Local Students Study On Broadway

Local high school students Chelsea Thaler, right, Ocean City, of Worcester Preparatory School, and Alex Stamnas, left, Ocean Pines, of Stephen Decatur High School, recently returned from New York, where they participated in a week-long intensive workshop on Broadway. The program, called Broadway Artists Alliance, is run by top Broadway industry members including actors, directors and agents. The girls were enrolled in master classes in acting, dance and voice. They were fortunate to study with Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz, composer of the scores for Wicked, Godspell, Pippin and others, Tony award winner Lea Salonga (Miss Saigon and Les Miserables) and current cast members of Hairspray, Legally Blonde, Mary Poppins and Curtains. The week culminated in a showcase performance for casting directors and agents at an off Broadway theater. Both aspiring actresses have performed locally at their schools and in the Ocean Pines Children's Theater.