Brenda Gorlick has been involved in the performing arts world for over 25 years. As a performer, she has acted, sung, and danced her way across Canada, the United States, and parts of Europe. Most recently, Brenda appeared in and choreographed the world premiere of STRIKE! The Musical and starred as the Wicked Witch of the West in Rainbow Stage’s Wizard of Oz. She has performed and choreographed over 100 Manitoban productions. Highlights include the 1999 Pan Am Games, MTYP’s A Year with Frog and Toad, Winnipeg Jewish Theatre’s Funny Girl, and Le Train for Cercle Molière. In 2004, Brenda launched her own youth musical company, Brenda Gorlick’s YoungStars, and is currently working in affiliation with the Manitoba Conservatory of Music and Arts and Winnipeg’s School of Contemporary Dancers. She serves as Guest Professor at the University of Winnipeg in the Drama Department and as head of the Musical Theatre Program at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School. Brenda has been in the Artist in the Schools program for 13 seasons.
THE PROGRAM:
This program offers students an introduction to dance for musical theatre through technical and interpretive exercises. Students will be exposed to a variety of styles and forms prevalent in musical theatre repertoire and have a chance to stretch their creative wings in a very supportive and collaborative environment. All students will be encouraged to participate physically and imaginatively, bringing to life their artistic instincts. As guest artist, Brenda’s emphasis is on the creative process and skill development of the students. There will be a sharing session at the end of the residency featuring the material developed over the course of the week(s).