"I was very impressed with the production of 
THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, JR. I saw at Theatre Arts Center.  Having started in educational, summer and youth theatre myself, I am well aware of the importance and value of introducing young people to the art of live theatre.  I would have been happy to see a group of young adults having a good time and falling in love with the art form.  They did all that -- but they also put on a darn good show, that the audience enjoyed watching as much as the cast enjoyed performing.  As an author, I was gratified to see that.  And who knows?  One of those young actors might end up creating (or starring in!) a Tony Award-winning musical one day; I started where they did, and it was the impetus for my career on Broadway."

Dick Scanlan
Tony Award Nominee
Book & New Lyrics
Thoroughly Modern Millie

SUMMER 2009 WAS A BIG SUCCESS IN NEW YORK CITY AND BUCKS COUNTY!

In Bucks County we presented the World Premier of  THE DROWSY CHAPERONE JR, a new version of the Tony-winning Broadway Musical, directed by Russell Ochocki.  We were chosen as a national  TEST SITE for this new version.   We are thrilled that Music Theatre International  granted us this honor (five years in a row) and appreciate their confidence in the quality of our shows.  Our 2009 summer season also  featured  HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL JR,  NICKELODEON'S BLUES CLUES BIRTHDAY PARTY, & SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK, based on the popular TV show!  Broadway veteran, Angelo Fraboni co-directed our Teen Musical Theatre Ensemble to a standing ovation for Bound for Broadway 2009, featuring choreography from Kristine Lewis and guest Broadway Guest Artists Penny Ayn Maas (B'way's Cabaret), Stephanie Klemons (Dance Capt, B'way's In The Heights) & Michael O'Donnell (B'way's Spamalot)! 

In New York City  we presented, THE CANTERBURY TALES, adapted by Lindsay Price and directed by Eric C. Dente, performed by the 2009 Teen Acting Ensemble.    Our Musical Theatre Students performed BOUND FOR BROADWAY for a record-breaking audience.  They worked with Broadway Guest Choreographers Shannon Lewis (Sweet Charity and 10 other B'way shows and National Tours); Penny Ayn Maas (Cabaret), Stephanie Klemons (Dance Capt. In the Heights); Angelo Fraboni (Victor/Victoria & Jerome Robbins Dance),  Sarah McLellan (We Will Rock You, 42nd Street); Tony Gonzalez (Dance Capt, Mama Mia); Robbie Roby (Dance Capt. Hairspray, Billy Elliot); and George Nieves (AMDA).  
We were also very proud to welcome KAREN MASON in her directorial debut with DREAMS...AND OTHER POSSIBILITIES, our TEEN CABARET WORKSHOP in a show she conceived with Music Director, DENNIS DEAL.
 

See our Teachers and Guest Artist page for more of their remarkable resumes.

RUSSELL OCHOCKI, of MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL, writes:
"The staff and Students at Theatre Arts center are the best!

It is such a perfect place to develop a new project."