Hi!

Last summer, I was fortunate to work with new clients from over twenty states. And this summer looks like it will be equally busy, with singers coming to New York City preparing for upcoming auditions and performances.

I had a wonderful trip to the Goodspeed Opera House in Chester, CT to see Jason Robert Brown’s pre-Broadway musical, 13. Many performers found it to be a tough audition to prepare for, but the spectacular results were evident in every moment of the performance.

Backstage at 13 with student cast members Taylor Bright, Caitlin Gann,
Aaron Gross, and Ariana Grande.

Audition Workshops with Denise Simon and Guest Casting Directors

Students 8 – 18 work on a song and scene, and then present them to a guest casting director who gives them valuable feedback. Previous workshops culminated in students auditioning for Jennifer Rudin, head of Casting and Talent Development for Disney Theatrical Productions in New York City, Rachel Hoffman C.S.A. of Telsey + Company, and several other notable casting directors. This weekend, we have a sold out class with Joy Dewing from Dave Clemmons Casting.

Our next workshop is scheduled for Sunday, September 14th with Sara Schatz from Jay Binder Casting New York City. These workshops sell out pretty quickly, so if you’re interested in registering, please contact Denise Simon at 212-501-2484.

Musical Audition & Performance Classes with Diane Hardin

Well-known Los Angeles acting teacher Diane Hardin comes to town only four times a year, and she and I team up for an exciting workshop for kids and teens. I handle the music and singing, and Diane gives valuable acting advice to each performer.

Diane Hardin created Young Actors Space in Los Angeles after a successful acting career. Her weekend “intensives” and week-long summer acting sessions are in great demand when she comes to New York City. Her list of students includes Zac Efron, Leonardo Di Caprio, Jessica Biel, Robin Wright Penn, Hillary Swank, Toby McGuire, Maggie and Jake Gyllenhaal, Alison Mack [Smallville], Kellie Martin [Mystery Woman] and many others.

Diane and I have no future class dates scheduled at present, but they will be listed on our websites and in upcoming newsletters

THE VOICE FOUNDATION

For the second year, I was honored to present a musical theatre audition workshop in Philadelphia for The Voice Foundation Symposium: Care of the Professional Voice. The members of this international organization include physicians, speech therapists, voice teachers, and scientists. It is the world’s oldest and leading organization dedicated to voice medicine, science, and education.

With Dr. Wendy LeBorgne and voice teachers
Jeannette LoVetri, Lisa Rochelle and Lisa Popeil.

For the third consecutive year, I was the musical director and host of the cabaret performances for the Young President’s Organization “Youth Musical Theatre Seminar” at the beautiful Laurie Beechman Theatre at the Westbank Café in midtown Manhattan. Also working with the group was legendary actress, dancer, director and choreographer, Baayork Lee (Chorus Line, King & I, Flower Drum Song, Promises Promises, etc.)

Annie “orphans” got together at Barnes & Noble in Lincoln Center to kick-off the release of the DVD “Life After Tomorrow.” I was there – just as I was 30 years ago – accompanying their adult renditions of “Hard Knock Life,” You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” and “Tomorrow.”

Life After Tomorrow is the highly acclaimed documentary produced and directed by Julie Stevens and Gil Cates, Jr. Winner of Best Documentary and Best Director Awards at the Phoenix Film Festival, the film explores the life-changing repercussions of child performers in the long-running Broadway musical Annie. Life After Tomorrow features appearances by Sarah Jessica Parker, Danielle Brisebois, Martha Byrne, Martin Charnin, Allison Smith, Charles Strouse, and (briefly) me!

Well, that’s all for now…