Amas Musical Theatre

Registrations now being accepted for
The Rosetta LeNoire Musical Theatre Academy

Seeking Talented Young People 15-19

Amas Musical Theatre is a 38-year old multi-ethnic, non-profit performing arts organization dedicated to the development of new musicals and to the training of young performing artists. The Academy is designed for teenagers between the ages of 15-19 of all races and ethnic backgrounds. Students are accepted into the program by auditions held in October 2006.

The Rosetta LeNoire Musical Theatre Academy meets on Saturdays 9:45-5:00 for classes in singing, acting and dance, as well as related professional performance classes. An Open House presentation is held in January for parents and friends. In May of 2007, the Academy students perform a fully-produced Off-Off-Broadway Musical. Classes are held at Repertory Company High School for Theatre Arts at Town Hall on West 43rd Street.

Rosetta LeNoire Musical Theatre Academy in action

30-35 students are selected on the basis of talent, potential and ability in the performing arts. Classes are conducted by established Broadway theatre professionals and offer the opportunity for students to develop their talents in a nurturing and supportive environment. In addition to scheduled classes, special guest artists meet and work with students.

The Rosetta LeNoire Musical Theatre Academy has been featured in The New York Times, The Amsterdam News, The New York Post, and on NY1. The New York Times hailed "the Academy production of Footloose as a "spirited revival…that displayed the triple-threat talents of a teenaged multicultural ensemble…"

Tuition for the Academy is $800 for 25 weeks of instruction and two-week Off-Broadway Production!
FULL AND PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR STUDENTS ELIGIBLE FOR TUITION ASSISTANCE

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION FORM

The Rosetta LeNoire Musical Theatre Academy is made possible in part with funds from Ampacet Corporation , The Bill & Jean Cantor Scholarship Fund, The Michael Tuch Foundation, New York State Council on the Arts: Special Arts Services, The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs,and the many individual friends and supporters of Amas Musical Theatre.

READ WHAT THE CRITICS AND PUBLIC SAID
ABOUT SIGNS OF LIFE

What the Critics Said About
Signs of Life

A lot of talent and some fine voices are on display in Signs of Life. - N. Genzlinger, The New York Times

Signs of Life is a beautiful and haunting drama. Stuart Zagnit is heartbreaking … Erika Amato is exceptional. - Iris Greenberger, Show Business

The play's themes of hope and the strength of the human spirit should resonate with everyone. Flawless acting by the entire cast. - PM Entertainment

With minimal props and an often haunting musical score, a dedicated ensemble earnestly explores what survival means after everything is lost. Jason Collins stands out as the self-serving but supportive cabaret performer Kurt Gerard. Erika Amato gives a passionate performance as Berta…her "Home Again Soon," about the suffering Polish children in the camp is one of the most poignant songs. An anthem performed by the company in the finale, 'Find A Way to Live,' builds into a rousing harmonic declaration of human spirit.
- Elizabeth Ahlfors, Curtain Up

Signs of Life treats this subject matter respectfully, but not solemnly - allowing many different emotions to slip through, not just anger and despair. The writers, Peter Ullian (book), Len Schiff (lyrics) and Joel Derfner (music), acknowledge that even in Terezin there are moments of happiness, love and hope...Signs of Life brings a unique look at a forgotten period in time. Erika Amato plays Berta, a Jewish wife dumped by her German businessman husband. She wears her emotions openly and sings with a voice that tears at your heart. Her portrayal of Berta is aching. Wilson Bridges as Simon, Lorelei's love interest, is also an amazing talent. Mr. Bridges' voice is wonderful and his acting is great. Jeremy Dobrish directs this relatively big show in a small space with expertise, fully taking advantage of the knowledge the audience brings in with them. Particular kudos have to be given to Alexis Distler. Her set designs are beautifully understated and reveal themselves slowly, mirroring the characters' emotional growth.
- Scott Mitchell, Music OMH

What the Public Said About
Signs of Life

Signs of Life will come and out and grab you in the first scene and will not let go until you jump to your feet for an ovation after the final number. The cast is superb and the production is simply brilliant, but don't take my word for it-- just go see it.
- LD, New York Times Reader Review

From the opening scene, until the moving and uplifting finale, Signs of Life is a most remarkable musical drama. This is a play that will stay with you, long after you leave the theater.
- SM, New York Times Reader Review

Not knowing what to expect from a musical about the Holocaust, I was extremely impressed and very much moved by Signs of Life. Some standout performances by the cast, notably the accomplished veteran Stuart Zagnit, delivering a layered, genuine performance in strong, emotive voice, as the caring and selfless grandfather, and the young Patricia Noonan who deftly captivates in the lead, bringing us along on her journey, with a nearly flawless ensemble cast. Creative staging and strong direction by Jeremy Dobrish supported by a beautifully haunting score by Joel Derfner made the play speak with eloquence and dignity. This is what theater does best -- reach us, teach us, and take us there with the actors as they play out their stories with an immediacy and intimacy this little theater venue promotes. It is an experience most satisfying and uniquely human. That ain't just entertainment.
- DiHavens, New York Times Reader Review

We need to remember these stories. Thank God we have this wonderful work of theatre to help us to remember. Thank God for "Signs of Life." As a daughter of Holocaust survivors, I thank everyone connected with this show.
- Suzanne Z, New York Times Reader Review

This is a brilliant, compelling, moving, rich and beautiful work. The subject is difficult but one leaves with a deeper understanding of the evil of the holocaust and a profound emotional reaction to the outstanding cast, acting, and music. If you want theater to move you, increase your understanding, underscore your humanity and live with you forever you should see this program. Five stars.
- Cs, New York Times Reader Review

We were profoundly affected with appreciation for how this topic was so poignantly produced. The music was glorious. The actors/singers had beautiful light opera/musical comedy voices. The ensemble worked well together. The scenery was imaginative and just perfect! This is a production to see, feel and appreciate!
- Ann, Goldstar Member Review

Signs of Life was fabulous. The actors were extremely talented, as were the playwright and lyricist! Having just gotten back from Prague, with a side trip to Terezin, the play just brought me to a higher level of insight as to the entire ordeal. I was brought to tears numerous times during the production. Bravo to everyone who took part in this play.
- Kathi Cohen, Goldstar Member Review

Photo credit: Joan Marcus