miss Kim's 12th season working with Musical U, helping with choreography and/or teaching the vocals when needed. She is excited and looking forward to a great Summer Program this year. |
Jack Trombly
Lights/Technical Director Jack Trombly received his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the State University at Albany and has taught for over twenty years at various schools throughout New York State. During this time he has produced and directed many student productions. Locally, he has taught at Indian River, Sacred Heart, and Sackets Harbor Schools. He has also played several roles with Watertown Little Theatre. After being ordained as a Catholic Deacon, he served as Director of Religious Education with the Chaplain's Office at Fort Drum. In 2000 he retired as a Chaplain with the NYS Department of Corrections. |