30th Anniversary of My One and Only
Kerry Casserly visited NYC over the weekend to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of "My One and Only". Check out this photo of Kerry and the Musical Director, Jack Lee.
Broadway Legacy
"Kerry Casserly brings lights of Broadway to Minneapolis." Read full article here.
Dorothy Girl Andrea Hjelm named to Mpls.St. Paul Magazine's 2012 Volunteer Hall of Fame
Andrea Hjelm receives deserved recognition for her volunteer work at Lundstrum and other Twin Cities organizations. Read the full article here. Thank you, Andrea, for all that you have done to make a difference!
Coon Rapids High School students take tap at Lundstrum
Since August 2012, students from Coon Rapids High School have learned tap dance with Lundstrum teachers to prepare for their Spring 2013 musical production of "42nd Street." Read the full article here.
Chloe Webster, age 13, draws "The Magic Mrs. Piggle Wiggle" poster
Lundstrum student Chloe Webster shared her talent with Lundstrum's Summer 2012 production of "The Magic Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle" by contributing this original drawing. Thank you, Chloe!
Alumna Brittany Lynch competes to be Miss Black Minnesota USA!
After winning the Miss Black Minnesota title for 2012, Brittany went on to compete for the national crown. Brittany came to Lundstrum a shy quiet girl, and she attributes her love for the stage and her strong dedication to community to her training at the Lundstrum Center. Congratulations, Brittany!
Former student Ben Blair making a documentary in Malawi, Africa
Lundstrum Alum Ben Blair is directing and producing Maji Zuwa, a documentary about a small hotel/orphanage on the beach of Lake Malawi where visitors balance service and vacation. Ben says of his experiences:
"Ten years ago, I walked into the Lundstrum Center in North Minneapolis just wanting a chance to become a professional actor. Having not done any performing since high school... I had a long way to go. But the ladies at the Lundstrum Center gave me a shot. That training gave me confidence, and I had the chance to work in community theatre and small-houses in town. For the last 6 years I've been in Los Angeles working as an actor and trying to carry that passion for the arts that I learned in the Twin Cities. Over the last year, I've taken on directing as well as acting, and now I'm about to go on one of the most life-changing experiences of my life."
Good luck, Ben!
Fresh off the Broadway tour of "Spamalot," McKayla Marso
joins the Lundstrum faculty
McKayla was featured in our "Seize the Day" 2012 Gala, taught during the Summer 2012 "Piggle-Wiggle" camp, and assisted director Angelique Ilo in Summer 2012's "Crazy for You." We are delighted to welcome her to our faculty of talented and accomplished instructors!
Former Broadway Arts Conservatory student Ashlee Fuss appears on "Criminal Minds"
Lundstrum alumna Ashlee Fuss has a budding career in Hollywood! She had a guest role the "Criminal Minds" episode "Closing Time." She also booked a Nickelodeon Comedy Sketch Pilot after being part of a national search, one of six kids cast for the show. Ashlee's family say that this pilot is different from others. "It's like a Saturday Night Live, but with the kids creating the show," they wrote to Lundstrum. Ashlee and the five other actors will be in class at the Groundlings to study improv. The kids will be creating the characters, and the writers/producers will be working with them. From there, they will pitch their show to the network and hope it moves forward.
Best of luck, Ashlee, and congratulations on your success!