Studio Tenn offers students theatre opportunities outside the classroom
'Anastasia' cast member Mark Mackillop holds Master Class at Studio Tenn for high school and college students
On March 23, high school and college students gathered at Studio Tenn to take advantage of one of the company’s educational programs – a Broadway master class taught by Anastasia National Tour cast member Mark Mackillop. Mackillop led students through choreography from the Broadway production and taught the show’s dance audition combination.
This master class is just one aspect of the educational program offerings from Studio Tenn, and Education Associate Casey Hebbel is passionate about the preparation and skills these programs offer to students of all ages. For Casey and Studio Tenn, this education comes with the goals of training for professional programs and performing arts careers.
“We’re so lucky here in Nashville to have TPAC that brings in these big tours. We have these amazing people that are here in our city. Why not utilize them and help these high schoolers and college students who are really wanting to go into this as a profession?” says Casey. “It’s a really unique opportunity to give them a little bit of a leg-up before they set out on their way.”
Studio Tenn’s Education Coordinator Casey Hebbel
Studio Tenn is proud to offer a great mix of offerings for students of all levels. For students taking classes, Casey assures the studio meets them at the level where they are.
“Our classes are small on purpose, so that we can give everyone the individual attention they need,” says Casey.
Beyond just performance, Casey is a huge proponent of arts education because of the skills it develops that are necessary in any area of life.
“It really instills a confidence. It instills this love and appreciation for collaboration,” says Casey. “Just the fact that you learn how to go into a job interview with confidence, you know how to present yourself and you know how to really put your best foot forward.”
Coming up, Studio Tenn is launching its “Young Musical Theatre Artists Program,” which is intended for middle school students and runs in conjunction with their upcoming production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Throughout the program, students take class for six weeks where they learn the ins and outs of auditioning as well as what it is like to be a part of a professional production. Following these classes, students begin rehearsals and perform in the company’s production.
Mark Mackillop teaching students choreography from the Neva Club scene.
In May, Studio Tenn will be announcing their education season, which will include more master classes, courses and productions for students. In the meantime, high schoolers and college students are encouraged to attend the upcoming auditions for Studio Tenn’s mainstage season the first weekend of April.
For more information of Studio Tenn’s educational programs, visit StudioTenn.com.
