NYC Study Tour Provides Immersive Musical Theatre Experience
Logging 14-hour workdays over the Fall Break weekend, eight dance and musical theatre students got an immersive experience on Broadway last month. Led by Tod Kubo, co-director of the Musical Theatre Certificate program and an adjunct lecturer in the Department of Dance, the students took dance classes, met and interviewed industry professionals, toured facilities, and
saw three shows in a field study in New York City, October 12-15.
A Los Angeles native with a three-decade career as a director and choreographer for national and international tours, Kubo has a vast network of colleagues with prominent New York careers and wants to make that network available to UNC Charlotte students.
“What’s the most significant way to give back? Creating a clear and attainable pathway for students to New York City,” he said, “building confidence and giving them contacts.” Kubo, who also led a dance study tour to New York City in 2022, developed an itinerary for the students that mirrored the rigor of a Broadway dancer’s schedule.
Every day, the students – Kaitlyn Bego, Chloe Gosline, Grace Killian, Braden Kneeshaw, Izzy Oyler, Josie Perdue, Jasmyn Schettino, and Varsha Singh – interspersed intensive dance classes at Steps on Broadway with high-profile meetings that gave them insights into multiple elements of professional dance life.
Marla McReynolds is a former performer (The Color Purple, Chicago, and more) who has become a physical therapist for companies such as Dance Theatre of Harlem and performers in Broadway shows such as Wicked and Hamilton. She spoke to the students about longevity as a dancer – how to avoid injury, dance smarter, and maintain the ability to move their whole lives.
Current Back to the Future star Jelani Remy gave the students a masterclass, teaching them choreography from Back to Future, Ain’t Too Proud, and Hairspray. Afterwards, the students saw Back to the Future, did a backstage tour, and were able to meet the cast, who sat on stage with the students for a Q&A following the performance.
Musical arranger and composer David Dabbon, whose Broadway arranging credits include Funny Girl and Beetlejuice, coached the students on how to prepare for an audition. Actor Derrick Davis joined them for a meal, where they could pepper him with questions about his roles in Carousel, The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, and Company.
“Hearing their stories showed us that no two career paths are alike, showing us that a career in the arts can be both unique and ever-changing,” said Braden Kneeshaw, who is pursuing a theatre degree and the musical theatre certificate. “Overall, this experience not only gave me insight into the professional demands and possibilities in the arts but also taught me how to
approach my career path with flexibility and confidence.”
On their final day, the students visited New York University’s Langone Campus and the Harkness Center for Dance and Injury Prevention. Students were taught by athletic trainer Lauren McIntyre and received one-on-one consultations to assess their body conditions and identify possible areas of risk.
“My heart is so overfull of joy to be able to connect students to these opportunities,” said Kubo. He hopes to continue and even grow the New York program. “How much more frequently can we get there? What else can we offer?”
