Una Student Selected For Nyc Institute Of Theater, Music

May. 02, 2012

Michelle Eubanks, UNA, at media@una.edu, 256.765.4392 or 256.606.2033

FLORENCE, Ala. - University of North Alabama senior Lawrance "Rance" Czermak was recently accepted into the Open Jar Institute, a Broadway preparation music and theater training organization in New York City. Students who participate in the program get one-on-one training with professional Broadway actors, directors, choreographers, agents and casting directors. Czermak, who will graduate in June with a bachelor's degree in communications with a concentration in theater, previously graduated from Florida School of the Arts in the fall of 2009. He will also take part in an internship with Walt Disney World from August of 2012 to January of 2013. "I have never had an opportunity like this to ever come my way," Czermak said. "When I received the phone call that I was accepted, I was in shock. This is what I have wanted since I knew theater was what I wanted to do. Florence High School's drama and music program helped me determine that." Czermak is one of sixty people selected from the United States to take part in the Open Jar Institute, which will take place in August of this year. At the institute, he will receive dance, vocal and acting training. He will also interact first hand with talent agents and casting directors, as well as visit with the casts of four Broadway shows in New York. For more information, contact the Department of Music and Theatre at 256-765-5122.