ICA student Maya Meschi discusses the changing scene on Broadway with Casting Director Patrick Maravilla.
Two Academy of the Arts students were not only chosen to take part in the recent Broadway in Chicago performance of Children of Eden, but they also got to meet its creator, the legendary Stephen Schwartz.
Naperville is known for its rich, artistic culture, with outlets for theater, fine arts, and music alike. However, for those looking for training in the performance arts, the closest options reside in the city. Enter the Academy of the Arts — a nonprofit educational institution that serves the Naperville area, coupling high-level arts and high-achieving academics. […]
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ICA student Maya Meschi discusses the changing scene on Broadway with Casting Director Patrick Maravilla.
As 14-year-old Joshua Sanchez prepares to start high school, he took time out to interview one of his biggest idols, Samantha Pauly. The Naperville student is a massive fan of the hit show Six the Musical, so was thrilled to speak to her majesty Katherine Howard via Zoom.
Our Studio classes give students a taste of what’s to come when we open our Academy, but in an after school setting. They enjoy dance, acting, improvisation and writing. In our Exploring a Career in the Arts through Writing course, students practiced interview techniques before getting the opportunity to interview some of their idols over Zoom. Thirteen-year-old Maya Meschi from Naperville was thrilled to interview triple threat James T. Lane just before he opened in his own one man show off-Broadway. Like James Maya loves to dance, act and write, so who knows, one day she may be a triple threat herself!
Our Studio classes give students a taste of what’s to come when we open our Academy, but in an after school setting. They enjoy dance, acting, improvisation and writing. In our Exploring a Career in the Arts through Writing course, students practiced interview techniques before getting the opportunity to interview some of their idols over Zoom. Thirteen-year-old Maya Meschi from Naperville was thrilled to interview triple threat James T. Lane just before he opened in his own one man show off-Broadway. Like James Maya loves to dance, act and write, so who knows, one day she may be a triple threat herself!
While young people planning a future career in dance are looking forward, experienced dancer and teacher Fana Tesfagiorgis knows that one day they’ll look back and see how far they’ve come. The Alvin Ailey artist talks about her career path while offering some advice to those about to put their best foot forward.
A private school focused on the performing and visual arts will begin after-school classes this fall on the CityGate Centre campus at Interstate 88 and Route 59 in Naperville. Dylan Ladd, one of the founders of the Academy of the Arts, said programs will roll out progressively, with a goal of being fully open by […]
ICA student Maya Meschi discusses the changing scene on Broadway with Casting Director Patrick Maravilla.
As 14-year-old Joshua Sanchez prepares to start high school, he took time out to interview one of his biggest idols, Samantha Pauly. The Naperville student is a massive fan of the hit show Six the Musical, so was thrilled to speak to her majesty Katherine Howard via Zoom.
Our Studio classes give students a taste of what’s to come when we open our Academy, but in an after school setting. They enjoy dance, acting, improvisation and writing. In our Exploring a Career in the Arts through Writing course, students practiced interview techniques before getting the opportunity to interview some of their idols over Zoom. Thirteen-year-old Maya Meschi from Naperville was thrilled to interview triple threat James T. Lane just before he opened in his own one man show off-Broadway. Like James Maya loves to dance, act and write, so who knows, one day she may be a triple threat herself!
As the Director of Arts DuPage, Debbie Venezia is a champion for the arts, dedicated to sharing the county’s vibrant cultural environment with residents and visitors alike. She believes art plays an important role in academic studies but is saddened that it is the first area to get cut in tough economic times.
Immersive art may sound like something new, but it’s been around in different forms for years. From Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George to a new children’s exhibit at the DuPage Children’s Museum in Naperville, it’s a great way to strengthen our connection to all kinds of artists.
West End: The Scottsboro Boys, A Chorus Line – Revival (Palladium Theatre). Broadway: Chicago (Billy Flynn and Amos Hart) Kiss Me, Kate (Paul), King Kong the Musical ,The Scottsboro Boys (Ozie Powell/Ruby Bates), Chicago and A Chorus Line (Richie Walters). Tours: Jersey Boys, Cinderella, Fame the Musical. Regional Theatre: Guys and Dolls ( Nicely Nicely) Virginia Stage Company, Mary Poppins (Bert) Aint’t Misbehavin ,Drury Lane Theatre, The Wiz (Tin Man), Broadway at Music Circus,The Old Globe, The Little Mermaid (Sebastian) The Muny, A.C.T and Dallas Theatre Center. Encores/Off Center:Promenade,Grand Hotel, Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope Concerts: Carnegie Hall with The New York Pops, Ottawa Symphony and many more. James is the creator of and the 2023 Audelco Award winner for Best Solo Performance for “Triple Threat” that played Off Broadway to great acclaim at Theatre Row in New York City. Mr. Lane teaches music theatre dance when and wherever anyone will let him! Instagram: @jamestlane www.jamestlane.com
Syndee Winters (@syndeewinters) is an American singer, recording artist, and actress. Best known for her role as “Nala.” Syndee’s other credits include lead roles in Motown the Musical, Pippin, Jesus Christ Superstar on NBC, and Hamilton. In 2020, Syndee founded R.O.A.R., a professional development program helping artists hoan their skills, transform their stage presence and navigate the industry. Inspired by the art of storytelling, Syndee’s tours the world with two magical productions. Disney Princess: The Concert and Lessons From A Lady: A Dedication to Lena Horne. Syndee is also an award- winning recording artist and her latest project with GRAMMY® winning producer Ben Williams entitled, “Butterfly Black” is available everywhere now.
Caitlin Kinnunen Is a Tony nominated actress for her work in THE PROM on Broadway, having originated the role of Emma Nolan. Most recently you can hear her as Juniper on the podcast The Callisto Protocol: Helix Station starring Gwendolyn Christie. Caitlin was nominated for an Audie Award for narrating the audiobook MaryJane, and was handpicked by Judy Blume to narrate her book Forever. Film/TV credits include The Intern, Sweet Little Lies, It’s Kind of a Funny Story, We Need to Talk About Kevin, “Our Ladies” (pilot for The CW), “Suck Hole” (pilot for FX), “Younger”, “American Vandal”, “The Knick”, and “Law & Order: SVU”.
Siobhan has been an agent since 2017, during which time she has booked talent on projects spanning TV, Film, commercial, voiceover, and theatre. Originally from New England, Siobhan started acting as a child and moved to Chicago after college to pursue acting professionally before becoming an agent. She loves being able to use what she’s learned on both sides of the business to help others advance their artistry and careers. Siobhan is an Associate Board member of Irish Community Services and a proud graduate of Vassar College.
