Nonprofit theater company Inside Broadway has launched the 2023 "Build A Musical" program as part of its new partnership with NYC's Cultural After-School Adventures (CASA) Program. Fifty schools across the five boroughs will benefit from the program.
Inside Broadway, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, offers programs that allow public school students in New York City to learn more about the Main Stem. CASA is an initiative created and funded by the New York City Council and offers cultural after-school programs at public schools across the five boroughs.
The "Build A Musical" program provides students in grades two through 12 the chance to perform an original musical. Students meet twice per week for two hours each session to learn choreography, songs and acting. Between 25 and 35 students will participate at each school and receive personalized attention from specialized teaching artists. Students have the opportunity to learn about onstage and behind-the-scenes performance elements, including acting, directing, set and costume design, lighting and sound, among others.
Students in the program will also benefit from the virtual Google classroom provided by Inside Broadway, which houses rehearsal tracks, choreography videos and other tools to coincide with their in-person sessions. Parents will have the opportunity to watch the final performance.
"Our Build A Musical program is one of our most popular initiatives during the year, since NYC kids themselves get a moment in the spotlight, learning from the best in the industry, both on and off stage, from acting, singing, choreography, set design, directing, and so much more," said Inside Broadway president and CEO Michael Presser said in a statement.
"For decades, Inside Broadway has introduced thousands of public-school students to the world of Broadway and performing arts and created educational and professional opportunities for young people across our city. I've been a proud supporter of Inside Broadway's work for years, and I look forward to partnering with them to help reach even more students across the five boroughs. New York City has the best theater in the world, and every New Yorker should be able to experience the magic of Broadway," said majority leader of the NYC Council Keith Powers.
