Fall registration is now open for the Axelrod Performing Arts Academy
WHEN: Classes run September 13, 2023, to June 19,
2024.
WHERE: All classes are held at the academy’s studios at Bell Works, 101
Crawfords Corner Road in Holmdel.
This semester’s offerings include Moana Jr.,
Disney’s Freaky Friday and a new Christmas spectacular, Polar
Express, directed by Axelrod Contemporary Ballet Theater’s cofounder,
director and choreographer, Gabriel Chajnik.
The Axelrod Performing Arts Academy is the educational
arm of the Axelrod Performing Arts Center, which has its main stage in Deal
Park (Ocean Township). Instructed by a faculty with roots in the professional
dance and Broadway theater worlds, APAA students receive
conservatory-level training emphasizing technique, style and discipline. In
addition to its highly experienced faculty, APAA also offers classes led by
its resident guest teaching artists throughout the year, including Nicolas de
la Vaga (Radio City Music Hall), Andrea Weber (Merce Cunningham), Kerry Butler (Broadway's Mean Girls), JohnJohn Tarrayo (So You Think You Can
Dance), Gabby
Soto (Broadway's Wicked) and Lane Napper (Victorious, iCarly).
Executive Artistic Director Andrew DePrisco,
who oversees the professional theater program at the Axelrod, also works
closely with the APAA staff.
“We are thrilled to have recently hired Mary-Kate
Schmidt as our new academy director,” he said. “She has been adding
new levels of leadership to our staff.”
Schmidt has decades of experience in the musical and
dance worlds and has directed for St. John Vianney High School, among other
schools. She is a former English and music teacher and holds a master’s degree
in educational leadership.
“What an exciting time to join the APAA staff,” enthuses
Schmidt. “As the Axelrod looks to open a second stage at Bell Works – in
addition to their stage in Deal - we are thrilled to be able to offer students
more performance opportunities than ever before.”
The new director of the Junior Musicals program
is Justin Christopher Odon, who has directed local youth
programs in the area, including the Basie Academy and Phoenix Productions in
Red Bank.
“I am eager to watch the future growth as we begin this
new chapter for the academy,” said Elise Feldman, president, and founder
of AXCBT and APAA. “We remain proud to be part of the Bell Works community
where we have our state-of-the-art studio, home to both APAA and AXCBT.
We thank Bell Works for their ongoing support.”
If you have any questions about classes, auditions or
pricing, please contact Academy Director Mary-Kate Schmidt at mary-kate@axelrodartscenter.org or (201) 615-3037. Prefer to
register in person? Reach out to schedule an in-person consultation at the
AXCBT Studios at Bell Works.