In response to the stay-at-home and social distancing orders implemented by the COVID-19 pandemic, BAMtheatre has reimagined its musical theatre-focused programming through a host of virtual master classes, workshops, choirs and other activities to keep students connected.
This new sector of programming is called BAM @ a Distance and has been in operation since March. BAM has announced four new classes for summer called BAM @ a Distance — School's Out Edition! The new line-up includes:
—Broadway Masters: Every Monday at 6:30-8:30 p.m. CT, BAMtheatre presents Broadway Masters, five master classes with industry-leading professionals including Broadway stars and New York casting directors. Each class also includes a seminar led by Chicago actors Ryan Naimy and Patrick Hill on how to best prepare for the professional theater industry.
Teachers will include Erika Henningsen ( Cady in original Broadway cast of Mean Girls, on June 4 ), Benton Whitley ( Stewart Whitley casting director, on ), Corey Cott ( Jack Kelly in Broadway cast of Newsies, on June 22 ), Christy Altomare ( Sophie in original Broadway cast of Mamma Mia!, on June 29 ) and Holly Buczek ( Wojcik | Seay casting director, on July 6 ).
—Broadway Choreo Spotlight: Every Tuesday on June 9-July 7, 7-9 p.m. CT, students will learn choreography from Broadway's hottest shows virtually. This five-week dance intensive is taught by Chicago choreographer and actor Isaiah Silvia-Chandley.
—Improv Electric: Every Wednesday at June 10-July 8, 4-5 p.m. CT, Improv Electric will solidify students' improv skills. This class will be co-taught by Claire Drews and Jim Mourey, who both received their training through Second City's Conservatory program.
—Virtual Show Choir: BAM's final program in the new edition of BAM @ a Distance is a Virtual Show Choir will be led by music director Peter Bromann. One of the first virtual show choir programs to hit the nation, this class will meet on Fridays on June 12-July 10 at 4-5 p.m. CT. Over five weeks, students will learn the music and choreography for two show choir numbers. The final performance will be live streamed for friends and family to watch.
See BAMtheatre.com .
