Michael Rafter and Destination Broadway

A word about Destination Broadway.....  The skills essential for success as a performing artist are the same skills essential for success in life.  One-on-one communications, successful job interviews, speaking to a group, setting goals, making great 1st impressions and presenting a positive image are all essential life skills.  Destination Broadway teaches these life skills using performing arts as a vehicle. 

                                                                      …..Michael Rafter

The Destination Broadway experience  is like nothing offered anywhere.    Acceptance into the program is through successful audition with Michael Rafter.  Young people, ages 8-18, are immersed in a Broadway experience that is truly amazing! 

Great Classes / Great Instructors / Great Life Lessons

Last summer (2006) our students were honored to
 take classes from a teaching staff with over 54 Broadway credits among them.  In addition to the classes, our students spent time with these seasoned Broadway performers and learned valuable life lessons involving performing, developing a work ethic, preparing for a challenge and stepping out of your “comfort zone”.  Many students said that the opportunity to sit and talk with the instructors was the most valuable part of the week!  The faculty included Mary MacLeod, Valerie Wright, Mary Ann Lamb, Debbie Roshe,
 Dena Rizzo, Nina Goldman and Eugene Fleming.

Great People / Great Opportunities - Depending on which session they attended, Destination Broadway 2006 students met and learned valuable lessons from the following “Wicked Performers” and Tony Award winners!

		Eden Espinosa (Elphaba) spoke with the class about her start in the business and her career.   on Eden Espinosa
		Kate Reinders (Glinda) told us how the bubble worked (!) and how she prepared for her role.   on Kate Reinders
		Kenway K. Kua (Ensemble) gave us audition pointers and taught us choreography for several of the “Wicked” dances   on Kenway K. Kua
		Saycon Sengbloh (Elphaba standby) taught us what a Standby does and sang for us.   on Saycon Sengbloh
		Tiffany Haas (Swing, Nessa understudy) taught us what a Swing does, told us about auditions, and sang a song for us accompanied by the composer Jeanine Tesori.   on Tiffany Haas
		Heather Spore (Ensemble, Glinda Understudy) gave us audition pointers, told us about going on for Glinda and sang Popular accompanied by Michael Rafter.   on Heather Spore
		Anika Noni Rose (Tony Award, Caroline or Change) is currently shooting the Dream Girls movie.  Anika sang for us and discussed preparing for a career as a performing artist.   on Anika Noni Rose
		Sutton Foster (Tony Award, Millie) is currently starring in Drowsy Chaperone.  Sutton told us about careers in the performing arts and what it takes to be successful.   on Sutton Foster
		Behind The Emerald Curtain was attended by students and parents.  We were treated to a private, behind-the-scenes look at how “Wicked” works. We were privileged to meet and ask questions of “Wicked” cast members Sean McCourt and Anthony Galde.   on Sean McCourt   on Anthony Galde

And talk about opportunities…..

over 20 members of the Destination Broadway Class of 2006 were selected to audition for Broadway shows during their week in New York City!

Here’s what Parents, Students and Studio Owners have to say about Destination Broadway......

“I’ve been involved with many organizations throughout the past 25 years of business, countless camps and conventions.  The Destination Broadway camp was by far the most wonderful experience that my dancers and I have ever participated in.  All of the people involved were organized and professional with no detail left unattended.  The classes were exciting, all of the daily “surprises” were amazing and the team work was inspiring.  Thank you for being everything (and more) that you promised”.  - - Ann Szymaniac, dance school owner, Binghamton, NY.

“I had many students that participated and the comments from my parents were all very positive.  The classes were upbeat and amazing.  My daughter was able to experience this wonderful program and can’t wait to return.” - - Karen Taylor, co-owner, Gainesville Dance Center, Warrenton, VA.

“This was a life-changing event for Joel.  He demonstrated increased confidence in all aspects of his life - dance, school, church and friends.  Joel has been more willing to take risks - trying many new experiences.”  - - Karen Drilling (parent, Nashville).

“An awesome opportunity for young people.  The program delivers everything it promises and is worth every penny” - -Peggy Thibodeau, Shuffles Dance and Performing Arts Center, Midlothian, VA.

 “I was thrilled with the education my child received with Destination Broadway.  By learning from working Broadway professionals, they not only learned singing, dancing and acting, they also learned about the reality of the profession.  An invaluable life experience!!!”  - - Collette Crown (parent, KY).

“As a studio owner and teacher of performing arts for many years I will tell you that ‘this is the real deal’!  A very credible program run by Broadway professionals.  My students have attended for three years.” - -Ingrid Pettus, Ingrid’s School of Dance, Richmond, VA.