An affiliate of Dallas Summer Musicals, the DSM Academy of Performing arts was founded in 1999 to engage and educate children and young adults in musical theatre training. Accredited arts teachers and theatre professionals lead four comprehensive sessions yearly, all culminating with a public performance of a student production. Master classes also give students a taste of Broadway in lessons led by touring performers. The program is intentionally designed as a confidence-building experience, with a guarantee that every child will receive a speaking part. (For current class offerings and more details, click here.)

Lynne and Bob Thompson signing a scholarship.

In appreciation of his love of musical theatre, Endeavour International Corporation established the Robert L. Thompson Scholarship fund for Mr. Thompson as a retirement present in 2013. He and his family continue to financially back the fund and make musical theatre education possible for more students. “We want the community to know about the Academy and all of DSM. There is so much more happening at DSM than entertaining patrons. These experiences are integral to children’s development. The growth experienced by these kids cannot be overstated, and the scholarship program extends that opportunity to those who cannot do it without help.”

DSM Academy students take a master class taught by cast members from the National Tour of PIPPIN.

Alexis became involved with the Academy after her high school theatre teacher encouraged her to audition. Alexis was interested in the program but was reluctant to audition because she knew her family couldn’t cover the full cost of tuition. Deadline looming, her teacher pulled her aside and filmed Alexis’ audition tape herself. Academy Director of Education Kevin Cook was impressed, and Alexis was brought into the Academy on scholarship.

Alexis recalls feeling a little frightened in her first days at the Academy, not knowing what to expect. She quickly found her footing and the support she needed to expand her limits. “That first day it was scary, but that feeling of being by myself helped me grow, and the teachers were always there to push and help support us all, while being so welcoming.”

Once, Alexis remembers thinking she was in trouble when Mr. Cook gave her a sideways glance during auditions. She had gone out for the smaller, comedic role of the chicken in Pippin and got called up by Mr. Cook during auditions for the lead part. She asked him if she was in trouble and he exclaimed, “No! Go audition!” She shares, “Then I got the part. Mr. Kevin and Ms. Ty pushed me to see that I am way more than I think I am sometimes.”

Recalling her meeting with the Thompsons, Alexis’ voice floods with emotion. “Even though this man doesn’t know me, he gave me the amazing opportunity to do what I love and to make people smile. I could see how proud he was that he was helping students accomplish their dreams. He was proud of me even though he had never met me before.” She quickly transitioned from tears to laughter, “It made me laugh after the show because he said, ‘I had a meeting to go to, but I’m going to stay for the second show!’”

Alexis plans to get a musical theatre education at NYU and pursue her Broadway dreams. She wants then to share her knowledge as a teacher and create the kind of experience that she had at the Academy for other students. “They all touch your heart and they all impact you. Those feelings like I learned at DSM of acceptance, confidence and love, they will stay with me.”

Taking another moment of gratitude for the Thompsons, Alexis emphasized, “Just by one action, you can change someone’s life. Even though he had not yet met me, he changed my life.”

DSM Academy Students Say Thank You!

You’re also invited to see Alexis perform at the House of Blues on September 17^th for DSM’s North Texas Giving Day celebration from 4-8pm. She will be joined by rocking Texas band GOODnGONE and local talent Keron Jackson.

Together, let’s Do Something More!

#GiveDSM         #DSMisBIG        #NTXGivingDay        #DoSomethingMore

About DSM Academy of Performing Arts:

Mission – Recognizing the positive influence of the arts on the human experience, DSM Academy of Performing Arts strives not only to increase appreciation of the performing arts, but to teach those arts professionally. The DSM Academy of Performing Arts was founded in 1999 and operates as an affiliate of Dallas Summer Musicals in several locations in the Dallas area. Dallas Summer Musicals is a company that produces and presents Broadway, off-Broadway, West End and touring theatrical productions. The DSM Academy is comprised of 75% teens and 25% adults ranging in age from 7 to adult. The Academy is proud of its diverse and ethnic student population. The DSM Academy has granted over 250 need-based scholarships. The Academy helps to prepare the amateur and the professional for involvement in the performing arts. The purpose of this page is to connect people who have a common interest in the performing arts of any type.

About Dallas Summer Musicals
Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) is the preeminent nonprofit presenter of Broadway theatre in North Texas. DSM produces, presents and promotes excellence in live musical theatre with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through community outreach and education, and enriching the cultural landscape of Dallas/Fort Worth, North Texas and the Southwest Region.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, DSM relies on a variety of funding sources to bring the Best of Broadway to Dallas at affordable ticket prices, as well as to preserve the beautiful historic theatre, educate young audiences and create important community programs. DSM’s Seats for Kids program provides a meaningful arts education experience to thousands of low income, at-risk and special needs children. DSM provides positive incentives for youth that are at risk for gang membership through the Stage Right program. In addition, The Dallas Summer Musicals Academy of Performing Arts offers professional theatre arts training and scholarships to talented students in need. DSM’s High School Musical Theatre Awards are patterned after Broadway’s Tony® Awards and celebrates the power of the arts to significantly improve all areas of education. Hear Us Now!™ is DSM’s newest initiative. Since 2010 the experts at DSM have made significant changes and upgrades to its acoustical systems to improve the sound quality of the productions for all its patrons, including the hearing impaired. It is so unique that a trademark has been allowed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Ticket sales alone do not sustain these endeavors. Only support from committed businesses, foundations and individuals make these programs possible.

Dallas Summer Musicals is presented by Texas Instruments and gratefully acknowledges the support of our season sponsors and partners The Dallas Morning News, WFAA TV Channel 8, American Airlines, and The Original Cupcakery.

For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, please call 214.421.5678 or visit our website at DallasSummerMusicals.org.

Dallas Summer Musicals Academy Announces Auditions for the Academy Industry Showcase

The DSM Academy of Performing Arts is pleased to announce auditions for an opportunity to be selected for the Academy Industry Showcase.

As the Academy expands its relationship with the premiere Industry professionals in the Metroplex, we will find the most “industry ready” actors to present their finest skills to top agents, casting directors, and other professionals.

Auditions will be held Saturday, March 14^th from 8:30 a.m.to Noon and 1:00 p.m.to 6:00 p.m. for the first 75 people, ages 10 or older, to sign up. Younger students may be invited. An additional audition day on Tuesday, March 17^th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. will be added, if needed. Audition appointments are five minutes in length and will be held at:

Central Christian Church
4711 Westside Dr., Dallas, TX 75209

ATTENTION: You must prepare a one minute monologue from a play. You may be asked to sing and dance as well. The showcase is limited to 24 participants.

Click here to sign up to audition.

Those selected will become part of a 10 week intensive that will meet at the Central Christian Church on Saturday, March 21^st through May 30^th from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It will culminate in a performance on Wednesday evening June 3^rd at 7:30 p.m. following a 5:00 p.m. performance for Family and Friends at:

International Conservatory of Performing Arts
3321 Premier Drive, Plano, TX 75023

There is no charge to register for the audition. Student must be 10 years of age or older unless invited by the Academy. If selected, the program cost is $249 for 10 weeks.

The class will be led by DSM Academy Instructor and Director Steven Kavner (award-winning actor, former member of the legendary Los Angeles improvisation company The Groundings, and Peabody Award-winning Producer). Mr. Kavner will be supported by DSM Academy’s musical, dance and production staff.

Class: Industry Showcase
Showcase Auditions: Ages 10 and up, Saturday March 14, 9:00 a.m.–Noon and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Class & Audition Location: Central Christian Church, 4711 Westside Dr., Dallas, TX 75209
Class Dates & Times: Saturdays, March 21-May 30, 2015, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Class Limit: 24 students
Performance:  Wednesday June 3, 2015, 5:00 p.m. for family and friends, 7:30 p.m. for industry professionals
Performance Location: International Music Conservatory, 3221 Premier Dr., Plano, TX
Program Cost: $249 – There is no cost to audition.
Audition Registration: http://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/rxy8RjbqconiaOCEVs9Jd3B8d
Details on our website at: http://www.academyatdsm.org/
Call for more information: 214-969-7469

About DSM Academy Of Performing Arts: The DSM Academy of Performing Arts was founded in 1999 and operates as an affiliate of Dallas Summer Musicals in several locations in the Dallas area. Dallas Summer Musicals is a company that produces and presents Broadway, off-Broadway, West End and touring theatrical productions. The DSM Academy is comprised of 75% teens and 25% adults ranging in age from 7 to adult. The Academy is proud of its diverse and ethnic student population. The DSM Academy has granted over 250 need-based scholarships. The Academy helps to prepare the amateur and the professional for involvement in the performing arts. The purpose of this page is to connect people who have a common interest in the performing arts of any type.

Mission: Recognizing the positive influence of the arts on the human experience, DSM Academy of Performing Arts strives not only to increase appreciation of the performing arts, but to teach those arts professionally.

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Dallas Summer Musicals Academy of Performing Arts Partners With
iSchool High of Flower Mound in a New Pathway in Performing Arts

MPowered and Dimensions Dance are both associated with the new program

(Flower Mound and Dallas, TX) Dallas Summer Musicals Academy of Performing Arts, in association with MPowered and Dimensions Dance, has joined with iSchool High of Flower Mound, a tuition-free college preparatory high school, to offer a new pathway in Performing Arts, beginning this fall semester, August 25^th.

Enroll now! Classes include Musical Theatre, Dance: Jazz, Hip-Hop, Ballet, Lyrical, Tap, Contemporary; Voice, Choir, Jazz Band, Group Piano, Digital Music Creation, Music Theory, Acting, Improvisation, Shows and Touring Troupes.

Tours are each Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. and Thursday at 6:00 p.m. Call ahead at 972.899.2521. Limited enrollment space is available. Anyone of high school age can apply via the website at ischoolhigh.com/flowermound. iSchool High is located at 500 Parker Square in Flower Mound, TX 75028 and is accredited by the Texas Education Agency.

In addition, special after-school tuition-based programs are open to the entire community for ages 10 and up beginning September 15^th. Upcoming student show is BUGSY MALONE, JR. For details on this special offering and to register, visit the Academy’s website at AcademyAtDSM.org or call 214.969.7469.

About DSM Academy Of Performing Arts: The DSM Academy of Performing Arts was founded in 1999 and operates as an affiliate of Dallas Summer Musicals in several locations in the Dallas area. Dallas Summer Musicals is a company that produces and presents Broadway, off-Broadway, West End and touring theatrical productions. The DSM Academy is comprised of students ranging in age from 6 to 20. The Academy is proud of its diverse and ethnic student population. The DSM Academy has granted over 250 need-based scholarships. The Academy helps to prepare the amateur and the professional for involvement in the performing arts. The purpose of this page is to connect people who have a common interest in the performing arts of any type.
Mission: Recognizing the positive influence of the arts on the human experience, DSM Academy of Performing Arts strives not only to increase appreciation of the performing arts, but to teach those arts professionally.

About iSchool High of Flower Mound: iSchool High of Flower Mound is an Early College Opportunity Public Charter School. The process by which students achieve credits is unique at iSchool. Instead of the entire class following along as the teacher lectures, the students work independently through their KnowledgeUnits® and complete an exam for each unit. Each course is composed of ten individualized Units of instruction with an accompanying exam which must be passed to earn credit for the course. The credit that is earned at our school is comparable to a credit earned at any other public school. Dual Credit courses are offered through North Central Texas College as an option to receive a college credit while attending our school. Students are expected to maintain a momentum that will ensure they graduate on time and are encouraged to accelerate and graduate early. We set our expectations high, and we offer a system that will assist in meeting these expectations.

iSchool High is a ResponsiveEd School: The ResponsiveEd community of schools are tuition-free, public charter schools dedicated to helping students of all ages achieve their full potential. At ResponsiveEd, we’re all about options in education. Strongly tied to the communities they serve, the mission of our schools is to provide hope for students through an innovative, character-based, personalized learning environment where they are academically successful and develop into lifelong learners. Utilizing the best technology has to offer, the creativity our educators possess, and the resources provided to us, we will continue providing opportunity and hope to every student.

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Hey DSM Fans,

Well, this week is a BIG week for DSM and Broadway! We have 2 major events, 7 performances by our DSM Academy, and the Tony Award Nominees were announced today!

DSM HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATRE AWARDS – #dsmhsmta14
Our first major event is the 3rd Annual DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards Show tomorrow, Wednesday, April 30th at the Music Hall at Fair Park! What is the DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards? Patterned after Broadway’s Tony® Awards, show business veterans and community celebrities come together to spotlight the achievements of high school students and their school’s musical theatre programs. Fifty-eight shows from Fifty-six high schools are participating. Throughout the year, three judges visit each school and judge the performers in 15 categories. Each school’s performance is evaluated by a panel of judges and ballots are tabulated. The top scoring schools in each category are nominated as finalists. Click here to check out the nominees!

Tonight is a special night as well – all the judges gather to choose the Best Actor and Best Actress from the nominated students based on their performances this evening. All of the previous scores gathered in the original judging have been eliminated. The winners will be announced at the Awards Show tomorrow evening.

**Tune in to the DSM Twitter and DSM Instagram (@dsmusicals) tonight before, during, and after the Best Actor/Actress judging and tomorrow ALL DAY as we give you inside access and live updates for this annual event!**

Want to come to the Awards Show? Click here for tickets! Can’t make it? Just follow us on Twitter and Instagram – we’ll be live tweeting and posting to give you live updates!

DSM CURTAIN CALL 2014: BROADWAY BOUND
Our second major event is our annual fundraising gala Curtain Call on Friday, May 2nd at the Music Hall at Fair Park! Curtain Call is an evening of entertainment preceded by a seated dinner and a live and silent auction. This year’s featured performer is Broadway Veteran Vivian Reed. Proceeds from Curtain Call support Dallas Summer Musicals’ mission to bring the best of Broadway to Dallas and provide for children’s education and outreach programs, such as the DSM Academy (below) and DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards (above). Click here to learn more and get tickets!

DSM ACADEMY PERFORMS DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR.! – #littlemermaiddsma
This weekend, the DSM Academy presents Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR. Three of our classes will present this musical at the Uptown Theater in Grand Prairie. Dates and times vary – please see below for this info! The DSM Academy strives not only to increase appreciation of the performing arts, but to teach these arts professionally to students from ages 6 to adults. Admission to Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR. is FREE and seating is first come, first served. We hope to see you there to see our very talented students!

SATURDAY, MAY 3rd
Improv 102: The BIG Mermaid – Park Cities Teen Class – 1:30pm
Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR. – Park Cities Teen Class – 4:30pm & 6:30pm

SUNDAY, MAY 4th
Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID, JR.
Town North Youth Class – 11:00am & 2:00pm
Park Cities Youth Class – 12:30pm & 3:30pm

All performances are at the Uptown Theater, 120 E Main St, Grand Prairie, TX 75050.

TONY® AWARD NOMINATIONS
Nominations for the 2014 American Theatre Wing’s Tony Awards, presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, were announced this morning! Click here to see who and what shows were nominated. I can’t believe it’s Tony Season Y’all! 🙂

We’ve been busy prepping for all of these events, and I’ve gotta hop back to it as well. I hope to see you all very soon at any of these awesome events! Oh, and get excited – It’s Broadway’s biggest night in less than 2 months!

-DSM Amanda

Curtain Call 2014 Broadway Bound! Features Broadway Star Vivian Reed
benefiting Dallas Summer Musicals and their Education and Outreach Programs

DSM Special Events and Announcements Media Contact:
Sharon Adams
Adams Communications Public Relations
972-773-9289972-773-9289
Adamscomm1@aol.com

DSM Contact: Kate Finley
Director of Development
214-413-3961214-413-3961
kfinley@dallassummermusicals.org

                (February 18, 2014 – Dallas, TX)  Slated for Friday, May 2^nd, Curtain Call Broadway Bound! will take place at the Music Hall at Fair Park, chaired by Holly and Brad Reeves with honorary chairs Paddy and Barry Epstein. As DSM’s premier fundraiser of the year, Curtain Call is an exciting evening of gourmet delights, inspiration and entertainment!
The evening begins as patrons and sponsors enter the Music Hall strolling along the red carpet and are greeted with fanciful and over-the-top decorations corresponding with the event’s theme. Guests enjoy the VIP cocktail reception and silent auction followed by a gourmet seated dinner prepared by M Dining at the Music Hall.

Following dinner, everyone enters the theatre for a live auction and private concert featuring award winning Broadway performer Vivian Reed and performances from the 3rd Annual High School Musical Theatre Award winners Best Actor and Best Actress before they begin their journey to New York and the national competition, the Jimmy Nederlander Awards. The show also features the Best Musical Award winners, all in musical vignettes arranged by Michael Moricz and choreographed by Michael Tapley, two of Broadway’s best! Join us for a spectacular performance by the future stars of Broadway!

Proceeds support Dallas Summer Musicals’ mission to bring the Best of Broadway to Dallas and provide for children’s education and outreach programs.  Sponsors’ support will bring the magic of musical theater to so many children who otherwise would never experience it — magic created through programs such as DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards, Seats for Kids, DSM Academy of Performing Arts, Kid’s Club and Stage Right.
Dallas Summer Musicals season sponsors are American Airlines, Dallas Morning News, WFAA Channel 8 and Texas Instruments.  DSM Season partners are The Original Cupcakery and The Frontiers of Flight Museum.

Curtain Call sponsors are Modern Luxury Dallas, Park Cities News/The Waters Family; Kick-Off party sponsor, SĒR Steak + Spirits; Invitations sponsor, Dallas Southwest Osteopathic Physicians.
Sponsorships and underwriting available starting at $2,500. Individual gala event tickets are $350 each and include all event benefits: Cocktail reception, gourmet dinner and concert.  An Entertainment ticket is available for $50 for the concert only, including balcony seating and two drink tickets. All Curtain Call underwriting opportunities and benefits are available through the web site at: http://www.curtaincallgala.org

For additional information, contact the Development Office at DSM, 214-413-3957214-413-3957 and email at curtaincall@dallassummermusicals.org

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About Dallas Summer Musicals

Dallas Summer Musicals (DSM) is the preeminent nonprofit presenter of Broadway theatre in North Texas.  DSM produces, presents and promotes excellence in live musical theatre with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through community outreach and education and enriching the cultural landscape of Dallas/Fort Worth, North Texas and the Southwest Region. Visit the website at www.dallassummermusicals.org

• DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards: Patterned after Broadway’s Tony Awards^®, the event celebrates the power of the Arts to significantly improve all areas of education. Show business veterans and community celebrities come together to spotlight the achievements of high school students and their school’s musical theatre programs. DSM awards scholarships to a number of outstanding and deserving participants. Students are nominated by their teachers and judged by a separate scholarship committee.

• DSM Academy of Performing Arts: The first component of Dallas Summer Musicals’ outreach initiatives, DSM Academy of Performing Arts, extends the legacy of former DSM Managing Director Tom Hughes’ vision, to create the broadest possible avenue for dramatic expression within our community.  In 1999, the DSM Academy of Performing Arts was established to provide training for students ages 7 – adult, as well as continuing education for adults in theater arts.  Professional instruction helps students integrate the disciplines of singing, dancing, and acting into the unique genre of musical theater.  To ensure access and availability, the school offers limited scholarships to promising students with limited financial resources. Instruction includes classes, workshops and performance. When possible, workshops are provided by cast members of productions playing at Dallas Summer Musicals.

• Seats for Kids: Created in 2003 to provide a meaningful theater arts experience to low-income, at-risk and special needs children, Seats for Kids serves approximately 2,000 children each year.  Nonprofit youth agencies and Title 1 schools are eligible to participate in the program. DSM provides children, their teachers and chaperones with free tickets as well as a professionally drafted study guide to support attending the performance.

• Kids Club: This free membership program for kids was created to develop tomorrow’s musical theater audience.  Through exciting activities, special events, backstage tours and informational     exchanges about shows included in the Kids Club membership, children gain an interest, knowledge and appreciation of the performing arts.

• Stage Right: In 2005, the Stage Right program to introduce at-risk youth ages 12-15 to arts and cultural events, was created in partnership with the Dallas Police Department.   Together, DSM and DPD are “Raising the curtain for education and spotlighting the appreciation of the arts through experience and positive quality lifestyles.” The students entering the program are recommended by Dallas area teachers and counselors and other youth programs including Boys & Girls Clubs, Girls Inc. and Dallas Recreation Centers as part of their ongoing efforts to keep students from joining gangs, getting involved in drugs and crime, or engaging in other activities that prevent their enjoying success in school.  Stage Right, with educational support from the Phoenix House, seeks to raise awareness of the arts, increase appreciation for different lifestyles and also increase self-esteem.

The public can play a part in bringing the Best of Broadway
to the young people in our community!

Charitable contributions are vital to the sustainability of these initiatives at Dallas Summer Musicals.  Please assist DSM in its mission to build awareness for the enjoyment and educational values of musical theater as it does so through its ongoing outreach programs.

For more information including sponsorships, booking or program details, please contact the DSM Development Department at 214.413.3957214.413.3957 or development@dallassummermuscals.org

Media Contact: Sharon Adams
PR for DSM Academy of Performing Arts
Direct Line: 972.773.9289
Cell: 214.924.9959
adamscomm1@aol.com

DSM Academy of Performing Arts Contact: Kevin Cook
Director of Education
Phone: 214.969.7569
kcook@dallassummermusicals.org

DSM Academy of Performing Arts and Dimensions Dance and Performing Arts Company along with the International Music Conservatory Bring Their Expertise Together Under One Roof

The International Conservatory of Performing Arts

A wide variety of master classes, camps and year-round instruction offered in musical theatre, acting, voice, directing, dance, drill team, tap, jazz, hip-hop, violin, viola, cello, piano, double bass and more – all topped off with stunning student performances.

            (Dallas, TX – August 13, 2013)  DSM Academy of Performing Arts along with Dimensions Dance and Performing Arts Company (DDPAC) and the International Music Conservatory (IMC) will all offer classes under one roof at the IMC location in Plano, dubbing the effort International Conservatory of Performing Arts.
“There is nothing like this in our metro area,” said Kevin Cook, Director of Education at the DSM Academy. “DSM Academy is thrilled to offer theatre training while these top-rate companies bring their expertise to offer a triple-threat opportunity for music, dance and acting. For young performers, it’s one dream of three collaborators in one building.”
DSM Academy will continue its theatre programs at Park Cities, Frisco and Town North, but this new relationship will include individual classes in overall Musical Theatre as part of the ongoing curriculum at IMC. There will be classes in Musical Theatre, Acting, Acting for Film, Improvisational Acting, Directing, Semi-Private Voice, Lyric Interpretation, Voice for Dancers, How to Audition as a Triple-Threat and Dance for Theatre.
Ronald Neal, Director of the International Music Conservatory said, “This is an extraordinary and long overdue association between music, theatre and dance. The IMC program is designed to assist aspiring young artists in finding his or her voice and style through the fundamental training for instrumental technique, theory of music and music communication skills, etc. We are thrilled to welcome these two notable companies in the creation of a world class performing arts center for pre-college students and aspiring professionals.”
Kerry Dove, Artistic Director, DDPAC agrees, saying, “Our main focus is to integrate with the IMC and DSM Academy to offer all aspects of performing arts under one roof. Here, we will educate and equip children, teens and adults to become employable artists in the performing arts field, or to simply foster their love of the arts by providing the chance to study with the best of the best in one facility, which offers a state-of-the-art environment in a centralized location.  For this reason, our curriculum emphasizes art making, technical development and mastery of one’s unique creative process.  We will assist our students in their endeavor by providing experienced, knowledgeable instructors and instilling discipline, dedication and a respect for the arts.”
The IMC location includes individual and group instruction areas for the instrument classes, a recording studio with full video and audio production services overseen by an onsite studio manager, performance hall which doubles as a fully functional sound stage and a new spacious sprung wood dance floor with Marley surface.
“Everyone at Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. applauds the efforts of the International Music Conservatory, Dimensions Dance and Performing Arts Company and of course, Kevin Cook of the DSM Academy, for their dedication to this vision of the future in performing arts education,” said Michael A. Jenkins, President and Managing Director, Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. “This winning combination offers students a truly incomparable educational experience.”

Visit the website at: http://www.icparts.org

About DSM Academy: The DSM Academy of Performing Arts was founded in 1999 and operates as an affiliate of Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. in four locations in Dallas, Frisco and Plano areas. Dallas Summer Musicals is a company that produces and presents Broadway, off-Broadway, West End and touring theatrical productions. The DSM Academy is comprised of 60% youth under 13 years of age, 40% teens and 10% adults. The Academy is proud of its diverse and ethnic student population. The DSM Academy has granted over 300 need-based scholarships. The DSM Academy helps to prepare the amateur and the professional for involvement in the performing arts.

About International Music Conservatory: The International Music Conservatory is comprised of a 50 member acclaimed university faculty, graduates of Julliard and Eastman School, Curtis Institute, Shanghai Conservatory and Moscow Conservatory, who provide private/group instruction, music theory and master classes. Our facility offers students an environment in which they can thrive with practice rooms, an audio-video recording studio and 75-seat performance hall. With focus on our students goals, IMC faculty and staff are dedicated to their success. Working hand-in-hand with dedicated parents, our students have been selected as international competition winners and this year, for the National Youth Orchestra of the U.S.A.
Website: http://www.imusicconservatory.com/home

About DDPAC: Dimensions Dance and Performing Arts Company is committed to developing artists who make valuable, long-term contributions in personal and professional arenas. The main focus of the DDPAC will be to integrate with the International Music Conservatory to offer all aspects of performing arts under one roof. Here we will educate children, teens and adults by offering classes in ballet, tap, jazz, musical theatre, hip hop, contemporary, lyrical, modern, acro and tumbling, and conditioning at the competitive or recreational level. This will help them become artists in the performing arts field, or simply foster their love of the arts by providing the chance to study with the best of the best in one facility that offers a state of the art environment in a centralized location.  www.ddpac.com

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Eldridge Publishing Interviews the Dallas team of
Kevin Cook and Denis Kashoid
By Nancy Vorhis
President of Eldridge Publishing

Many of Eldridge’s most popular playwrights and composers live and work in the great state of Texas. Often they are fixtures in their local community and school theatres, and you’ve probably enjoyed their work, either in development or in productions. This month meet Kevin Cook and Denis Kashoid, the well-known creative team at the Dallas Summer Musical Academy.

Tell us a little about yourselves.
KEVIN: I moved to Texas 6 years ago for Dallas Summer Musicals. I have a Master’s degree in Theatre and have spent most of my postgraduate life involved in the theatre as an actor, director, manager, producer, teacher and writer in the U.S. and abroad. When not running the DSM Academy, I enjoy my home located in the hills south of Dallas.

DENIS: I loved my years in Moscow at the Music Conservatory. Being immersed in the creative atmosphere of fellow musicians and being in a city that pulses with art and fashion charged me with creativity that forever changed my world.

How did you get to be a team?
KEVIN: As Director of Education for DSM, I hired Denis for the position of Musical Director 5 years ago. Denis teaches voice and music to students ages 6 to 20, and I teach acting for the Academy. Several years ago we decided to try our hand at creating musicals for our students which began our writing partnership. We also write non-theatrical works, most recently the city song for Grand Prairie, Texas.

Tell us about the process and challenges of writing with a partner. What makes it easier or more satisfying to have a creative partner…or what makes it harder?
KEVIN: Usually the story, characters, plot and dialogue are written first before deciding the positions and styles of the songs.  The next step is to write the lyrics for each song which are then sent to Denis with tempo, mood and style guidelines. Usually several variations of each song are created before finalizing the music. As writing partners, we take each other’s notes and suggestions openly with the hope of conveying a clear and entertaining story. Egos are dropped. Writing with a partner is a joy as the process of creating a script and score can be a lonely journey. The challenge of working with a partner is clarity of thought. What a word means to one person is not necessarily what it means to the other person. I think Denis and I have both learned to put up with each other’s pace of writing. It’s not always done when the other thinks it should be!

How many musicals have you written together?
DENIS: We are working on our fifth musical together. The first one was staged in Dallas in December 2009. Eldridge Publishing was the first company to publish our work with our children’s musical, The Pied Piper of Possum Kingdom. We do not always write for children, however. We are currently working on an adult musical with the working title Forbidden which is comedy/drama about forbidden love.

What comment do you hear most often from others…from family and friends, from directors, from actors or audience members?
KEVIN: Most people comment on the funny and often unusual approach we use to tell a story. Along with the script and score, this approach also includes the style of choreography and acting.

Many writers are hardly “overnight success” stories. How long did it take to get where you are today?
KEVIN: I’ve written on and off over the last 20 years, mostly as a show doctor. The horror story is giving up on a project. It’s so final. How do I avoid that? I write a minimum of two pages a day. Before long, you have a novel or a musical. Then, you rewrite and rewrite and rewrite.

If you could somehow choose another talent, what would it be?
KEVIN: Medicine. It always gets my curiosity going.

DENIS: Since my parents are artists I still paint a little and do some graphic design work as a freelancer. So if I could choose another talent it’d probably be dancing! Ballroom, ethnic, hip hop, all of it!

Do you have a bucket list and if so, what’s on it?
KEVIN: To finish what I start today. I try to live in day-tight compartments. So, each day has a bucket list.

DENIS: Oh I do! It’s long! I started fulfilling it last summer with skydiving, went on to shaving my head bald, bungee jumping, taking karate lessons, getting a motorcycle, learning new instrument (got an accordion), visiting Europe (this summer) and the list goes on!

How would you describe perfect happiness?
KEVIN: Perfect happiness is removing expectation from your life.

DENIS: Loving the life you live and living the life you love.

What is your motto or maxim?
KEVIN: Begin.

DENIS: Work like you don’t need the money, love like you’ve never been hurt, dance like nobody’s watching.

How would you like to be remembered?
KEVIN: As one who cared.

DENIS: I want to be remembered for being a kind, compassionate person, and to be remembered for helping and inspiring others.

You can read a Freeview (opening pages) and hear a music demo of “The Pied Piper of Possum Creek” at http://www.histage.com/playdetails.asp?PID=2457.

Nancy Vorhis is president of Eldridge Publishing Co., Tallahassee Fl. The family-owned company has offered quality plays since 1906. Visit them at www.hiStage.com.