How Their Years as “Comp Children” Helped 3 Execs Land Broadway Exhibits

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Dancing throughout a resort ballroom in small-town America appears a world away from acting on Broadway, however for some college students, competitions and conventions are an necessary step towards realizing that dream. Expertise honed at these occasions—the power to rapidly study choreography in a variety of types and carry out it instantly afterward—are precious in securing work in musical theater. Three former comp children now dancing in Broadway reveals or on tour clarify how their competitors expertise helped propel them towards careers in musical theater.

Ida Saki

IDA SAKI. PHOTO BY TED ELY, COURTESY SAKI.

Presently in Bob Fosse’s DANCIN’, Ida Saki was a member of Cedar Lake Modern Ballet and has choreographed and carried out for movie, tv and off-Broadway reveals.

How competing impacted her profession path: “I really feel grateful to have met so many unbelievable choreographers. I’ve continued working with loads of them, and the vast majority of my jobs have come from connections I made by means of the competitors world!” 

The abilities she discovered: “Taking lessons at conventions helped me study rapidly, carry out numerous types and gave me audition expertise. It taught me to be a great teammate, correct class etiquette and studying from the opposite dancers within the room.”

On staying open: “As a pupil, I used to be inspired to embrace my love for up to date dance and to bounce in Europe. I’m grateful that I used to be open to all avenues. My profession has taken me in locations I by no means imagined as a pupil, and every job has given me one other software so as to add to my software field.”

Maya Kazzaz

Presently a swing on the North American tour of Disney’s Aladdin, Maya Kazzaz competed as a pupil with Broadway Dance Middle.

How competing impacted her profession path: “Once I began taking lessons with musical theater choreographers, I fell in love with the combination of storytelling and method and the enjoyment of it. I believe these experiences in the end gave me the reassurance I wanted to pursue it professionally.”

MAYA KAZZAZ. PHOTO BY JON TAYLOR PHOTO, COURTESY KAZZAZ.

The abilities she discovered: “The significance of with the ability to choose up any model of dance and make it your personal was emphasised within the conference and competitors world. The thought of all the time ‘performing’ was undoubtedly instilled at a younger age. To today I believe that helped me excel at auditions by delivering a semifinished product rapidly within the audition room.”   

Recommendation to college students: “Put your self on the market earlier than you’re feeling ‘prepared.’ After we wait to really feel good and safe, we are sometimes too late. Don’t be afraid to be messy or dangerous—we are sometimes our worst critics. Additionally, discover and study different issues—it’s okay (and wholesome!) to produce other pursuits.” 

Kolton Krouse

Presently in Bob Fosse’s DANCIN’, Kolton Krouse has labored within the theater, tv and movie trade, and was a four-time Nationwide Excellent Dancer for New York Metropolis Dance Alliance.

How competing impacted their profession path: “Competitions helped me discover performing. Having the ability to step on a stage whether or not in a gaggle piece, solo or duo/trio helped me
discover my stage presence.”

What drew them to musical theater: “In truth, what pulled me to musical theater was CATS. I bear in mind being 6 or 7 operating round the home pretending to be Victoria, the white cat. And the revival was my first Broadway present! What I really like a lot about musical theater is that it incorporates all of my main loves: dance, singing, performing and music!”

What they need they’d identified: “All the time heat up! I took my youthful physique as a right and wouldn’t heat up once I was youthful. However that can be how I tore my meniscus at 16 years previous.”

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