The arts center’s summer programs aren’t just for kids who dream of careers in theater — they’re
for anyone who likes to perform. Participating in collaborative creative projects can boost self-
confidence and teach the value of teamwork, which are beneficial across the board.
SUMMER 2018 | artsLife 57
spray, Wicked), offers real-world training each
summer in Orlando and at two arts centers in
Michigan.
Faculty members include Bundy and other
experienced Broadway “teaching artists.”
The team of instructors for the Orlando
week will be chosen in the spring.
“We do group numbers, individual coaching
on vocal technique, dance technique,
storytelling through movement and scene
work on acting — including what goes into
building a character,” Canaan says.
As with other summer programs at the arts
center, Take It From the Top culminates with
a showcase for family and friends at the end
of the week. But Canaan says he doesn’t
want preparation for the performance to
overwhelm the week’s instruction.
“I want to focus on skill-building,” he says.
“I want to celebrate students’ strengths, but
also focus on where they’re not as strong,
and work on improving those areas. The
showcase offers a glimpse of what we’ve
done throughout the week.”
Take It From the Top is appropriate for anyone
who loves to perform, Canaan says — not
just high school students who are on a theater
career track or “the kids who sing Frozen every
day to their parents.” The experience, he says,
that are crucial for success in any endeavor.
Brazil attributes Canaan’s success as a
teacher to both ability and enthusiasm. “I’ve
known Paul for a long time,” she says. “One
of the things I’ve always admired about him
— in addition to his crazy talent — is that he’s
always upbeat and positive.”
Canaan’s newest venture is The Original
Production, a licensing company he formed
with director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell
to make original Broadway choreography
available to school and community theaters.
His Take It From the Top students will be
-
riculum will include the original choreography
for “You Can’t Stop the Beat” from Hairspray.
On the following pages are descriptions of
the various summer programs offered.