MILLSTONE — Gina Whalen, the managing director of the Millstone Performing Arts Center (MPAC), has announced the kickoff of performing arts master classes that will be held at the MPAC, 5 Dawson Court, this month.
Whalen said anyone who is interested in signing up for the courses may visit the MPAC website at www.millstoneperformingarts.com.
Broadway performer Sally Mayes will teach at the MPAC on the first three Saturdays in October. Mayes will perform in concert at the MPAC on Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. Her students will present a showcase of their work that evening.
According to Mayes’ biography, she is perhaps best known for her performance in a Roundabout Theater revival of “She Loves Me” for which she received Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle award nominations.
Mayes will offer two classes to pupils in the Millstone Township K-8 School District, including a music theater course for youngsters ages 7-11 from 9-11:30 a.m.
She will teach a second class in vocal performance from 2-3 p.m. for an older group of students from Millstone who range in age from 12 years old and up.
Whalen hopes this will be the first of more master classes to be offered.
“This idea fits into the school district’s mission for the MPAC to provide arts education to our community,” she said. “We hope it catches on. We are thrilled to launch the master class series with Sally Mayes, a Tony Award-nominated Broadway veteran. Our efforts to bring arts education to our community is part of our mission. We are bringing New York quality courses to our hometown.”
Next, Whalen has scheduled comedian, ventriloquist and musician Taylor Mason to perform a benefit show at the MPAC on Nov. 13.
Mason was a winner on “Star Search” in the early 1990s. His performance in Millstone Township will benefit the family of the late Ellen Osborn, a Millstone Township Middle School teacher who died during the summer.
Whalen said additional details will be provided as Mason’s performance draws closer.