Tony Award Nominated Actress Will Present Audition Workshop
The division of performing arts at DeSales University is pleased to announce that Broadway actress Emily Skinner will appear on campus on Thursday, October 20, 2016 to present a master class/performance on “Auditioning for Musical Theatre” from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Schubert Theatre of the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts. Ms. Skinner’s appearance has been made possible through the generous support of the DeSales University Arts Angels.
“Because of the generous Angels, with great frequency, we are able to bring industry professional to campus to work with our students. I was delighted when Ms. Skinner accepted our invitation,” says John Bell, head of the division of performing arts.
EMILY SKINNER has unequivocally established herself as one of Broadway's most engaging and versatile performers. Last fall, Emily had the honor of originating a role in Hal Prince’s new musical Prince of Broadway in Japan. She last appeared on Broadway starring in the acclaimed musical Billy Elliot. Emily was nominated for a Tony Award (along with Alice Ripley) and received a Drama League Award for her performance as Daisy Hilton in the brilliant but short-lived Side Show. Other original Broadway cast credits include Jekyll & Hyde, James Joyce's The Dead, and The Full Monty.
“When Emily and I discussed her visit, I raised the possibility of her talking about all the great audition tips she has developed over the years and suggested that she might sing from her audition book to illuminate her points,” say Bell. “She loved the idea and that’s what she’s planning to do. I think this will be a unique, interesting, and entertaining way for our students to learn the tricks of the trade from a working professional,”
In addition, musical theatre students from the other universities in the Lehigh Valley Association of Independent Colleges consortium as well as the Charter High School for the Performing Arts have been invited. “This is a great way to expand the generosity of the DeSales angels to a wider reach of students throughout the region,” said Bell.
DeSales faculty music instructor, Mr. Jeff McDonnell, will accompany Ms. Skinner on piano.