Anthony Rapp
(SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Somers Point's Gateway Playhouse is thrilled to announce that original Broadway cast member of the international hit, Jonathan Larson's RENT, and Obie Award-winner, Anthony Rapp, will teach a master class to the all-teenage cast of RENT: School Edition on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, as part of the Gateway to the Arts program. The class runs from 9:00am to noon.
Rapp originated leading roles in RENT and If/Then, but has also had screen time in movies and television shows such as Adventures in Babysitting (1987), A Beautiful Mind (2001) and Star Trek: Discovery (CBS All Access, 2017-2024). He is currently performing in the cabaret show “Celebrating Friendship & History” at New York City’s 54 Below with Adam Pascal through July 6.
Rapp’s portrayal of character Mark Cohen in the original Broadway production of RENT left an indelible mark on musical theater, and helped define what it means to lead with authenticity, vulnerability and purpose.
“Anthony Rapp gave voice to the artists and observers in our world — the documentarians of truth — and showed a generation that their stories are worthy of being seen and heard,” said Gateway Artistic Director Phil Pallitto. “It’s a message that resonates just as loudly today as it did when it was first shared.”
Gateway to the Arts is an annual intensive educational initiative that reaches high school students from diverse backgrounds, providing them with a supportive, inclusive space to grow not only as performers but as empathetic, creative and empowered individuals. The program is divided into three age groups – “Musical Munchkins,” ages 7-9; “Shining Stars,” 10-13; “Rising Stars” 14-18 – and empowers kids through theater and encourages them to develop a strong comfort level for performing. Each session culminates with a full-blown production. This summer, the “Rising Stars” will produce RENT: School Edition, and have the unique opportunity to work with and learn from one of the actors that was the heart of the original Broadway production.
“Gateway to the Arts draws students from all backgrounds, identities, and levels of experience — many of whom see themselves in these stories for the very first time. In alignment with RENT’s themes, we create space for conversations about authenticity, chosen family, resilience, and self-expression. The goal is not only to produce a great show, but to help students grow as artists and as citizens of the world,” said Pallitto.
To support students’ growth, Pallitto and Board President Katie Calvi curate masterclasses with theater professionals who can offer authentic insight into the work. Past talent that has hosted masterclasses at Gateway include Baayork Lee (original cast of A Chorus Line) and members of the Broadway casts of Chicago and Funny Girl. Rapp’s participation helps solidify the importance of the program to the Gateway and to the community.
Rapp will spend the day working with the student-actors and relaying personal stories, while allowing the children to create, dream and become inspired.
The master class is reserved exclusively for the teen cast of RENT: School Edition, the production of which will run 1:00pm & 6:00pm on August 8 and 9. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at GatewayByTheBay.org. Gateway Playhouse is located at 738 Bay Avenue in Somers Point, New Jersey.
Since its reopening in 2017, Gateway Playhouse, a 501-(c)3 nonprofit, has provided quality and affordable year-round entertainment to residents and visitors alike, as well as offered educational opportunities to grammar and high school students, in the hopes of creating future generations of actors, directors and audiences. Aside from an annual mainstage season, the Gateway also produces a variety of comedy and cabaret shows throughout the year. As the saying goes, “see you at the Gateway!”
Gateway to the Arts is the premier summer theater experience in South Jersey. Gateway to the Arts is, first and foremost, an intensive educational program that sets goals above that of a run-of-the-mill summer camp program. Gateway to the Arts lives to create a program that will empower kids through theater. Kids from all different experiences are welcome. During the eight-week program, students develop a strong level of comfort in their own bodies that will transcend onto the stage. The program culminates with a full-blown performance. Students will begin to recognize how the role of art, theater, and other activities can help them to become better citizens in the ever-changing world around them.
