Spotlight on Preludes: New York City Center’s Summer Teen Theater Intensive

New York City Center is helping to shape the next generation of performers through its Preludes Summer Teen Theater Intensive, a program designed to give high school students a professional-level introduction to the world of theater.

Over the course of a week, students immersed themselves in daily warmups, acting workshops, choreography sessions, and performance training. As participant Tori Mims of Brooklyn shared, “It was such an exhilarating situation. You walk into a room full of talented people that you met from day one.”

For many, the highlight of the program was diving into choreography inspired by Broadway shows. One student recalled learning fast-paced sequences from MJ the Musical, saying, “It truly felt like I was working on Broadway. Everything was quick, and if I really want to be in this business, this is what I have to do.”

Beyond performance skills, Preludes emphasizes the importance of creativity as a lifelong journey. Tia Powell Harris, New York City Center’s Vice President of Education and Community Engagement, explained: “We look at education as a lifelong learning experience, and we twist it a little to address cultivating the creative mind. Everybody has a sense of creativity, and all we want to do is teach you how to let it go.”

By providing young artists with access to professional-level training and mentorship, New York City Center is continuing its legacy of nurturing talent and building a stronger, more inclusive theater community.

For more information on New York City Center, visit www.nycitycenter.org

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