OCUNYC recently hosted its 11th annual workshop in New York City, the first since alumni who host the workshop self-funded the event.
OCUNYC’s workshop, Spring Break NYC, takes place annually in New York City and is open to all performing arts majors at no cost to students. The workshop’s purpose is to acclimate students to New York City and to help them transition from students to professionals in the theater community by introducing them to current professionals in the performance world.
The workshop includes masterclasses with cast members of current Broadway shows to learn original Broadway choreography and vocal masterclasses with distinguished vocalists, directors and teachers. The workshop also includes vocal and dance mock auditions with immediate feedback from theater and dance professionals.
OCUNYC is a network dedicated to helping OCU alumni connect and network in New York City after graduation.
Hosts of the program help students find housing with alumni while they are there for the workshop.
“OCUNYC used to be funded by a donor, but we stopped receiving funding from that donor last year,” said Mark Belsik, dean of the Wanda L. Bass School of Music. “It is now being sponsored by the alumni chapter in NYC.
“OCUNYC is fantastic. Our students love it and it is a great opportunity for them, we definitely want to keep it going.”
Students who attended the workshop this year had masterclasses with Alumna Kelli O’Hara, who is currently starring on Broadway in The King and I, and Sasha Hutchings, cast member of the Broadway show Hamilton.
“The workshop really changed the way I see myself as a performer,” said Helen Han, music theater sophomore. “I definitely grew and learned a lot and I think it’s really wonderful for students.”
If you are interested in donating to the program, visit their donation page.
Leave a Reply