Music theatre academy preparing for August

Kenneth Avery-clark is bringing the American Musical Theatre Academy (AMTA), which has bases in London, England and New York, to rural Nova Scotia.

Avery-clark, who has a home n Deep Brook, has been thinking for some time about a music theatre retreat in the area.

“This year,” he said, “I decided to try it and see if there is any interest.”

So far, participants from as far away as Switzerland, Portugal and Western Canada have signed up for the Aug. 5 to 19 retreat.

Run by trained Broadway and West End professionals, he says, the opportunity for any would-be performer is great.

“But the name of the game will be fun,” Avery-clark added. “No experience at all is necessary.”

One of the notable instructors for the school will be Mark Goldthorp who was in the cast of Matilda in London’s West End.

The two-week intensive retreat will include accommodation, meals, training, ground transportation and special external activities. Students of all ages from beginners to advanced are welcome. The summer school will offer day classes for those who live locally.

Co-founded in 2010 by Averyclark and Christie Miller, who are both Canadians, AMTA was established to bridge the gap between London’s West End and New York’s Broadway creative ideals.

“We recognized the historic Cornwallis Park as an ideal retreat where students could live and breathe musical theatre in a picturesque, quiet and safe environment,” said Avery-clark.

“The Annapolis Basin Conference Centre is the perfect place to host this event and we hope to bring students to Nova Scotia from all over the world. With accommodation, restaurant facilities, Kenneth Avery-clark

a 500-seat theatre and new acting, singing and dance studios, this place has it all.”

The musical theatre retreat will be the first of its kind for the area. At the end of the program, participating students will perform for the public and admission for all is free. The cost of the retreat is $1,500 plus tax. For those who do not require accommodation and meals the cost is $600 CAD plus tax. To register, visit: THEAMTA. com/can.