It is a crisp chilly day in New York and things are definitely heating up within the Musical Theatre Program. We completed a very well attended and expertly presented first semester showcase for our current September group. It was presented a block away from Lincoln Center at the beautiful Marjorie S. Deane theatre.
The second year students, currently in their 4th and last semester, wrapped a very intense and successful seven-day shoot of their original movie musical. Script and lyrics by yours truly and the music provided by the hugely talented Bobby Cronin, we have what looks to be both a touching and hilarious movie on our hands. We have entered the editing process and will see a rough-cut screening during their final graduation. They will, of course, all receive the final copy when the fine edit is completed.
Other classes are working diligently as well, pursuing their dance, acting, and singing training in an environment of other artists who are focused on musical theatre and also want to learn about film and television acting.
While many of our alumni are gaining traction out in the greater marketplaces of both the United States and abroad, we are excited and proud to announce that recent graduate, Jeff Sullivan, won a 2013 BroadwayWorld New Jersey Award for “Best Actor in a Professional Musical” for his portrayal of Tony Brockhurst in a production of The Boy Friend at Surflight Theatre. This will no doubt be a big boost for his aspirations and a nice reflection of the efforts and investment made through his training in the New York Film Academy’s Musical Theatre Program.
-Mark Olsen, Chair of NYFA Musical Theatre Program
