By Dirk Langeveld

SOUTHPORT — Young thespians will have a new opportunity to hone their theatrical skills this summer.

The Pequot Library has debuted the Broadway Conservatory Summer Camp, developed as a week-long experience to give students a chance to work alongside professionals and develop their creativity and confidence through musical theatre. The program culminates with a final on-stage performance.

“This conservatory is about giving young people access to real artistic training in a nurturing evironment,” said Peter Van Heerden, executive director at Pequot Library. “Working with professional performers not only builds skills, but also inspires confidence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.”

Workshops, coaching, and more

In a statement, the Pequot Library said the conservatory program aims to help students “strengthen their stage presence, develop discipline and focus, and gain confidence expressing themselves in a supportive, encouraging environment.” It is open to both new and experienced performers between the ages of seven and 13, with all children receiving personalized guidance.

Each day will offer conservatory-style training in singing, acting, and movement. Students will also receive vocal and performance coaching, an introduction to movement and dance, and collaborative training in music and acting.

The experience will guide students in the creation of an original performance combining music, movement, and storytelling inspired by themes from the founding era of the United States. 

A trio of professionals

The program will be led by a faculty of three experienced performers:

• Cyrus J. Madan is a Connecticut-based musician, bandleader, actor and educator. Madan has been a member of Deep Banana Blackout since 1997 and is a founding member and musical director of Borboletta: A Tribute to Santana. Since 2003, he has also served as a private music tutor in Fairfield.
• Nili Bassman is an actress whose credits span Broadway, film, television, and theater. She has also worked as a coach and teacher at several Connecticut programs, including the Fairfield Theatre Company arts program, Sacred Heart University Moviemakers, and the Regional Center for the Arts in Trumbull.
• Lucia Palmieri is a Westport native and Julliard-trained opera singer who has earned international recognition for her performances. Palmieri has also served as a Catholic music director and a Fairfield University educator.

More information

Auditions for the camp will take place on June 20th, with the camp running from June 22nd to 26th. The final performance for friends and family will take place at 7 p.m. on June 26th.

The program will require a minimum of 10 participants and be capped at 20 people to ensure a high quality and personalized experience. 

For more information on the camp and its faculty, click here.

Expanded coverage of Fairfield County cultural events is made possible with support from the Fairfield University Quick Center for the Arts.

Dirk Langeveld

^{_{Dirk Langeveld has worked as a news reporter, content marketing specialist, and freelance writer. He is the author of “The Artful Dodger: The 20-Year Pursuit of World War I Draft Dodger Grover Cleveland Bergdoll” and has contributed to several books on Connecticut history.}}