MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP

Calling all budding young singers, actors and dancers!

Here’s an opportunity to learn the art of musical theatre from two of South Africa’s most talented and highly experienced theatre performers who have performed both locally and internationally. Anton Luitingh and Duane Alexander from Cats, Beauty & the Beast, Grease, Chicago, High School Musical, Rent and Jesus Christ Superstar started The Musical Theatre Workshop successfully in Cape Town. Now, for the first time, these school holidays will host a week-long workshop in Durban at Eden College in Glenwood. Applications close at the end of September.

Says Duane Alexander: "We started The Musical Theatre Workshop to give young, passionate and talented children a taste of life in the performing arts industry. We expose them to professional level production techniques, hoping to instil them with greater appreciation and fonder love of this fantastic industry. As two individuals passionate about our craft, we really value the opportunity to discover new potential, develop their skills, all the while building confidence and boosting self-esteem in a safe, creative and professional environment. Our hope is to uplift 'Musical Theatre' in South Africa in the broader sense, but also to gear young talent for a shining career in the performing arts. These workshops are a wonderful opportunity for students to meet like-minded individuals and it is a fun and productive way to spend a week of their school holidays."

Born and educated in Pietermaritzburg, Duane has been dancing and performing since the age of six. He studied at the Waterfront Theatre School in Cape Town where he twice received the award for Most Outstanding Student. He also obtained his Performer’s Certificate in Musical Theatre, and teaching degrees in both Modern and Tap dance. Not only is Duane an accomplished on-stage performer, he has also worked on major locally staged and international touring musicals as resident director, resident choreographer and dance captain. Duane works as a lecturer, teacher, freelance dancer and choreographer, working on corporate functions, film & television, Children’s Theatre Productions, and at The Cape Academy of Performing Arts.

Anton Luitingh has been involved in many facets of the entertainment industry, working as an actor, singer, songwriter, musical director, musician and voice artist. He obtained his B.Drama (Hons) Cum Laude degree in Drama at the University of Stellenbosch. He has performed principal roles in many productions including Rent, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar and Showboat as well as the beast in Beauty and the Beast and is soon to appear in the forthcoming production of Phantom of the Opera to be staged later this year in Cape Town and early next year in Johannesburg.

When he is not performing on stage, Anton fills other equally important roles off-stage including that of resident director and musical director. Anton is the co-writer, performer and musical director for the three-time Vita and Fleur du Cap Award nominated shows Offbeat Broadway and Offbeat Broadway 2&3, which have toured extensively around South Africa as well as to other destinations in Africa and London. He is currently performing in Offbeat Broadway 4 at Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre to rave reviews. Anton has received numerous awards and nominations.

The Musical Theatre Workshop runs from October 3 to 8. Daily sessions are split between juniors (ages 7 to 13) running from 10h00 to 12h30 and seniors (ages 14 to 20) from 13h15 to 16h30. The cost per student is R650. The week culminates in a showcase performance for family and friends. Students completing the six-day workshop receive a certificate and the course content includes triple threat training; acting, dancing, singing and many educational fun-filled activities relating to musical theatre.

Applications close on 30 September 2011.

To apply or for more information call Duane on 084 666 1344, email info@musicaltheatreworkshop.co.za or visit www.musicaltheatreworkshop.co.za