<html><head></head><body><div class="yahoo-style-wrap" style="font-family:arial;font-size:16px;"><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><div><p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">The main point: Fall CAS music theatre classes will be held
on the BW campus and begin on September 4. Registration is open now at
cas.bw.edu.</p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">The Whole Story</p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">The Baldwin Wallace Community Arts School is launching
year-round musical theatre experiences and training for children and adults. My
10-year-old-daughter, Reagan, recently participated in a fantastic Camp
Broadway – one of the most rewarding experiences of her young performing life.</p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">The CAS program is now run by Heidi Biever and affiliated
with BW’s incredible Conservatory of Performing Arts. Biever has performed
around the country and in international tours in roles such as Maria in
"The Sound of Music" and Audrey in "Little Shop of
Horrors." </p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">BW is one of the most important musical theater programs in
the Country. It is often called “The Julliard of the Midwest” and these new
offerings are only going to solidify that reputation. The students that take
CAS programming from current B-W faculty, alum, and current students, are
destined to be the future stars of B-W and Broadway.</p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">I cannot stress it enough – off all the theater training
options I have witnessed, this B-W program is the best. The classes are held on
campus – the building is incredibly safe and the instructors keep a sharp eye
on your children for safety. There is plenty of free campus parking. And, for
dads and moms like me that often have to wait around for pickup, there are tons
of restaurants and shops close by to kill time. </p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">According to a B-W Facebook post, the courses will feature:</p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">Age-appropriate development</p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">"As musical theatre embraces the disciplines of
singing, movement and acting, I work with students to understand the whole
process while continuing to build their confidence, work ethic and
skills," Biever says. "I promote healthy musical theatre singing
techniques and the Meisner approach to acting."</p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">"I believe in age-appropriate development that relies
on a curriculum that builds from year to year," she continues. "That
allows students to achieve a variety of artistic and life goals that come with
cultural development and training."</p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">Artistic growth and fun</p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">While her approach to teaching is thoughtful and
well-designed, students will enjoy the opportunity to celebrate some of their
favorite musicals on the stage and play the parts that they love.</p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">"Our approach incorporates a variety of movement styles
and lots of participation. A student is rarely off the stage. They will help to
create some of their own ideas, including cool props, costumes and lighting
that bring their performance to life."</p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">Biever says, through it all, she works to nurture each
student's individuality and strengths as an artist.</p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">"They learn to rely on themselves and each other in new
ways. And we have a lot of fun. I would describe myself as a loving educator
that sees great potential in students of all ages, encourages them to bring
their best and sets them up for meaningful growth."<span> </span></p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">Casting a Wide Net</p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">BW CAS music theatre student</p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">Most of the new CAS music theatre classes for school-age
students include a wide age range, and that's by design.</p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">"Theatre is about building community both on and off
the stage," Biever explains. "In our entry-level classes, we have had
great success having a variety of ages in the classes, and feature students in
a way that is appropriate for their age and skill level. Theatre stories
usually require a range of ages in the story, and having older and younger
students allows for this variety in the casting. </p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">"When a student shows both the interest and work ethic
for taking on a more advanced approach, one of our advanced classes would be
recommended. The advanced classes will be offered starting in the Spring and
Summer." </p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">Adult artistic enrichment, too</p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">There's even a class for adults who enjoy singing to take
their Broadway belts out of the car or shower. </p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">For the adults, "Although no experience is necessary,
past participants generally have done some performing either in high school or
college 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 musical
theatre songs that they love and learn some new ones as well! It is a very
bonding and positive experience. Adults need artistic enrichment as much as
children!"</p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">Leveraging BWMT talent</p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">BW CAS music theatre campers 2025</p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">Biever, who is married to BW's new music theatre music
director, Richard Biever, also has plans to tap into the University's talented
and often Broadway-bound undergraduates.</p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">"We will have the talented BWMT students functioning as
interns, interacting with the children — singing and dancing right along with
them," Biever shares. "We are in the process of developing
opportunities for the BWMT professors to give workshops and training to our
students when available. It is an incredible opportunity to nurture the MT
students of tomorrow."</p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">Fall CAS music theatre classes will be held on the BW campus
and begin on September 4. Registration is open now at cas.bw.edu.</p>
<p class="ydpaae5cd7aMsoNormal">Long story short, if you are a parent, and looking to
advance your child’s development with singing, dancing, acting, and general
performing, do not sleep on this new B-W offering. </p></div><br></div></div></body></html>