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Musical Theatre of Anthem
P.O. Box #130, 39506 Daisy Mountain Dr, Ste. 122, Anthem, AZ 85086
Phone: 602-743-9892 www.MusicalTheatreofAnthem.org

For Immediate Release
Contact: Jackie Hammond at 602-743-9892
musicaltheatreofanthem@gmail.com

Musical Theatre of Anthem Announces Inaugural Season

Anthem, Ariz. March 21, 2008 – Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA), a new non-profit theatre company formed by Anthem residents Jackie and Jeff Hammond, announces it’s inaugural 2008 – 09 season, filled with full-scale musicals with a variety of styles. MTA’s 2008-09 season line-up includes: “100 Years of Broadway”, “Songs for a New World”, “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown”, “Godspell”, “Schoolhouse Rock LIVE! Jr.”, and “The Fantasticks.”

"After working in theatre for the past seventeen years,” said Producing Artistic Director Jackie Hammond, “I’m looking forward to providing additional theatrical opportunities to performers of all ages, so that they can enhance their skills and gain a true appreciation and love for theatre."

MTA has two age ranges for productions: the no-cut Junior MTA Productions welcome performers ages 7-14, and the MTA Productions are for those ages 15-adult. “Auditions will be held for each age group though, because this is an essential skill which takes practice,” said Hammond. “We want to guide young performers along the audition process and build their confidence.” Separate "How to Audition" workshops will be offered on an ongoing basis to teach fundamental audition techniques.

MTA is also offering a 2-week summer workshop, July 7 – 18, where performers will learn vocal technique, musical theatre dance, acting interpretation of songs, stage presence techniques, and advanced audition skills. Led by Jackie Hammond, the workshop will feature numbers from MTA’s upcoming season, and will culminate with a free, live performance. Says Hammond, "Through workshops and theatrical productions, MTA performers will constantly be challenged in order to continually learn and grow."

All performances, workshops, and camps will be held in Anthem.

Jackie Stewart Hammond (Producing Artistic Director and Resident Vocal Director) has been teaching music and theatre for over fifteen years. She graduated with honors from San Jose State University where she majored in Creative Arts and minored in Musical Theatre. Jackie is a graduate of the American Musical Theater Artists’ Institute where she rigorously trained in voice, dance, and acting, as well as Shakespeare, improvisation, and stage combat. She also spent a summer studying opera with the chairman of the music department from Manhattan School of Music in New York City.

Jackie has extensive experience in the performing arts and professional theatre where she has played leading roles in many musical productions, and has received a Zoni-nomination for her portrayal of Cinderella in Into the Woods. Jackie has worked with all ages in theatrical performances from age five through adult. Jackie has vocal directed, directed, and choreographed for many theatres in California and Arizona, including one of the nation's largest youth theater in San Jose. Directing and performing experience includes well over fifty shows to her credit with many prestigious theaters.

Jeff Hammond (Managing Director) brings with him extensive business education and years of work experience. He has been working in the business and technology fields for the past 9+ years and is currently a Director of Technologies at a Fortune 500 financial services company. Jeff has a MBA in Technology Management from the University of Colorado and a Bachelor's Degree in Entrepreneurial Management from San Francisco State University, where he graduated with honors. He also completed a semester of study at the International Arnhem Business School in the Netherlands. In addition to working for a large corporation for the past 5+ years, Jeff has also been running his own web design company and has built websites for many businesses. Jeff is also currently a business consultant at the Caepe School in Anthem.

For more information about MTA, visit www.musicaltheatreofanthem.org.

About MTA
Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) is a non-profit theater company located in Anthem, Arizona. Founded in 2008 by Jackie and Jeff Hammond, the mission of MTA is to develop youth and adults within the field of performing arts while enhancing their intrinsic creativity and brokering their vast talents. MTA trains and educates youth so that they can become the artists, patrons, and leaders of tomorrow while providing opportunities to adults that empower them and foster their creativity. MTA’s principles include casting all who audition in select productions, having professional standards, and providing a positive environment in which performers can practice teamwork and communication skills while experiencing the pride of accomplishment.