Our History
Master Class Performing Arts was founded in Spring, 2017 by two like-minded individuals. MCPA's mission involves, stimulates, and challenges performers and audiences with Broadway-quality productions. Since then, Andrew and Kelly have celebrated the influence of the theatre in their daily lives and community through training and supporting the next generation of theatre artists. During the past two years, MCPA has produced 15 musicals, 7 Broadway Cabarets, 3 Theatre Intensives, and hosted 16 Broadway Master Classes.
Master Class Performing Arts began with a shoestring budget performing at X-Quest in Schenectady. MCPA kicked off their first season of performances at X-Quest in the Fall of 2017 with Tim Rice and Elton John's Aida starring Broadway's Brynn Williams. Since then, they have continued to produce high-quality educational theatre. Andrew and Kelly quickly fell in love with X-Quest's dedication to community, thus helping the organization serve the community. MCPA served the community's youth by donating gifts for the holidays, establishing a giving tree for the homeless, cleaning up the community, and much more. As the year progressed, with MCPA gaining performers and support in the community, they quickly realized that they had outgrown their performance location. MCPA culminated their performances at X-Quest with a large, regional premiere production of Disney's Newsies, directed by Andrew F. Higgs, produced by Kelly Jaeger, and choreographed by Broadway's Nicholas Masson.
Recently, in the fall of 2018, MCPA became one of the newly-established Electric City Barn's Youth Residency Programs. Their first performance at the Electric City Barn was Broadway's Annie, with many future performances on the horizon.
Now, In their third season, Master Class Performing Arts is committed to growing their educational programming by introducing a new program, the Master Class Academy. The Master Class Academy is dedicated to the education of pre-professional performers in the Capital Region through the implementation of production workshops, Master Classes, and more exciting projects. MCPA looks forward to a very exciting season at the Electric City Barn and in the Schenectady Community!
Now, In their third season, Master Class Performing Arts is committed to growing their educational programming by introducing a new program, the Master Class Academy. The Master Class Academy is dedicated to the education of pre-professional performers in the Capital Region through the implementation of production workshops, Master Classes, and more exciting projects. MCPA looks forward to a very exciting season at the Electric City Barn and in the Schenectady Community!
