Students and other viewers can register now for the new season of the Center for the Performing Arts’ Front Seat series, which invites high school and college students with interests in the performing arts to talk with seasoned performers and production professionals about the influences and experiences that shaped their careers.
Launching Aug. 24, the 2020-2021 season of Front Seat is taking place online through Zoom teleconferencing. A limited number of students can participate in each live discussion, but anyone interested in the performing arts and the entertainment industry can register to watch the conversation and submit questions through the chat function. Registration is free.
The initial schedule and registration links are available now at TheCenterPresents.org/FrontSeat. For more information, interested students and teachers can email Outreach@TheCenterPresents.org.
The schedule includes:
Cricket S. Myers – Tony Award-nominated sound designer
Aug. 24 at 7 p.m.
Register: TheCenterPresents.org/FrontSeatMyers
Los Angeles-based sound designer Cricket Myers has worked with theaters across the country and earned a Tony Award nomination (the first in sound design for a woman) and a Drama Desk Award for Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo on Broadway. She also has received 23 Ovation Award nominations.
Michael Stiggers – Broadway actor, singer, dancer
Sept. 28 at 7 p.m.
Register: TheCenterPresents.org/FrontSeatStiggers
Michael Stiggers Jr. made his Broadway debut in the Tony Award-winning Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and recently has been performing in Disney’s The Lion King. He also is a voiceover artist with national campaigns and projects for Adidas, Uber and Nickelodeon.
Lizzi Gee – Broadway and British theater/film choreographer, movement director
Oct. 19 at 5 p.m.
Register: TheCenterPresents.org/FrontSeatGee
Lizzi Gee was choreographer for A Christmas Carol on Broadway and the 2014 film Pride. She is an Old Vic Theatre Associate Artist whose work spans musicals, plays, operas, film and television, including numerous West End productions and U.K. tours.
Todd Williams – nationally recognized jazz musician and educator
Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.
Register: TheCenterPresents.org/FrontSeatWilliams
A sought-after saxophonist, clarinetist, flautist and clinician, Todd Williams was initially known for his work with the Wynton Marsalis Quintet/Septet and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Currently directing the Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combo at Indiana Wesleyan University, he also has penned a variety of contemporary gospel choral works.
David Lober – production stage manager for Broadway and national tours
Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.
Register: TheCenterPresents.org/FrontSeatLober
David Lober’s Broadway credits include The Lehman Trilogy, A Christmas Carol, Groundhog Day, Matilda and Saturday Night Fever. National tours have included Dear Evan Hansen, Million Dollar Quartet, The Light in the Piazza, Aida, Show Boat, Sunset Boulevard, Miss Saigon and The Phantom of the Opera.
Jane Pfitsch – Broadway actor, singer, musician and narrator
Jan. 25 at 7 p.m.
Register: TheCenterPresents.org/FrontSeatPfitsch
Jane Pfitsch performed recently on Broadway in Dear Evan Hansen and previously in Angels in America (2018 revival), Cabaret (2014 revival), Les Liaisons Dangereuses (2008 revival) and Company (2007 revival). She also has appeared in the national tour of Dear Evan Hansen, several off-Broadway productions, the film 27 Dresses and the CBS series Elementary.
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Learn more at TheCenterPresents.org.