West Orange, NJ -- After COVID forced the 2020 Paper Mill Playhouse Summer Musical Theatre Conservatory to go 100% virtual, aspiring actors & actresses from across the country auditioned for their spot in the highly-competitive Summer Musical Theatre Conservatory which promised a safe in-person experience during the Summer of 2021 in Millburn, NJ.

West Orange High School Juniors Riley Hahn and Madison Gough as well as Roosevelt Middle School 7th grader Kyan Bashkoff were 3 of 77 students selected from 200+ applicants to return for another session at the Conservatory. During the four-week intensive hybrid program, they enjoyed a series of demanding classes in singing, acting, auditioning, and dance as well as a series of workshops led by professional actors, directors, and casting agents.

For Riley, Madison, and Kyan, participating in the conservatory puts them on the same stage as notable alumni including Academy Award & Golden Globe winner Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married, Les Misérables), Tony Award winners Laura Benanti (Gypsy) and Nikki M. James (The Book of Mormon), Tony nominee Rob McClure (Chaplin), and many more.

This unforgettable Summer experience culminates in the world premiere of the online performance, NEW VOICES 2021: STAND BY ME on Wednesday, September 29 at 7PM on the Paper Mill Playhouse Facebook and YouTube channels. All are welcome to join in celebrating the talent, creativity, and perseverance of this Company!