The Rutgers High School Musical Theater Academy this weekend (Jan. 22 and Jan. 23 at 8 p.m.) is providing a great entertainment escape from the weather, as well as an opportunity to showcase the talents of a Highland Park resident, Mackenzie Volpert. The Rutgers High School Musical Theater Academy provides talented high school students from the tri-state area with the skills needed to excel in the professional world of musical theater. Students, who are accepted by audition, undergo rigorous training in dance (jazz and ballet), voice, acting and stage performance, as well as advice about the industry from New York City professionals. On the evenings of the 22nd and 23rd, the students will perform their end of semester original performance where industry executives, including talent agents and casting directors, are in the audience.
“Ever since I can remember I have loved and been inspired by the theater. Watching people perform and seeing all of the raw emotion they were able to convey through their songs and their scenes really helped me through all of my own problems in life. I want to be able to inspire others and provide them with that incredible experience of connecting to a show and a character, not to mention how much I love to sing, dance, and act and overall just perform and always have. The Rutgers High School Musical Theater Academy has helped me grow immensely as a performer and a person.,” said Mackenzie.
The program’s director Alistair Williams noted how he expects Mackenzie to be part of the professional theater scene at some point in the future.
“I call Mackenzie “my secret weapon” because her exceptional talent is packed in an unsuspecting, small package. I trust Mackenzie as a performer and artist. The ability to trust an actor to deliver in this industry is a big deal. I’m looking forward to seeing Mackenzie’s development over the next several years. “
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://mgedrhsmta.wordpress.com or call 848-932-8618.