Our “Once Upon a September” cabaret scheduled for September 15 at the Laurie Beechman Theatre is cancelled.
We are saddened to learn that the Laurie Beechman Theatre is closing at the end of August. We will find another venue but it may take a while, so it’s safe to say that the September cabaret is cancelled.
Why celebrate September?
September is a time of fresh starts and transitions. September brings the new school year, shorter days and longer nights, leaves changing color and weather cooling down. There is a hint of crispness in the air. For some people it is a time of self-reflection, personal growth — preparation for meeting new challenges and discovering opportunities.
What does September mean to you? How does it make you feel? What songs would you choose to express that?
We’re looking for a balanced mix of ballads and up-tempo songs, so please prepare one of each, or two up-tempo songs.
We welcome musical theater showtunes and pop songs, traditional songs, and an occasional operatic aria.
You’ll be performing with a unique ensemble of young singers from the NYC metro area who would like more performance opportunities, and who want to learn about cabaret. Many (but not all) of our performers are students at New York’s performing arts high schools and colleges, and have professional aspirations. They’re extraordinary young performers!
Our cabarets feature professional piano accompaniment. No tracks, ever.
For more information about the workshop, or to sign up, click the button below.
Why Cabaret?
Maybe you’re focused on getting accepted to a college with a great MT program, or getting cast in your high school production, or getting into a performing arts high school, or landing a role on Broadway, or a national tour. Or perhaps you aren’t getting the performance opportunites you want. You might be busy with school or other commitments. How can cabaret help you? Cabarets get you more experience in front of an audience. Our cabarets provide high-quality video that you can add to your reel. They don’t require a big commitment of time or money. And they’re rewarding and fun!
You can sing songs you love. Try out new audition material. Learn how to connect with and engage an audience. Cabaret performers are not just singers, they’re performance artists and storytellers.
Cabaret great Andrea Marcovicci once said:
“Accompanied by live piano, cabaret performers fully embrace the role of storyteller, embodying the varied themes and emotions of each song and story. There’s no decorated set, high-lifted stage, or elaborate costumes; but this simplified approach to performance art removes the barrier between the audience and the performers. You aren’t required to suspend any disbelief. Anyone can connect to the stories, songs, and performers on a personal level; listening, laughing, or even shedding a tear as the music moves them.“
With experience, you’ll learn how to make a lasting impression. Bring your uniqueness into your performance. Connect with your audience on a personal level. These are skills best learned by doing.
Come prepared, and trust in yourself.
About the Laurie Beechman
If you’ve never performed at the Laurie Beechman, let me say a few words about it. The Laurie Beechman Theatre is downstairs from the West Bank Cafe. This charming and comfortable 90-seat cabaret venue has a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system and has been the home of some of the hottest Broadway and cabaret performers for over 30 years. For over 10 seasons, the Laurie Beechman was the home of Broadway Sessions.
We’re looking forward to performing at the Laurie Beechman again, and we’re looking forward to meeting some new singers and sharing this experience with them.
Participation is strictly limited to 12 singers, and each singer can perform two songs. There is a workshop fee of $150. This includes two Zoom meetings, coaching, two in-person rehearsals, and performance.
If this sounds like something you’d like to try, you can apply by clicking on the button below. The form includes additional information you’ll need to help you decide.
Georgia Attardi performs “The Life I Never Led” at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, June 4, 2023. Whitney Wallace, piano.