Creative Arts’ Guest Artists Program brings renowned artists, athletes and performers to the camp each summer to meet the campers and share their experiences as working artists. We invite Guest Artists to join us for lunch and a noontime show, where staff and campers perform and share their creative talents. Occasionally, Guest Artists will make presentations or lead brief question and answer sessions with our campers. Depending on their area of expertise, Guest Artists may enjoy stopping in on a few classes and working directly with the campers.
Thanks to our Guest Artists
Christina Bianco is an actress, singer and impersonator famous for her videos on YouTube.
Max Casella is an actor & current CAA parent, Max can be seen in various movies (from Newsies to Blue Jasmine) & TV shows (from Doogie Howser to Boardwalk Empire). He was the original Timon on Broadway’s The Lion King and is currently working on a new HBO movie.
Greta Kline is a musician (a.k.a. Frankie Cosmos) and former CAA camper. She is touring with her band and studying at NYU.
Conor Walsh (Fin Folsom) is also a musician and former CAA camper & Intern. Conor is a special ed teacher in the New York City public schools and, in his spare time, he writes music. Hear more on http://finfolsom.bandcamp.com/.
Emilio Sosa, fashion/costume designer, Tony-nominee and two-time Project Runway finalist, charmed us with his impeccable style and warm personality.
Teddy Bergman is a former Creative Arts camper now appearing on Broadway in Peter and the Starcatcher. We are so proud of him!
Mark Feuerstein, the star of TV’s Royal Pains and NYC native, came to give some encouraging and heartfelt words to our campers about reaching for the stars.
Phoebe Cates, a CA parent and long time supporter the program, is now the proud owner of Blue Tree, a neighborhood boutique. She and her business partner judged the window display installations designed by our very own Makin It class.
Adriana Trigiani did a Q&A session on her recently published novel, “Viola in Reel Life” – and gave a copy to each camper!
Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes visited Creative Arts summer 2009, inspiring campers to reach for their goals, envision their bright futures, and follow their dreams.
Hoda Kotb, co-anchor of the fourth hour of The Today Show and correspondent for Dateline NBC, shared stories about daring and important interviews conducted overseas and what it takes to be a news reporter.
Rosanne Cash was moved by the Groove Band’s sensitive performance of her song, “Black Cadillac.”
Carey Lowell, best known for her role as Jamie Ross on Law & Order, spoke with our campers about her journey as an actress.
Andre DeShields, the original “Wiz” enchanted us all with his tales of a life in theatre.
Kevin Kline gave a guest lecture to our Shakespeare Class introducing some of our campers to the Bard for the first time.
Mike Sheehan welcomed questions about the world of TV and news reporting.
Jimmy Buffett played Cheeseburger in Paradise with Creative Arts’ Groove Band.
Stanley Wayne Mathis, former Creative Arts teacher, Broadway actor and dance (The Lion King, Kiss Me Kate, Wonderful Town) always finds time each summer to visit the camp in action.
Jimmy Smits reminded our aspiring young artists to be themselves and not to go along with others just to be cool.
Phylicia Rashad graciously signed autographs for all those Cosby fans.
Bob McGrath had the entire group join in singing “Rubber Ducky” – campers, staff, and visiting parents alike.
Wynton Marsalis grabbed his trumpet and joined our very own Groove Band during the noontime show.
Ann Reinking reminisced about Fosse, Annie, and her plans for a revival of Chicago.
Doc Rivers, at the time playing for the Knicks, told the campers that the real game to win at was finishing school.
Idina Menzel watched enraptured as a Creative Arts Camper performed Idina’s Wicked solo, Defying Gravity.
Savion Glover brought da Noise and da Funk right onto our very own stage with Creative Arts tappers all around.
Sarah Jessica Parker visited us before Sex in the City so most of the camp knew her as the Square Pegs girl.
Ben Vereen, on a break from Fosse, sat enthralled while our Juniors performed Magic To Do for him.
Tony Award winner (Cabaret) and movie star Alan Cumming encouraged our young artists to keep practicing their craft.
And many more. . .