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Members of Fairmont State University’s Academy for the Arts, the Masquers student organization and local dance students recently took part in an unforgettable series of workshops led by Thayne Jasperson, the only remaining original cast member of Hamilton on Broadway.
Hosted in partnership with In Step Dance and Fitness in Clarksburg, the workshops were coordinated by owner Kim Bell, who facilitated Jasperson’s visit. Members of the Academy for the Arts’ Anastasia the Musical cast and Masquers joined In Step Dance participants for a full day of immersive, hands-on training.
Those in attendance took part in intermediate and advanced Broadway dance classes, as well as a “Broadway Experience” session that combined singing, dancing and acting. During the workshops, participants learned choreography from Hamilton, and select students had the unique opportunity to perform audition cuts for Jasperson and receive live, professional feedback.
“This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our students,” said Director of Performing Arts & Outreach Development Leigh Anne Riley. “Having the chance to learn directly from a current Broadway performer not only sharpened their technical skills, but also inspired them to see what’s possible in their own artistic journeys.”
The opportunity was made possible through the generosity of donors to Fairmont State’s Academy for the Arts during Fairmont State University Day of Giving, which fully funded the workshop experience and allowed students to attend at no cost.
“We are incredibly grateful to our Falcon Day of Giving donors for making this experience accessible to our students,” Riley added. “Their support continues to open doors and create meaningful, real-world learning opportunities that our students will carry with them throughout their careers.”
Fairmont State also extends its appreciation to Kim Bell and In Step Dance and Fitness for their partnership in bringing this exceptional opportunity to both university students and the local community.
For more information about Fairmont State’s Academy for the Arts, visit facebook.com/FairmontStateAcademyfortheArts.
