West Orange High School Students Shine At Paper Mill Playhouse Program

The following article is written by Max Shadow, and comes courtesy of the WOHS Sports Media Group. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

West Orange High School is celebrating the achievements of two of its students, Kyan Bashkoff and Vincent Fondetto. Kyan, a rising 10th grader, and Vincent, a rising 9th grader, who have been selected among 122 exceptionally gifted young performers from around the world to participate in the prestigious 2024 Paper Mill Playhouse Summer Musical Theater Conservatory.

The Summer Musical Theater Conservatory at Paper Mill Playhouse is a rigorous program that empowers students to hone their individual performance potential while gaining a comprehensive foundation in theater arts. During the program, students engage in an intensive series of classes, including musical theater performance, acting, dance, private voice lessons, and improvisation. They also have the opportunity to attend workshops conducted by seasoned actors, directors, and casting agents.

This unique program provides talented young performers like Bashkoff and Fondetto with the chance to work at their own pace, challenging themselves to reach new heights and acquire valuable skills. Central to the curriculum is the cultivation of self-discipline, respect, and a commitment to excellence.

Bashkoff and Fondetto will join other well-deserving participants in a fully produced, original concert titled "Endless Ovations." The 2024 New Voices Concert pays tribute to the 85th anniversary of the regional theater. The performance will feature iconic songs from shows such as Newsies, Honeymoon in Vegas, Bandstand, Disney’s Hercules, and many more musicals.

For Bashkoff and Fondetto, being part of this summer conservatory places them on the same stage as illustrious alumni such as Academy Award and Golden Globe winner Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married, Les Misérables), Tony Award winners Laura Benanti (Gypsy), Nikki M. James (The Book of Mormon), Tony nominee Rob McClure (Chaplin), Jelani Remy (Disney's The Lion King), and many other accomplished names in the industry.

The dazzling performances of "Endless Ovations” will take place on Friday, July 26, at 7:30PM, and Saturday, July 27, at 1:30PM and 7:30PM at the esteemed Paper Mill Playhouse, located at 22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ. Tickets are priced from $25 to $55 and can be purchased by calling (973) 376-4343, online at www.papermill.org, or by visiting the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office.

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