Metropolis Connecting Chicago Students with Big Name Artists

Metropolis School of the Performing Arts has announced three workshops with big artists, giving aspiring musical theatre actors, songwriters and playwrights a chance to learn from professionals in the business.

On October 3rd, aspiring adult playwrights can work with local playwright Will Dunne in a free two-hour class at Metropolis. Will Dunne is the Resident Playwright at Chicago Dramatists, has led nearly 1,600 playwriting workshops and twice attended the Australian National Playwrights Conference as guest instructor. His plays have been selected by the Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center for three National Playwrights Conferences, and generated a Charles MacArthur Fellowship. West coast productions of his plays have earned four Bay Area Theatre Critics Awards and two DramaLogue Playwriting Awards. Students will learn the basic principles of playwriting and get a technical look at how scenes are constructed. The workshop is 10 a.m. – Noon on Saturday, October 3 and is free. Students can register by calling 847.577.5982 x221.

On October 11 & 12, musical theatre performers and singers ages 8-16 can attend the two-day Singing for the Stage II workshop, which culminates in a showcase with Jersey Boy Michael Ingersoll. This second in the series of exciting workshops will prepare young vocal performers for singing on the stage. It will focus on vocal technique, stage presence and acting the song. This workshop will end in a final showcase with Jersey Boy Michael Ingersoll who will provide individual feedback to each student. Time is 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday and Monday, October 11 & 12. Cost is $175 and students can register by calling 847.577.5982 x221.

Aspiring songwriters can work with Grammy Nominated singer/songwriter Shawn Mullins on Sunday November 22. Mullins has had two number one songs, sold over a million albums, been nominated for a Grammy and performed thousands of live shows. Now students can study songwriting with him at Metropolis. This is a great chance for songwriters to learn from someone that knows how to write lyrics and weave hit melodies. Mullins performs an acoustic show at Metropolis on Saturday, November 21 at 8 p.m., and holds this Master Class on Sunday, November 22 from Noon – 4 p.m. Cost is $150. Students can register by calling 847.577.5982 x221

Metropolis is supported in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council. In addition, Metropolis receives generous sponsorship from American Airlines, Daily Herald, Doubletree Hotel of Arlington Heights and FastSigns of Arlington Heights..

Metropolis is located in the heart of Chicago’s northwest suburbs in downtown Arlington Heights at the intersection of Campbell and Vail Avenue (111 West Campbell Street). Street parking is available. Free parking is available in the public garage behind the theatre. For more information about Metropolis and a complete 2008/2009 performance schedule, go to MetropolisArts.com or call the Box Office at 847.577.2121.