Maltz Jupiter Theatre Institute To Undergo Major Expansion/Renovation
Partnership with Ballet Florida Adds Dance to Curriculum

Jupiter, Florida (July 24, 2007) - "If You Build It; They Will Come!" So said supporters of the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Institute five years ago when the theatre opened. In 2006, the Institute finally was off the ground; however class size was limited due to space limitations at the theatre and only one staff person to teach.  Now, as the theatre celebrates its fifth anniversary season, the vision the founders of the theatre had for the Institute has come to fruition.  Thanks to the generous outpouring of support from the community; the Institute will have a home as the downstairs of the theatre begins renovation this week.

The architectural plans are for the renovation of the downstairs; which originally housed the satellite kitchen, dining room and storage area in Burt Reynolds Dinner Theatre. The renovation will convert this area into a self-contained school with a separate entrance. Individual dance, acting and voice studios, as well as a student lounge with new student restrooms, storage and office space will now be home to hundreds of students and faculty.

Peggy and Rick Katz pledged a $50,000 matching grant that will be matched dollar for dollar until the start of fall classes. The Maltz Theatre Guild also donated $50,000 towards the expansion of the Institute.

"We are thrilled with the donations made to date; we need the community's support to help us raise another $50,000 so that we can become a true performing arts conservatory," said Judy Gelman, Director of Education at the Institute.

The curriculum is expanding from 13 classes offered last year to 29 for the 2007/2008 school year. Classes include all levels of Voice, Acting, Musical Theatre and Introductory classes for the younger 5 to 7 year olds in Drama and Performing Arts. In addition Youth Touring Company classes are also open to students enrolled in the Institute.  New to the Institute for the 2007/2008 season is ballet and jazz. Taught through a partnership with Ballet Florida, instructors from the Academy of Ballet Florida will teach weekly classes in both ballet and jazz.

"Ballet Florida has such an impressive reputation for educating young ballet protégés, however their reach did not come this far north, said Gelman. "Now that we have the facilities, we have formed a partnership so students have the opportunity to learn all aspects of theatre training and dance is such an integral part."

The faculty's resumes are as impressive as any major performing arts theatres in the country which includes a graduate of the Burt Reynolds Institute. Gelman, who teaches musical theatre and directs the Youth Touring Company, oversees the operations and faculty of Institute which includes: Craig Wich, director of Voice Studies.  Wich is a professor of Voice at Boston Conservatory and is the founder, director for the Opera Laboratory Theatre Company. His original opera is being performed in California and Boston. Marc Durso joins the Institute staff and will teach advanced musical theatre and acting. He has been the assistant director on Broadway to such legends as Alan Arkin, Ann Reinking and Charles Nelson Reilly. He has also coached actors for film and TV all over the country and is a graduate of the Burt Reynolds Institute. Kristine DiMartino will teach all acting classes and will direct a theatre company. She has a B.F.A. in Acting and Directing from FAU. Betty Saunders will teach music, vocal performance and piano. Betty has her Masters in Music from the Eastman School of Music.

Classes at the new institute begin September 17 and run through May 17 on weekends and after school. Auditions for classes other than Introductory are required. Auditions for Voice, Ballet and Jazz are Monday, August 27 4-6 pm for ages 7 to 11 and 6-8 pm for ages 12 to 18. Acting auditions are Tuesday, August 28 4-6 pm for ages 7 to 11 and 6-8 pm for ages 12 to 18. Theatre Company auditions are Monday, August 27 open to all children 10 to 18; please call for a time to audition.

Master Classes and workshops will be available throughout the year for all Institute students. Prices for the 2007/2008 classes start at $288, financial aid is available. To receive more information or to enroll please contact Judy Gelman at 561-743-2666 extension 123 or e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . The Institute is located at 1001 E. Indiantown Road and A1A. For more information or to download an application visit http://www.jupitertheatre.org/.