Metro School of the Arts Academy Open House, Nov. 5

Metropolitan School of the Arts’ Academy is hosting an Academy Open House and Master Class, led by world-class performers, Washington, D.C.-native and professional soprano, Nova Y. Payton, and Melissa Rector from Koresh Dance in Philadelphia. The open house is Mon., Nov. 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Metropolitan School of the Arts at 5775 Barclay Road in Alexandria, Va. The master class is free, but only open to prospective Academy students accompanied with a parent. Registration is required at www.metropolitanartrs.org or call 703-339-0444.

The master class will focus on voice and performance as Payton works with some current Metropolitan School of the Arts students. Afterwards she will sing, then have a question and answer session. This is an opportunity to hear what a successful actress has to share about developing a career in musical theater and the arts in Washington, D.C.

Payton has performed in international musicals, on television, and in countless regional theatre productions across the country. Boasting a prolific catalog of artist collaborations, Payton has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack, Levi Kreis, Bobby McFerrin, John Michael Higgins, Yolanda Adams, Betsy Wolfe, Michael Uris and Anthony Hamilton. The former American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) student has also opened for heavyweights like Ashford and Simpson, Will Downing, Stephanie Mills, Melba Moore, The Chi-Lites and the Dramatics. Payton is recognized for her renowned stage performances in 3 Mo’ Divas, Dreamgirls, Hairspray, Xanadu and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. She went on to win the Helen Hayes Award for Hairspray. Payton resides in the Washington, D.C. area, and has performed in more than 150 major cities in the U.S., as well as in Canada, Japan, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Europe.

Rector is the assistant artistic director and dance instructor for Koresh Dance in Philadelphia, where she leads ensemble members in learning both original choreography and company repertory. Originally from West Virginia, Rector started dancing at a young age with Monica Folio. She graduated from the University of the Arts in 1993. She’s been dancing with the Koresh Dance Company since 1991. She teaches a unique style of dance that blends modern jazz and Luigi technique. Her work has been performed at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival, the Annenberg Center, Drexel University, the Grier School and Brandywine Ballet. She frequently travels around the country to perform, teach master classes and set choreography for students.

The Academy at Metropolitan School of the Arts is a college preparatory performing arts school for emerging young artists, grades 7-12, who are dedicated to a rigorous academic experience in a pre-professional performing arts conservatory environment. Their cross-curricular approach to arts training fills each young artist’s toolbox with the dance, music and acting skills necessary to be a triple threat in the arts world. Metropolitan School of the Arts approach to education is designed to develop independent, self-motivated and skilled learners.