Maddie's Major: Veterinarian, Minor: Singing

Dreams are important... when we're kids, and when we grow up. When I was 8 years old, I wanted to be a disc jockey and own radio stations. Today, as an investment banker who once put together a small-market radio group for a private equity fund, I've never regretted pursuing my childhood radio dreams.

My youngest daughter, Maddie, aspires to be a singing veterinarian. Because our twin babysitters are going off to college in a couple of weeks, eight-year-old Maddie is already talking about what she's going to study when it's her turn to go away to college (making her mom and dad officially empty nesters in ten years). Maddie would like to find a college where she can major in veterinary science (is there such a thing as pre-vet?) and minor in singing.

In the mean time, we're trying to decide whether to make the commitment to a Master's class at Annie's Playhouse in Far Hills, NJ, in the Fall. For the past four years, London and Maddie have spent their summers at Annie's Playhouse Summer Stars, but this year, for the first time, both of my girls have expressed an interest in "going pro" in the Fall, focusing on a career in musical theatre through the amazingly serious classes in acting, singing and dancing at Annie's Playhouse. It's clearly impressive to see what Annie's Playhouse has accomplished for its most serious students... a couple of 10-year-olds from the Summer Stars camp already have their own agents and could turn out to be the next Jonas Brothers.

But talk about over-programmed. There is such a wealth of opportunities for children to choose from here in the Roxiticus Valley, including the local Hexagon Players performances. As much as London and Maddie LOVED softball in the Spring, we've rejected the Mendham Little League Fall softball program, and decided to wait until next year to join a 4-H dog club. London is a very talented dancer and already takes three hours of ballet on Monday and Tuesdays, as well as an hour of modern dance for both girls at Garden State Ballet in Randolph, NJ, but we've put off the third day of dance and participation in the Nutcracker until she's old enough to be en pointe next year. London also wants to continue with intermediate gymnastics at Randolph Gymnastics.

So we'll take the next few weeks of relaxation at our beach house in Bay Head, NJ, sleeping as late as we want with no commitments, to decide whether the girls want to get serious about a career in musical theatre, or stick to the lazy fun of song and dance of summer camp.

London and Maddie Are Ready to Be Summer Stars at Annie's Playhouse in Far Hills, New Jersey

Last year, London and Maddie had a great time at Annie's Playhouse Summer Stars summer camp in Far Hills, New Jersey (actually, while Annie's Playhouse "headquarters" is located in Far Hills, the camp sessions are held at the Presbyterian Church in Bernardsville, New Jersey). Last year, my girls were among the youngest Summer Stars, performing favorites like "We Go Together" from Grease and "We're All In This Together" from High School Musical along with their groups in the summer show.

This year, the girls are starting Annie's Playhouse Summer Stars camp next Monday, July 14th, and I'm really looking forward to another terrific performance on Friday, August 1st. We'll keep you posted!

In addition to Summer Stars, Annie's Playhouse offers classes in Musical Theatre, Dance/Acting, and "Young Starlets." Fall 2008 classes include:

• MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP (separate classes for ages 8-12 and 13+): This specialized performance class will expand skills in music, movement and performance. Singers, actors and dancers will all benefit from the techniques studied here. Students will work with scripted material, providing them with the opportunity to practice and strengthen presentation techniques.
• MUSICAL THEATRE JR. (ages 5-7): The first in Annie's series of musical theatre classes. Students will learn songs, dance, and expand their comfort with performing.
• MUSICAL THEATRE DANCE (all ages?): Get dance skills you need to succeed with comprehensive curriculum in Jazz, Tap and Ballet for the musical stage. One class for all three, or individual Jazz, Tap and Ballet dancing classes available.
• HIP HOP (separate classes for 5-7 and 8-12): This fun-filled class opens the stage door to street dance. This class is for everyone interested in energy driven dancing.
• ACTING: The perfect class to explore and understand the foundations of acting for the stage. Students will be exposed to exercises, monologues and scene work.
• YOUNG STARLETS: Pre-Musical Theatre (ages 3-5), Sing and Play (ages 3-5), Act I (ages 3-5), and Pre-Ballet/Tap (ages 2+)

Annie’s Playhouse is filled with young, hip, up-and-coming artists and working theater professionals who have the cutting edge needed to prepare your child for the future world of musical theater. Annie’s Playhouse offers a widely diverse curriculum of acting, singing, dance, and a variety of musical theater workshops and combo classes as well as private study in voice and instruments. I may look into piano lessons for London and Maddie in September....Santa brought the girls a keyboard for Christmas 2006, and they really enjoy playing simple tunes, but our in-home instructor quit after only two or three lessons because we "took too many vacations!"

Annie's Playhouse also offers extraordinary birthday parties; however they are only for registered Playhouse students.

Annie's Playhouse is owned and operated by Annie Forgione. Annie has over 13 years of professional performance experience. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Central Florida and holds a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre. Annie is an accomplished performer and an active member of Actors Equity Association. Recently she performed as a Disney princess in various shows in Orlando, Florida. Her favorite roles include Rose Petal in My Perfectly Princess Tea Party at Walt Disney World. Annie developed the interactive show Cinderella’s Princess Court with Walt Disney Entertainment, currently playing in New York City. Annie has been a Broadway Kid since age 10 and has performed in numerous benefits in NYC including Friends of Center Stage at the Hudson Theatre alongside the very popular Kristen Chenoweth. Annie has also provided numerous commercial voice-overs for companies such as Coca-Cola, Metlife, and General Motors. As a certified teacher Annie taught Theatre at Bernards High School and directed productions “I Remember Mama” and the unforgettable “Wizard of Oz.”