Another Successful Year at Triple Threat Training!

The Ordway's summer intensive program known as Triple Threat Training has had another FANTASTIC year!

Triple Threat Training is a professional musical theater intensive for young adults, ages 13-18. Our skilled and experienced instructors worked with the participants on how to hone their vocal, stage and dance techniques as well as build their skill set for auditioning, increase their knowledge of musical theater history, and practice character development through the use of dramaturgy. 

The participants had morning sessions that consisted of a rotation through courses on voice, dance, drama, and theater history/dramaturgy. During the afternoon sessions, participants worked with a professional director and choreographer on scenes and selections from Ordway’s upcoming theater season to prepare for the Student Showcase performance on Friday, July 26th. 

The Student Showcase included choreographed numbers to such classics as "A Bushel and a Peck" and "The Oldest Established" from Guys and Dolls, as well as the 80's classic "Mickey" in the spirit of the upcoming Bring It On: The Musical, coming to the Ordway this May. The entire cast came together in the grand finale, dancing and singing to a scene from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Wizard of Oz, coming to the Ordway this December.

It's amazing what these awesome performers were able to accomplish in just one week! A huge thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this week possible!

See you next summer!
If you know someone who may be interested in participating in this program next year, keep a look out for postings regarding audition information on http://www.ordway.org/education/triplethreat/.


Photos by: Peter B.  Myers, Kristie Gaalswyk, and Lauren Lund

A Glimpse at The Ordway's Concert Hall Construction

Education Manager, Erin, and Education Coordinator, Kristie, went on a quick adventure yesterday to explore the newest developments made in the construction of the Ordway's new concert hall! The new concert hall will seat 1,100, replacing the rather small McKnight Theater which only seated 306.

Here are some pictures from their excursion:

After thorough inspection, Erin and Kristie reported that everything is up to code. 


Lauren
For more information on the construction of The Ordway's new concert hall,  click here.

NEA Art Works School-Based Grant Opportunity!

The National Endowment for the Arts is offering grants for school-based arts projects! Grants can range from $10,000 to $100,000, and must be directly connected to the school curriculum and instructional program. The activities relating to the project can take place inside or outside of the school at any time of day, including before or after school and summer programs.

Applications are DUE on August 8th, 2013.

For information and requirements,  CLICK HERE

What an amazing opportunity! 

Lauren

New Study: Research Shows Students Benefit Greatly from the Arts

Hey, everyone! I've found something pretty cool to share with you. 

The Arts Education Partnership (AEP) has put together a great research bulletin that "...offers a snapshot of how access to high quality arts education supports student achievement in school, bolsters skills demanded of a 21st century workforce, and reinforces learning expectations for college and career-readiness..." (AEP)

This published bulletin, "Preparing Students for the Next America: The Benefits of an Arts Education" has put together more than 200 research studies that show how an arts education prepares students to succeed in school, work, and life. 

Here's a link to the PDF that gives a brief overview of the research. (The PDF includes a link to the published bulletin, too)

"Preparing Students for the Next America: The Benefits of an Arts Education" PDF

Check it out!


Lauren

Please Welcome our New Intern, Lauren!

Meet Lauren, our new Education Intern!

Joining us from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, we welcome Lauren Lund as the new Education Intern here at The Ordway! Lauren is currently pursuing a B.A. in Communication and Media Studies with a minor in Theater Arts.  She has a strong background in theater, musical theater, dance, and Forensic speaking for which she has competed at the national level. Lauren is excited to share her passion for the arts with the education community, and looks forward to spending her summer at The Ordway!