VSA arts Awards 2006 Summer Apprenticeship at the Williamstown Theatre Festival

April 4, 2006

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 4, 2006- VSA arts today announced the recipient of the first VSA arts Apprenticeship for a student with a disability at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Christopher Imbrosciano, 21, of South Plainfield, New Jersey, will be attending the renowned Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts, June 14-August 21, 2006.

VSA arts has partnered with the Williamstown Theatre Festival to offer an aspiring theatre artist with a disability, age 19-24, an apprenticeship. Every summer, the Williamstown Theatre Festival Apprentice Program offers 70 promising students a chance to expand their theatre education. One of the goals of VSA arts is to provide artists with disabilities the opportunity to develop skills in pursuit of a career in the arts. "The Williamstown Theatre Festival Apprentice Program provides some of the best hands-on learning experiences. We are thrilled to offer Christopher Imbrosciano this opportunity." said Soula Antoniou, President of VSA arts.

Christopher Imbrosciano is a junior at Rowan University majoring in theatre arts. He has performed in: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, Three Sisters, Anything Goes, and Oliver. Imbrosciano is also a skilled theatre technician, specializing in stage management and scenic, properties, and costume construction. He was born with cerebral palsy.

"Our summer-long theatre festival brings together emerging theatre talents and accomplished mentors in a vital and supportive educational atmosphere," said Roger Rees, Artistic Director, Williamstown Theatre Festival. "We believe the arts are for everyone and are very happy to partner with VSA arts to expand our program and build career opportunities for all artists."

The Williamstown Theatre Festival Apprentice Program is an intense training program taught by professional theatre artists that integrates all student actors, regardless of experience. Apprentices study acting, voice, and movement, and learn about the acting business. The students learn about the many facets of operating a professional theatre by participating in crews that build sets, hang lights, work in the box office, and assist the publicity department. Apprentices also have an opportunity to audition for Williamstown Theatre Festival productions. Former students of the program include Christopher Reeve and Gwyneth Paltrow.

VSA arts, an affiliate of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, is an international nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by Ambassador Jean Kennedy Smith to create a society where all people with disabilities learn through, participate in and enjoy the arts. VSA arts provides educators, parents, and artists with resources and the tools to support arts programming in schools and communities. VSA arts showcases the accomplishments of artists with disabilities and promotes increased access to the arts for people with disabilities. Each year millions of people participate in VSA arts programs through a nationwide network of affiliates and in more than 60 countries around the world. For more information visit www.vsarts.org.

Media Contact

Marcia Rhodes / VSA arts, (202) 628-2800, ext. 3883, marciar@vsarts.org