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An artist of many trades, Paul Stancato’s resume boasts a rare combination of directing, choreographing, performing, and teaching. Holding a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre, Paul Stancato is also a drummer, having performed in the Blue Man Group, De La Guarda, and Chicago rock band, Voodoo Buss. In 1996, Paul Stancato co-founded the theatre company, Aporia Players, of which he served as the Artistic Director until 2003, bringing the company critical success. Paul Stancato has had the opportunity to collaborate and work with Julie Taymor, John Rando, and Rob Ashford, masters of directing and choreographing. Paul Stancato’s background includes directing and choreographing credits on the following productions: Crazy For You, Godspell, Guys and Dolls, Zombies from Beyond, and the world premier of Rockshow and Heart Rising. Moreover, Paul Stancato directed Einstein’s Dream, for which he was awarded the New York Fringe Festival’s Best Direction for its New York Premier. In 2007, Paul Stancato directed the First National Tour of The Wedding Singer and became one of the few choreographers for DanceBreak, a leading foundation dedicated to nurturing the finest Broadway choreographers. Paul Stancato has taught acting and directing master classes at various American educational institutions, including SUNY Purchase NY, Vanderbilt University, Michigan State University, and his alma mater, the University of Florida. At present, Paul Stancato is gearing up to work on several new creative projects after dedicating four years to the First National Tour of Disney’s The Lion King, which garnered the Helen Hayes Award for Best Musical of 2008.

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Paul Stancato on Dance Break

by Paul Stancato

In 2007, the DanceBreak Foundation chose to feature my choreography in DanceBreak, an annual showcase that serves as a platform for emerging choreographers to show their work to leading industry professionals. The foundation aims to identify and assist rising talent by providing them with networking opportunities, presenting an ethnically diverse array of talent, and promoting musical theater and dance. Some of the most well known leaders in dance and musical theater select the choreographers from a pool of applicants across the country that send in audition reels.

Every year, the panel chooses six choreographers who present two dance numbers: one of their own choosing and a traditional piece. Both performances last no longer than 8 minutes, utilize 10 or fewer performers, and include very few production elements. Following the performance, DanceBreak sponsors a reception where the choreographers can meet and network with industry professionals including producers, directors, talent agents, and other members of the theater community. DanceBreak provides a valuable opportunity for choreographers to advance their careers.

According to the DanceBreak Foundation, all of the featured choreographers receive job offers, producer meetings, and/or representation following the showcase. DanceBreak alumni have gone on to choreograph many prestigious productions, and many have received formal recognition for their work. To learn more, visit DanceBreak.org.

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The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab

by Paul Stancato

Paul Stancato maintains membership in the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and Lincoln Center Theater’s Directors Lab program. Founded over 50 years ago, the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) continues to advocate for stage directors and choreographers, operating throughout the United States. In addition to connecting and uniting professionals across the nation, the SDC engages a variety of efforts toward protecting rights, improving lives, and promoting the work of its constituency. The organization manages contractual negotiations and provides ongoing union support. In this vein, the SDC regularly defends members’ wages and continues to remain at the forefront of evolving intellectual property rights concerns.

Promoting an open exchange of ideas, the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society offers an array of educational resources. The SDC works to empower all directors and choreographers working in any Broadway or theater-related sector, including those engaged in off-off-Broadway and summer stock productions. Tirelessly striving to unite and promote its diverse constituency, the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society remains the premier American theatrical union for all professional stage choreographers and directors operating within the United States today.

The Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab Initially established in the 1950s by John D. Rockefeller III, Manhattan’s Lincoln Center Theater was christened “the preeminent theater in the country” by the New York Times. Under the supervision of Chairman John V. Lindsay, Lincoln Center’s Theater program saw a re-invigoration in 1985and remains one of the most important centers of theater operating in the United States today. The Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab program, aimed toward individuals in the early stages of a professional stage-directing career, offers young artists the chance to facilitate peer relationships. The Directors Lab serves as a free program that annually operates over the course of three weeks during the summer. Offering an opportunity to engage in the craft of directing theater productions, the Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab includes a series of intense readings, rehearsals, productions, workshops, and group discussions. Applications for the next Directors Lab will be available in January.

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Strive For Excellence, Not Perfection

Felicia Finley

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