[NEohioPAL] Baldwin Wallace Community Arts School New Music Theater Classes for Kids and Adults

[David]

The main point: Fall CAS music theatre classes will be heldon the BW campus and begin on September 4. Registration is open now atcas.bw.edu.

The Whole Story

The Baldwin Wallace Community Arts School is launchingyear-round musical theatre experiences and training for children and adults. My10-year-old-daughter, Reagan, recently participated in a fantastic CampBroadway – one of the most rewarding experiences of her young performing life.

The CAS program is now run by Heidi Biever and affiliatedwith BW’s incredible Conservatory of Performing Arts. Biever has performedaround the country and in international tours in roles such as Maria in"The Sound of Music" and Audrey in "Little Shop ofHorrors." 

BW is one of the most important musical theater programs inthe Country. It is often called “The Julliard of the Midwest” and these newofferings are only going to solidify that reputation. The students that takeCAS programming from current B-W faculty, alum, and current students, aredestined to be the future stars of B-W and Broadway.

I cannot stress it enough – off all the theater trainingoptions I have witnessed, this B-W program is the best. The classes are held oncampus – the building is incredibly safe and the instructors keep a sharp eyeon your children for safety. There is plenty of free campus parking. And, fordads and moms like me that often have to wait around for pickup, there are tonsof restaurants and shops close by to kill time. 

According to a B-W Facebook post, the courses will feature:

Age-appropriate development

"As musical theatre embraces the disciplines ofsinging, movement and acting, I work with students to understand the wholeprocess while continuing to build their confidence, work ethic andskills," Biever says. "I promote healthy musical theatre singingtechniques and the Meisner approach to acting."

"I believe in age-appropriate development that relieson a curriculum that builds from year to year," she continues. "Thatallows students to achieve a variety of artistic and life goals that come withcultural development and training."

Artistic growth and fun

While her approach to teaching is thoughtful andwell-designed, students will enjoy the opportunity to celebrate some of theirfavorite musicals on the stage and play the parts that they love.

"Our approach incorporates a variety of movement stylesand lots of participation. A student is rarely off the stage. They will help tocreate some of their own ideas, including cool props, costumes and lightingthat bring their performance to life."

Biever says, through it all, she works to nurture eachstudent's individuality and strengths as an artist.

"They learn to rely on themselves and each other in newways. And we have a lot of fun. I would describe myself as a loving educatorthat sees great potential in students of all ages, encourages them to bringtheir best and sets them up for meaningful growth."  

Casting a Wide Net

BW CAS music theatre student

Most of the new CAS music theatre classes for school-agestudents include a wide age range, and that's by design.

"Theatre is about building community both on and offthe stage," Biever explains. "In our entry-level classes, we have hadgreat success having a variety of ages in the classes, and feature students ina way that is appropriate for their age and skill level. Theatre storiesusually require a range of ages in the story, and having older and youngerstudents allows for this variety in the casting. 

"When a student shows both the interest and work ethicfor taking on a more advanced approach, one of our advanced classes would berecommended. The advanced classes will be offered starting in the Spring andSummer." 

Adult artistic enrichment, too

There's even a class for adults who enjoy singing to taketheir Broadway belts out of the car or shower. 

For the adults, "Although no experience is necessary,past participants generally have done some performing either in high school orcollege or are looking for a nurturing and fun activity to have some 'me time'during the week," Biever notes. "They will sing and move to musicaltheatre songs that they love and learn some new ones as well! It is a verybonding and positive experience. Adults need artistic enrichment as much aschildren!"

Leveraging BWMT talent

BW CAS music theatre campers 2025

Biever, who is married to BW's new music theatre musicdirector, Richard Biever, also has plans to tap into the University's talentedand often Broadway-bound undergraduates.

"We will have the talented BWMT students functioning asinterns, interacting with the children — singing and dancing right along withthem," Biever shares. "We are in the process of developingopportunities for the BWMT professors to give workshops and training to ourstudents when available. It is an incredible opportunity to nurture the MTstudents of tomorrow."

Fall CAS music theatre classes will be held on the BW campusand begin on September 4. Registration is open now at cas.bw.edu.

Long story short, if you are a parent, and looking toadvance your child’s development with singing, dancing, acting, and generalperforming, do not sleep on this new B-W offering. 

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