Matt Davenport Productions

Style

mdp — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 17:02:26 +0000

Singers and Dancers! A few words to the wise about pushing beyond technique and the “right notes” from Laurin and Kyle.

Don’t Limit Yourself – Laurin

mdp — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:10:12 +0000

Can you sing and dance? Laurin has a little audition advice from her own experience as a performer.

Laurin Floyd is the staff choreographer for Matt Davenport Productions.

First Impressions – Kyle

mdp — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 20:02:17 +0000

There are no second chances for a first impression. Kyle talks about how long it takes for an auditioner to make a decision about a potential performer.

Kyle Henry is a producer for Matt Davenport Productions.

Perform and Connect – Greg

mdp — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:33:23 +0000

Do you know who you are auditioning for? Here is a tip from Greg about your audition preparation and performance focus.

Greg Woodruff is a producer for Matt Davenport Productions.

Don’t Try And Get The Job… – Scott

mdp — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 23:17:25 +0000

Scott Seidl, MDP Staff Writer / Director, shares a few thoughts about auditions from his own experience on both sides of the table.

Be Amazing – Matt

mdp — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 03:32:44 +0000

MDP is pleased to announce a new video series offering tips for auditions. Here’s Matt with his #1 tip:

Matt Davenport Productions Announces Audition Dates for 2012

mdp — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 22:50:11 +0000

Nashville, TN – (January 6, 2012) – Performers get ready! Matt Davenport Productions (“MDP”) has finalized dates for their Audition Tour of 2012!

MDP will be mounting shows at Hersheypark, Holiday World, SeaWorld San Antonio, a national tour, and more. Nearly two hundred singer/dancer, musician and technical positions are available.

Creative Director Matt Davenport says: “We are always looking for talent, but now more than ever, as the talent level rises everywhere, we are looking for cast members who deliver full performance energy, work ethic and enthusiasm at every rehearsal and every show, including their audition.”

MDP boasts alumni on Broadway, National Tours and regional theatres nationwide, as well as producers, directors and mangers for entertainment companies around the world.

MDP has staged award winning shows since 1992.

Check out MDP recent productions on their Shows page.

Keep in touch with MDP on Facebook to stay up-to-date as details for each location are announced.

Here are the dates and locations for the 2012 Auditions.:

January 15, Sunday, Elon University – Elon students and alumni only
January 21, Saturday, Indiana University – by appointment only
January 22, Sunday, Western Kentucky University – by appointment only
February 3-6, UPTA (Memphis) – contact via UPTA
February 10, Friday, Belmont University
February 11, Saturday, Hersheypark
February 11, Saturday, The University of the Arts
February 13-14, New York City – by appointment only
February 16, Thursday, Shenandoah University
February 18, Saturday, Point Park
February 25, Saturday, Matt Davenport Productions (Nashville)
March 3, Saturday, Holiday World
March 6-10, SETC (Chattanooga)

MDP Performer Wins Top Honors at 2011 IAAPA Awards

mdp — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:53:40 +0000

Nashville, Tenn. – (November 17, 2011) – Matt Davenport Productions (“MDP”) is pleased to announce that Lindsay Karchawer was recognized as “Best Female Performer” for 2011 by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (“IAAPA”). Ms. Karchawer appeared as a feature vocalist and singer/dancer in MDP’s productions of “Christmas in Chocolate Town” and “Rock the Jukebox” at Hersheypark in Hershey, PA. “I am very grateful to Hersheypark Entertainment and Matt Davenport Productions for providing this opportunity,” says Ms. Karchawer, “they hire so many great performers – it’s an honor to even be nominated.” The honors were announced at the official award show of the organization, known as the “Brass Ring Awards,” as part of IAAPA’s international convention currently taking place in Orlando, FL.

Originally from Goshen, NY Lindsay Karchawer is a graduate of Binghamton University where she earned a BA in Theatre in 2008. Before her singer/dancer appearance in MDP’s production of “Wild Country” at Hersheypark in 2010 Karchawer had little dance experience, having trained primarily as an actress. “I learned how to dance at Hersheypark. Now I have a whole new aspect to my career as a singer/dancer,” Karchawer remarked. “Working in an amusement park was not the stop in my career that I initially feared,” she said, “where else could I go three times a day for three months, working toward deeper connections with audiences, breaking the fourth wall?”

Artistic Director Matt Davenport recognized her talent and potential during Ms. Karchawer’s first audition in the winter of 2010. “We always try to hire great talent with a great attitude,” says Davenport. “Lindsay embodied the commitment to performance we are always looking for. This award is a testament to her work ethic, seizing these seasonal jobs as personal growth opportunities.” MDP Choreographer Laurin Floyd worked individually early on in her role in “Wild Country.” “We gave her a “word of the day” to digest the choreography. She took it and ran…made it her own. We couldn’t be more pleased with her performance and growth. She earned this award the old fashioned way, plain old hard work!”

Here is Lindsay’s three-minute video submission for this award

In addition to the award-winning performance of Ms. Karchawer, MDP boasted several other finalists for top honors: “Rock the Jukebox,” “TAP – The Show” and “Boardwalkers” from Hersheypark – and “Vinyl Daze” from Holiday World were all finalists for “Best Show” in their various budget categories. Hersheypark performer Robert Ryan was also a finalist for “Best Male Performer.” Congratulations to all performers and crew for this recognition of your excellence.
Check out video highlights of these productions at the MDP “SHOWS” gallery.

TAP – The Show

mdp — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 22:20:54 +0000

This dazzling journey through the years and around the world puts the “hoofers” front and center – from Fred Astaire to Africa and up to the latest beats on the street.

Music City On Stage

mdp — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 21:48:41 +0000

Premiering in 2011 at the former home of Barbara Mandrell, “MCOS” is a musical taste of Tennessee – Memphis Blues, Gospel and Bluegrass. In the end all musical roads in Tennessee eventually lead to the musical heart and home of this great state – Music City itself – Nashville, TN!