Broadway dancer visits campus, teaches master classes

John Scacchetti, a Youngstown native who has starred on Broadway and national touring shows, visits Youngstown State University’s Department of Theater and Dance Jan. 22 to 27.

Scacchetti will teach master classes in dance technique, lead question-and-answer sessions about the “business of the business” and conduct musical theater choreography sessions for YSU students.

The free master class, open to the public, will be Thursday, Jan. 26, 5 to 6:30 p.m. in Beeghly Center, Room 119. The class will focus on Classic Tap dance technique, working as an ensemble, and well as solo dancing. Rhythm recognition, tap turns, and classic styling will also be covered. No reservations are required.

John Scacchetti has performed on Broadway in the 2001 Revival of 42nd Street, and the 2008 Revival of Gypsy starring Patti LuPone. National tour credits include 42nd Street and My Fair Lady. Regional credits include Phil Davis in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas (Arts Center of Coastal Carolina), Cosmo Brown in Singin’ in the Rain (Gateway Playhouse), George in The Drowsy Chaperone (Cape Playhouse), Mike in A Chorus Line (Weston Playhouse), Slats in Good News!, and How to Succeed…(Goodspeed Opera House).

He was recently a visiting assistant professor of Dance at Western Carolina University, where he reset the original Broadway choreography for their production of Gypsy. Scacchetti holds a bachelor’s degree in Theater performance from Bradley University.

For more information, call Christine Cobb, professor of Dance, at 330-941-1896.

Parking is available for a $5 fee in the M60 lot along Fifth Avenue.