NEW STAFF ANNOUNCEMENT:

Welcome Emily Cunningham: Broadway Dance Lab’s New Production Director and Studio Coordinator

Hello Broadway Dance Lab! I’m so happy to be here and thought I’d share a little about who I am, what I do, and what I hope to bring to the Broadway Dance Lab community

First & foremost, I am a native Houstonian, born and raised in this neighborhood! I went to Wilchester Elementary, Memorial Middle, and am a proud alum of Stratford Playhouse. I consider myself lucky to have known Owner/Director, Caley Crawford, and Musical Theatre/Acting Coach, Annie Wild, for, quite literally, most of our lives. We shared the same stage in Middle & High School and attended Suzanne Semans Dance Studio! 

Emily & Annie in The Man Who Came to Dinner at Stratford

During my time at Stratford I was deeply involved in their incredible theatre/choir community, performing in shows like Thoroughly Modern Millie, The Wizard of Oz, The Man Who Came to Dinner, and taking Dear Friends to UIL. My time with Stratford Playhouse was invaluable to me and my memories from then are some of my most treasured.

Outside of school, I spent my time training at the Country Playhouse (now known as The Queensbury Theatre). I had my first professional acting job at age 16 in the production of Hurlyburly. I went on to perform in several more professional productions around Houston, such as The Music Man, Dreamgirls, Come Back Little Sheba, and more.

Enough about my childhood, right?

I recently relocated back to Houston after spending 12 years living in Los Angeles working in TV, film, & theatre. Most notably, I spent the last 9 years

Directing at Youth Academy of Dramatic in Beverly Hills

working at Youth Academy of Dramatic Arts (YADA) in Beverly Hills, directing children’s theatre. I took the job as a side gig and really quickly realized this was what I was supposed to be doing. Teaching and watching kids discover the magic of theatre truly fills me with so much joy it’s hard to even describe. Helping kids build confidence, take creative risks, and find their own voice is the most rewarding experience. Developing and cultivating the arts is so important in early childhood development.

I'm excited to bring new opportunities to Broadway Dance Lab and introduce musical theatre to a new generation and community of kids. For me, our goal here is not about building crazy sets, wearing expensive costumes, or putting on a flashy production - it’s about what did your child take away from this experience? How have they grown? Have we created a safe space for them? 

I am so thrilled to be back in this community and excited to share my experience with you all. I am a fairly open book, so if you see me around and have questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!

All the best,

Emily 

Register for Frozen here: https://www.broadwaydancelab.com/musicals