Platforms

Originated the role of The Girl in the Yellow Dress for Lincoln Center Theater's production of Contact (Best Musical, 2000), for which she received Outer Critics Circle and Tony nominations and an Astaire Award. Other Broadway: Dream, Ziegfeld Follies of 1936, and four years as a Radio City Music Hall Rockette. Television: "Warning: Parental Advisory" (VH-1), "Late Show with David Letterman", "Charlie Rose", "Rosie O'Donnell Show", "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno". Film: Tom's Journey, Trust, Shall We Dance, National Treasure, The Tourist.

Ted Levy's professional training began in Chicago with Mr. Finis Henderson II, Master Tap Dancer and former manager of Sammy Davis Jr.. Mr. Henderson encouraged Ted to pursue a professional career in the performing arts, which began at The Victory Gardens Theater in Chicago. Mr. Levy made his Broadway debut in the smash hit Black & Blue. He collaborated with George C. Wolfe and Gregory Hines on the Choreography of Jelly's Last Jam, for which he received a TONY NOMINATION, DRAMA DESK NOMINATION and the 1993 OUTER CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD. Ted was awarded an EMMY AWARD for his television debut performance in the PBS Special Precious Memories, and appeared in Spike Lee's Malcolm X for his film debut. His production of Ted Levy and Friends, directed by Gregory Hines, celebrated Ted as one of America's premier Tap Dance Artists. Influenced by Mr. Hines, Ted acquired his directorial debut as Director of Savion Glover's, Dancing Under The Stars at the New York Shakespeare Festival's Delacorte Theater. He also assisted in the choreography of Broadway's Tony Award winning hit Bring In 'Da Noise! Bring In 'Da Funk! Ted appeared in the movie Bojangles with Gregory Hines, returning to Broadway as Papa Jack in Susan Stroman & Harry Conick Jr.'s Thou Shalt Not; and as The Mikado in The Ford Theater's production of The Hot Mikado. For which he won a HELEN HAYES AWARD. Most recently Ted performed with the Sammy; a production based on the musical life of Sammy Davis Jr.

RON DE JESUS, CHOREOGRAPHER, is the 2006 award recipient of the Melinda Atwood/Jerry Mitchell “Dance Break Choreographic Competition 2006”; the Irvine, California‘s “National Choreographers Initiative 2006”; and the New York Musical Theater Festival 2006 Award for Excellence for Best Choreography. He has enjoyed a remarkable career as a dancer, choreographer and teacher.
Mr. De Jesus was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. Danced from 1980 -1983 wit h Ensemble Espanol Spainish Dance Theater, From 1984-2001, he was a leading dancer with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Among the choreographers whose works he danced are Paul Taylor, Lynne Taylor-Corbett, Bob Fosse, Jiri Kylian, David Parsons, Margo Sappington, Daniel Ezralow, James Kudelka, Kevin O’Day, Twyla Tharp and Nacho Duato. Twyla Tharp created the leading role “I Remember Clifford” for him in 1995. In 2001, he joined the original cast of the Twyla Tharp/Billy Joel Broadway Musical “MOVIN’OUT”, alternatively dancing the leading role of Tony and Ensemble for four years.
Mr. De Jesus began choreographing in 1991 while at Hubbard Street. He has created works for Hubbard Street and Hubbard Street 2, Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago (for which he won the Chicago Music and Dance Alliance Award 2004), Luna Negra Dance Theatre, Dance New Amsterdam’s annual “In the Company of Men 2006”, Point Park University, Harvard University and Purchase University. He has also been actively creating award winning works for Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS; fashion events “7th on 6th Fashion NYC”; Aetna Life and Casualty, Philips Semiconductor and Verizon Wireless commercials; and was the Assistant Choreographer for the Madonna/Rosie O’Donnell film “A League of Their Own”. As a dancer, he has appeared in the films “Road to Perdition”, “Stay” and “Across the Universe”, directed by Julie Taymor.
Mr. De Jesus recently choreographed for the pre-workshop of the Richard Frankel Productions Broadway-bound new musical “CHEER”. In early 2007, he was the choreographer for Stageplays Theater Company’s Off-Broadway production of “La Llorona/The Crying Woman”. He also created the choreography for “Stars of Ballet and Broadway”, a Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts opening in Detroit, Michigan. Upcoming projects include a new works for Luna Negra Dance Theater, Washington “Reflections” Dance Company, and a full evening’s work for Ballet Florida. Along with choreography for Stageplay’s 2007 fall production of “Pied-a-Terre.”. New York Musical Theater Festival 2007 and Spring of 2008 an original work for Sacramento Ballet.
Mr. De Jesus is a Ballet Master for Twyla Tharp Productions, setting Ms. Tharp’s works on dance companies around the world.

Directorial/Choreographic credits include BAT BOY and SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ at THEATREWORKS (awards for Excellence in direction and choreography); SEUSSICAL! - Music Theatre of Wichita; JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, SIDE SHOW, OKLAHOMA, and CABARET - Univ. of Mich. Choreographic credits include world premieres of Henry Krieger’s and Bill Russell’s EVERYTHING’S DUCKY, and the revised GOOD NEWS! Tours: CABARET â€" Europe, SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN â€" U.S. and Japan, BLUE’S CLUES LIVE, and DORA THE EXPLORER â€" U.S., including Radio City Music Hall. Regional Theatre: COMPANY with Carol Burnett â€" Long Beach CLO, STRIKE UP THE BAND and HIGH BUTTON SHOES â€" Goodspeed Opera House, SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN and ANNIE â€" Paper Mill Playhouse. Other Theatres: Cincinnati Playhouse, St. Louis Rep, North Shore Music Theatre, and TUTS. 2007 DANCEBREAK presenter â€" NYC. www.lindagoodrich.com

Nick is originally from South Bend, Indiana. He graduated from Indiana University with a B.S. in Accounting. Nick began studying dance on the side while working as a C.P.A. in Chicago. The NY art scene (and a mammoth corporate accounting scandal) pushed him into pursuing dance fulltime. Nick attributes his love for choreography and performing to the pop music pioneers of the 80’s who revolutionized the music video as an art form. The NY stage has subsequently provided his biggest source of inspiration for story telling through the vehicle of dance. Nick has choreographed for television commercials/promos, recording artists, and musical/stage shows but is most proud to serve as a choreographer for Broadway Bares, an annual burlesque/dance concert that raises over half a million dollars for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. DanceBreak 2006.

Mentored by Bob Fosse, dance captain of Broadway’s Chicago, and former teaching faculty at Harvard University - - Jeff Shade is here TO MAKE DANCES!!!
Jeff recently choreographed a 32 dancer tap piece for the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. His new concert work, CARRY ON (music by My Chemical Romance) premieres September 7th at the Guild Theater in Chelsea, and he is thrilled to be a choreographic collaborator on the new dance musical, PLATFORMS!
Jeff’s choreography was featured in DANCEBREAK 2005, and has been seen In New York in THE DEVIL IS AN ASS (Dillon’s), NEW YORK MOVES (Atlantic Theater), and WATCHING MY HAIR GROW (Chelsea Playhouse). Television choreography includes Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, the Rosie O’Donnell Show, and the Hitomi Kiroki Japanese Television Special. Director/Choreography credits include CRAZY FOR YOU (Pittsburgh Musical Theater), CHICAGO (Boston Conservatory), RANDOM ACTS OF TAPness (Boston Conservatory), and ROSES ARE DANCE (Syphony Space). Mr. Shade’s music and choreography have been commissioned by the Heinz Foundation (HEAVEN) and Harvard University (CHANGE),and produced by the River Side Stage Company (WATCHING MY HAIR GROW).
On Broadway, Jeff danced in SWEET CHARITY (directed and choreographed by BOB FOSSE), served as dance captain for CHICAGO (Walter Bobbie - director, Ann Reinking - choreographer), and was featured in TEDDY & ALICE (choreographed by Donald Saddler). He was a soloist in GOTTA GETAWAY and featured in the CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR - - both at Radio City Music Hall. Television appearances include NIGHT OF 100 STARS, TONY AWARDS, MISS AMERICA, HBO CHRISTMAS, NBC’S 60TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL, THE TODAY SHOW, LIVE WITH REGIS & KATHI LEE, and ONE LIFE TO LIVE.
Teaching credits include Harvard University, the Boston Conservatory, Point Park University, and STEPS on Broadway.
Jeff holds an M.A. in Dance Therapy (psychotherapy through movement), an M.B.A. from Columbia University (marketing/management), and a B.S. from Duquesne University.

Most recently, Matt returned for his second season choreographing for the New England Tour of Circus Smirkus. Earlier this year he served as co-producer for the broadway choreographic showcase, Dancebreak for which he was also a choreographer in 2004. In 2006 Matt's choreography debuted at the Tony-Award winning Alley Theater in Scott Schwartz's production of Much Ado About Nothing. Matt also worked with Mr Schwartz on the world premier of Rooms at the New York Musical Theater Festival. Matt will return to the 2007 festival to choreograph for a new commission in collaboration with fellow DanceBreak akumni Ron de Jesus, Jeff Shade, NIck Kenkel, and Linda Goodrich
On Broadway, Matt interned and assisted Jerry Mitchell on the revival of Gypsy. Matt's choreography has also appeared at Lincoln Center, Irish Reparatory Theater, La Mama, The Rubicon Theater, and the Stamford Center for the Arts. Matt holds a BFA in choreography from UC Irvine. Currently, Matt has the title of "Big Piano Choreographer" at FAO Schwarz Toy store in New York City where he recreates and reinvents the world famous piano dancing scene from the hit film Big.

Delaney Britt Brewer is a playwright and a member of Ensemble Studio Theater's playwriting collective: Youngblood, Partial Comfort Productions, and Kids With Guns (a theater co.). With Youngblood, her play Wolves was featured in the Samuel French One Act Play Festival, her play Witches was featured in the Bloodworks Reading series, and her 10 minute play, Hype Man, featured in Asking for Trouble (EST). With Partial Comfort Productions, she assistant directed John Gould Rubin for their production of ...a matter of choice (Chashama), work shopped Singing to Placedo (Collective Unconscious) , An Octopus Love Story and Dogs are Barking- co-written with John Summerour (Theater Row). With Kids with Guns, she worked on their productions of Spring at Jake (Under St. Marks) and Life is Short (Center Stage), and KWG produced An Octopus Love Story at Center Stage in May. She has also worked for Triad Regional Stage, assistant directing for their productions of Art and Our Town. She is a graduate of UNC-Greensboro, with a BA in Theater and a minor in English.

Stage: Go-Go Beach (2006 NYMF featuring Austin Miller); Ricky Goes Fishing (for Ricky). Film: composed and produced the scores to Blind Side (dir. John Daschbach, Digidance Film Festival) and Waking Dreams (starring Ben Shenkman). TV: original music for VH1 rockdocs documentary Last Days of Left Eye, Latino Beginnings (LOGO), and TV background music for Access Hollywood. He is a co-founder of the music production company FatLab Music with Michael Shaieb and an alumnus of the NYU Tisch Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program.

Ms. Ruggiero is the Artistic Director of imPULSE Theatre in New York City, and has produced and directed fifteen pieces for the company including a reading of Martin Sherman’s awarding winning play, Bent, with Will Chase and Matt Cavenaugh. She was recently voted as the Best Director of the Midtown International Theatre Festival 2007 for her work on the first New York revival of George Axelrod’s Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? The production won three awards including Best Revival of a Play or Musical and was nominated for eight awards total, the most out of any piece in the festival this year. Holly-Anne was the associate to Tony Award winning director Des McAnuff for three years on Broadway and at the La Jolla Playhouse. Selected credits include â€" Broadway/National Tour/West End: Jersey Boys (Broadway; First National); Billy Crystal’s 700 Sundays (Broadway; First National); Dracula; Zhivago; As You Like It; Metamorphoses; Much Ado About Nothing; Cover Girls. Off Broadway/Other New York: Journey to Jersey Boys, Autophobia, Broadway Spotlight 2005-2007; 4.48 Psychosis; Cowboy Mouth; Icons; Where are you going, Where have you been?; A Happy Goy In The Shiva House (A New Play by Andrew Snyder); Albert Innaurato’s The Transfiguration of Benno Blimpie and a critically acclaimed revival of Edward Albee's, The American Dream. Regional: Joseph And….Dreamcoat; Forum; Credo, Sarah Kane’s Blasted and Crave for the Backyard Company and What The Butler Saw for CTWA in Los Angeles. Regional/Associate: The Wiz; Zhivago; Palm Beach; Private Fittings. Upcoming projects include Wine Lovers at the Triad Theatre, Under The Bed at the Ars Nova and Song of Sam, a new musical.

Founder and President of the Board of DanceBreak Foundation.
which produces an annual series of presentations in New York City to showcase the work of emerging choreographers for an audience of producers, directors, writers, artistic directors, and agents. Some DanceBreak alumni include, Casey Nicholaw, SPAMALOT and THE DROWSEY CHAPERONE, Andy Blankenbeuhler, IN THE HEIGHTS and DESPERATLY SEEKING SUSAN, Mia Michaels, SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, and most recently Josh Prince for SHREK, THE MUSICAL.
www.dancebreak.org

Melinda was also was part of the producing team for COMMON GROUNDS, NYMF 2006. which won the NYMF Award for Excellence in Choreography and Direction and was runner up for Most Promising New Musical.

Kara is thrilled to be entering the world of producing in this
collaboration of PLATFORMS with the New York Musical Theater Festival.
She has worked in the theatre industry in New York City for the last four
years as an actress and house manager and currently works in theater
advertising for the Eliran Murphy Group.

Anthony is the managing member of DRD Productions, a company dedicated to using technology to increase transparency in the artistic and investment processes. Previous producing credits include THE IMPORTANCE OF MARRYING WELLS (Best Play, Theatre Web), THE FARTISTE (Outstanding Musical, FringeNYC 2006), SEMI-PERMANENT (Outstanding Solo Performance, FringeNYC 2007). Anthony currently works as the Operations/IT Manager of the Atlantic Theater Company and is developing a software application to reduce the risk of investing in commercial entertainment content.