Rosie's Broadway Kids
At the fifth grade level, students are given training in dance, voice, acting and music. In addition, Team Excel, a scholarship program offers extensive curriculum for the study of musical theater in an after-school program, giving students the skill necessary to pursue a professional career.
At the conclusion of the school year, Team Excel, gave a lovely presentation. What stood out most were the focus, musicality and timing of the twelve chosen participants from schools throughout New York City.
The program also incorporates two summer intensives. The students of Team Excel continue their studies and are joined by Team Broadway, consisting of youngsters having their first experience with the performing arts. The five-day-a-week program teaches all forms of dance plus voice and drama, starting with barre in the ballet classes, warm-up exercises in jazz and breathing and diction exercises for the singers. The students are not pampered. They are expected to give their all and the results are remarkable. They work hard to achieve the precision in which they perform together in production numbers from Broadway musicals, and they show great joy in their achievement. They are loaded with personality. Though they are not professional kids yet, they have been given an opportunity to be the best they can be in a nurturing atmosphere.
Rosie has also made it possible for groups of youngsters, who have never attended a live performance, to have the opportunity to see a Broadway show. She recently purchased a building in the heart of the theater district to hold the Team Excel classes and future summer intensive programs.
Artistic Director for the program is Lori Klinger, who formerly was artistic associate with the National Dance Institute. Musical Director is Steven Mitchell, well known for his ballet class CDs. They are joined by an outstanding, enthusiastic and caring staff of professionals. Rosie O'Donnell's name takes center stage in this much-needed project, in a city where government spending does not provide arts educational programs in the schools. It was her idea, and there is no doubt that her celebrity helps get corporate sponsorship for the program. But, in the end, it's all about the kids. For more information, go to www.rosiesbroadwaykids.com.