Cultivating the Next Generation of Broadway Stars: A Wichita Studio's Transformative Journey

In the heart of Wichita, Kansas, a basement studio is nurturing the dreams of aspiring performers, equipping them with the skills and confidence to conquer the competitive world of musical theater. This is the story of Amy Menas and The Studio, where young talents are honing their craft and making their mark on stages near and far.

Empowering the Next Generation of Performers

Mastering the Fundamentals of Vocal Artistry

For many Kansas kids who aspire to grace the Broadway stage or captivate audiences in their high school musicals, the journey begins in the basement of The Studio. Here, voice coach Amy Menas imparts the essential skills of articulation, posture, and breath control, laying the foundation for their artistic growth. "Auditions are probably the hardest part of doing music theater," says 12-year-old Blair Baeza, a student at Horace Mann Dual Language Magnet School in Wichita. "It's nerve-wracking, but she has really built up my confidence." Blair's journey with Menas has led her to the stage, where she recently portrayed Lavender in Music Theatre Wichita's production of "Matilda."

Cultivating Emotional Connection and Storytelling

Beyond the technical mastery, Menas' approach emphasizes the importance of emotional connection and storytelling. "I definitely learned rhythm and all that stuff," Blair reflects. "But overall, just how to connect with people." This holistic approach to performance training is a testament to Menas' own experiences, shaped by the guidance of her own teachers and mentors. "She taught me so much. So really that's where I got the love of music," Menas recalls, reflecting on the influence of her choral instructors, drama teachers, and a private voice coach named Delia Hankins.

Navigating the College Audition Process

For students who aspire to pursue music theater after high school, Menas' expertise extends to guiding them through the college audition process. With top programs receiving thousands of applications for a limited number of spots, the competition is fierce. "It has a lot to do with shows (like) 'Glee,' 'American Idol,' 'The Voice,'" Menas explains, as the popularity of musical theater continues to soar. Elliot Dyer, a senior at Andale High School, is already preparing her audition numbers, including a new song from "Jo: The Musical," based on Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women." Dyer's dedication and passion for the art form are evident, as she shares, "Even though I've had a long day, and I'm doing the college stuff, and I'm doing all these things, if I go dance or sing or act, it feels like I can just breathe. Like, let it all go and just have a moment."

Nurturing the Next Generation of Broadway Stars

Menas' impact extends beyond the walls of The Studio, as her students have gone on to achieve remarkable success. One of her first students, Timothy Cao, landed the role of Prince Chulalongkorn in Music Theatre's "The King & I" and, at the age of 12, traveled to New York to audition for the Broadway production of "Matilda," securing the role of Bruce. "He actually started rehearsal the next day after his audition," Menas recalls, beaming with pride. The Studio's influence can be seen in the many states where Menas' students are now studying music or performing professionally, as evidenced by the highlighted map on the studio wall.As Menas watches her students take the stage, she is filled with a sense of overwhelming joy and pride. "They love that art form so much and love to tell the stories," she says. "But seeing them up onstage is just amazing." In this basement studio in Wichita, the dreams of aspiring performers are being nurtured, and the next generation of Broadway stars is being cultivated, one voice lesson and performance at a time.