This past July, young performers from across our community stepped into the spotlight for IMPACT: Musical Theater, a five-day intensive that brought together talent, passion, and a whole lot of Broadway energy! From mastering a dance routine to nailing a song in front of a panel, these students got a real taste of what it takes to make it in musical theatre—and had an unforgettable time doing it.
Led by some of the best in the business, this program offered more than just training. It offered insight, confidence, and real advice on one of the most challenging parts of performing: the audition. Whether students dream of a Broadway debut or just want to grow as artists, they left the week with new skills, great memories, and a stronger sense of where their unique talents can take them.
Here’s a quick recap of what each exciting day looked like:
Day 1: Dance with Sarah Meahl 🩰
The week started off with an exciting dance session led by choreographer and dancer, Sarah Meahl! Students jumped right into learning a real audition-style combo, gaining firsthand experience of what it’s like in a professional setting. Sarah and our very own, Chadaé, shared tips on how to stand out in auditions—even if dance isn’t your strongest skill—and emphasized the importance of storytelling through movement.
Day 2: Voice with Samantha Pauly🎤
Students worked with renowned Broadway performer Samantha Pauly to strengthen their vocal technique. Each student focused on their own audition cut, learning how to connect with the material and perform it with emotion and confidence. Samantha also shared strategies for preparing for vocal auditions and managing nerves in high-pressure situations.
Day 3: Headshots & Field Trip 📸
Students had a professional headshot session to capture their best audition-ready look—perfect for future Playbills! In the afternoon, they took a special field trip to Chicago theaters, where they saw a live performance of The Color Purple or Beauty and the Beast, gaining inspiration from the pros in action.
Day 4: Acting with Kara Lindsay 🎭
Students spent the day focusing on character work with star Kara Lindsay through dynamic scene work. They worked on scenes from a variety of shows, developing strong character choices and connecting with their scene partners. The day also included practicing audition sides, helping students build confidence and express emotion authentically on stage.
Day 5: Auditions & Industry with Brittainy Barattia 💼
Students sat in on a panel with Brittainy Barattia from Grey Talent Group and other casting professionals to get an insider’s look at what happens inside the audition room. They practiced mock auditions and received live feedback to sharpen their skills. The day wrapped up with discussions about next steps in their careers, including finding agents, navigating callbacks, and continuing to grow as performers.
Thank you to our students, families, and guest professionals for making this program such a success!
Want to be part of the next one? Stay tuned for upcoming announcements about Winter 2025 IMPACT!
