Theater grad Laday takes another step toward dance stardom
Former Lamar State College Port Arthur theater major Jason Laday has received a scholarship to the world renowned EDGE Performing Arts Center in California.
Laday is a dancer who graduated from LSCPA in Spring 2017. During his time at the college, he won several statewide performance awards.
The $2,000 EDGE Scholarship, limited to just 20 dancers, allows him to participate in classes, workshops and a five-hour dance apprenticeship. He will also have the opportunity to perform in the school’s annual show. Auditions for the scholarship took place July 30 at the school in Los Angeles.
“Jason immediately caught my attention, not because he is loud or braggadocios but because he is constantly studying his art,” said LSCPA Theater Technical Director Damon Gengo. “Every time I would see the other kids laughing and playing, Jason would be stretching, or studying a new move on a video, or just simply practicing his techniques.
“Jason will achieve great heights because he has the self-discipline and work ethic to achieve greatness,” Gengo said. “Jason is a giant on the dance floor.”
Professional development workshops include dance, choreography, acting improvisation, audition technique, preparing an audition song, trade discussions and other know-how. Special opportunities include taking headshots, becoming acquainted with dance agencies and being showcased in our annual show. Past participants have had the opportunity to gain additional performance experience in film, video and live productions.
The list of past participants in the EDGE program reads like a who’s-who of performance arts, including choreographers, talent agents, casting directors, teachers and performers. Performers who have participated in the EDGE program include dozens of stage, television and film credits on their resumes.
“There is little doubt that great things are in store for Jason in the future. The talent he brings to the stage is phenomenal. He has a truly special gift,” said John Freyermuth, director of the Commercial Music, Visual and Performing Arts program at LSCPA. “Through dance, he is able to tell a story that might leave you in tears or make you laugh out loud. We were very fortunate to have had Jason as part of our Theater Program. His success is our success.”
Laday is a graduate of Hamshire-Fannett High School and has taught dance at the iRule Dance Studio in Beaumont.
