Stories that Need to be Told
Maya Meschi
March 24, 2024
ICA student Maya Meschi discusses the changing scene on Broadway with Casting Director Patrick Maravilla.
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!
Why two-time Tony nominee Rob McClure says Broadway should be a stop on the journey, not the final destination.
A masterclass with Mean Girls actress Erika Henningsen was one of the highlights of our July Impact Musical Theater camp. Now Erika’s preparing to star as entrepreneur Joy Mangano in a new musical which we hope is Broadway bound.
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.
A performing arts education may build a good foundation for a career in the limelight, but the act of learning never stops. From singing in
As if Halloween weren’t scary enough, Academy of the Arts students found themselves in the middle of a unique situation when they were asked to perform just inches away from an ever-changing audience. Naper Settlement’s All Hallows Eve turned out to be the perfect place to blend their acting and improv skills as they brought to life Hansel and Gretel: A Twisted Fairytale.
When 10-year-old Layla Cummings took part in a mock audition with renowned Broadway casting director Merri Sugarman at our Impact Musical Theater Camp in July,
Actor and writer Galen Williams has always been a big believer in education. “I’ve always loved it and being in a position to further educational
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”.
Peter is the recipient of four Artios Awards for excellence in casting. He joined Tara Rubin Casting in 2018 as a Casting Director, and previously was an associate at Jim Carnahan Casting / Roundabout Theatre Company.
Broadway: The Heart of Rock & Roll, Six, The Phantom of the Opera, Tootsie, Head Over Heels, Angels in America, Farinelli and the King, The Cherry Orchard. National Tours: Six, The Band’s Visit. Off-Broadway/New York: Dead Outlaw (Audible Theater – World Premiere), Pal Joey (New York City Center), Whisper House (The Civilians), Sing Street (New York Theatre Workshop), Something Clean (Roundabout), The Beast in the Jungle (Vineyard). Regional: Summer Stock (Goodspeed – World Premiere), Sing Street, (The Huntington), 42nd Street (Goodspeed), Kismet (Granada Theatre/Santa Barbara Symphony), Chasing Rainbows (Paper Mill Playhouse), Chess (The Kennedy Center), Wonderful Town (LA Opera). Canada: Beaches, Six, The Louder We Get. West End: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Nice Fish. Benefits: I’m Still Here (New York Public Library for the Performing Arts), Julie Halston’s Broadway Belts for PFF, Thoroughly Modern Millie (The Actors Fund).
