Who is Michael Rafter?
Michael Rafter is a well-known, Emmy Award winning Broadway Music Director. He is presently the Music Supervisor for Jersey Boys and has been the Music Director for numerous shows on Broadway including Thoroughly Modern Millie, Tap Dance Kid, The King and I, Violet, The Sound of Music, Swing and Sunset Boulevard. Michael is the Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Destination Broadway summer workshop program for young people ages 8-18. Please see Michaels’ resume on this website ».
What is the Destination Broadway summer workshop program?
Destination Broadway is a one-week, intensive workshop held in the summer in New York City. Acceptance is by invitation only following a personal audition. There are classes in dance (how to master an audition combination quickly), voice (what to sing at an audition), acting (monologue, reading for an audition and scene work), audition technique, how to prepare and conduct yourself at an audition, and what casting directors look for. The class sees a Broadway show and meets with members of the cast afterwards in a questions and answer session. Sessions are either the week of July 11-17, 2010 or July 25-31, 2010.
What is the “audition” and what happens after the audition?
The audition is very simple and is conducted individually with Michael Rafter or a member of the Destination Broadway staff. You will be asked to fill out an information questionnaire listing your training. We will take a photo for our file so that we can match your face with your audition information. You will have a short, private interview and you will be asked to sing. Every person who auditions will receive a letter from Michael Rafter. Some will be accepted immediately into one of the class vacancies. Some may be designated as alternates and accepted if there are openings later. Others will be encouraged to continue training and invited to audition again the following year. Regardless of the outcome, this is a fantastic opportunity for a one-on-one audition with a Broadway Music Director, acting coach or choreographer!
Why should I audition for this program?
You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. The audition costs you nothing except a few minutes of your time. You may start down a path that will change your life forever.
Why is this course being offered to young people ages 8-18?
Michael Rafter, like a handful of Broadway professionals, feels that it is essential to help young people learn more about what it takes to be successful in the performing arts. The Broadway professionals involved with the program share this commitment to helping young people develop their talent and learn the “tricks of the trade”. We hope that you will use this opportunity to help you develop your skills, learn exactly what it takes to be successful and make your own commitment to your future as a performer!
What are the qualifications of the Destination Broadway teachers and staff?
Absolutely fantastic! These are all professionals with extensive experience on Broadway and in the performing arts. Check the website for biographies of our teaching staff (Mary McLeod (Fosse on Broadway), Valerie Wright (Damn Yankees on Broadway), Mary Ann Lamb (Dance Captain Chorus Line on Broadway and the movie), Nicole Snelson, Eugene Fleming (Fosse on Broadway), Debbie Roshe, Lisa Gajda, Nina Goldman, Heather McFadden and Tyler Ingram. Or you may Google any staff member by typing in their name and the word Broadway.
My son or daughter will most likely never go to Broadway or even pursue a career in the performing arts. Is there still a benefit to this course?
Absolutely! The skills essential to success as a performing artist are the same skills essential to 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 essential life-skills. This workshop teaches those life-skills using performing arts as a vehicle.
