Astra Studio
of Dance & Performing Arts
Call or Text 860-304-0404
GUEST ARTISTS
Andrew Hendrick (Broadway Workshop) Andrew is an Actor and Producer currently living in New York City. He most recently completed performing aboard Disney Cruise Lines, and spent a year on the first national tour of BULLETS OVER BROADWAY, Directed by Susan Stroman and Written by Woody Allen. He is among the longest running cast members in the show's history. He also recently completed filming his first feature film, a romantic comedy called TOSS IT.
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Tours: Jekyll and Hyde (Bishop). New York/Regional; The Little Mermaid (Chef Louis), Sister Act, Les Miserables, Spelling Bee (Barfee), Seussical (Horton), Almost Maine, Avenue Q (Brian).
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Andrew is an associate producer of the hit Off-Broadway musical Liberty and a producting associate with Broadway Records (The Color Purple, The Visit, Big Fish, Matilda, Bonnie and Clyde, Dr. Zhivago and the Live at 54 Below series). Andrew is represented by About Artists Agency in New York City.
Matt Grasso (Broadway Workshop) Matt, an award winning actor based out of Connecticut, got his start as a performer in the Connecticut community theatre circle, acting in such shows as Seussical and Les Miserables. Matt went on to study musical theatre at Western Connecticut State University, where he received his bachelors in Musical Theatre. While in his senior year at University, Matt recieved the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival award for best actor in a musical for the year 2016 for his portrayal of Leo Frank in the musical PARADE.
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After graduation, Matt went on to perform in Big River at the Old Castle Theatre Company, to great reviews. Most recently, Matt completed a seven month contract on the world premier national tour of Paw Patrol Live! Race to the Rescue, performing in sold out shows at such venues as the historical 1,548 seat Fox Theatre in Detroit, and in the Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Tara Llewellyn (Broadway Workshop) Tara is a Connecticut native and Manhattan actress, designer, and wardrobe supervisor. Over the past four years, she has spent her time in New York, working professionally both on and off stage. tara has been on the production teams for shows such as Heathers, Songbird, Himself and Nora, and is currently working on the Broadway Revival of CATS. She has since been an active participant in fundraising for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, joining the cast of CATS on the 2016 Carols for a Cure recording at the Minskoff Theatre for the 31st Annual Easter Bonnet Competition in April.
Having worked on many developing musicals with Broadway professionals, Tara's favorite New York performing credits include Zoe Tiller in #Love Story: A New Musical, Marty in Grease, and her one woman show Seams and Songs: Chronicles of a Wardrobe-Supervising Actress. She holds her Bachelors Degree from Western Connecticut State University, where she studied Theatre Performance.
Willie Marte (African, Hip-Hop, Salsa) Willie Marte holds a B.A. in Theater Performance from Western Connecticut State University. His innate ability to dance Salsa was discovered at a very young age, motivating him to learn other styles such as Jazz, African, and Hip-Hop. Performing in theater since the age of 14, Willie has performed in Connecticut, New York, and nationally.
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Willie received an Irene Ryan alternate nomination for his work as John Brooks in Western Connecticut State University's Little Women and had the opportunity to compete at The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.
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He performed in New York many times including Should I Have Said That? It’s All Write! (Himself) and a reading of the original play, Pick Up Pots!, both performed at the TBG Theatre in New York City. Most recently, Willie spent last fall performing in a national tour of Don Quixote. His choreography has been seen at dance showcases, fashion shows, and children's theatre productions.
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Some of Willie's favorite performances include: Don Quixote (Samson Carrasco/Cardenio/Nicholas), Smokey Joe's Cafe (Ken), Little Women (John Brooks), Chicago (Harry), Spring Awakening (Georg), Into the Woods (Cinderella's Father), and Avenue Q (Gary Coleman).
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Willie has trained with Elizabeth Parkinson, Scott Wise, Julio Agustin, Pamela McDaniel, Michael Bartoli, and Janelle Robinson. Willie continues to perform and audition in New York City.
Eric McKinley (Improv Workshop) Eric McKinley is an actor, singer, dancer and improv artist, originally from Prospect, CT, and based in New York. He is a graduate of Western Connecticut State University's Musical Theatre program. Eric was president of Western Improv Group, where he coordinated and completed workshops with Upright Citizens Brigade, People's Improv Theatre, and Leland Williams. Eric also studied at the Musical Theatre Lab at the Vineyard Arts Project under directors Scott Wise and Elizabeth Parkinson.
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Regional: Cat in the Hat (Fish) at Playhouse on the Park, Shalamazoo at Ives Concert Park, The Events (Choir) at New York Theatre Workshop. Education: The Drowsy Chaperone (Fledzieg), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Big Daddy), Parade (Britt Craig), Smokey Joe's Cafe (Michael), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour). Commercial: Allstate. Eric is signed with Carson-Adler Agency, Inc. He is an Equity Membership Candidate and SAG/AFTRA eligible.
Julie Vegliante (Hip-Hop) Julie is an NYC based master class teacher and performing artist signed to MSA Talent Agency. Growing up in CT she trained and competed in all styles of dance. It was when she moved to NYC that Julie centered her focus around hiphop and commercial dance.
Julie has performed in and choreographed music videos, commercials and has danced with artists like Lady Gaga as a rehearsal dancer. Julie has been teaching since her teens and brings enthusiasm and fun to classes for all ages and levels.
