June 20th press release:

"New York City Dancer to bring XTREME RHYTHM workshop to Hillsdale County

Looking for a new kind of entertainment? Well step up, Hillsdale County, and open your mind to the funky rhythms and tribal beats of XTREME RHYTHM THEATRE. "Imagine an urban drum circle---street dancers, subway musicians, big-city club energy, and unbelievable special effects... We are going to change the history of theatre in this town forever," says Tonya Kay, creator of XTREME RHYTHM THEATRE (XRT).

This summer, Tonya Kay and the Hillsdale County Theatre for Youth will present a professional workshop and performance outlet of this innovative, original work. "This is a world premiere! XRT is quite an exciting opportunity for local performers---we will be scouting a lot of talent,"(see below for audition details).

It is also an incredible opportunity for local performers to work with and learn from an established professional. Tonya Kay currently lives in New York City, where she is a member of the Off-Broadway company, De La Guarda. She dances professionally with three different NYC companies and has toured the United Kingdom and United States with names such as Kenny Rogers and the Rugrats. Her creative choreography can be seen in films, trade shows, musical theatre as well as national competitions. Tonya Kay has taught dance for ten years at such respected schools as Ireland's College of Dance, Chicago's Lou Conte Dance Studio, Valparaiso University, and New York's Dance Etc. Her fortes are the street/rhythm dance forms like tap and hip-hop, and recently she presented two successful, hard-hitting STOMP-style workshops to Chicago teens. It will be especially rewarding for Tonya Kay to return to Hillsdale and give something back to her hometown. Tonya Kay literally grew up on the stage of the Sauk Theatre and spent fourteen magical years studying dance with Joan VanArsdalen. "It would make me very proud to have the chance to work with some of my old students again, or to see a treasured familiar face in the audience."

"It is XRT's goal to give every young person the chance to be the rock stars they really are," says Tonya Kay. "I will do that by providing the quality instruction, solid material, and enthusiastic support every star needs to shine. And when you're sitting in the audience hearing our music, seeing our teamwork, and feeling our energy, the circle is complete... No one will leave this experience untouched..."

XTREME RHYTM THEATRE is seeking dancers, acrobats, percussionists, and performers ages 8 years through college, all shapes and sizes. We are seeking team players who are ready to open up and share that special something that makes us each unique. XRT auditions will be held Wednesday, June 27th starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Mauck Elementary School in Hillsdale. We will be seeing groups of ten every twenty minutes. YOU MUST SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT by calling 517.439.9089. Come warmed up and ready to learn a short physical/rhythmic/vocal combination. Please wear loose, athletic clothing and solid, hard soled shoes. If you tap, play an instrument, or have some other unique talent, bring it with you. You may be asked to stay for callbacks. XRT rehearsals will be consistent and mandatory, and will begin Saturday June 30th (conflicts will be taken into consideration at auditions). XRT performances will be July 26, 27, 28 and 29 at the Litchfield High School Theatre. For more information visit our website at xtremerhythmtheatre.net or call the above number.

The workshop and performance is being made possible by a grant from YOUTH of the Hillsdale County Community Foundation and the Theatre For Youth. The Theatre For Youth would also like to invite any youth interested in the technical aspects of the show (lighting design/operation, sound design/operation, set building/painting, costuming, and/or publicity) to contact the above number. We welcome all volunteers!! The energy and enthusiasm that is generated by a project such as this is contagious. Take advantage of our invitation and be a part of this theatrical event."