NY choreographer joins Highland Stage

SUSSEX COUNTY-Choreographer Patrick Butler will join the Highland Stage's Summer Musical Theatre Workshop, to be held at Vernon Township High School this July. The Musical Theatre Workshop operates under the auspices of the Summer School, which is run this year at the high school by Sussex County Community College. Butler, a native of Rochester, N.Y., has taught and choreographed for professional theater companies, colleges, high schools, community dance schools, and community theaters ever since he began choreographing at age 15. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, where he studied musical theater and ballet, Butler was part of the "Rogers and Hart Babes in Arms" that was revised and staged at Cincinnati and recorded for the Lincoln Center Archives. As an actor, Butler recently originated the role of Jason Ionello in the United Kingdom tour of "Spiderman Live on Stage." He also served as dance captain and resident director. While in the UK, he also co-created and choreographed the musical revue "Step on It," which also toured the UK. Butler will join workshop director and acting teacher Heather Hamilton and voice teachers Faith Anderson and Jon Hartlage. Producing Director Bill Donald will assist the acting program as needed. The Musical Theatre Workshop offers pre-professional training in dance, singing, and acting for the musical theater. It runs from June 30 to July 30, weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with some Fridays unscheduled. A showcase is planned for Friday, July 30, for parents and theater professionals. The fee for the five-week program is $600. Students age 10 to 18 may register at the Vernon Township High School guidance office. For further information, call the school or call workshop director Heather Hamilton at 973-764-1693.