Broadway choreographer Stephanie Klemons and music director Chris Rayis come to Elon University to share their knowledge with the Music Theatre and Performing Arts programs.
Elon University Music Theatre decided not to throw away their shot when Broadway Music Director and Composer Chris Rayis applied for the university’s Resident Music Director Position.
Chris Rayis has written various works of theater as well as served on the music teams of “Frozen,” two national tours of “Hamilton” and the film adaptation of “The Last Five Years.” While at Elon, he has music directed the fall main stage musical, “42nd Street” and taught Music Theatre Literature to juniors and seniors. He plans on music directing the winter mainstage musical “Into the Woods” as well as teaching a Music Directing class in the spring.
So why all the talk about “Hamilton?” Well, Chris Rayis reached out to one of his “Hamilton” contacts, Stephanie Klemons, who served as associate choreographer next to Andy Blankenbuehler, and asked her to come to Elon to teach a masterclass.
Klemons will be coming to Elon on Nov. 8 to Nov. 10 to teach a dance masterclass and work exclusively with the senior Music Theatre majors. The Music Theatre program said they are lucky to be able to bring in such successful and talented artists to help expand students’ knowledge of the professional theatre industry.