Our Masterclass Intensive Workshop Series offers aspiring young performers an exceptional opportunity to learn directly from accomplished artists whose experience spans Broadway, acclaimed regional and professional theatres, as well as television and film. Designed for students, each session is thoughtfully structured with age-appropriate curriculum and instructional practices to ensure a meaningful and supportive learning environment for every participant. Through a dynamic blend of engaging presentations, industry insights, immersive demonstrations, and hands-on experiences, students can attain invaluable knowledge of the performing arts while cultivating technical skills, artistic confidence, and professional awareness.

Beyond artistic training, these workshops provide a unique platform for mentorship, inspiring young artists to deepen their craft, broaden their understanding of the entertainment industry, and develop the discipline, creativity, and professionalism that distinguish successful performers across stage and screen.


Local Industry Professionals include Piper Birney, Kendyl Grace Davis, and Brian Syms.

Piper Birney is a graduate of The Hartt School's Musical Theatre program and a Connecticut-based performer and educator. Her credits include the national tour of how the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical and regional productions with Goodspeed Musicals and North Shore Music Theatre. Piper is passionate about inspiring the next generation of artists through performance and arts education.

Kendyl Grace Davis is a Connecticut-based actress known for her work in theatre and film, including Sulfur Bottom, Midas, and The Prom. A graduate of Western Connecticut State University's Musical Theatre program, she has earned recognition for her dynamic performances both on stage and on screen. Kendyl is committed to using storytelling to connect, inspire, and engage audiences.

Brian Syms is a Hartford-area arts educator, choreographer, and performer with a professional background in ballet, contemporary dance, and musical theatre. He has performed with organizations including New England Ballet Theatre and has choreographed productions such as The Lion King Jr., Sister Act, Once on This Island, Grease, Dreamgirls, and Matilda Jr. In addition to serving as Senior Coordinator of Education & Talent Development at The Bushnell Center for the Performaning Arts, Brian is passionate about mentoring young artists and creating performance experiences that foster confidence, creativit, and artistic excellence.


This workshop is designed for students ages 8-12.


Runs 3.5 hours (4:30pm-8pm)


The Bushnell may provide mobility devices as a courtesy to patrons, subject to availability. To the fullest extent permitted by law, patrons and their companions assume the risks associated with their voluntary use or assistance with a Bushnell-provided mobility device.