As a university, UVU is no newbie at structuring its arts classes in a way that is enlightening, entertaining, enriching and enticing. With renowned faculty in music, dance, theater and visual arts, there is no end to the knowledge students can gain.
Through master classes with touring experts in their fields, students and the community are offered yet another way to expand their skill sets in the arts.
The structure is often the same: big-name artists and stars of the stage teach a class, give a concert, host a meet and greet, then have dinner with a few VIP guests. But every experience is uniquely suited to the guests and those attending the class with them.
Broadway stars Jackie Burns and Kara Lindsay - who are currently starring as Glinda and Elphaba in the touring show of Wicked - came to speak to students a couple of weeks ago. Part of the class included giving students a shot at performing with the intention of getting a critique from the stars.
Songwriting duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the minds behind La La Land and The Greatest Showman taught a masterclass in 2018, where they were delighted to find that the Utah valley community was incredibly fond of their work.
“We discovered something amazing that we didn’t know before this happened, which was that this town and this place and you people are randomly and amazingly obsessed with musical theater,” said Paul, according to The Daily Herald.
“We’re obsessed with the fact that you’re obsessed, and the obsession is just a circle,” Pasek quickly followed.
As a part of The Noorda Center for the Performing Arts grand opening Week of Dreams, junior high, high school, and college students are invited to attend FREE masterclasses with Jason Alexander and Sierra Boggess.
The classes will focus on dealing with fears when auditioning and performing, as well as discovering their unique spirit and energy they can bring to a role. An advanced level workshop, master classes are for students with previous experience in professional or educational/school theatre and should be ready and open to honest feedback. Students should expect to take notes, bring a water bottle and snacks and be prepared for an afternoon of work - that is extremely rewarding and highly entertaining.
Sierra Boggess Masterclass
Jason Alexander Masterclass
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Know a parent or friend who’d like to get involved? Volunteer opportunities are available at this event and in the future. Those who help out will get to sit in on the sold-out workshops and shows. Interested individuals may call 801-863-PLAY (7529) or send an email to artstickets@uvu.edu.