Performers' Workshop Mission
Statement: “To
contribute to the development of new musical
theatre
by providing the performing artist with training and experience in the creative workshop
process.”
BREAKING NEWS FROM THE PERFORMERS'
WORKSHOP
BOOT CAMP is now enrolling for the Audition Monologue and Audition Song workshops - NO AUDITION NECESSARY. To register, click on the BOOT CAMP icon on the ANMT home page.
PERFORMERS' WORKSHOP -
LEVEL I
The Performers' Workshop (Level 1) at ANMT is an intensive training opportunity focused on supplying singing actors with a solid background and skill base in the art of musical theatre auditioning and performance. Offered by Broadway performer and director/acting coach Joshua Finkel, the PW accepts an intimate group of singing actors to meet for three sessions over the course of the academic year (September through May).
(Session 1 is a pre-requisite for Sessions 2 & 3 unless pre-approved by instructor Joshua Finkel.)
PW 1 - Session 1 - Bringing a Song to Life
This ten week session covers musical theatre audition preparation and the specific techniques involved in musical theatre auditioning and performance. You'll work on techniques of basic singing; cold reading; accompanist and music preparation; with an emphasis on how to bring your songs to life authentically. We'll also spend time on tips, information, and strategies for networking in the musical theatre business.
10 Wednesday evenings, 7-10:00pm
Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24; Oct. 1, 15, 22, 29; Nov. 5, 12 (no class Oct. 8)
Fee: $450
Fee must be paid in full no later than August 20 / Cancellations prior to August 20 will receive a full refund. / No refunds after August 20
PW 1 - Session 2 - Getting Your Act Together
This ten week session prepares you to be part of a concert performance featuring patter and material that will allow you to really strut your stuff. You will reinvent material from the standard repertoire, and may also have access to brand new specialty material written by writer-members of the Academy for New Musical Theatre.
10 Wednesday evenings, 7-10:00pm
Nov. 19, Dec. 3, 10, 17; Jan.21, 28; Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25 (no class Dec. 31, Jan 7, 14)
Fee: $450
Fee must be paid in full no later than November 5 / Cancellations prior to November 5 will receive a full refund. / No refunds after November 5
PW 1 - Session 3 - Comedy and Style
This ten week session covers specific techniques of comedy and how to expand your versatility by exploring various singing styles. You'll learn to hone your comedic performance skills through songs and cold reading techniques for callbacks. We'll also cover vocal and acting techniques which you'll need in the most popular styles of musical theatre performance including legit, jazz, pop, and country.
10 Wednesday evenings, 7-10:00pm
March 11, 18, 25; April 1, 15. 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20 (no class April 8)
Fee: $450
Fee must be paid in full no later than February 25 / Cancellations prior to February 25 will receive a full refund. / No refunds after February 25
PW 1 - Total Package - All Level 1 Sessions
Register in advance for all three sessions of PW 1 for a discounted fee.
30 Wednesday evenings, 7-10:00pm
Sept. , 3, 10, 17, 24; Oct. 1, 15, 22, 29; Nov. 5, 12, 19; Dec. 3, 10, 17; Jan. 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; March 11, 18, 25; April 1, 15. 22, 29; May 6, 13, 20 (no class Oct. 8, Dec. 31, Jan. 7, 14, April 8)
Fee: $1200
Fee must be paid in full no later than August 20 / Cancellations prior to August 20 will receive a full refund. / Cancellations between August 21 and November 5 will receive a refund of $750 / Cancellations between November 6 and February 25 will receive a refund of $300. / No refunds after February 25
PERFORMERS' WORKSHOP -
LEVEL 2
The Advanced Performers' Workshop (Level 2) at ANMT is an ongoing intensive coaching opportunity for advanced singing actors. We'll meet twice a month, in one-on-one coaching sessions focused on specific material for upcoming auditions and performances. The Advanced PW sessions will be split into three- month segments.
(The Advanced PW is available to actors who have successfully completed the PW Level 1 curriculum, and have been approved for the advanced level by Mr. Finkel, or to those actors pre-screened and approved for the class via an audition process.)
PW 2 - Session 1 - Advanced Performers' Workshop
Individualized coaching sessions.
Six Saturday afternoons, 3-6pm
Sept. 6, 20; Oct. 4, 18, Nov. 8, 22
Fee: $275
Fee must be paid in full no later than August 23 / Cancellations prior to August 23 will receive a full refund. / No refunds after August 23
PW 2 - Session 2 - Advanced Performers' Workshop
Individualized coaching sessions.
Six Saturday afternoons, 3-6pm
Dec. 6, 20; Jan. 24, 31; Feb. 7, 14
Fee: $275
Fee must be paid in full no later than November 22 / Cancellations prior to November 22 will receive a full refund. / No refunds after November 22
PW 2 - Session 3 - Advanced Performers' Workshop
Individualized coaching sessions.
Six Saturday afternoons, 3-6pm
Feb. 28, Mar. 21; Apr. 4, 18; May 2, 16
Fee: $275
Fee must be paid in full no later than February 21 / Cancellations prior to February 21 will receive a full refund. / No refunds after February 21
PW 2 - Total Package - All Level 2 Sessions
Register in advance for all three sessions of PW 2 for a discounted fee.
18 Saturday afternoons, 3:00-6:00pm
Sept. 6, 20; Oct. 4, 18, Nov. 8, 22; Dec. 6, 20; Jan. 24, 31; Feb. 7, 14, 28; March 21; April 4, 18; May 2, 16
Fee: $725
Fee must be paid in full no later than August 23 / Cancellations prior to August 23 will receive a full refund. / Cancellations between August 24 and November 22 will receive a refund of $450 / Cancellations between November 23 and February 21 will receive a refund of $175 / No refunds after February 21
PERFORMERS' WORKSHOP -
TEEN
The Teen Level of the Performers' Workshop - GET TO BROADWAY SOONER! Broadway actor and coach Joshua Finkel will participants in learning the following skills: Choosing appropriate songs for auditions; Learning how to cut and prepare music for auditions; Learning how to talk to the accompanist in the room;
Learning the art of walking into the audition room and presenting a song in an dynamic and fully emotional fashion; Singing tips for negotiate difficult singing passages; Cold Reading Techniques for callbacks; Learning to comfortably sing in the four main styles of Musical Theater: Legit/Broadway, Jazz, Pop/Rock and Country;
Learning some basic dance audition moves to feel more comfortable in a beginning dance audition.
(The TEEN Performers' Workshop is available to aspiring musical theatre performers ages 14-18.)
PW TEEN - Session 1 - Teen Performers' Workshop
Learn how to thoroughly prep for a professional audition and then deliver a completely alive performance while you are singing. Each actor will learn how to find, prep, cut and present audition music to two brand new contrasting songs. Each actor will be featured in a final showcase performance sharing their work of Session 1.
Six Saturday mornings, 11am-2pm
Sept. 6, 20; Oct. 4, 18, Nov. 8, 22
Fee: $350
Fee must be paid in full no later than August 23 / Cancellations prior to August 23 will receive a full refund. / No refunds after August 23
PW TEEN - Session 2 - Teen Performers' Workshop
You will learn to master the 'general audition' that is work on the specific skills demanded in crafting an exciting and alive contemporary monologue which will then segue into an audition song. In addition you will also learn cold reading technique for musical theater callbacks. Final Showcase will feature each actor's general audition package as well as some musical theater scene study developed out of the cold reading section.
Six Saturday mornings, 11am-2pm
Dec. 6, 20; Jan. 24, 31; Feb. 7, 14
Fee: $350
Fee must be paid in full no later than November 22 / Cancellations prior to November 22 will receive a full refund. / No refunds after November 22
PW TEEN - Session 3 - Teen Performers' Workshop
You will learn the specific techniques connected to Comedy and Comic songs and in addition work up your versatility to be able to conquer any vocal or musical challenge in today's musical theater. You will develop vocal and acting techniques which you'll need in the most popular styles of musical theatre performance including legit, jazz, pop, and country. You will work up one comic song and at least one song which is in a different style from what you are used to singing.
Six Saturday mornings, 11am-2pm
Feb. 28, Mar. 21, Apr. 4, 18; May 2, 16
Fee: $350
Fee must be paid in full no later than February 21 / Cancellations prior to February 21 will receive a full refund. / No refunds after February 21
PW TEEN - Total Package - All Teen Sessions
Register in advance for all three sessions of PW Teen for a discounted fee.
Fee must be paid in full no later than August 23 / Cancellations prior to August 23 will receive a full refund. / Cancellations between August 24 and November 22 will receive a refund of $600 / Cancellations between November 23 and February 21 will receive a refund of $250 / No refunds after February 21
BASIC REFUND POLICY:
Sessions must be paid for by two weeks in advance to hold a spot in a
class.
Cancellations after the two-week cut-off date will not receive a refund.
Full-year participants who cancel mid-year will revert to full price for
sessions already completed and/or started.
Hey all:
Great news I now can get 1/2 price for both Glendora AND Santa Barbara tickets for Pazzazz!, the new Richard M. Sherman musical about Weber and Fields that I'm starring as Lew Fields. Contact me with your CC info if you want me to get you a ticket! Hope you're all having a great summer and I look forward to seeing you at boot camp in August then PW in September! Love, Joshua Email coach4actors@aol.com for 1/2 price Pazzazz! tickets. Dates: Friday, Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. for BOTH Weekends. June 13-15 in Glendora at Citrus College $16 per ticket and June 20-22 at the Granada Theater in Santa Barbara (1/2 of full price of SB box office price. Varies per section)
More info: For more info go to http://hometown.aol.com/coach4actors/ studioperformancespecialevents.html
5/23/2008
Bravi to all the amazing performers in our final showcase of the season. Incredible work and growth from each and every one of you! I also was so thrilled to see and start to include our NEW Performers coming into the fall class at all levels; 1, Advanced 2, and our new Teen level! I hope to see you at our fun bootcamp weekend August 16 and 17th. And if you are interested in the fall classes, Boot Camp can serve as your audition. Currently, there are some slots still open in Teen and Advanced Level 2. Tell a friend to request an audition time if interesed via the audition page and sign up for bootcamp if they are interested. Have a wonderful summer and keep sharing your great work!! My deepest love, Joshua
2/29/2008
Hey all:
What an amazing evening Wednesday was. The DARE TO BE TRUTHFUL CABARET was a real triumph for ALL participating! You just shined and absolutely shared your stories and songs so truthfully and fully. It was joyous to watch and be a part of! Videos will be available soon thanks to future PW member Mitch Glaser! Reminder that today is the deadline to pay for Session Three. PW 2 Session 3 begins 3/1/08 and PW 1 Session 3 begins 3/5. Check the calendar above for what to prepare. Here is some great feedback from the Cabaret Evening:
Linda Fisher---
'I had a great time tonight, and I want to thank you for giving me a push when I needed it. You are a terrific teacher I feel like I've grown a lot,
and discovered abilities I didn't know were there. Thanks again!'
Mary Morrissey---
'Thanks sooo much for tonight. What a gift. I appreciate that you are so good to me, and let me go at my own pace in my own time without criticism.
Due to the intense flu I had for the last 2 weeks I can't tell you how badly I wanted to drop out. The performer in me knew that if I did...I would never
forgive myself. So thank you Joshua. My friend Susan had a terrific time and was very impressed by everyone. And she couldn't believe your schedule!!! How do you do it??? I loved your song...and am always amazed by you'
Rebecca Somberg (Voice Teacher)---
'There was, tonight, an amazing collection of talented performers. Some have really improved, since the last time I saw them. Joshua,it is a tremendous joy to feel comfortable in front of
an audience, making them laugh and sharing their vocal talents so well. I have so much respect for the work you do with them. This was their moment, and so many took the opportunity to shine; they were completely there!!!! Each person had their own style, yet I saw YOU in everyone. Yes.....Your energy and humor. I loved your rendition of Sondheim-esque insanity at the beginning of the show.'
Hillary Rollins---
'I came ready simply to 'support the group' and think it would be good. I was blown away! GREAT work!'
Mona King---
'Joshua, what a wonderful experience last night was. I haven't done a cabaret set in about 10 years so it was so much fun to dive in again after such great coaching. I have always struggled tremendously with nerves and especially waiting to perform. Although I still get nervous, which I would expect, I don't fall apart and I feel so much more centered and focused. Honestly, I think your classes and coaching have really helped me to feel more solid in my work and handle the stress more productively. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! My goal when I first took your class was to be able to walk into an audition without falling apart and be solid. To really step up my game. You have really helped me with that process and my auditions are stronger than ever, and my nerves are more in control. Thank you again. You have given me so much and the growth I feel in my work is exciting!'
Q U O T E S
"1. Thank you so much for such a great season of growth,inspiration and kick butt war! I have enjoyed every minute and your coaching has been invaluable.
2. Thank you for everything. I spoke with my parents about the evening and they said it was obvious you're a fantastic teacher. They loved all your intros and info and really
enjoyed the evening. So glad they could finally see what I've been raving about in action!
3. I had a lot of fun last night. Thanks for all your counsel and support over this past year. I look forward to next year too."
Performers' Workshop Showcase Participants
"Joshua’s sensibility regarding coaching others whether it is for musical theatre, television, film or commercials, he truly understands how to convey the truth of the piece. He is incredibly specific in communicating and assisting the actor in being present and has their work efforts show up in the room. While Joshua is incredibly FOR the actor, encouraging them to always do their very best work, he in no way allows them to become lazy or slack. To allow that would be to disrespect them and their talent and that is something that Joshua is non-negotiable about.
I truly cannot imagine my creative life without Joshua. I have grown ten-fold in the past two years as a result of his coaching and teaching techniques.
Joshua is well known in the industry and as a result has even referred me (and others) for a few role auditions when producers and directors he personally knows have called and asked if he knew anyone. I’ve been working consistently since I began studying with Joshua.
Jake Anthony, PW’s talented musical director, never fails to awe someone with his prolific piano accompaniment. He offers praise and encouragement as well as gentle, truthful, constructive criticism. Run--don't walk--to join these amazing men and other very talented performers in the outstanding program at ANMT!! You will NOT be sorry!
"
Veronica Scheyving
"I just wanted to commend Joshua on a fabulous musical theater audition technique class …It was really awesome to see the immediate results from the adjustments he gave to everyone. I think every single person present walked away feeling much more confident, and equipped with concrete tools as well as a fresh perspective on the auditioning experience."
Ellen Dostal
"On our PW hiatus, I participated in a different musical theatre workshop, but no one can compare to you on the acting coach end. You've spoiled me Josh. I love that you don't let me get away with anything remotely general and unfocused.
"
Kelly Lester
"We had two performances today, and I just wanted to tell you that I received quite a number of complements on, of all things, my comic timing! I know it comes from what I
learned in your Comedy and Style workshop."
Linda Fisher
"Someone contacted me from the ANMT Talent bank and I auditioned for their show and they offered me the role in this equity-waiver new comedy musical. It was pretty neat to be called in and have such a healthy auditioning experience. I was so much more comfortable after the stuff we've worked on in class. Success!"
Daniel Vincent Gordh
"You are a MASTER and I'm really excited to be working with you!"
Kelly Lester
"After the Dare to Be Truthful Cabaret:
What a wonderful experience last night was. I haven't done a cabaret set in about 10 years so it was so much fun to dive in again after such great coaching. I have always struggled tremendously with nerves and especially waiting to perform. Although I still get nervous, which I would expect, I don't fall apart and I feel so much more centered and focused. Honestly, I think your classes and coaching have really helped me to feel more solid in my work and handle the stress more productively. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! My goal when I first took your class was to be able to walk into an audition without falling apart and be solid. To really step up my game. You have really helped me with that process and my auditions are stronger than ever, and my nerves are more in control. Thank you again. You have given me so much and the growth I feel in my work is exciting! "
Mona King
"I have been singing for many years, I have a regular venue that I sing at once a month. Since I have been involved in the Performers Workshop with Joshua Finkel people who have heard me sing many different songs for years have asked me what is different. They liked my performances before, now they like them even more. With no prompting from me they see a positive difference. They love the interpretation and I have increased bookings from this. I attribute to, and give the credit for this to ANMT's Performers' Workshop, and especially Joshua Finkel. His excitement about the work and his incite have taken me to another level. I only wish I had taken his classes sooner."
David Hood
"I loved this workshop, and would highly recommend it to any actor auditioning for musical theatre. The workshop has given me more confidence in my ability during the 'audition process' out in the real world. Joshua Finkel is a gem in this crazy world! He coaches from the heart with your singing level and growth in mind. "
Mary Morrissey
"Thanks Joshua, I appreciate your coaching and invaluable notes and ways to get to the heart of the character of a song and telling a story. I am learning alot in part 1 of the workshop. I love that it also gives me the opportunity to make contacts and hook up with composers, lyrists and bookwriters of new musicals at the ground level in LA. It is so worth it to fly down from San Francisco weekly to do this class. A good way to get plugged into things going on down in the southland."
Rick Lasquete
"Thanks for everything you've done already -- you've really helped me claim my voice again. You've made it a joy to sing!"
Jennifer Chang
"Thanks for sharing all the info on auditions that come your way and especially for last night in the Genre and Styles Class. I really didn't think I could do the Pop thing and now I'm thinking 'Hey, that was pretty cool. What else could I sing in a pop style? Maybe I CAN audition for some of these newer shows!'
"
David Colville
"I cannot believe how far they, as well as myself, have come from your workshop since the first days of work. You should be proud. I will do my best to encourage anyone I know in the performing field to take your class!"
Joseph Cardinale
"I want to thank you. I really had fun! What a difference from the beginning of the hour to the end. I feel very lucky and honored to be learning from you! You are a great teacher and performer. I really respect your devotion to the craft of being a performer."
Blaney Aikman
"Outrageous confidence - That's what you produced. Always before I'd wear long enough skirts to hide my wobbly knees. First audition after class ended? I slammed that song home. I knew it. They knew it. It was fun. When the h*ll was auditioning ever fun?"
Cynthia Ferrell
"I really got a lot out of yesterday, not only with your work with me directly, but observing you work with other people as well. I look forward to next week and the weeks afterwards too!"
Paul Wong
"Just wanted to write and tell you I am so happy to be a part of your workshop. I put in the breathing technique you taught us last night into my song and I definitely feel stronger vocally! I knew breathing was extremely important, but I never knew how to physically use it when it came to singing. Not only does your technique help me vocally, it has also helped my emotions come up more freely during my song. So thanks, Joshua!! Can't wait til next week!"
Cathleen Oveson
"You are strong but very sensitive and loving, so encouraging. I am so thankful for people like you who you can see TRULY want to help others and pass on their gift.
"
Veronica Scheyving
"Thanks again for everything!! I truly learn so much from you no matter what capacity we're working together. I'm always blown away by your commitment and passion to the art of performance. Know that you continually inspire me. No matter where I am in my life I will always hold you close to my heart. "
Arron Rothbart
"It was an amazing year for me. I remember the first week I said I wanted to step out of my comfort zone. Thank you for pushing just enough to get me to try things but not so much that I ran away permanently."
