News Articles

13-year-old Interlochen Online student chases composing dreams, performs in national concert (News Articles 628394)

marycaroline.whims@interlochen.org — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 17:13:45 +0000

13-year-old Interlochen Online student chases composing dreams, performs in national concert (News Articles 628394) marycaroline.w… Wed, 06/25/2025 - 13:13 13-year-old Interlochen Online student chases composing dreams, performs in national concertFabian Alejandro Coronado-Rivera highlights the power of connections with Interlochen Online instructors and fellow students in helping him achieve his goals. June 25, 2025

Fabian Alejandro Coronado-Rivera is just 13 years old, but that’s not stopping him from pursuing his dreams of composing a flute concerto—and, eventually, becoming a world-class musician.

His journey started with Interlochen Arts Camp, continued even further with composition coursework through Interlochen Online, and was recently rewarded with an exciting accomplishment at the national level. Through it all, Fabian has relied on connections with his online teachers and classmates who have inspired him to challenge himself.

Coronado-Rivera, a devoted musician since age 8, has spent four summers at Interlochen Arts Camp, where he studied flute. For him, experiencing the excitement and high-level instruction of Camp was a great indicator that he’d enjoy Interlochen Online programs.

“ When I go to Camp, I'm getting an excellent education from excellent teachers. So when I noticed that Interlochen had an online program, I felt very confident that I would learn a lot and get much better at composing. Going online allowed me to learn from people that I couldn't normally learn from.”

Coronado-Rivera decided to take the Music Composition certificate program through Interlochen Online, taught by Jamie Sampson.

“I’ve always been excited by the idea of creating music that lots of people can enjoy and interpret,” he says. “When I hear those really big orchestral works, I just think, ‘I want to do that.’”

Throughout the courses, Coronado-Rivera received plenty of feedback from Sampson, helping him sharpen his skills.

“ I really enjoyed how closely we worked with our teacher because we were able to get very specific advice,” he comments. “Sometimes I would get videos of my instructor really getting into detail, giving her opinions and advice on my music.”

He also enjoyed connecting with his classmates—young musicians from all over the world.

“A lot of our assignments had us comment on each other's compositions and give each other constructive feedback. I definitely felt that the process helped us create connections with each other, learn from each other, and understand other people's ideas on composition.”

His instructor speaks warmly of Coronado-Rivera’s abilities and growth.

"Fabian had great musical ideas and instincts from his first week in Composition 1, but I could see how persistent and thoughtful he was as new concepts worked through his mind,” says Sampson. “By the end of Composition 3, his attention to detail and development heightened. I know that the friends and musicians he writes for are going to get to play works that excite and challenge them."

Coronado-Rivera finished out the course by composing a piano waltz in ¾ time, applying lessons on melody-writing and emotional intensity. This dedication and skill development soon led to recognition beyond the classroom. In March, he performed in a packed concert hall with retired members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, West Point, and the Naval Academy. Because 60 Minutes picked up the story, the concert reached a vast online audience. The performance was organized by the Chicago-based nonprofit Equity Arc, which helps connect student musicians of color with high-level mentors and opportunities.

“It excites me a lot, and gives me hope for the future,” says Coronado-Rivera, whose parents are Puerto Rican and Venezuelan immigrants. “Against many odds, we came together and showed people what we’re capable of. It gives me hope for future musicians who are like me.”

His musical ability and poise are striking, especially for someone so young. But Coronado-Rivera is quick to credit the community around him.

“When I go to Camp and study with Interlochen Online, I’m surrounded by people who are like me, and by instructors who really believe in me. That’s helped me build confidence. It’s helped me believe that I can do great things and continue succeeding.”

He’s now working on a string ensemble piece and a flute concerto. As for the future? The young composer isn’t sure of his exact path—but he’s absolutely certain it will involve music.

“I feel like I have a lot of possibilities. I know I’m not going to let go of flute or composition. They’ve taken me really far. And they make me happy.”

Interlochen Online is a year-round source of expert online arts education, offering opportunities for children, teens, and adults to develop and nurture their artistic abilities. Whether through four-week courses, certificate programs, or private lessons, you can experience Interlochen’s world-renowned training in an online environment that fosters creativity, confidence, and collaboration.

Interlochen piano students perform at Carnegie Hall in New York (News Articles 628391)

marycaroline.whims@interlochen.org — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 16:12:10 +0000

Interlochen piano students perform at Carnegie Hall in New York (News Articles 628391) marycaroline.w… Tue, 06/24/2025 - 12:12 Interlochen piano students perform at Carnegie Hall in New YorkGuided by Arts Academy faculty, the students presented a program of classical and contemporary works at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall.

Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall (courtesy of Carnegie Hall).

June 24, 2025

On Monday, April 21, Interlochen Arts Academy piano students had the opportunity of a lifetime to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York. Guided by Instructor of Piano Christopher Goodpasture and Kara Huber, Instructor of Piano and Marjorie Wood Drackett Piano Chair, they took the stage at Weill Recital Hall to present a diverse program of classical and contemporary works. Offering selections ranging from Debussy to Kapustin, the students showcased their talents within a space that has hosted some of the world’s finest musicians since its opening in 1891.

This opportunity is just one example of the extraordinary pre-professional experiences that Arts Academy music students enjoy. As the top-rated boarding school for piano, Arts Academy offers students a highly effective combination of studio classes and private lessons tailored to each student’s individual needs. Under the guidance of exceptional instructors, students hone their reading, technique, knowledge of repertoire, expression, and more. Performance opportunities on campus, at local venues, and on tours across the nation enrich the student experience and prepare each young pianist to embrace a future in the arts.

"Watching our students perform at Carnegie Hall was truly magical," says Huber. "To see them command that historic stage with such poise and musicality—it's a testament to their dedication and the transformative power of the education they receive here at Interlochen."

Students at Interlochen Arts Academy enjoy world-renowned artistic training from gifted professionals alongside college-preparatory academics. Learn more about Arts Academy.

Interlochen alumni win Tony Awards for ‘Maybe Happy Ending’ (News Articles 628216)

melissa.birdsey — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 14:32:23 +0000

Interlochen alumni win Tony Awards for ‘Maybe Happy Ending’ (News Articles 628216) melissa.birdsey Mon, 06/09/2025 - 10:32 Interlochen alumni win Tony Awards for ‘Maybe Happy Ending’Director Michael Arden and scenic designer Dane Laffrey earned individual accolades as ‘Maybe Happy Ending’ led all productions with six Tony Awards—including the award for Best New Musical. June 9, 2025

Interlochen alumni Michael Arden (IAC 99, IAA 99-01, IAC St 01) and Dane Laffrey (IAA 99-01, IAC St 01) earned accolades at the 78th Tony Awards for their work on Maybe Happy Ending.

Hue Park and Will Aronson’s musical led all productions with six awards—including Best New Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score.

Arden, a four-time Tony Award nominee and second-time winner, received the award for Best Direction of the Musical. He has previously won the same award for Parade (2023) and received nominations for Once on This Island (2018) and Spring Awakening (2016).

“The experience of live theatre confirms that no matter how different we may be from one another, we are all connected and we are all here and in it together in this brief, beautiful life,” Arden said in his acceptance speech. “So I implore you, please go to the theatre—whether it's a Broadway show or a school play. Support the arts. Support artists. We need you now more than ever.”

Laffrey—a scenic designer and longtime friend and collaborator of Arden’s—won the award for Best Scenic Design of a Musical with George Reeve. His previous nominations include Best Scenic Design of a Play for A Christmas Carol (2023, with Lucy Mackinnon) and Best Scenic Design of a Musical for Once on This Island (2018).

“This is an incredible honor, and a million thank yous to everyone who has made this production flourish,” Laffrey said in his acceptance speech. “Making a show like Maybe Happy Ending is alchemical, and I've always believed that the key to the alchemy is to find your people… I think the reason I've always believed so strongly in finding your people and holding on tight is because I found one of them when I was 16 years old: Michael Arden. My oldest friend and partner in almost everything—I share this with you.”

During the awards ceremony—which was held Sunday, June 8 at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan—All-State alumna Celia Keenan-Bolger (AS 93-95) received the 2025 Isabelle Stevenson Award. The award is presented to a member of the theatre community who has made a substantial contribution of volunteered time and effort on behalf of one or more humanitarian, social service, or charitable organizations. In a press release announcing the award, the Tony Awards Administration Committee cited Bolger’s “unwavering dedication to advocacy work through the arts”—including her work as a member of the advisory board for Broadway Impact, her role as an artist-ambassador for the New York Civil Liberties Union, and leadership role in founding Broadway Feeds Bellevue during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Interlochen selected to participate in the DeVos Institute of Arts and Nonprofit Management’s A3 Program (News Articles 628209)

melissa.birdsey — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 12:01:52 +0000

Interlochen selected to participate in the DeVos Institute of Arts and Nonprofit Management’s A3 Program (News Articles 628209) melissa.birdsey Thu, 06/05/2025 - 08:01 Interlochen selected to participate in the DeVos Institute of Arts and Nonprofit Management’s A3 ProgramThe seven-month initiative explores how AI can be practically and affordably applied to the field of arts administration. June 5, 2025

Interlochen Center for the Arts has been selected to participate in the DeVos Institute of Arts and Nonprofit Management’s A³ (Arts x Admin x AI) Program.

Interlochen is one of just 16 institutions chosen through a competitive application process—which evaluated approximately 200 applicants—to take part in the program. Other participating organizations include the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation, American Repertory Theater, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, and the New York Museum of Contemporary Art.

The seven-month initiative, which runs May through December, explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can be practically and affordably applied in the arts administration industry. Designed as a partnership between arts-based nonprofit organizations, the program will help participants achieve ‘quick wins’ in areas such as automating repetitive tasks, improving communication, building deeper relationships with patrons, conducting donor prospect research, and generating marketing content.

Each month, participating organizations will engage in a two- to three-hour virtual training session that introduces available AI tools and offers examples of how they can make an immediate impact in the organizations' operations. The sessions will cover:

Safe, Ethical, Exponential: Creating AI Strategy and Policy for Your Organization
The AI Swiss Army Knife: ChatGPT and Other LLM Applications
AI x Fundraising and Development
AI x Marketing and Communications
AI x Boards and Family
AI x Financial Analysis and Planning
Use Case Roundtable: AI in Practice

The program will be facilitated by DeVos Institute President Brett Egan and Senior Consultant Ben Dietschi, and feature field-leading experts in each topic.

At the conclusion of the program, participating organizations will contribute case uses to a Roadmap for Safe, Ethical, and Exponential uses of AI in the nonprofit arts and culture sector. By documenting practical usages of AI, these case studies will serve as a resource to help the sector respond proactively to AI’s growing influence, equipping organizations with strategies to integrate AI tools effectively and sustainably into their work.

“Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake)” sparkles at Sundance premiere (News Articles 627576)

marycaroline.whims@interlochen.org — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:01:18 +0000

“Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake)” sparkles at Sundance premiere (News Articles 627576) marycaroline.w… Tue, 03/11/2025 - 12:01 “Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake)” sparkles at Sundance premiereWe sat down with Arts Camp alumna and film director Sierra Falconer, as well as fellow Interlochen alumnus and actor Jim Kaplan (“The Holdovers”), to reflect on the film’s making, lakeside inspiration, and big themes.

A still from Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake)

May 21, 2025

In literature and film, the gentle lap of waves against the shore offers an enduring promise of peace and freedom. Camp alumna Sierra Falconer (IAC 07) explores this appeal in her directorial debut, Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake), in which four vignettes explore themes of belonging and coming of age. Principal photography took place on the campus of Interlochen Center for the Arts. Supported by fellow Camp alumna Kate Schnepf as production manager and recent Academy grad Jim Kaplan (IAC 16-17, 19-20; IAA 21-23) who stars as violin prodigy “Jun”, Falconer recently captained her film all the way to the 2025 Sundance Film Festival in Utah, where it met a positive critical reception. Falconer joins Kaplan in reflecting on the inspiration found at Interlochen, what it was like attending Sundance for the first time, and the themes that define the heart of Sunfish.

Falconer and Kaplan chat while filming on Interlochen's campus.

Finding inspiration under the stately pines

Long before she started writing her master’s thesis for UCLA, Falconer was clear on one thing: her debut film would be set in Interlochen.

“ My grandparents have a cottage on Green Lake, so I spent almost every summer there when I was growing up,” she remembers. “We would sail around, look at the campus, and go to the Arts Festival shows at Kresge.”

For her, Interlochen symbolized “the pinnacle of the arts scene”.

“I felt like all the great artists went there. That’s how it worked its way into my film—Interlochen is the place where artists find their voices and find themselves. And I think that's what it meant to me as an artist growing up in the area.”

Interlochen is the place where artists find their voices and find themselves. I think that's what it meant to me as an artist growing up in the area.

Sierra Falconer, director

Falconer was just a second-grader when she attended Arts Camp, so she doesn’t remember very much about her experience there. But she definitely remembers where she sat in the orchestra.

“I had the last chair in the second violin—basically the worst spot you could be in,” she laughs. “It’s funny because in Sunfish, one of the stories is about a boy who is trying to get first chair and ultimately gets first chair.”

That boy is played by Kaplan, himself a real-life violin player who studied at Arts Academy. He started acting as a nine-year-old and soon made his way to Broadway and films. He’s best known for his role in Alexander Payne's The Holdovers. Although he didn’t study acting during his time at Academy, he still found plenty of opportunities to develop his talents.

“ I often collaborated with my friends who were film students,” says Kaplan. “Sometimes they would have assignments where they’d recreate a scene from one of their favorite movies, like Winter’s Bone or Parasite, and I would play characters for them.”

I learned to let go of the competitive nature of art. It became more about realizing that other students loved the same things I did, and we could understand each other because we shared the same passion.

Jim Kaplan, actor

Although Kaplan’s character in the film is deeply concerned with artistic competition, his experience at the Academy taught him the opposite.

“I learned to let go of the competitive nature of art,” he says. “It became more about realizing that other students loved the same things I did, and we could understand each other because we shared the same passion.”

Kaplan says that he and Falconer bonded over their shared Interlochen experience, especially since principal filming took place on Interlochen’s campus.

“We talked about Interlochen a lot while I was preparing for the role. It felt like going back to my roots and living my past experiences, but getting to make some stuff up along the way,” he says.

The cast and crew of Sunfish stand on stage for a Q&A after the film's world premiere at Sundance.

“A dream come true”

Falconer, Kaplan, and a large portion of the cast and crew converged in Utah during the last week of January. Sundance was a chance for all of them to celebrate the film’s completion—and see how it would be received.

“Going to Sundance was a dream come true. It still doesn’t feel real,” Falconer reflects. “We had a big presence at the festival and it felt great reconnecting with everyone.”

All four of the film’s public screenings sold out, and Sunfish also garnered a flurry of positive criticism over the course of the week.

“ It was really exciting when the lights went down,” says Falconer. “Watching your film with a bunch of people who know nothing about it is a very special experience, because you see it through their eyes.”

Kaplan concurs. “Everything plays differently than you thought it would. Parts that you thought weren’t funny are suddenly funny again and everybody’s laughing.”

On the big screen, the themes Falconer’s team worked so hard to capture shone out true and clear.

“Sunfish is all about what it feels to grow up on the lake,” the director reflects. “The characters in each short find themselves in a moment of change. The water becomes a place of healing for them, and they all get into the lake at one point or another. It’s about those moments in childhood where something big happens, and you don’t even realize it till later.”

In the film, Kaplan’s character is struggling in his relationship with his overbearing mother, but finds friendship and acceptance at summer camp. When Kaplan thinks about what Sunfish means to him, he says it’s about connection.

“I think the overarching theme of all four shorts is finding belonging. Each character begins in an isolated state and then moves to a place where they’re more comfortable and connected to others.”

Falconer hopes that audiences walk away from the film feeling nostalgia and relaxation.

“I hope people feel comforted and think back to their childhood. I hope it's a warm experience, like sitting in the sun on a summer's day. I hope that people leave feeling more connected to their families and where they grew up.”

What’s next for these two Interlochen alums? Kaplan is focused on finishing up his freshman year at Brown University, but he’s been working on several projects in the meantime.

“I'm still auditioning and working on a few independent projects that I'm excited about,” he says. “I want to keep acting because I really enjoy the process of getting to know a character.”

Meanwhile, Falconer is looking toward her long-term goals and dreaming up her next film.

“A lot more seems possible since Sundance,” she says.

College bound: Interlochen Arts Academy Class of 2025 graduates will attend top colleges, universities, art schools, and conservatories (News Articles 628106)

marycaroline.whims@interlochen.org — Thu, 08 May 2025 20:50:57 +0000

College bound: Interlochen Arts Academy Class of 2025 graduates will attend top colleges, universities, art schools, and conservatories (News Articles 628106) marycaroline.w… Thu, 05/08/2025 - 16:50 College bound: Interlochen Arts Academy Class of 2025 graduates will attend top colleges, universities, art schools, and conservatoriesThe Juilliard School, Harvard University, and Eastman School of Music are just a few of the schools that have accepted Interlochen’s graduating seniors. May 8, 2025

Interlochen Arts Academy Class of 2025 graduates have been admitted into top colleges, universities, art schools, and conservatories. This year’s graduating seniors will attend a variety of prestigious institutions including:

Harvard University
Princeton University
Oberlin College
Berklee College of Music
Eastman School of Music
Carnegie Mellon University
The Juilliard School
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Rhode Island School of Design
Cleveland Institute of Music
Northwestern University
Columbia University
University of Michigan
Bard College
Belmont University
Boston College
Butler University
California Institute of the Arts
DePaul University
Fashion Institute of Technology
George Mason University
Indiana University, Bloomington
Ithaca College
Manhattan School of Music
New York University
Parsons School of Design at The New School
Savannah College of Art and Design
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
The Boston Conservatory at Berklee
The Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
And many more

Other graduates are studying abroad in countries like Sweden and France, or going into their industry directly at institutions such as the Nashville Ballet, or pursing their acting career.

Arts Academy graduates choose their colleges after an in-depth exploration process that intensifies in their junior year. Supported by Interlochen’s dedicated team of college counselors, they participate in focused workshops and one-on-one counseling sessions adapted to their unique needs and goals.

"Our students' success speaks not only to the quality of education they have received here at Interlochen, but also to their own profound dedication and effort," says Dean of Advising & Counseling Chad Gapinski. "Their creativity and intelligence are evident to the entire staff and faculty—and it's exciting to see the world recognize those qualities in them, too."

Learn more about Academic and College Counseling at Interlochen Arts Academy.

Applications for the 2025-26 school year at Interlochen Arts Academy are still being accepted. Applications for select programs are being reviewed for admission on a rolling basis, as space allows. Learn more about how to apply, or complete your application today.

Interlochen’s own Courtney Kaiser-Sandler advances to quarterfinals for GRAMMY Music Educator Award (News Articles 628105)

marycaroline.whims@interlochen.org — Thu, 08 May 2025 18:55:35 +0000

Interlochen’s own Courtney Kaiser-Sandler advances to quarterfinals for GRAMMY Music Educator Award (News Articles 628105) marycaroline.w… Thu, 05/08/2025 - 14:55 Interlochen’s own Courtney Kaiser-Sandler advances to quarterfinals for GRAMMY Music Educator AwardKaiser-Sandler, who serves as Associate Director of Contemporary Music and Collaborative Projects as well as Director of Singer-Songwriter at Interlochen Center for the Arts, was recognized for her profound impact in music education. May 8, 2025

Interlochen Center for the Arts has long been a global destination for artists, including both the countless individuals who learn there and the stellar educators who comprise its faculty. This April, a gifted educator in Interlochen’s Singer-Songwriter program who has served as a mentor figure to many was recognized at a national level.

Courtney Kaiser-Sandler, Associate Director of Contemporary Music and Collaborative Projects and Director of Singer-Songwriter, entered the quarterfinal round for the prestigious Music Educator Award, awarded by the Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Museum. The Music Educator Award was established in 2014 to recognize current educators (kindergarten through college, public and private schools) who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools.

Kaiser-Sandler has exemplified this commitment to music education throughout her career, drawing from extensive experience as a songwriter, vocalist, and musician to become a beloved mentor to countless students and the founder of the singer-songwriter program at Interlochen Arts Academy. As a musician, Kaiser-Sandler is known for her work with high-profile artists from John Mellencamp to Sufjan Stevens, and her original songs have been heard on film and television including major films like The Firm and Liberal Arts. She has worked in the music industry as a booking agent, promoter, and in tour management for the likes of Bon Jovi as well as artists in development. As an educator, Kaiser-Sandler has touched the lives of talented students like Claud, Lauren Jones of Trousdale, and Rett Madison. With over 20 years in education, she has built music curriculum for various schools like the Blue School founded by the Blue Man Group. Along with intensive instruction in technique and industry know-how, Kaiser-Sandler is known for sharing her signature reflections on mindfulness and self-esteem with the next generation of musicians.

“So many music educators are giving the gift of music on a daily basis during school and after school,” Kaiser-Sandler reflects. ”It is needed now for young people more than ever; music is the very fabric that connects us and everyone is capable of making it. I’m honored and humbled to be recognized, and I look forward to learning about and celebrating the work of others making dreams happen through music education for young people across the United States!”

Students at Interlochen Arts Academy enjoy world-renowned artistic training from gifted professionals alongside college-preparatory academics. Learn more about Interlochen Arts Academy.

Act for Art: Join a Movement That Makes the Magic of Interlochen Real (News Articles 628099)

leah.stewart — Tue, 06 May 2025 15:49:48 +0000

Act for Art: Join a Movement That Makes the Magic of Interlochen Real (News Articles 628099) leah.stewart Tue, 05/06/2025 - 11:49 Act for Art: Join a Movement That Makes the Magic of Interlochen RealInterlochen’s 5th annual Act for Art giving days are happening this week. May 6, 2025

Across the country—and even around the world—volunteers are stepping up to make a difference for young artists. From alumni and parents to current students and global supporters, Act for Art giving days are in full swing with an ambitious goal: to rally 400 donors in support of Interlochen’s talented students. And you can be part of it.

Giving through Act for Art is more than a donation—it’s an expression of belief in the transformative power of the arts, right here at Interlochen and beyond.

That spirit is captured beautifully by Peter Sparling, an Interlochen alumnus and lifelong advocate for the arts. In his story, Peter reflects on how life-changing an arts education can be—and how none of it would be possible without those who understand that young creatives need their community, their mentors, and time to fully immerse themselves in their craft.

Personal reflections like Peter’s bring Act for Art to life, reminding us that every gift, every story, and every action matters.

Giving days like Act for Art are particularly important because when many, many individual contributions are made—no matter the size—together, they add up to something powerful. As our Student Philanthropy Team and staff watch the donor count grow during Act for Art, we are reminded that when we act together, we create real change.

Gifts made through Act for Art support scholarships and student experiences, helping families like Viktoria’s, who shared her gratitude in a recent video. These are the moments and opportunities your support makes possible.

Your action during Act for Art helps turn the magic that lives in every artist’s heart into something real. Just ask Yasmine, a young artist who attended Interlochen Arts Camp and emerged a “different person.”

So what’s the most important gift you can give during Act for Art? Simply: the one you can make. Every contribution matters.

Join Peter. Join Viktoria. Join Yasmine. Join the students, parents, alumni, and friends who believe in the power of the arts. Act for Art—give today.

ACT FOR ART

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Interlochen alumni earn nominations for 78th annual Tony Awards (News Articles 628098)

melissa.birdsey — Tue, 06 May 2025 14:18:55 +0000

Interlochen alumni earn nominations for 78th annual Tony Awards (News Articles 628098) melissa.birdsey Tue, 05/06/2025 - 10:18 Interlochen alumni earn nominations for 78th annual Tony AwardsDirector Michael Arden, set designer Dane Laffrey, and composer Benjamin Velez are among an exceptional cohort of nominees for Broadway’s most coveted prize. May 6, 2025

Several Interlochen Arts Camp and Arts Academy alumni are among the nominees for the 78th annual Tony Awards.

Director Michael Arden (IAC 99, IAA 99-01, IAC St 01) received a nod for Best Direction of a Musical for his leadership of the Best New Musical-nominated production of Maybe Happy Ending. Arden’s fellow alumnus and frequent collaborator Dane Laffrey (IAA 99-01, IAC St 01) earned a nomination for Best Scenic Design of a Musical (with George Reeve) for his set and video design for the show.

Songwriter, bassist, and producer Michael Thurber (IAA 03-05, IAA 05-06) received a nomination for Best Orchestrations (with Andrew Resnick) for his work on Just in Time.

Real Women Have Curves composers Benjamin Velez (IAC 99-01) and Joy Huerta earned a nod for Best Original Score.

In addition to the alumni nominated for individual awards, several Interlochen alumni and faculty were among the casts and creative teams of Tony Award-nominated productions:

Best New Musical
- Maybe Happy Ending | Michael Arden, Director; Dane Laffrey, Scenic and Additional Video Design
Best New Play
- Oh, Mary! | Tony Macht (IAC 07-10, IAA 11-13), “Mary’s Husband’s Assistant”
Best Musical Revival
- Floyd Collins | Adam Guettel (IAC 80), Music & Lyrics
- Gypsy | Majo Rivero (IAC 15-17), “Dolores”
- Pirates! The Penzance Musical | Rick Faugno (IAC Fac 22-24, IO Fac 23-), “Pirate/Policeman”

Actor and All-State alumna Celia Keenan-Bolger (AS 93-95) will receive the 2025 Isabelle Stevenson Award, an honor presented to a member of the theatre community who has made a substantial contribution of volunteered time and effort on behalf of one or more humanitarian, social service, or charitable organizations. In a press release announcing the award, the Tony Awards Administration Committee cited Keenan-Bolger’s “unwavering dedication to advocacy work through the arts”—including her work as a member of the advisory board for Broadway Impact, her role as an artist-ambassador for the New York Civil Liberties Union, and leadership role in founding Broadway Feeds Bellevue during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 78th Tony Awards will be presented at a live awards ceremony at Radio City Music Hall on June 8, 2025. Tony Award winner and Wicked star Cynthia Erivo will host the event. The ceremony, which begins at 8 p.m. ET, will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+ in the United States.

Presented annually by the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, the Tony Awards celebrate excellence in Broadway theatre and are widely regarded as one of the most coveted honors in the industry. Nominees are selected by the Nominating Committee, a rotating group of approximately 50 theatre professionals who are asked to see every new Broadway show. Since the awards were first presented in 1947, 18 Interlochen alumni have received a total of 34 Tony Awards.

Dance Theatre of Harlem Company Artist Derek Brockington to deliver 63rd Interlochen Arts Academy commencement address (News Articles 628075)

melissa.birdsey — Mon, 05 May 2025 17:37:28 +0000

Dance Theatre of Harlem Company Artist Derek Brockington to deliver 63rd Interlochen Arts Academy commencement address (News Articles 628075) melissa.birdsey Mon, 05/05/2025 - 13:37 Dance Theatre of Harlem Company Artist Derek Brockington to deliver 63rd Interlochen Arts Academy commencement addressA 2015 graduate of the Academy, Brockington performed with the Grand Rapids Ballet and Cincinnati Ballet before joining Dance Theatre of Harlem in 2018. May 5, 2025

Dance Theatre of Harlem Company Artist Derek Brockington (IAA 13-15, ICA St 13-14, IAC St 15) will deliver the commencement address to the Class of 2025 during Interlochen Arts Academy’s 63rd commencement ceremony. The event will take place Saturday, May 24 at 10 a.m. at Kresge Auditorium.

Born in Chicago and raised in Michigan, Brockington received his ballet training at Grand Rapids Ballet School, Interlochen Arts Academy, Ballet West, and the Pennsylvania Ballet Summer Intensives. He joined Dance Theatre of Harlem in 2018 after stints with the Grand Rapids Ballet and Cincinnati Ballet. In addition to his role as a Company Artist, Brockington also serves as the company’s Social Media Coordinator and co-created the viral “Dancing Through Harlem” video, which was featured on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Brockington has performed principal roles in works by George Balanchine and Robert Garland, among others, and his choreography has been featured in Dance Theatre of Harlem’s Sunday matinee performances.

The commencement ceremony will also feature remarks and performances by the Academy’s 2025 Senior Speaker and Senior Performer honorees. Musical Theatre major Isabel Fuzi (IAA 22-present) has been selected as the 2025 Senior Speaker. Senior Performer Sasha Townend (IAC 21-22, IAA 23-present), a Popular Music Performance major, will perform Noah Kahan’s “You’re Gonna Go Far” with the Academy’s Popular Music Ensemble.

Each year, Interlochen Arts Academy celebrates the multifaceted artistic and academic talents of Arts Academy seniors through the selection of one Senior Speaker and one Senior Performer. All seniors are eligible to apply for these honors. Candidates participate in a rigorous application and audition process led by a selection committee composed of faculty, administrators, and students.