Skip to main content

Explore The Arts:

A Musical Theatre Intensive

We have a limited number of scholarships available to pay for participation fees.
Please fill out this form if you would like to be considered for a scholarship.

Scholarship
Register or Sponsor
Schedule of Classes Monday- Friday (Mountain Standard Time)

4:00 PM- Living the Dream in NYC with Jonté J. Culpepper

5:00 PM-  Singing Preparation with Aaron Howe

5:30 PM- How to Become an Actor with Abby Van Gerpen

6:30 PM- Theatre Dance Basics with Kale Brown

Behind the Scenes (Special Guest)

7:30 PM Monday- Hair and Makeup with Evie Long and Lindsey Meek

7:30 PM Tuesday- Anatomy in Motion with Alissa Hall

3:00 PM Wednesday- Inside the Process with Jonathan Ragsdale

7:30 PM Wednesday- Directing a Show with Laura Nuzum

7:30 PM Thursday- The Business Side of Stage with Bradley Fuller

7:30 PM Friday- How to Be a Stage Ninja with Brittney Baker

Course Description and Bio’s

*Class Breakdowns will be given soon…

How to Become an Actor

Abby Van Gerpen

The goal of this class is to have students gain a better understanding of authentically acting/telling the story as well as how to best set themselves up for success in theatre and film industries.

Abby Van Gerpen has been in the acting world for over 20 years in theatres across the Midwest, overseas in England, and appearing in various commercials, audiobooks, television shows, and films. Since moving to Albuquerque she has been fortunate to work with Musical Theatre Southwest, Albuquerque Little Theatre, and The Vortex on many productions. In her class, she is excited to dive deep into the art of acting, storytelling, and how to best set yourself up for success as an actor in a pandemic/post-pandemic world.
Singing Preparation

Aaron Howe

As you move through this course you will learn vocal technique, how to support your breath, focused resonance, vowel shape and avoiding tension. You will also learn how to choose a song for an audition, preparing a cut, vocal audition prep, etiquette and attitude. Vocal style will also be discussed, classical vs. pop theatre and an open audition mic with feedback for your audition.

Aaron Howe has been making music in New Mexico for over 20 years. He received his Bachelor of Music Education from Eastern New Mexico University and his Master of Music from the University of New Mexico. He served as Music Director for Heights First Church of The Nazarene, Community of Joy Lutheran Church, and the Metropolitan Community Church in Albuquerque. He also directed the choral program at St. Pius X High School, and has worked as music director for many community theaters in Albuquerque, including Musical Theater Southwest, Albuquerque Little Theater, and Play Conservatory. Since 2010, Aaron has served as the Artistic Director of The New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus, programming and conducting their concert season, and helping to fulfill their mission of changing the world through music. In 2013, Aaron co-founded The Rio Rancho Youth Chorus and has served as its Artistic Director since that time. In 2016 Aaron became the Artistic Director of the Zia Singers, a women’s chorus that has been performing in Santa Fe for over 25 years. In 2018 Aaron also took on the role of chorus master for Opera Southwest, a professional opera company that has been producing wonderful operas in New Mexico since the 1970s. Aaron is proud and honored to be an active participant in the wonderful musical arts community here in New Mexico.
Anatomy in Motion

Alissa Hall

Build your kinesthetic awareness by studying and applying anatomy. These lessons help you locate and activate specific skeletal and muscle groups, in stillness and through movement. Learn to realign, naturally increase circulation, and promote healing your body -- no dance experience needed. These classes are meant for people with bodies and THAT’S IT! All size, all genders.

Spine problems? These classes can help! Lower back issues? With this work, you can begin healing today.

Alissa Hall has been a ballet dancer since childhood. After suffering what doctors called a career ending spinal injury at age 26, she was told she would never dance again. Thanks to this neuromuscular reeducation program, which she later became an instructor of, she’s *still* dancing, over 20 years later. Her first MTS show was Jesus Christ Superstar in 1999, and since then she’s performed, choreographed, stage managed and/or co directed 16 shows with MTS. She is honored to serve on the board of directors, and passionate about helping others to succeed in their own theater careers. She is also equally driven to help others overcome their own body traumas, especially with these body lessons.
The Business of Stage

Bradley Fuller

In this class Bradley Fuller, the Marketing Manager of Albuquerque Little Theatre since 2015, will be teaching the aspects of theatre that take place outside of the specific productions. We will cover social media, marketing & advertising, and public relations. How does a theatre create community awareness? What "do's" and "don'ts" should we be aware of for social media? Come prepared with questions.

Bradley Fuller is the current Marketing Manager for Albuquerque Little Theatre. Bradley is also the "On Stage" column writer for ABQ the Magazines monthly publication. While working on the business side of ALT, Bradley has also appeared onstage. Some of Bradley’s favorite roles have included Finch in Newsies (Musical Theatre Southwest), Steven in Bring In On The Musical (Devon Frieder Productions), Brad Majors in The Rocky Horror Show (MTS), Snowboy in West Side Story (ALT), and Don Kerr in A Chorus Line (Landmark Musicals). Bradley has also appeared in TV and Film including The Night Shift, and The Scorch Trials. Representation: Mitchell & Associates Talent. Insta: @FindingFuller.
How to Become a Stage Ninja

Brittney Baker

We will discuss the expectations and different jobs when crewing a show, how to work with stage managers, and how to be safe both backstage and during load-in and out. Also important, how to stay hidden from the audience (especially if you get caught on stage)!

Brittney Baker has worked with MTS since 2015 doing many different jobs on different shows. Over the last five years, she has been a stagehand, an assistant stage manager, a deck chief, a spot operator, an usher, and a lighting designer. Her most recent work with MTS was as a lighting designer for Matilda, previously she has worked on American Idiot, Mamma Mia!, Beauty and the Beast, Company, The Little Mermaid, Rocky Horror (2015), and Shrek all with MTS. Brittney recently graduated from UNM with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design and Technology for Performance with an emphasis in Lighting Design. She is a GISHer, a lover of theatre, puns, crochet, and she is an all-around creator.
Hair

Evie Long

In a joint session, with Lindsey Meek, she will be showing basic makeup and hairstyles most used in theatre. Evie will be showing you how to get long lasting curls, as well as how to French braid.

Evie Long studied Cosmetology at TONI&GUY Hairdressing Academy and received her license to practice through the State of NM. She has done hair & makeup for various local theater productions, such as: Hairspray (ALT), Jesus Christ Superstar (MTS), Titanic (MTS), Hair the Musical (MTS), and In the Heights (MTS). She also interned as a set make-up artist for the film Fright Night (2011) as well as several small local film productions. Evie works as an IRA Associate for a fiduciary bank, but keeps finding ways to express her creativity through local theatre projects. She was last seen in Albuquerque Little Theater's production of Beauty and the Beast. Participating in Musical Theatre Southwest's summer class series is a great way to incorporate what she loves while also passing on a passion for creativity to tomorrow's future.
Inside the Process

Jonathan Ragsdale

Join choreographer Jonathan Ragsdale as he breaks down his process for creating movement for musicals! He will be sharing some of his favorite pieces that have inspired his signature style, and how he can motivate what’s expected from a community theater. Bring your questions about dance, stage combat and the theatre industry in general as there will be a live Q&A portion!

Jonathan Ragsdale- is an Albuquerque-raised professional performer and choreographer. His stage credits include regional theater, cruise lines, and multiple national tours. As a creative, he has choreographed productions for Albuquerque Little Theatre, The Growing Stage, PLAY Conservatory, and the Santa Fe Opera’s school tour. His work has been featured in MTS’ productions of Legally Blonde, Jesus Christ Superstar, In the Heights, and NEWSIES. An avid arts educator, Jonathan has taught masterclasses all over the country, including the Broward Center, McCallum Center for the Arts, Alaska Dance Theatre, and the Professional Dancer Institute. A UNM Alumni, he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Musical Theatre and minoring in Dance. His favorite roles in local theater include Ren in Footloose (MTS, 2013), Link in Hairspray (ALT, 2009), Pippin in Pippin (Landmark Musicals, 2011) and Rum Tum Tugger/ Skimbleshanks in CATS (The Growing Stage, 2007).
Living the Dream in NYC

Jonté Jaurel Culpepper

Jonte will share the hardships and successes about moving from New Mexico to The Big Apple! He will answer questions, give advice, and share his knowledge and expertise on training in voice, dance, acting and auditions “do's and “don’ts. Experience his awesome classes by learning a hip-hop routine and a Stiletto Sass Class.

Jonte Jaurel Culpepper is a graduate from the University of New Mexico with his BA in Contemporary Dance and minor in Vocal Performance. Some of his credits include: (AC Slater) "Bayside the Musical" Off-Broadway, (Vulture/Garret Understudy) "Sirens Den" Off-Broadway, (Muscle) "Naked Boys Singing" National Tour, (Final Contestant) "American Idol" Season 15, (Luke) "Altar Boyz", “In The Heights” (Domingo) and (Male Singer 2) "Epic Rock/Divas" Carnival Cruise Line. He was recently seen in a national Target Pride Campaign Commercial as his Drag Persona (Victoria Williams). Check it out! Target.com/pride
Theatre Dance Basics

Kale Brown

This introductory course in Musical Theatre style Dance will provide students with the tools necessary to confidently tackle their next audition. We will begin by breaking down commonly used moves and making the terms less daunting. We will then learn to incorporate these and their variations into simple audition combinations to our favorite contemporary show tunes. This course will culminate in a fun and socially distanced group number.

Kale Brown has found a passion exploring various dance styles for the past nine years. When studying engineering at Georgia Tech, he competed nationally alongside hip hop, contemporary, and Bollywood fusion collegiate troupes. He has had the opportunity to learn from incredible mentors in circus arts and aerial acrobatics. Since moving back home to Albuquerque, Kale has enjoyed furthering his study of performance art through community theatre. He has had the good fortune to be a part of many incredible productions, among his favorites are In the Heights, Chicago, Newsies (Musical Theatre Southwest), Footloose, Shrek the Musical, Mamma Mia (Albuquerque Little Theatre) and Bring it On (Devon Frieder Productions). Kale is immensely excited to share what knowledge he has with those interested in this inspiring community!
Directing a Show

Laura Nuzum

Join Laura as she discusses what a director does and how to get there. In this lecture, she will discuss how to prepare a proposal, what to research before proposing, what are the next steps when you get the job, what the process is, how to collaborate with the production team, how to prep and so much more!

Laura Cummins- Nuzum has performed in, directed, and stage managed over 100 productions. Most recently, she directed Beauty and the Beast (ALT), American Idiot (MTS), Footloose (ALT), Rock of Ages (MTS), The Little Mermaid (MTS), Jesus Christ Superstar (MTS), and Back to the 80’s (Adobe). Some of her favorite onstage roles are, Rosie in Mamma Mia! (ALT), Mary Magdalene in JCS (MTS), Paulette in Legally Blonde (MTS), Vi in Footloose (MTS), Sister Mary Lazarus in Sister Act (ALT), Dragon in Shrek (MTS), Rona in Putnam County Spelling Bee (MTS), Patsy Cline in Always...Patsy Cline (MTS), Alice Beineke in The Addams Family (MTS), LaVonda in Sordid Lives (Adobe), and Mrs. Peacock in Clue (MTS). Laura was once upon a time a music teacher and studied Music Education at UNM.
Makeup

Lindsey Meek

In a joint session, with Evie Long, we will be showing basic makeup and hairstyles most used in theatre. She will be showing you how to properly apply a full face of makeup that is stage ready! Everything from how to choose the right foundation, eye makeup and contouring.

Lindsey Meek is currently a freelance worker who has been an avid theater lover for as long as she can remember. Her first live theater show was Musical Theatre Southwest’s production of Sound of Music at the Highland Theater when she was only 4 years old! Lindsey started performing when she was six in her elementary school talent shows and was a member of the Albuquerque Youth Symphony Choir in high school as well as the Albuquerque Honor Choir. Lindsey started being active in community theatre in 2018 and has been seen onstage and off. She is so excited to help people get pre-show ready!