From the moment in 2004, Zoe and her mother stepped
into the newly opened drama school in Westport Connecticut, and heard the first Showcase performer, Eugene Brancoveanu, the Tony winner from Broadway's La Bohéme sing, Zoe knew what she wanted. At 11 years old she turned to her mother and said; "I belong here".
It was Jill Jaysen's "vision" to bring professional performers, directors and choreographers to Center Stage Theatre Company so young people who were serious about learning their craft, could do so "with the best so they can be their best". Zoe was blessed to study under the legendary, Moss Hart (New England Tony) award winning director and author, Al Pia, and take Master Classes with Broadway and film performers; Anthony Rapp (Rent), Kevin Gray (Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon), Ivan Rutherford (Les Misérables), Dodie Pettit (Phantom, CATS), and many, many more.
Zoe could never imagine that in less than three years, she would have the chance to develop her own character in one show (06880-The Musical), and have a comedic role in another, (Intervention- A Teen Musical Comedy). Both shows would win their own Moss Hart Memorial Awards with (06880-the Musical) invited to perform at The New York Theatre Musical Festival.
Nor could she imagine that in 2009, a short five years later the seventeen year old would be invited to the Midtown International Theatre Festival to perform a one-teen show of what she deems comes naturally, composing, expressing herself through music and lyrics and monologue.
Thank you Jill Jaysen. Thank you Eugene Brancoveanu.
2002 Honorary Tony Award Winner Eugene Brancoveanu
