Music Dance Theater Workshops (MDT) has found a home in Indianapolis and has brought a star-studded cast of teaching artists with them.
The MDT workshops began in 2010, and were created to bring the knowledge and experience of professional actors to theater students of all ages. Ultimately, the goal is to connect aspiring actors to professional artists.
“As a student I remember going to see shows with my International Thespian Society and earnestly waiting at the stage door for a chance to ask just one question, ‘How did you get where you are?”’ says Cessalee Stovall, a professional actress, singer, dancer and director of Music Dance Theater Workshops. “I wanted to create a platform for students who were just like me to ask, learn and connect.”
The primary goal of the program is to make a career in the arts realistic, feasible and an accessible possibility for young performers. Eight sessions are planned at the Premier Academy of the Performing Arts and the Indy Dance Academy during September and October, and New York and Chicago artists who have direct ties with the Midwest will teach all the sessions.
Classes will focus on all aspects of theater, including singing, dancing, acting, auditioning and theater as a career. The sessions are geared towards those ages 13 to adult.
MDT teaching artists are no strangers to the stage. Their credits include productions from professional theaters in Indianapolis, multiple regional theaters and national and international tours, cruise lines, TV, feature films and Broadway. All instructors have backgrounds as successful actors, choreographers, dancers, singers, musical directors, voice teachers and performers who have a passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation.
Instructor LaDonna Burns is excited to come back to her hometown and give back to the community that supported her throughout her artistic journey.
“I was so happy that Cessalee asked me to teach, because this is something I’ve been considering for awhile. Being exposed to music at a young age makes a person an all around better person,” Burns said.
According to Burns, the involvement of arts results with gains in math, reading, cognitive ability, critical thinking and verbal skills. Art can also improve motivation, concentration, confidence and teamwork.
Simply stated, the arts change lives, says Stovall. When times are hard, the theater makes you smile. When times are good, the theater keeps you laughing. The theater turns the mirror on your reality and has the ability to make us think, learn and share.
“Being in the arts is my life. It feels amazing to give back,” Burns adds. “I am so thankful to my high school directors for encouraging my dream and I am so excited, thankful and blessed to be in the position where I can do the same.”
For more information and to register, please visit musicdancetheatre.com.
Get involved with art
The first Music Dance Theatre workshop, audition techniques 1, will be presented Sept. 8.
Additional workshops will follow on Sept. 9, 15, 16, and Oct. 6, 7, 20 and 21. Classes will take place at the Premier Academy of Performing Arts, 8405 E. US Highway 36, Avon, IN 46123 and the Indy Dance Academy, 9401 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46260.
Classes include audition techniques 2, intro to musical theater, advanced musical theater (music or dance intensive), and theater as a career.
Classes are $150 for an eight hour, one-day session. Early registration saves $50 until Sept. 1. For more information and to register, please visit musicdancetheatre.com.
