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Health & Fitness

Master Classes with Marissa Perry Hosted by Musicals at Richter

Two Master classes will be led by Ms. Perry, who appeared as Tracy Turnblad in the final part of the Broadway run of 'Hairspray' and was most recently in the original Broadway company of 'Sister Act.'

Danbury’s Musicals at Richter Hosts Master Classes with “Hairspray” Broadway Star Marissa Perry Monday, January 20

Danbury, Conn. – Musicals at Richter (MAR), now in its 30th season as the longest-running outdoor theater in Connecticut, will host two special Master Classes with Broadway star and Connecticut native Marissa Perry on Monday, January 20, 2014 at Vitti’s Dance Studio, 10 Precision Road in Danbury.  The Audition Technique/Mock Audition session will be offered from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by the Hairspray Original Choreography session from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

Born and raised in the Waterbury area, Marissa Perry starred as Tracy Turnblad in “Hairspray” on Broadway and reprised the role to critical acclaim in regional productions.  She was also a member of the original Broadway cast of “Sister Act.”  Earlier regional credits include the world premiere of “Princesses” at Goodspeed Opera House and at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, as well as “Wild Mushrooms” at Waterbury’s Seven Angels Theatre. Marissa is currently appearing as Maria in “My Big Gay Italian Funeral” and “My Big Gay Italian Wedding” in New York City.

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Marissa will begin the Audition Technique/Mock Audition Master Class by giving a quick lesson and overview on the basics of auditioning. Prepared with 16 to 32 bars of their best audition song, each student will "audition" for Marissa and the rest of the class in a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere. After each "audition," Marissa will offer constructive criticism and praise to lead the student in the right direction. The class will also include a review of basic techniques and other audition insights, such as tips for selecting a song appropriate for your age and for the specific show, structuring your "book" and putting your resume and headshot together. The session will end with a 20-30 minute "Chill and Chat" informal discussion session. 

During the Hairspray Original Choreography Master Class, Marissa will lead students through two to three dance combinations from the Broadway musical “Hairspray,” featuring Jerry Mitchell’s original high-energy choreography.  This class is designed to provide the right kind of challenge for students with any level of dance experience. Students will learn how to use their bodies to express emotion, their specific character and the time period (1962), as well as how to throw "dance technique" out the window when needed. Class will end with a 30-45 minute "Chill and Chat" informal discussion session.

Both Master Classes are open to performers of all ages but enrollment is limited.  The cost is $100 for each class or $175 for both sessions.  To make a reservation or for further information, call Kate at 203-943-8777.

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Now in its 30th season, Musicals at Richter is Connecticut’s longest-running outdoor theater. Performances are given on weekends at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course, off I-84, Exit 2), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Nestled in the hills of Western Connecticut, the Arts

Center stage has served as the scenic backdrop for over 75 musicals produced by Musicals at Richter, as well as a professional springboard for hundreds of up-and-coming performers. Musicals at Richter is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. For general information, visit the website at www.musicalsatrichter.org, or e-mail info@musicalsatrichter.org.


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