J. Austin Eyer
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News

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Up next, CABARET at UTA.
​November 9-13th. 

QUEER-FEMINIST-ANTIRACISM AND DESIGN FOR THE FUTURE

June 3 Exhibit and Show asks: "How can we work as Engineers, Scientists, Artists and Designers to create prototypes of a future that supports a liberatory experience for all?"

​ Faculty Instructors: Professor Danielle Wood (MIT) and Professor J. Austin Eyer (University of Texas at Arlington) "Design for the Future:" An Exhibit and Performance Join us on Friday, June 3 at 12pm in the Media Lab (75 Amherst Street, E14-6th Floor) for a free reception and performance drawing from the class experience. The performance will feature two guest artists, Jennifer Harrison Newman (choreographer, producer and dancer) and Paul Lieber (projectionist) collaborating with students and instructors of the course. The event will bring together the two campuses, MIT and the University of Texas at Arlington, as we present a devised theatrical performance drawing from the tradition of the choreopoem. A choreopoem is a performance that blends spoken word, movement, light, and sound to invite the audience to explore a theme or engage with characters. In this performance, we explore concepts of joy, drawing from the rich traditions explored in the class of Black, Queer and Feminist cultural innovation.

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UTA's production of 9 to 5
March 2-6, 2022 
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Summer Update: Austin spent the summer of 2021 researching for papers at 3 theatre conferences: Watershed Festival; Song, Stage, and Screen; and ATHE. He also took care of his COVID puppy--seen here on a trip to visit the bridges of Madison County in Iowa. 
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SPRING AWAKENING
Austin is currently directing and choreographing a socially distant production of Spring Awakening. Streaming on Showtix4u this April 9-12. ​
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MOVING FORWARD

This fall Austin will be working with Broadway Artists Austin Regan and Maria Wirries to devise a new music theatre work with students from the theatre arts program at UTA. 
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You can find the new Musical Theatre Handbook written by Austin on Digital Theatre Plus. These 15 exercises are specifically crafted for the high school and college musical theatre instructor.

There are four units:
Warm ups (for acting, singing, and dance)
Acting exercises and scenes for musical theatre 
Singing and acting the song    
Dance vocabulary, style, and learning choreography


Austin is thrilled be be joining the University of Texas at Arlington this fall as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance.
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Austin received his MFA in Directing on May 9, 2020 in a special online ceremony. You can view an overview of his thesis HERE.

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Austin is excited to direct The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee for the Penn State Centre Stage Summer Series. Running July 15-26th at the Downtown Theatre. 


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​Austin will direct and choreograph the musical Cabaret this fall at Penn State.

Pavilion Theatre
September 18-21st
Tickets are $4.75 at the door




​Austin is so excited to work with director Josh Rhodes on Paint your Wagon at the MUNY this summer!!!

The show runs from July 27-August 2

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RESULTS WILL VARY - NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION AT PENN STATE

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Check out an article about Austin's work with this new interactive musical for Penn State's Orientation.
https://www.collegian.psu.edu/news/campus/article_4090fe92-480c-11e8-a033-37f394f454f3.html
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About Results Will Vary*Results Will Vary* is an interactive musical experience delivered to all incoming first-year students at Penn State University Park. The show – written for students by students – shares experiences that will help new students:
  • understand transition to life as a college student;
  • discuss the use and abuse of alcohol and other drugs;
  • define sexual consent and talk about sexual assault prevention;
  • better understand the importance of diversity in the college experience;
  • act as a bystander when necessary.
​Meet the Results Will Vary* Cast and Creative TeamClick here to meet our Season 2 cast!


KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN

This spring Austin is excited to choreograph one of his favorite shows, Kiss of the Spider Woman. I will be choreographing with a really phenomenal cast and creative team.
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The Borland Project Space

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As a part of the College of Arts and Architecture at Penn State, the Borland Project is a space where artisits can exhibit their current artistic research. This fall Austin will be working on a new piece titled, Capsid: A Love Song based on the Lambda Literary Nominated essay of the same title. Austin will be hosting four free events on the University Park Campus, that are open to the public. We hope you will join us to discuss HIV/AIDS and the work of queer writer and scientist Joseph Osmundson.

​Tuesday, September 19 from 4:30-5:30 in 125 Borland, University Park (Free Borland Project Space Event)- HIV/AIDS From Epidemic to Treatment: a panel discussion on the history of HIV/AIDS, medical treatment, and their representations in art.

Speakers: Christopher Reed (Professor of English, Visual Culture, and Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies), Colin hogan (PhD Candidate in English), Christopher Staley (Distinguished Professor of Art)

Tuesday, September 26 from 4:30-6 in 125 Borland, University Park (Free Borland Project Space Event)- Biology of the HIV/AIDS Virus and Prevention/Treatment: a panel discussion on how the virus works, and current ways to treat and prevent the virus.

Speakers: Kirsten Burkhart (Executive Director of AIDS Resource), Jessica Conway (Assistant Professor of Mathematics, HIV/SIV transmission dynamics), Joshua Rosenberger (Assistant Professor of Behavioral Health, HIV/STI Prevention), Dr. Curtis Swagler (DO, UHS Physician), Nora Miginnis (CPRN, UHS and CAPS)

Tuesday, October 3 from 4:30-5:30 in 125 Borland, University Park (Free Borland Project Space Event)- Capsid: A Love Song: Join us for a new performance-piece based on the Lambda literary-nominated Capsid: A Love Song written by scientist and writer Joseph Osmundson. This performance will bring together elements of biology, poetry, theatre and dance for a 30 minute exploration of how HIV continues to be experienced in the gay community. An optional talkback will follow the performance.


Tuesday, October 10 from 4:30-6:30 in 125 Borland, University Park (Free Borland Project Space Event)- Author, scientist and Food 4 Thot podcast host Joseph Osmundson will be on campus to do a reading of his work Capsid: A Love Song, speak about his current research as a postdoctoral fellow in systems biology at NYU, and answer any questions from the audience.

Showa University of Music

Austin is very excited to return for a week to teach the Musical Theatre students at Showa University in Tokyo, Japan!
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Playbill Article

Austin received a mention in Playbill this week for, Broadway Kids: Where are They Now?

Check out the article:

http://www.playbill.com/article/23-performers-who-got-their-start-as-a-broadway-kid

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Nu.Musical Festival - Elektric

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Austin is excited to start work on the 2017 Nu.Musical Festival directing the world premierie of Elektric the Musical. He is thrilled to be working with the writers Caleb and Emmie Smith.

​Here is an article talking about this exciting new musical:
http://www.centredaily.com/entertainment/this-weekend/article161165178.html

Penn State Dance Concert

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This April, Austin is presenting 3 pieces in the Spring Dance Concert.  

Seriously - Based on Obama's reaction to a Trump Presidency

Silence = Death - A look at how the AIDS crisis has, and hasn't, changed over the last 20 years

The Gates of Hope - we look at how maintaining a voice in the arts can lead to positive action and change in a time we need it most.  

Join us - April 21 and 22 at 7:30 in the Penn State School of Theatre Playhouse


​Be More Chill

​This fall Austin will Choreograph Be More Chill at Penn State.  Check out this Broadwayworld article for more information.
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The Broadway Experience

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Austin has been asked to give a lecture about Broadway Swings to the students of The Broadway Experience.   

Musiktheater Bavaria 2016

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Austin returns as the Head of the Musical Theatre department for his fifth and final summer.  He has had a fantastic time time with MTB and can't wait to work with the amazing Musical Theatre faculty including: Dr. Pamelia Phillips (NYC Voice Teacher and Author of Singing for Dummies), Marc McBride (London based Music Director and MD for Celebrity Cruises), Tera-Lee Pollin (NYC Performer and Teacher), and Dean Wilmington (Australian Music Director based in Germany). Check out Musiktheater Bavaria for next year's dates.      

Promos for Broadway Swings

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Contemporary Musical Theatre

Actors Expo

NBC New York

Broadway World

Penn State Newsletter

​The Ensemblist 

Choreographer for 2 Penn State Spring Mainstage Productions

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110 In the Shade
Music by Harvey Schmidt
Book by N. Richard Nash
Lyrics by Tom Jones
Directed by Richard Roland
Choreographed by J. Austin Eyer
February 16-27, 2016
Playhouse Theatre

BUY TICKETS
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Penn State Spring Faculty Dance Concert
Featuring works by Michele Dunleavy and J. Austin Eyer
February 11, 12, 13 at 7:30pm in Theatre Room 119

Two Events in NYC to Celebrate: Broadway Swings

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​Series of events to celebrate the book to be hosted by authors J. Austin Eyer and Lyndy Franklin Smith, in New York City, October 24-25.
 
NEW YORK, NY (October 14, 2015) -- Broadway veterans J. Austin Eyer and Lyndy Franklin Smith’s new book BROADWAY SWINGS:  COVERING THE ENSEMBLE IN MUSICAL THEATRE.  Bloomsbury Publishing will release the title on October 22, 2015. 
 
BROADWAY SWINGS is a comprehensive guide on how to be a Swing (understudy of the ensemble) in musical theatre.  This position is examined from every angle, showing just how vital Swings are to the success of any musical theatre production.
 
Authors J. Austin Eyer and Lyndy Franklin Smith draw on their own experiences as performers, and gather first-hand stories from other Swings about the glories and hardships of their industry. The book features interviews with over 100 Broadway pros-- Swing veterans, Stage Managers, Casting Directors, Choreographers, and Directors- including Rob Ashford, Susan Stroman, Jerry Mitchell, Larry Fuller, Tony Stevens, Beverley Randolph, and Frank DiLella.
 
Eyer and Franklin Smith are hosting two events in New York City, in conjunction with the release of the book.
 
The first is the “How to be a Swing Workshop,” to be held Saturday October 24th from 11:00am-2:00pm at CAP21 Studios (18 West 18th Street, 6th floor, Room 606).  Eyer and Franklin Smith will host a Q&A session and walk participants through the life of the Swing and how to prepare for this monumental job.  In the second half of the workshop, participants will learn a short combination and practice Swing skills while learning to swing in and out of a production number. All levels of dancers are welcome to attend!  To attend, participants must make a reservation by emailing the title of the workshop (How to be a Swing Workshop) and their name to BroadwayDonation@gmail.com.   There is a suggested donation of $20 to attend. (Event Sponsored by Broadway Donation.)
 
The second event will be the “Broadway Swings Launch Celebration.”  Swings, swings-to-be and anyone interested in the book is welcome to attend.  The authors will be celebrating the release of the book and the over 100 artists who help contribute to its content.  The event will be held on Sunday October 25th from 11:00am-1:00pm at CAP21 Studios (18 West 18th Street, 6th Floor studio 606.)

Order your Copy of Broadway Swings 

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Our book is finally here!  Lyndy and I have been working for a few years to bring this important piece of Broadway History to life.  Broadway Swings is part "how to" and part "stories from the life of  a Swing."  

In this textbook for performers, the position of a Swing-an Understudy for the Ensemble-on Broadway is examined from every angle, showing just how vital Swings are to the success of any musical theatre production.

Authors J. Austin Eyer and Lyndy Franklin Smith draw on their own experiences as performers, and gather first-hand stories from other Swings about the glories and hardships of their industry. The book features interviews with over 100 Broadway pros-Swing veterans, Stage Managers, Casting Directors, Choreographers, and Directors-including Rob Ashford, Susan Stroman, Jerry Mitchell, Larry Fuller, Tony Stevens, Beverley Randolph, and Frank DiLella.

Broadway Swings is the ideal guide for anyone considering a career in this most unique of positions, or anyone curious about what really goes on, behind-the- scenes, in a long-running show. 


“As this text so wonderfully captures, swings are mathematicians, artists, soloists, team members, team leaders, peacekeepers, and miracle-workers. What a gift to have their stories told! Future swings, take this gift and run with it!” –  Andy Blankenbuehler, Choreographer

“A revelation! . . . This user-friendly guide explains everything you need to know to be a successful swing or cover on any stage, anywhere. It takes all of the confusion and intimidation out of the job and explains every responsibility in detail. A guaranteed gem!'” –  Lyn Cramer, University of Oklahoma

Click Here to Order your Copy Today!

Austin Teaches for Showa University of Music

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Austin took his first trip to Japan this year to teach a one week master class for all of the Musical Theatre Students at Show University. 

Austin Teaches for the Joop Van Den Ende Academy

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Austin had an amazing time teaching for the Joop Van Den Ende Academy in Hamburg, Germany.  This amazing school is connected to the German Musical Theatre Company Stage Entertainment.  

AUSTIN DIRECTS TWO PROJECTS FOR THE Nu MUSICAL THEATRE FESTIVAL

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The Penn State New Musical Theatre Festival is an annual new works festival that allows up-and-coming composers, lyricists, and book writers to workshop their original musical theatre pieces at the Penn State University Park Campus.

Women: Front and Center

A look at the role of women in contemporary musical theatre.
Performances: July 8-11, 2015; 5 pm Downtown Theatre Centre
*In association with Central PA Festival for the Arts

Something Wicked This Way Comes
Based on the novel by Ray Bradbury
Music and Lyrics by Neil Bartram
Book by Brian Hill
For those who still dream and remember, for those yet to experience its hypnotic power, step inside. The show is about to begin. Cooger & Dark's Pandemonium Shadow Show has come to Green Town, Illinois, to destroy every life touched by its strange and sinister mystery. And two boys will discover the secret of its smoke, mazes, and mirrors; two friends who will soon know all too well the heavy cost of wishes. . .and the stuff of nightmare. This world premiere musical comes to us from the writing team ofTHE STORY OF MY LIFE and THE THEORY OF RELATIVITY.
Performances: July 6-7 and 8-11*, 2015  8 pm Downtown Theatre Centre
*In association with Central PA Festival for the Arts

Austin Returns to MTB as head of Musical Theatre

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Austin is excited to take on the title of Head of Musical Theatre for Musiktheater Bavaria.  This will be his 5th summer teaching for MTB in Oberaudorf, Germany.

He is also excited to travel up to teach for the prestigious Joop van den Ende Academy in Hamburg, Germany  this August .   

Austin Choreographs the Musical Dogfight at Penn State


Click here to see a promo video

Dogfight, a musical based on a 1991 film of the same name, tells a tender and brutal tale of young people meeting in a situation certain to end in heartbreak. Following three young Marines on the eve of their deployment to Vietnam in 1963, the show focuses on Corporal Eddie Birdlace and Rose, an ungainly but hopeful waitress he recruits in a callous competition with his buddies. But Rose changes the way the game is played in an unexpected story of innocence, compassion, and new love.

Show Dates: Wednesday, April 1, 2015 to Saturday, April 11, 2015

Click here to purchase tickets 
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HEADLINERS IN Ohio AND detroit

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Austin is working for Headliners as a Dance Competition Judge in Ohio the weekend of Friday February 27th-March 1st 2015, and again April 17th-19th 2015 in Detroit, MI. 

Fall '14 PSU Dance Concert

Penn state

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In August 2014, Austin joined Penn State University as an Assistant Professor in the School of Theatre.  

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 music theater bavaria 2014

Austin will return for a 5th summer to teach in Oberaudorf, Germany for Music Theater Bavaria.  

The Passing show

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Austin is happy to choreographing for Unsung Musicals new musical titled The Passing Show .  Click here for more info.

Cap21 mainstage

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Austin is currently Choreographing On the Town for the CAP21 Mainstage.  


The production will run from May 6-May 10.  Click here for more information

Headliners in Clifton, nj and Providence, RI

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Austin is joining Headliners as a Dance Competition Judge in Clifton, NJ the weekend of Friday February 14th 2014, and again in from April 24th-27th 2014 in Providence, RI.  

Bro-Do Dance

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An exciting new program called Broadway Donation, which began last fall, starts back with their open classes on Monday January 13th 2014.  The brainchild of performer/teachers J. Austin Eyer and Mike Kirsch, Broadway Donation (or Bro-Do for short) provides musical theatre artists, of any financial background, the continued training that is required of them to succeed in this very demanding, competitive and expensive career.  All classes are Donation based ($10 suggested) and feature a rotating roster of the most exciting Teachers and Choreographers from the Broadway Community.  Classes are Monday-Friday and feature consistent class times and locations.  They currently offer classes in Theatre Dance (two advanced classes and one geared toward Singer/Movers), Tap and a weekly workout class.  Voice, Acting and Casting Seminars will be added later this year.  This year’s teachers include Andy Blankenbuehler, Christopher Gattelli, JoAnn Hunter, Richard Stafford, Christopher Bailey, Kelli Barclay, Nick Kenkel, Sarah O’Gleby, Richard Hinds, Al Blackstone, Lisa Gajda and Dan Knechtges...just to name a few.  For more information on their amazing teachers or for more detailed class information visit www.BroadwayDonation.com.  FYI...they announce their teachers for each week every Friday via their mailing list and social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. So, If you’re looking for an affordable place to continue your training and stay in shape take a class in a judgement free atmosphere with your peers at Broadway Donation. 

The song and dance project

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In September 2013 Austin directed the Song and Dance Project for CAP21 click here for more info.

Section A
Director:  Austin Eyer
Musical Director:  Joshua Zecher-Ross
Featuring these Song and Dance Numbers….


“Blue skies” from White Christmas
“Aggie stomp” from Whorehouse
“Forget about the boy” from Millie
“I gotcha” from Fosse / Liza with a Z
“Tough act to follow” from Curtains
“Drive a Person Crazy” from Company
“Who's got pain” from Damn Yankees
“Money makes the world” from Cabaret
“Mein Herr” from Cabaret
“Tom, Dick or Harry” from Kiss me Kate
“Too darn hot” from Kiss me Kate


See Austin's number from BC Beat 2013

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"Beautiful Child" Choreographed by J. Austin Eyer 

Austin Teaches in the finger lakes

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Austin will be teaching a 2 week summer course in Cayuga, NY from August 5 - August 17 2013.  This high school intensive summer program is offered by Merry-go-round Playhouse and CAP21.

Q & A for broadway blogspot

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Check out an interview Austin did for Broadway Blogspot where he talks about landing his first Broadway show and shares some advice on staying up on your training.  Click Here

Come take a dance class from Austin

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With the help of colleague Mike Kirsch, Austin is starting a very exciting company this fall...Broadway Donation Dance.  Where professional dancers can take donation based dance classes for a suggested donation of just $10.  Click here for more info and stay Tuned for more details.   

Summer in Germany 2013

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Austin will once again be teaching Acting and Movement for Music Theater Bavaria in Oberaudorf, Germany. This will be his 4th summer with Music Theater Bavaria!!!

Gershwin Awards

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Austin is excited to choreograph again for the 3rd annual Gershwin Awards on May 18th

Austin Choreographs for BC Beat

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BC Beat is a choreographer's showcase here in New York City, and Austin is thrilled to be presenting a piece for BC Beat this May 6th, 2013 at 7pm.  




For more info or to purchase an $8 ticket visit www.bcbeat.net



Urinetown

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Austin is choreographing the CAP21 Spring Mainstage production of Urinetown, running May 8-11 2013.  


For more info visit:  http://www.cap21.org/cap21/conservatory/events/

Check out Unique New York

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I do freelance and creative consulting for the amazing production company, Unique New York Productions, check them out!!!

Songs you Should Know 2013

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Come see Austin perform in "Songs you Should Know" to benefit the Libra Theater Company.

Monday, February 11, 2013
9:30pm at The Laurie Beechman Theatre
(407 West 42nd Street)


For more info click here

Austin does a Q&A for an Internet Blog

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Click here to read an interview Austin did for The Write Teachers.

Evita Closed January 26, 2013

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Austin had such a great time with the amazing cast of Evita! 

Gypsy of the Year

Catch Austin in a special tribute to Fred Ebb, as the cast of Curtains reunites to sing "Show People" for Gypsy of the Year.

My Big Gay Italian Wedding Returns

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Austin's choreography will once again be featured Off Broadway in My Big Gay Italian Wedding.  Limited Run begins November 3, 2012! 

For more info visit  http://www.biggayitalianwedding.com/

Evita on Broadway

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Austin is proud to announce that he will be joining the Ensemble of Evita starting September 24th, 2012.

CAP21's Summer Industry Practicum 2012

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Austin's choreographed CAP21's Summer Industry Practicum that will showcase for Agents and Casting Directors this week.  This is Austin's 9th showcase for CAP!!!

Public performances
Saturday September 8 at 7pm
Sunday September 9 at 3 and 7pm
Tuesday September 11 at 7pm

Industry Performances
Wednesday September 12 at 3 and 7pm

Broadway Under the Stars  2012 in Jack London State Park

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Austin will be performing and choreographing for a concert series brought to you by the Transcendence Theatre Company in Sonoma, CA at the end of August. 

What a Wonderful World

August 16, 17 & 18 (Thurs, Fri & Sat)
August 24, 25 & 26 (Fri, Sat & Sun)

5:00pm Pre-Show Picnicking Begins 
8:00pm Concert in the Winery Ruins


Experience a magical night of Broadway performances with breathtaking music from MY FAIR LADY, WEST SIDE STORY, SOUTH PACIFIC, LES MISERABLES and popular songs from the Great American Songbook.


For more info check out Transcendence Theatre Company 

Summer in Germany 2012

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Austin will be spending most of the summer in Germany.  He is so excited to be teaching Acting and Movement again for Music Theater Bavaria (it's been 10 years)!!! 

H2S Closing

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Sadly, H2S Closed on May 20th, 2012.  

BC Beat 2012

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Come see Austin in a Dance Piece by Mike Kirsch 
Monday May 21, 2012

Click Here for more info 


Quick Tips

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Click here to watch Austin give some "quick tips" for CAP21 

CAP21

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Come Austin's latest choreographic project:

Children of Eden at CAP21
Playing May 2 - May 5 2012
To purchase Tickets Visit CAP21 


StinkyKids

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Austin's Latest Choreography project won the Off Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Family Musical!

StinkyKids the Musical at the Vital Theatre Company 
StinkyKids has been extended till May 26th 2012!!!!



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Earlier this year he performed in the concert "Songs you Should Know" to benefit the Libra Theatre Company  












Happy 2012!!!  Austin is settling in at How to Succeed where they are welcoming new stars Beau Bridges, Nick Jonas and Michael Urie.  He is still teaching for CAP21 in their 2 year professional program.  
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