Overview

Join Broadway and cabaret legend Karen Mason, alongside award-winning cabaret artists Michael Kirk Lane and Yasuhiko “Yaz” Fukuoka, for an immersive two-day workshop exploring the art of song interpretation for the concert and cabaret stage.

A Grammy-nominated recording artist, 14-time MAC Award winner, and recipient of the MAC Lifetime Achievement Award, Karen Mason has starred on Broadway in Mamma Mia! (originating the role of Tanya and earning a Drama Desk Award nomination), Hairspray, Wonderland, Sunset Boulevard, and Jerome Robbins’ Broadway. She also starred as Madame Giry in the North American premiere of Love Never Dies and has become one of the most celebrated performers in cabaret today.

Throughout the intensive, Karen, Michael, and Yaz will share insights from their decades of experience on Broadway, in concert, and in cabaret, helping you discover the most authentic and compelling version of yourself on stage.

Friday Evening:

Arrive with a song you want to sing, rehearse, and share with the class. Led by Karen Mason and Michael Kirk Lane, you and your fellow participants will explore the art of cabaret and approaches to connecting deeply with material.

Saturday:

Spend the day focused on deepening song interpretation. Bring songs that have personal meaning to you and work with Karen and Michael to refine your craft, strengthen your storytelling, and elevate your performance skills.

Be prepared to ask questions, take risks, and play. Together, we’ll dig deeper into your material and help you sharpen the honest, personal connection you share with your audience.

Apply to be a Participant:

Up to 15 participants will be selected to sing and work directly with the artists.

Fee for Participants: $575

PRE-SCREENING PROCESS:

• Performers interested in working with Karen Mason must complete this short pre-screening form and submit the non-refundable Participant Application Fee online ($15) no later than Tue, Sep 8 to be considered
• Selected performers will be notified no later than Thu, Sep 10
• Participants interested in applying for partial scholarship must also complete this scholarship application

Join as an Auditor:

Auditing the workshop is a fantastic option for anyone who wants to observe and learn directly from the artists—gaining insider insight into performance technique, interpretation, and the cabaret creative process—without the pressure of performing.

Fee for Auditors: $90 before Sep 1, $125 after Sep 1

Schedule:

Fri, Oct 2:

6-9 pm

Sat, Oct 3:

10 am-1 pm

BREAK

2-5 pm

Scholarship support for this program has been generously provided, in part, by a collaboration with The American Songbook Association. Apply for scholarship.