Undergraduate theatre major Pia Vicioso-Vila always dreamed of doing musical theatre, so she was thrilled when she found a flyer for the Goodspeed Musical Institute posted on a bulletin board in the Theatre Department. After doing some research and careful consideration, Pia decided to register for their week-long Musical Theatre Dance Intensive being offered in East Haddam, Connecticut, a program “designed as a musical theatre boot camp for college age performers and young professionals.” She was one of ten students from the entire United States to attend this prestigious workshop. Their days were spent mastering different styles of dance (such as ballet, jazz, swing, and waltz), acting, doing voice work, and attending Q & A sessions with renowned industry professionals, where they networked with aspiring actors, dancers and singers. The workshop culminated with a mock audition in front of actual New York casting directors, producers and choreographers.
Pia was honored to have met and worked with Broadway director, choreographer and performer Randy Skinner, probably most well-known for his choreography of 42 Street, which received a Tony nomination. Additionally, Mr. Skinner choreographed the opening number for the 2001 Tony Awards. Pia also worked with Kelli Barclay, who, coincidentally, was mentored by Randy Skinner and has performed in works such as Singin’ in the Rain with Peter Gennaro, Cabaret with George Chakris, and many more. Pia was deeply grateful for the constructive advice she received from the talented professionals she was fortuitous enough to meet.
It is Pia’s hope to work on a cruise ship after she graduates in spring 2015 in order to gain some experience in the field, and we wish her the best in her endeavors.
For more information about Goodspeed Musical Theatre Institute, click here.
To find out about the Musical Theatre Dance Intensive and other workshops offered by the Institute, click here.
