THE GRUNCH and VOTE Set for Broadway Workshop's Children's Musical Theater Festival, 7/21-22

Broadway Workshop, in association with Project Broadway, presents its second annual season of the Children's Musical Theater Festival this weekend in New York City.

This year, the Children's Musical Theater Festival (CMTF) features 60 theater-loving kids from all over the world, performing in two family-friendly musicals, created by up-and-coming theater writers. CMTF nurtures and educates these aspiring young actors who are selected to participate in a weeklong educational program, culminating in performances of the selected original works. Performances are held on July 21-22.

The 2012 festival shows are:

THE GRUNCH by Denver Casado & Betina Hershey with additional material by Brian Dawson. Inspired by "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas", THE GRUNCH tells the story of Robert Grunch, a grumpy 6th grader who always feels like an outsider. When the entire school gets excited about the school musical, he comes up with the perfect plan to ruin it for everyone. THE GRUNCH is performed by students ages 9-13 on Saturday, July 21 at 3pm and Sunday, July 22 at 1pm.

VOTE: THE MUSICAL by Ryann Ferguson (book & lyrics) and Steven Jamail (music & additional lyrics). This high-energy musical comedy focuses on the electoral process from the perspective of 3 high school seniors. The race forces the candidates to consider the meaning of each vote and the importance of distinctive character in politics. While some of the students have no problem gaining approval from their peers, others will stop at nothing to win the coveted position of student council president. VOTE: The Musical is performed by students ages 13-18 on Saturday, July 21 at 8pm and Sunday, July 22 at 6pm.

All performances take place at Baruch Performing Arts Center - Nagelberg Theatre, located at 55 Lexington Avenue in Manhattan (entrance on 25th Street between 3rd and Lexington Avenues). Tickets are $12 and are on sale by visiting www.CMTFnyc.com or www.broadwayworkshop.com or by calling 212.262.2636

For complete information on the CMTF, its educational program, show submission and audition requirements/forms, visit the CMTF website: www.CMTFnyc.com. For more information on Broadway Workshop: www.BroadwayWorkshop.com.

The Broadway Workshop, now in its 5th year, gives young performers of all skill levels the opportunity to explore their creativity and perfect their craft in acting, singing and dance. Programs are taught by working professionals, from Broadway stars to casting agents to top theater experts. Through theatrical workshops, industry showcases, summer camps, private and small group trainings and full-scale productions, participants gain experience in all areas of the theater while learning necessary career skills in a supportive, positive and most of all fun environment.

Project Broadway is a 501c3 non-profit organization, established in 2011 by Broadway Workshop, to provide inspiring educational experiences and scholarship opportunities for children in all areas of the theater arts. Project Broadway's mission is to increase children's access to the performing arts (acting, music and dance) and, in the process, encourage the development of important life skills, self-expression and personal development.