In addition to Blazer (who recently played the Beggar Woman in the New York City Opera production of Sweeney Todd), The Artist's Crossing's first company includes actors David Garrison and Malcolm Gets, director Tina Landau, opera singer Lee Merrill, and music director and composer Joseph Thalken. Completing the staff are Joseph Bates, Jen Bender, and Landon Scott Heimbach. They will work with a select group of students in group classes, private lessons and coaching, personal consultations, conversations at meals, and rehearsals for a public presentation on July 24 in which both the teachers and students will perform.

All participants must be between the ages of 18-27 and must have completed at least one year of college as an acting, musical theater, music, or dance major as of June 2004. The total cost of the program is $2,200, which includes housing at Wright State University, three meals a day with the 2004 company members, participation in all classes, the final performance presentation, and transportation to and from the airport. (Airfare is not included.) For more information, visit www.artistscrossing.com.