Led by Bryce Russell — Director of Enrollment at The NYPAA and a working professional with over 14 years of experience in New York City’s entertainment industry. Bryce grew up performing in New Orleans, LA, where he directed numerous productions before moving to New York City to pursue a degree in Musical Theatre. He is also a Talent Manager with Talent Ink NYC, and has collaborated with leading organizations including Disney, Love is Louder, and Global Citizen, working alongside renowned talents across the industry.

As a performer, Bryce has appeared in numerous productions including The Music Man, Les Misérables, and The Sound of Music — bringing both the creative and business sides of the performing arts into the classroom. His industry relationships and real-world experience give students insight into not just how to perform, but how to build a career in musical theatre.

Musical Performance — Introduction & Basics

• Understanding voice as an actor’s musical instrument
• Foundational vocal techniques: posture, breathing, and warm-ups for musical theatre
• Exercises to enhance vocal range and flexibility
• Techniques for maintaining vocal health and endurance

Tone, Color & Character in Song

• Exploring different vocal tones and colors in the context of musical theatre and opera
• Adapting vocal quality for various characters and emotions within songs
• Blending vocal technique with acting principles for authentic musical storytelling
• Utilizing personal experience and emotion in vocal expression

Advanced Techniques & Characterization

• Advanced breath control and resonance in musical and operatic settings
• Character voices in song — crafting distinct vocal identities
• Expressing a full range of emotions vocally across genres, from classical to contemporary
• Text work in musical performance: subtext, relationships, and character motivation

Application & Performance

• Building vocal stamina for extended musical runs
• Rehearsal process: applying notes and making adjustments
• Coordinating voice and body in musical theatre choreography
• Building a personalized repertoire that showcases your unique voice and range

Led by Mike Walsh — a New York City-based dialect coach and adjunct faculty member at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (AADA) and the Institute of American Musical Theatre (IAMT). Mike holds an undergraduate degree from NYU with concentrations in Linguistics and Classics, and a Master’s degree from Columbia University, where he trained extensively with the Linklater Voice Center and in Alexander Technique. His private coaching clients include Cameron Monaghan (Shameless, Gotham), Brian Geraghty (The Hurt Locker, 1923 Yellowstone), and Arica Himmel (Mixed-ish).

Mike’s approach makes the technical approachable — combining his background in linguistics, music, theater, and education with a keen ear for detail and a passion for helping performers access their own learning style to make fast, lasting progress.

Fundamentals of Voice & Diction

• Understanding the voice as an instrument
• Breath control, support, and resonance for vocal projection
• Diction, articulation, and enunciation for stage, screen, and voice-over

Developing Vocal Power & Expression

• Expanding vocal range and dynamic control
• Vocal color, tone, and emotional intent in speech and performance
• Vocal stamina and endurance for sustained performances and shooting schedules

Accent Reduction & Dialects

• Identifying and refining speech patterns for professional versatility
• Introduction to accents and dialects using the International Phonetic Alphabet
• Linklater voice and Alexander Technique applications for performers

Voice in Performance & Storytelling

• Integrating voice with character development and emotional expression
• Adapting vocal delivery for different mediums: stage, film, voice-over, and broadcasting
• Using voice to enhance storytelling and audience engagement

Advanced Techniques & Industry Application

• Vocal techniques for heightened realism in acting and singing
• Microphone technique for recording and live performance
• Vocal health, longevity, and career sustainability in the industry

Led by Mikael Pasini and David Thomas, the Dance program fuses ballet, contemporary, and hip-hop into a rich, multi-disciplinary training experience. Whether you aim to refine ballet technique, explore contemporary’s expressive depth, or master hip-hop’s rhythm and energy, this program equips you to excel on any stage.

Foundations & Fundamentals

1. Body Awareness & Technique
   • Proper alignment, core engagement, and safe movement practices across all styles
   • Coordination, flexibility, and control through fundamental exercises
2. Building Strong Bases
   • Ballet Basics: barre work, footwork patterns, and ballet vocabulary
   • Contemporary Explorations: floorwork, improvisation, and emotional movement
   • Hip-Hop Grooves: foundational footwork, rhythm patterns, and isolations

Deep Dives & Style Mastery

1. Refining Elegance & Expressiveness
   • Ballet: pirouettes, lyrical sequences, and variations
   • Contemporary: advanced floorwork, choreography studies, and personal movement authorship
2. Rhythm & Groove Mastery
   • Hip-Hop: advanced footwork, layering grooves, and freestyle combinations
   • Style Fusion: blending styles and discovering your unique movement voice

Audition Success

1. Dance Audition Bootcamp
   • Headshots, resumes, cover letters, and interview best practices
   • Mock auditions with personalized feedback
   • Crafting solo pieces showcasing strengths across styles
2. Polishing & Preparation
   • Refine audition pieces, address feedback, build performance confidence
   • Rehearsal etiquette, professional conduct, and navigating audition rooms

Masterclass with a Professional: Each cycle includes a Guest Artist Workshop — learn from a professional dancer, gain industry insights, and receive individualized audition tips in a Q&A and networking session.

Professional Development for Entertainers

A successful career in the entertainment industry requires more than talent — it demands strategy, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the business. This course equips students with the essential tools to build a strong professional foundation.

Industry Essentials

• Mastering the business of entertainment: industry expectations and best practices
• Developing a strong professional presence through networking and personal branding

Professional Materials

• Crafting industry-standard resumes and headshots that stand out
• Creating a professional website and online portfolio
• Selecting and editing the perfect demo reel

Industry Roles & Career Pathways

• Understanding the relationship between talent, agents, and managers
• Union membership, benefits, and career advancement opportunities

Course Structure: Weekly

• Week 1: Headshots — understanding the importance of first impressions
• Week 2: Resume — crafting a compelling, industry-ready entertainment resume
• Week 3: Casting Sites — setting up and optimizing online profiles
• Week 4: Self-Tapes — mastering professional self-tape auditions
• Week 5: Agents & Managers — navigating representation
• Week 6: Professional Invitations & Communication — outreach strategies
• Week 7: Website Building — creating a personal brand online
• Week 8: Unions — membership benefits and pathways
• Week 9: Audition Prep — strategies for confidence and success
• Week 10: Demo Reels — editing and presenting a standout reel
• Week 11: Social Media — leveraging platforms to enhance visibility
• Week 12: Presentations — showcasing materials in a final review