Our crowdfunding campaign has ended but you can still support the Musical Theater Senior Showcase by clicking here.
THE TEAM
We are the nine senior musical theater majors of UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television! We have been studying our craft in classes, student theater shows, and a cappella groups, while seizing every opportunity we see and creating our own. In fact, we are writing, composing, and producing our own full-length original musical!
THE NEXT STAGE
While Los Angeles has a thriving theater community, the heart of theater is Broadway. In order to successfully transition into the world of professional theater, we need to introduce ourselves to the New York industry before graduation. The best platform for this is an industry showcase: a performance for agents, casting directors, and other theater professionals to present ourselves and make valuable connections to kickstart our careers. We have all been working towards this student-produced project since freshman year, and now we need your help to make it happen.
THE NOT-SO-FUN FACTS
Producing a showcase in New York requires a significant amount of financial support. Airfare, 2 day venue rental, production costs, hiring a professional director and musical director, printing programs, marketing materials; all of these add up, and as full-time college students still paying for school, the costs are pretty daunting. That’s why we’re tackling this through a crowdfunding campaign.
THE WAY TO 42ND STREET
One of the most important lessons we’ve learned at UCLA is how much easier things are when you face them together. We’re asking you to join our team, and for us, every team member is equally important. Whatever you can contribute—$1, $5, $20, $100—every bit of support makes you an important member of our team. When you invest in us, you invest in your future entertainment. We are the next generation of theater artists, and we do what we do not only because we love it, but also because we love to give back to the community through our art. Your donation helps us do that, and we thank you in advance for your support!
SUCCESS STORIES
UCLA musical theater alumni from years past agree that the New York showcase was an important part of their UCLA journey. Here are some testimonials from their experiences:
- Olivia '17: I am forever grateful for the NYC showcase because it was where I got my agent, making it possible for me to move to New York City and audition. I am currently in the national tour of WAITRESS and I can confidently say I would not be where I am if it wasn’t for the NYC showcase. Pictured: Olivia in rehearsals for the National Tour of Waitress!
- Jake '18: Showcase provided a platform for me to jump into a successful career in NYC. After garnering representation from the showcase I felt excited and confident in entering this profession. Without showcase I would have not seen such success proceeding graduation; including leading the first national tour of Anastasia! Pictured: Jake (Dmitry) and members of the MT Class of 2020 after a performance of Anastasia!
- Olly '19: The best part about NYC showcase for me was getting the opportunity to experience New York as an actual working artist. Showcase allowed me the privilege of having a daily New York routine; going to a rehearsal in the morning, agency meetings, and then onto auditions after. As far-fetched as it sounds, showcase helped me realize it was possible.
-Sara '19: I often tell people that I don’t know how I would have gotten started without the NYC showcase, and it’s the truth. Graduating knowing I had newfound representation on the East Coast was affirming and encouraging, but above all it gave me the courage to commit to the move and start my life in New York. My life as a professional actor was jump started by the connections I gained and I will be grateful for this opportunity for the remainder of my career.
-Michael '19: I knew I didn't want to move to New York unless I had already set down a foundation for a career in the city. Our showcase trip gave me valuable exposure to professionals in the industry, and gave me experience auditioning and taking meetings in the New York circuit. I moved to New York just two months after graduation with representation, multiple auditions and callbacks under my belt, and most importantly, confidence.
-Carson '19: Being able to have a Musical Theater Showcase in New York City gave me the opportunity to move across the country and pursue my dreams. From showcase, I found representation, made connections with casting directors, and met industry professionals from all over Broadway.
Members from the Musical Theater Class of 2019 after their successful showcase.
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING US!
Sponsors 1 slice of classic NY pizza. I mean, we gotta eat, right?
Sponsors rehearsal materials such as sheet music and binders.
Sponsors one rehearsal with a professional director and music director.
Sponsors marketing materials and programs for the showcase.
Sponsors technical rehearsals at the Laurie Beechman Theater in New York.
Sponsors the final dress rehearsal with lights, sound, and a stage manager on March 23, 2020.
Sponsors one of four showcase performances at the Laurie Beechman Theater in New York on March 24, 2020 for an audience of talent agents, managers, and industry professionals.
Full-ride sponsorship for one student: airfare, artistic and production costs, and venue rental.