British artist K.T. Thomas kicks off Cape Theatre guest artist series

Cape Henlopen High School Theatre Academy students were treated to an intensive two-day musical theatre workshop with guest artist, K.T. Thomas Oct. 7-8.

In addition to being a casting agent, producer, choreographer and musical theatre performer, Thomas is an amazing teacher. One of the things that she wanted to demonstrate was the rigorous process of a professional theatre audition. Students learned a dance section from the musical "Cats," and had a fantastic time going through the motions of a mock musical theatre audition.

“They had 10 minutes to learn the dance combination, and although the experience was a bit challenging for some, the kids were very excited by the idea that the audition was conducted the same way it would have been on Broadway,” says theatre director Martha Pfeiffer. Thomas conducted dance classes and vocal exercises and led an informative session with the senior class in how to best approach their career goals in the theatre profession.

Senior Richard Sommerfield says, “It was such an excellent opportunity to speak to someone who is an expert in the business we are trying to enter ourselves.” Junior Adrian D’Antoni says “She was phenomenal. I loved every second of it. She got us even more excited about the theatre than we already are!”

Pfeiffer first met Thomas through her brother Matthew James Thomas, who performed the role of Peter Parker in the Broadway production of "Spider Man, Turn Off The Dark," and was recently seen as Pippin, in the Tony Award-winning revival of the same name. Thomas is the first in a series of guest artists coming to work with CHHS theatre students.

At the end of the month, United Kingdom stage and television actress Margo Gunn, will be flying in from London to lead an intensive workshop on the theme of “Teaching Shakespeare Through Performance.” Gunn is an instructor at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London. “I am really excited to have Margo come, as I learned so much from my training experience at the Globe. My students are being given an incredible experience!” says Pfeiffer.

At the end of November, actors Bob Bingham and Kurt Yahjian (who played the roles of High Priests Caiaphas and Annas in both the stage and screen versions of “Jesus Christ Superstar”) will be coming to share their knowledge and experiences with the group. “This will be amazing!” says Pfeiffer, “as Kurt and Bob have over 40 years of experience in stage, film and the music industry. I am over the moon!”

Funding for the guest artist series is partially funded by Cape Henlopen Education Foundation. Pfeiffer says, “CHEF has been invaluable in helping us enhance the theatre program over the past few years. We are very grateful for the continued support.”