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Company at Wharton

A series of workshops that provide an in-depth look at the many disciplines included in musical theatre performance, including singing, dancing, acting, and more. Company welcomes performing artists of all backgrounds, and you’ll find your place whether you’re brand new or a seasoned pro.

Featuring local teaching artists and professionals from around the country, each month will cover a new topic, culminating in an end-of-year showcase to highlight the skills learned.

Information regarding the 2025-2026 season of Company will be available soon.

About Paul Canaan

Producer, Educator, and Artistic Director

As a performer, Paul appeared on Broadway in Kinky Boots (dance captain / original Angel), Miss Saigon, Thoroughly Modern Millie, La Cage Aux Folles, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and Legally Blonde.

Paul, alongside Tony nominee Laura Bell Bundy and the support of the Wharton Center Performing Arts Center (East Lansing MI), founded the educational arts organization Take It From The Top, which provides training, performance opportunities, and professional mentoring to young aspiring artists.

Currently, Paul serves as Co-Producer of the upcoming Broadway Musical How to Dance in Ohio and is the Creative Director of Broadway Media, where he creates unique theatre resources for theatre-makers worldwide. Paul has also served as artistic director of The Broadway Dreams Foundation and a judge for The National High School Musical Theatre Awards (The JIMMY AWARDS).

At Wharton Center, we feel a profound sense of responsibility to the mission of our founders to bring the arts to the entire community and to be a space where people can be their authentic selves. We recognize the arts are a catalyst for connection that can bring forward positive change.

Please connect with Kelly Stuible-Clark, Manger of Musical Theatre Programs, at stuible3@whartoncenter.com or (517) 884-3166 with inquiries on how we can better meet your access needs.