Local women co-found "The Ranch" Performing Arts Training Center with Broadway Veteran
San Jose, CA May 19, 2009 -- Kathy Martinelli, Heather Lerner and Jacob Brent (Mr. Mistoffelees Cats, Broadway, London, film) have announced the opening of a three week summer musical theater training camp in Northern California. Mr. Brent will serve as Artistic Director at the new program, which features Broadway performers as guest teaching artists. Resident Musical Director is Brad Simmons (Broadway vocal coach, composer, and actor in the cult film "Camp"). Mr. Brent and Mr. Simmons have worked with young actors in over 20 theatrical productions, including one of the premier productions of RENT School Edition.
"The Ranch" performing arts training program, held at a working thoroughbred ranch and former summer camp in Northern California, is a three week resident camp for youth performers 12-18 years of age. Using existing barns and ranch structures for training spaces, performers will learn proper vocal technique, dance, and acting method. A variety of additional classes will be offered to round out the core theater curriculum. The program will culminate with a feature length Broadway musical performance.
"The Ranch" inaugural summer session enrollment will be capped at 34 campers, allowing for a personal experience for all performers with a wide range of teaching artists. Ms. Lerner, a Willow Glen resident and Ms. Martinelli, a resident of Santan Row, will serve as CEO and CFO respectively. Ms. Lerner has most recently been the marketing associate with Children's Musical Theater San Jose since 2007, and is a 20 year summer camp veteran with a variety of private and non-profit camps. Ms. Martinelli holds a certificate in Association Management as well as a BS in arts education, and is an instructor with Community School of Music and Art in Mountain View.
Mr. Brent says, "A three week resident program enables student performers to fully engage, to let go, to truly participate at the deepest level, to take risks and reap rewards. It's no coincidence that cell phones don't work at the camp. Skimming the surface and 'buffet-style' sample training isn't what The Ranch is about. We want much more than that for our student campers. Creativity takes courage and commitment."
The inaugural summer session dates for The Ranch Performing Arts Training Center will be July 13-August 2, 2009. To sign up, visit www.artsranch.com. For further questions, call The Ranch's off-season office at 408-244-9370 or visit the website.
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