Tag: musical theatre

WT streams Monstersongs

Monstersongs streams this weekend via video on demand through Monday, Nov. 1.  Turn it on while you wait for trick-or-treaters or tune in at the witching hour.  

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If you haven’t heard much from Bradley J. lately, it’s because I’ve had my head down for the last few months working, scheming, and collaborating on the first musical of the WT Theatre season–Monstersongs.  This spooky song cycle by Rob Rokicki (Broadway’s The Lightning Thief) reveals the hidden life of monsters.  We meet the Mummy, Medusa, the Troll under the bridge, and more–all sharing their side of the story.  The music is clever and catchy, and the student talent performing these songs is next-level.  

If you will recall, one year ago, WT opened The Theory of Relativity–a recorded and filmed theatrical experience geared specifically for a digital audience.  We found so much value in that process that we wanted another crack at it.  The production value in every aspect is higher–partly due to the ability to meet and rehearse more safely in pandemic times.  I’m excited to share with you the product of months of collaboration–a musical with lots of heart and a touch of spook that truly rocks!

Monstersongs streams this weekend via video on demand through Monday, Nov. 1.  Turn it on while you wait for trick-or-treaters or tune in at the witching hour.  

Run time:  50 minutes

Stream available with ASL interpretation.

Stream Monstersongs
Attend the Live Screening
WTAMU Theatre Presents “Monstersongs”, Available for Streaming
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Theory of Relativity Wins Nine Awards at 2021 KCACTF

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Since it’s awards season everywhere else, we might as well hop on the bandwagon.  I’m absolutely delighted to share that The Theory of Relativity–originally filmed and digitally presented in October 2020 and revived for the Region VI KCACTF Festival in February 2021–garnered an impressive list of nine (9!) awards at the national level for KCACTF.  Chip Chandler wrote a lovely article for WTAMU, and below is the complete list from KCACTF.  Many, many congratulations to all involved. I’m also quite honored to receive two recognitions for Direction and Musical Direction.

KCACTF National Awards

Special Achievement in Innovative Use of Technology –Theory of Relativity

Special Achievement in Overall Production Design–Theory of Relativity

Special Achievement in Stage Management—Caitlynn Sandoval

Special Achievement in Performance—Abbi Roe

Special Achievement in Performance—Michael Olinger

Special Achievement in Ensemble Collaboration Performance and Production– Theory of Relativity

Special Achievement in Overall Production–Theory of Relativity

Special Achievement in Directing—Bradley J. Behrmann

Special Achievement in Musical Direction—Bradley J. Behrmann

https://www.wtamu.edu/news/2021/09/wt-theatre-wins-major-awards-for-special-filmed-production.html

“4 YEARS!”

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Just Pretend Green Room

After a four year hiatus, I am so very pleased to be returning on staff for Youth Sing Praise.  As a participant, this program was one of the most formative experiences of my young life, and serving on staff in many roles over the years has always been a highlight of my summers.  This year, I’ll be choreographing the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic and YSP standard, Joseph…

Pack a picnic.  Pack the family.  Pack the amphitheatre.

ysp-2019-poster

WT’s Theatre Program Receives National and Regional Awards

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CANYON, Texas—One of six invited collegiate productions in a competitive regional field of sixty-eight from Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico and Arkansas, WT Theatre’s production of Musical of Musicals: The Musical performed for a regional audience and national critics at the Abilene Civic Center, February 25-28, during the Region VI Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF). In addition, WT theatre students competed in individual events for national and regional awards and commendations.

National Awards:

Outstanding Musical Theatre Performer and Kennedy Center National Musical Theatre Fellow – Zachary Perrin
Distinguished Musical Theatre Performance- Macy Watts
Distinguished Musical Theatre Performance- Caleb Aguilar
Distinguished Performance and Production – The Ensemble of Musical of Musicals
Zach Perrin Macy Watts Caleb Aguilar

National Commendations:

Christine Lisa Basse- Musical Theatre Performance
Micaela Grenier- Musical Theatre Performance
Royal R. Brantley- Direction of Musical of Musicals
Crystal Bertrand- Choreography for Musical of Musicals
Bradley J. Behrmann – Musical Direction of Musical of Musicals
Christine Lisa Basse Micaela Grenier

This is the third year in a row that WT theatre has advanced a production to the regional competition. A rare achievement, the “three peat” appearance by WT Theatre is their seventh overall regional performance since starting competition in the KCACTF in 1994: The Homage That Follows (1997), The Old Boy (2005), Rabbit Hole (2009), Iphigenia 2.0 (2013), Brooklyn (2017), Luna Gale (2018) and Musical of Musicals (2019).

Originally published on WTAMU News on April 12, 2019: https://www.wtamu.edu/news/wt-s-theatre-program-receives-national-and-regional-awards.aspx 

Summer 2018 at La Jolla Playhouse

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YP@LJP

For a third summer, Bradley J. will return to teach musical theatre at La Jolla Playhouse as part of the Young Performers Workshop and Young Performers Academy programs.  To learn more about how to register your student for these exceptional training programs at one of the nation’s top regional theatres, click here.

Private studio time will also be available for lessons or coachings in musical theatre or classical voice for singers of all ages.  Click here for more information about taking lessons in San Diego this summer.

NEW VIDEO: “You Are Enough”

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Guys, I’m thrilled to share this year’s composition for Wellness Through the Arts as part of the Ben Vereen Awards.  Sending so much love and respect to the five winning essayists who had the courage to share their story and inspire this song.  And kudos to the J*Company Youth Theatre who sang the socks off my piece.

If I am able to find a higher quality recording, I will share it.  In the meantime, thanks to Randall for recording it in my absence!

-bjb

Find out more about the Ben Vereen Awards and Wellness Through the Arts here.

Ben Vereen Awards commissions second piece, honors students

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The Ben Vereen Awards has commissioned Bradley J. Behrmann as composer for the 2017 Wellness Through the Arts (WTA) program.  This is the third year of the program and the second commission for Behrmann.  In conjunction with the esteemed musical theatre competition, the WTA (a pet project of Mr. Vereen himself) solicits essays from San Diego area high school students who have faced issues with bullying and obesity.  Five winning essays became the raw material for a new piece of musical theatre.  Members of the J*Company Youth Theatre rehearsed the piece and performed it at the Ben Vereen Awards on May 28, 2017 at the Balboa Theatre in San Diego.

“This year, the five essay winners told us stories of their struggles, and the issues they’re wrestling with challenged their very identity,” said Behrmann.  “Each of them, however, found a home in the arts, and through that, they realized they didn’t need to be defined by outside forces.  The theatre helped them find the strength inside.  As I read their essays, the phrase that kept repeating in my head was ‘You are enough.’ That became the main hook of the song.”

Read about the 2016 Ben Vereen Awards here.

Bradley J. judges 2017 Ben Vereen Awards Wellness Through the Arts Competition

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WP_20160606_13_32_08_ProOne facet of the Ben Vereen Awards that deals with the holistic health of high school students is the Wellness Through the Arts (WTA) program.  In conjunction with the esteemed musical theatre competition, the WTA (a pet project of Mr. Vereen himself) solicits essays from area high school students who have faced issues with bullying and obesity.  Five winning essays become the raw material for a new piece of musical theatre.  This year, Behrmann served as judge for the essay competition.

At the 2016 Ben Vereen Awards, members of the J*Company Youth Theatre performed the original piece “I Am,” composed by Behrmann with lyrics adapted by Jamie Gilchrist.  The following excerpt is from the performance on May 29, 2016 at the Balboa Theatre in San Diego.

See original article on the Wellness Through the Arts commission here.

First NYC performance with Broadway Artists Connection April 17

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bacpicThe Broadway Artists Connection (BAC) presents its season kick-off event, “Broadway Artists & Friends Open Mic & Mingle,” hosted by six-time Broadway veteran Heather Parcells on Monday, April 17th at 6:30pm (doors open at 5:30pm).

The evening will be kicked off by a stellar lineup of Broadway pros, followed by selected artists at the legendary Laurie Beechman Theatre.

Performers and audience will be treated to an up close view of artists newest works (mash ups, duets, pop tap, original songs, classics), make invaluable industry connections and support our community of artists.

Broadway artists performing include: Charlie Marcus (A BRONX TALE, PETER PAN); Beth Nicely Johnson (SOMETHING ROTTEN, BULLETS OVER BROADWAY, WHITE CHRISTMAS, SPAMALOT); Hollie Howard (HAIRSPRAY, MAMMA MIA!, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN); Lawrence Merritt (PIPPIN, ON THE TOWN, APPLAUSE, DEAR WORLD, GOLDEN RAINBOW, NO WHERE TO GO BUT UP, NO STRINGS); Sarah McLellan (42nd STREET); Erin Kernion (Radio City Rockette). Charles West (SCARLETT PIMPERNEL, CYRANO); D’Vorah Bailey (CANDIDE & Cabaret artist); Abbie Cooper (42nd STREET ALL SHOOK UP, WHITE CHRISTMAS Nat’ Tour) Kate Wesler (PIPPIN Nat’ Tour); Heather Parcells-HOST (TUCK EVERLASTING, FINDING NEVERLAND, SOUL DOCTOR, WONDERLAND, A CHORUS LINE, CHITTY, CHITTY BANG, BANG); Musical Direction by Brad Ross.

Producer: Tamlyn Brooke Shusterman (42nd STREET, Dame Edna). Associate Producers: Malini Singh McDonald & Will Branner. Stage Manager: Will Maitland Weiss.

The fun continues as selected artists & friends take the mic to sing for NYC Casting Director Jason Styres, who will be crowning two participants the “future of Broadway.”

Selected performers include: Shelby Andersen, Austin Archer, Max Bartos, Bradley J. Behrmann, Will Branner, Gregory Driscoll, Jazley Genovese, Grace Gramins, Lindsay Grant, Jarrad Green, Jessica Humphrey, Megan Jenkins, Molly Jevans, Kelsey Ryan, Sean Seymour, Rayme Sciaroni, Samantha Tullie

To find out how you can sing in a BAC event, email info@broadwayconnects.org. TICKETSon sale now. $20 cover (plus $20 food & beverage minimum per person) For more information, visit www.broadwayconnects.org.

The Broadway Artists Connection is a charitable nonprofit that nurtures artists of all levels (Broadway, aspiring, re-entering & under-served) by providing opportunities for them to perform, make industry connections and participate in mentoring programs. TICKETS ON SALE NOW.

[Article re-published from BroadwayWorld.com on March 28, 2017.  See original article here.]