Broadway Official Online Masterclass, aka BOOM, has tapped Broadway stars to teach digital classes and workshops to students around the world. Founded by Dublin-based theatre director and educator Rory Hughes, BOOM is by artists, for artists, and provides students with a place to continue their studies and allow professionals the means to practice their craft in these unprecedented times. Members pay a monthly subscription to access live-streamed and recorded classes across a variety of disciplines. Through BOOM, the biggest stars of Broadway, West End, and TV/ Film share their knowledge with anyone interested in learning more about theater, acting, dancing, music, and more. BOOM has also partnered with the Verdon/Fosse Estate, and has exclusive rights to bring online global access to Fosse® Legacy Masterclasses.
Classes and workshops are led by Chip Abbott (On the Town, Charlie and the Charlie Factory), Christina Bianco (YouTube’s “Girl with a Thousand Voices,” Forbidden Broadway), Tony Award nominee Laura Bell Bundy (Legally Blonde, Hairspray), Broadway vocal coach Andrew Byrne (students include performers in Wicked, The Book of Mormon, Mean Girls, Hamilton, Come From Away, Frozen, Hadestown, The Band’s Visit, and more), Fosse legend Lloyd Culbreath (Dancin’, Sweet Charity), Tony Award winning choreographer Christopher Gattelli (Newsies, My Fair Lady), James Harkness (Ain’t Too Proud, Beautiful: The Carol King Musical), Broadway ensemblist-turned-manager Michelle Kittrell (Hairspray, Legally Blonde), Telly Leung (Aladdin, Allegiance), Tony nominee Taylor Louderman (Mean Girls, Kinky Boots), award-winning film actress Nyle Lynn, Tony nominee Eva Noblezada (Hadestown, Miss Saigon), Amy Penston (West End’s The Commitments), Rachelle Rak (Fosse, Catch Me If You Can), Austin Scott (Hamilton, Girl from the North Country), and Natalie Weiss (YouTube’s “Breaking Down the Riffs,” Emojiland).
Founder Rory Hughes believes the platform will provide huge opportunities for both beginners and accomplished performers: “There are live classes and talks for all levels of ability. For beginners, it’s the perfect way to learn a new skill without the fear of embarrassment. For accomplished performers, it provides unparalleled opportunities to connect with your industry peers. I wanted to connect the world to Broadway and the teachers. All BOOM memberships and classes help us to donate a portion of proceeds to the two charities for out of work performers.”
Prices for BOOM classes start at €10 (~$10.82 USD). For further information visit www.boomasterclass.com
About BOOM Masterclass: Broadway’s Official Online Masterclass (BOOM) was founded in response to the devastating effects of COVID-19 on the international entertainment industry. The platform is aimed at people worldwide and offers unique access to top industry professionals, from stage, television and film. A membership subscription to BOOM starts at €10.99 (~$11.95) or users can also sign-up and pay for individual classes.
About the founder: Rory Hughes is a theatre director and educator originally from Pittsburgh, PA. He graduated from Syracuse University receiving a BFA in Musical Theatre. Once he graduated he performed in shows regionally before moving to New York City in 2001. He performed in Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center as well as with the charity event ‘Broadway Bares’ created by Jerry Mitchell. In 2010 Rory moved across the Atlantic to Ireland and performed around the country and as a dancer in the hit TV show “Penny Dreadful.” He created Hues Productions in 2014 to create top of the line workshops for students in Ireland, but also to bring more theatre and dance to the mainstream using as many Irish performers as possible. He is excited to have created BOOM in 2020 to connect the world of Theatre around the world and into your own living rooms.
Introducing Naughty But Nice with Rob Shuter
Meet your new best friend. You know, that friend you text to find out the latest dirt on your work nemesis. Except in this case, it’s about the biggest stars in Hollywood. There isn’t a single celebrity Rob Shuter hasn’t met or personally worked with. So get ready to get the lowdown on your favorite stars every Monday through Thursday, beginning Jan. 20.
Called “America’s Number ONE Gossip Columnist” by The National Enquirer.
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Previously, Rob was the Huffington Post’s only celebrity columnist and the former executive editor of OK! Magazine. Rob has also hosted his own Saturday night talk show on Mark Cuban’s channel and his own daily morning show, ‘The Gossip Table,’ on VH1! He just celebrated his one-year anniversary on Radio Rob – his subscription-based daily live podcast gossip show!
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