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VP BOYLE is one of the most sought after Broadway audition coaches for professionals in New York City and works with actors at every level across the country to spread his irreverent approach to theatrical wellness.
He wears many hats in the Broadway community (director, casting director, actor, writer, producer) and is most known in the theatrical casting world for creating The Musical Theatre Forum, a professional casting workshop with every major Broadway casting agency in NYC.
He was recently appointed Chair of the New York Film Academy's brand new two-year conservatory program in Musical Theatre that launches in September of 2009.
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Interviewed by Kipley Wentz
VP… we got wind of some incredibly exciting stuff happening at New York Film Academy. Can you give us the scoop?
New York Film Academy is launching a new two-year conservatory program in Musical Theatre, and I have been selected as the Chair of the program. We are literally bringing some of the best Broadway talent and award-winning writers on board to be the starting faculty. Huzzah!
The thing that is so exciting is that it will be the first of its kind nationwide to focus the second year on integrating on-camera acting technique for film and movie musicals.
Movie musicals? Really?
The energy is huge around this project because of the movie musical integration, but I want everyone to understand that you have to walk before you can run. The entire first year of the program is laying sound craft and fundamentals for any triple threat performer in musical theatre: acting, singing and dance.
There are so many schools (pun intended) of thought on which acting approach to take, but I feel strongly that Meisner is most useful and practical in the professional musical theatre world.
In the end, acting chops are what separate Broadway-level principals from chorus and I’m not interested in churning out career ensemble folks. I am also vehement about dance and vocal fundamentals for holistic health and longevity in the field so our class schedule will reflect that.
Money is tight for actors... are scholarships available?
I want everyone to know that anything is possible and nothing can keep you from your dreams if you dare to take them on.
We are looking for our first young stars and are committed to exploring the very best undiscovered talent across the nation so I have created one full talent scholarship (100% tuition) and anyone who submits an application will be considered. Additionally, we have a limited amount of talent scholarships/grants that range from $2,000 to $10,000 as well. Applications for January enrollment must be received by October 15, 2009.
Interested applicants should contact Celina Polanco, Director of Admissions for Musical Theatre at The New York Film Academy at 212-674-4300 or celina@nyfa.com. To be considered for the scholarship, you must mention this interview with ActorsLife.com.
You can learn how to submit an audition video or set up a live appointment with me in New York City. You can also get more information on our other programs as well by visiting www.nyfa.edu
You’ve been at the heart of the Broadway scene for years… what Broadway professionals will you be bringing on as teachers?
We have a bunch of Broadway veterans such as…
Deidre Goodwin who has eight Broadway credits and who will be starring on Broadway as Velma in Chicago…
Erick Buckley (Les Miz, Kiss Me Kate, Phantom and the upcoming Addams Family)…
Kristy Cates who spent two years playing Elphaba in Wicked…
Michelle Potterf (Chicago, Will Rogers Follies, Crazy For You)…
Trisha Gorman (Grease, She Loves Me, Annie Warbucks)…
and Denis Lambert (A Chorus Line, The Producers, White Christmas.)
We also will have three-time Richard Rogers Award Winner and Jonathan Larson Award winner Andrew Gerle, composer of Meet John Doe being produced by The Roundabout Theatre Company. Just to name a few!
What do you think will be your biggest challenge?
I have a growing list!
Honestly, taking my awesome-crazy adventure and experience in this business to the next level and trusting my instincts to create a cutting-edge program that NYFA can share worldwide. I have to keep my goals clear and focused and remember that the goal is to create working professionals who are competitive in the professional theatre and film worlds.
That being said, I have always supported the idea that if you are going to study, you should study with the best teaching talent who are also powerfully established in the current industry. Most of our launch faculty not only have multiple Broadway credits but are currently in Broadway shows. They will be teaching our classes and running to make their curtain.
I think training of this caliber helps minimize the practical learning curve and adaptation period that everyone must navigate at some point. You create more synergistic, measurable results and don’t waste valuable resources such as time, money, and energy.
What are you most excited about?
The same thing I’m always excited about—people and possibilities. I’m working with an amazing team of mentors who are very good at what they do and who like to play big. It’s no wonder we all felt comfortable thinking out of the box on this cutting-edge program.
Who is the ideal candidate for your program?
Someone with a passion for musical theatre who is looking for a conservatory setting that has film resources in the theatrical center of the universe, New York City.
They must audition in person or via video submission. No other program that I’m aware of has the resources to prepare a musical theatre actor for the realities of an on-camera career, reel in hand.
Any tips for the audition?
Live who you are. Love what you do.
