US Performing Arts…Where Dreams Are Trained!

Posted on March 10, 2012 by usperformingarts


I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the fulfillment of dreams. You see, I am a dreamer. Anyone who really knows me knows that to be true of me. I see the world through the visions in my mind. Therefor, I cherish dreams. My dreams and your dreams. In fact, I encourage you to dream. BIG dreams and don’t let anyone trample them!

Twelve years ago my partner and I co-founded US Performing Arts to facilitate and promote the dreams of emerging young artists in entertainment. You see, he’s a dreamer too. In fact sometimes his dreams are so big I can’t even comprehend them but I believe in them. Just as I believe in yours.

Getting back to my thoughts on the fulfillment of those dreams, I’ve had lots of years to watch people succeed. I’ve come to realize that those who really succeed are those who learn to believe in themselves and don’t give up. Sometimes the dream is modified. Sometimes the dreamer needs to have a bigger vision. Mostly the dreamer needs someone who inspires and motivates them. They also need someone to guide them. I think that’s where US Performing Arts comes in. Our faculty is incredibly inspiring and motivational but most important they know how to guide and train the dream. It’s the training that underpins and nourishes the dream. It allows it to develop in its own way and keeps it from faltering.

Take a step towards achieving your dream this summer. Reach for new heights and attain a new level. We can help you find the workshop itinerary that is right for you. Give us a call or register online and begin to make your dream come true.

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Looking for a Summer Camp? Why Not Try Santa Fe?

Posted on February 9, 2012 by usperformingarts

US Performing Arts has the most incredible theater intensive this summer at Santa Fe University of Art & Design. Why? Because many years ago I had an epiphany. I was teaching in the St. Louis area and a colleague invited me to a performance of the visiting Santa Fe Opera Company. Looking back at it now, I’m more than a little embarrassed about my attitude. It wreaked of arrogance borne of having danced with some of the country’s leading opera companies back in my ballet performance days. My friend was insistent that I would really enjoy the evening and in fact put together a little impromptu get-together with a few of the members of the company so I agreed to go.

From the first look and first sounds my snobbish sophistication disappeared. The sets and costumes were gorgeous. The opera singers, many of whose names I recognized from New York, San Francisco and European stages, were absolutely first-rate. I was amazed. I could hardly wait to meet up with some of these performers to ask them why? Why Santa Fe?

Here’s what I found out and here’s why lo these many years later we finally have a summer theater camp with Santa Fe University of Art and Design. Billed as Santa Fe University of Art and Design Theatre Intensive I have no doubt it will establish embers of creativity and passion that will ignite the craft of all those who participate. Santa Fe is populated year ’round with extraordinarily creative people. Artists, actors, dancers and singers retool and refuel in Santa Fe. Best of all for our students, summer is when all the performing arts festivals take place! There is an absolute plethora of arts events. The Santa Fe Opera and Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival present their seasons of world class performances, the Thirsty Ear Festival of roots music, the New Mexico Jazz Festival, the Santa Fe Bluegrass & Old Time Music Festival. If that’s not enough, Santa Fe is a favorite location for filmmakers. In fact, I have a friend there right now directing the movie The Last Stand. Santa Fe is definitely a place to stir your creative juices.

For all the above reasons, and my respect for the performing arts program, its chair and faculty, that I am so excited about this summer theatre intensive. It’s also about my strong belief that that there is a right college fit for every student and this is a special place for a special group of talented creative emerging artists. So, if you’re a rising high school junior or senior come try it on this summer and if you’re a high school drama teacher Santa Fe is waiting for you this summer.

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SMASH!

Posted on February 3, 2012 by usperformingarts

Everyone’s talking about the Super Bowl but now that the 49ers are out and I’ve previewed most of the super (and not so super) commercials I’m much more interested in what’s going to happen after the game. I’m on a countdown for the premier of Smash. I’ve watched the pilot three times!

Finally, just finally, and it took Stephen Spielberg to do it, someone has produced an intelligent character driven story about dreams, about talent, and about connectivity. The characters in Smash are so real with such real conflicts in their lives that everyone can relate to them. For those of us who happen to be in the same line of work it’s a great sense of recognition and credibility for who we are and how big we dream.

This isn’t intended to be a review of Smash but rather a discussion about the “real deal.” I’d never thought much about that phrase until the first year of our New York City summer camp workshops. Within 24 hours after the program ended I started receiving e-mails and letters from parents and students thanking US Performing Arts for what they said was the real deal. Of course I knew what they meant but I like words and phrases and I like to get to their origin. Here’s what I found out. The real deal means something or someone genuine, authentic, or worthy of serious regard. Now that was a compliment of the highest recognition.

Living up to the definition of the real deal takes constant evaluation. First it means constructing a curriculum that has professional expectations of training emerging artists in their craft. It means a staff of highly qualified authentic Broadway performers with teaching skills worthy of serious regard. It means nurturing students to success and most important it means that those teachers are dedicated to the program 100% and not just making a quick appearance so that their name may be used. Our faculty works in the trenches with kids. Year after year students have worked with faculty like Harolyn Blackwell, Baayork Lee, and Donna McKechnie to name just a few.


This year’s New York faculty is summing up to be as exciting as always. Whether you’re looking for a Broadway Styles Dance Camp, a Dance Conservatory, a Musical Theater Camp, or a Broadway Conservatory we have the Broadway experience that’s the real deal! On top of that, each camp will help prepare you for your next step – college.

For everyone who has dreams of Broadway we’re here to help you achieve them. Dream B I G, work hard at your craft and enjoy your journey.

Posted in Acting Camps, Actor's Success, Broadway, Casting, College Auditions, Musical Theater, NYC, Summer Camps, Summer Programs, Theater, US Performing Arts | Leave a comment

Acting for the Camera Camp

Posted on January 31, 2012 by usperformingarts

What is there about watching a performance on the screen? Why do we love our screen nights, whether it’s in the theater or in our own home? I think it’s because of the intensely personal character portrayal. We watch people enacting stories with personal traits we can relate to. People that pick us up and transcend us to another time and place. That type of response doesn’t happen by accident. It takes the collaboration of many; a screenwriter, a director, a cinematographer, designers and most important, the actor.

Acting for the CameraIf you’re a young actor, or a parent or teacher of an emerging artist, guiding them towards making their dreams a reality, finding the right training programs can be a difficult task. If your child is between the ages of 11-18, US Performing Arts has the perfect summer camp experience for the student who dreams to act for the camera. The team of Mary Lou Belli and Charlie Dougherty bring their professional expertise to a series of Acting for the Camera Camps at colleges and universities across the country. Mary Lou Belli is an award-winning television director who has directed everything from sitcoms to hour-long dramatic shows. She is currently directing two different half-hour series for the BET Network. Charlie Dougherty has a long career as a film and television actor and is very recognizable for his television commercial work. With experience on both sides of the camera this husband and wife duo also have children who have worked professionally in front of the camera. As parents, they are able to bring a very keen parental view to these Acting for the Camera Camps at Pepperdine University, Stanford University and University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Take an Acting for the Camera Camp with Mary Lou and Charlie this summer. Learn how to make the camera love and respect your work. Or, if you’re already earning your living in front of the camera, come perfect the skills you already have. You will spend every minute in class in front of the camera directed by Mary Lou or learning from watching your peers and listening to everyone’s feedback. Charlie will teach you how to act in under 30 seconds when you’re working on commercials. You’ll experience the world of the professional actor. You’ll leave with a sense of confidence that comes with having experienced the real thing.

Posted in Acting, Acting Camps, Actor's Success, Casting, Film, Summer Camps, Summer Programs, Television, US Performing Arts, movies | Comments Off

Why A Summer Musical Theater Conservatory?

Posted on January 23, 2012 by usperformingarts

Is this you?

  • My heart sings when I hear a Broadway song
  • I’ve participated in every children’s community musical theater program in my city
  • I take voice lessons, dance classes, and acting coaching
  • I audition for every high school musical at my school
  • I want more…
  • I want to be a Broadway star!

If you’ve said, “YES!” to any one of the above then you are probably ready to take the step to audition for one of US Performing Arts conservatory programs. Either the UCLA Arts Camps/Workshops three week Musical Theater Conservatory or the two week New York City Broadway Conservatory. Admission is by audition only but that’s a good start to the learning of your craft. Our conservatories are a good example of being where “dreams are trained!”

No matter which coast you choose you will be trained by exciting and motivating professionals who will take you on a journey where dreams are nourished. Is this the year you put your dream on the line and audition for one of the conservatories?

The audition process is really non-intimidating. Auditions are by video. In the comfort of your home or studio. I’ll even tell you what we’re looking for! We want to see as a real person. We want age appropriate material in both your song and monologue. We want your introduction to be a window into who you are and we want to see your passion. Your passion for being you. Your passion for life and your passion to accomplish your dream. With that, you can’t fail.

So, if you’re thinking about a summer camp this summer; a musical theater camp, a dance camp or an acting camp, be sure to add the Broadway Conservatory or UCLA Arts Camps/Workshop Musical Theater Conservatory to your wish list. It’s the challenge you owe yourself.

Posted in Acting, Acting Camps, Actor's Success, Broadway, Dance, Musical Theater, US Performing Arts | Leave a comment