This July, NDI New Mexico is partnering with Musical Theatre Southwest to create “The Room Where It Happens” Hamilton Experience at the Hiland Theatre in honor of the 250th anniversary of United States independence.
A non-profit since 1994, Albuquerque’s NDI New Mexico has offered dance and performance training to children ages 3-8 and adults. “The Room Where It Happens” Experience celebrates the hit Broadway musical about founding father Alexander Hamilton and will consist of several masterclasses and workshops with original cast member Betsy Struxness, along with a free community screening of the Broadway musical’s pro-shot.
All events are being offered to dancers of all experience levels ages 14 and older; children under 16 will need an accompanying adult. Children under 14 years old can still participate in this event by enrolling in the Musical Theatre Summer Camp as Betsy Struxness will be guiding similar workshops for those enrolled in this summer camp.
Schedule of Events
Sing Your 16 Workshop
The first of three Hamilton Experience workshops will be on Thursday, June 2 from 5:15 – 7:30 p.m. Sing Your 16 is a musical theatre audition workshop that focuses on polishing and clarifying audition material. The workshop costs $25, and participants must register online, are encouraged to bring a binder with sheet music, and should plan to arrive early.
Hamilton Beginner/Intermediate Choreography Workshop
The second workshop is on Friday, June 2 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. This class will teach actual choreography from Hamilton in a beginner friendly environment. Beginner and intermediate dancers are encouraged to register online for this $25 workshop and bring comfortable movement clothing (including jazz shoes, if available).
Hamilton Intermediate/Advanced Choreography Workshop
The last workshop, on Friday, June 3rd from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. will tackle the most challenging dance combinations from Hamilton choreography. In this $25 course, participants must register online and are required to bring jazz shoes.
Meet and Greet with Betsy Struxness
On Friday, July 3, there will be a meet and greet from 4:15 to 5 p.m. with guest artist Betsy Struxness, who is a graduate of The Julliard School in New York City, and was an ensemble member in the original cast of Hamilton, among other prominent Broadway roles. Those interested in attending must register on the NDI New Mexico website.
Hamilton Screening
The final part of “The Room Where It Happens” Experience will be on Friday, July 3 at 5:15 p.m., immediately following Friday’s meet and greet. This event will be a free showing of the professional recording of the Hamilton original Broadway cast performance. This community event is free and open to the public.