Broadway-U accepting applications from students grades 6-12

The McCoy Rigby Conservatory of the Arts (MRCA) will launch “Broadway-U”, its all new, professional-level training program for young singers, dancers and actors, grades 6-12, from all parts of Orange County and neighboring communities beginning September 28, 2009 at both its Yorba Linda studio and on the campus of Dana Hill High School in south Orange County.

McCoy Rigby’s “Broadway-U” will provide intensive instruction in Musical Theatre and Dance to young people, selected by audition, who have aspirations for careers in the arts. All classes are taught by working industry professionals including many celebrated actors, singers, dancers, directors, choreographers, composers, lyricists and producers from Broadway and Hollywood. Concurrent with their classroom instruction students have the opportunity to participate in professionally produced stage productions and performing groups, in many cases alongside celebrated professionals, at major venues throughout the region. The “Broadway-U” is fully accredited by The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Broadway-U is under the Executive Direction of Jill Leatherwood and the Artistic Direction of David Green. Mr. Green was one of the founding directors of The Orange County High School of the Arts where he served for fifteen years as the school’s Vice President and Artistic Director. Following OCHSA he founded, and served at the Executive Director for, the California Conservatory of the Arts in south Orange County. Mr. Green’s alumni include Tony-nominated Broadway actors Susan Egan (Beauty and the Beast and Cabaret) and Matthew Morrison (Hairspray, The Light In The Piazza and star of Fox Television’s “Glee”) , Stephanie J. Block (Wicked, The Pirate Queen and 9 to 5), Anneliese VanDerPol (Broadway’s Beauty and the Beast and Disney’s That’s So Raven) , Columbus Short (films Cadillac Records and Stomp The Yard), Allison Mack (WB Television’s Smallville) , Lindsay Mendez (Grease and The Marvelous Wonderettes) , Krysta Rodriguez (Chorus Line, Spring Awakening and The Addams Family) and more.

McCoy Rigby Entertainment combines the talents of Olympic gymnast and musical theatre star Cathy Rigby with Tom McCoy's extensive production and theatrical experience and has become one of the nation's premier theatrical production companies, in residence at The La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. Credits include Tony-nominated Broadway shows, long-running national tours, multiple-award-winning Los Angeles stage productions, and hit TV specials. The number of major theatrical awards garnered by McCoy Rigby Entertainment includes 3 Ovation Awards, 25 Drama-Logue Awards, 3 Backstage Garland Awards and 3 Tony Award nominations, 20 Ovation nominations and 8 NAACP award nominations for the touring production of Jesus Christ Superstar. In addition, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences awarded McCoy Rigby Entertainment an Emmy for Best Scene Design as part of four nominations for the A&E network production of Peter Pan.

Dana Hills High School is also the home to The South Orange County School of the Arts (SOCSA). “Broadway-U” classes are held Monday through Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, with varying days and hours for Dance and Musical Theatre departments, on both campuses. Students from both public and private middle and high schools throughout the region, including performing arts magnet schools, are encouraged to apply.

For further information or to schedule an audition call 714-779-3545 or visit the MRCA website at www.mccoyrigbydance.com