Showstopper Masterclasses
Showstopper Masterclasses & Final Competition
Open to All Aspiring Performers, Creatives & Educators
Spend the Day Inside a New York Landmark
Before the lights go up on the Are You the Next Showstopper?! National Finals, spend the day inside one of New York's most legendary artistic institutions — learning from the artists, casting professionals, and educators who are actually doing the work.
PRICE LIST:
Showstopper Package
Early Bird $75 Day Of $100 (Value $175)
Includes:
Private Tour of The Players Historic Landmark ($20)
Showstopper Tshirt - ($25)
Masterclass # 1 ($30)
Masterclass # 2 ($30)
Masterclass # 3 ($30) Q & A w/ Industry Professionals
VIP Ticket for Showstopper Finals ($40 Advance / $50 Door)
A LA CARTE
Private Tour of The Players Historic Landmark ($20)
Showstopper Tshirt - ($25)
Masterclass # 1 ($30)
Masterclass # 2 ($30)
Masterclass # 3 ($30)
Student Ticket ($10 Advance / $15 Door)
Adult Ticket ($20 Advance / $25 Door)
VIP Ticket for Showstopper Finals ($40 Advance / $50 Door)
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available. Please contact us if program costs may prevent participation.
Masterclass Schedule
Registration opens at 10:30 AM.
11:00 AM - Welcome & Showstopper Kickoff
A short welcome from The N'Kenge Foundation team and an overview of the day ahead.
11:30 AM - 12:20PM — Private Guided Tour of The Players
A rare behind-the-scenes look into one of New York's hidden theatrical treasures. Begin your Showstopper experience with an exclusive guided tour of The Players, the legendary private club founded by famed Shakespearean actor Edwin Booth, brother of John Wilkes Booth. Originally Booth's personal mansion, this extraordinary historic space was transformed into a gathering place for actors, artists, writers, and creative visionaries, and remains the only active cultural institution today in its original location.
Guests will explore:
Historic performance and gathering spaces
Rare theatrical memorabilia and artifacts
Portraits and collections honoring entertainment legends
The stunning architecture and design of this Gilded Age mansion
Stories of the artists, performers, and change-makers who walked these halls
12:30 PM - 1:25 PM — # 1 From Talent to Career: Breaking Into the Industry
N'Kenge, Stephanie Rosenburg, Kenneithia
What does it really take to turn talent into a profession? This candid career conversation is designed for singers, actors, dancers, musicians, and multi-hyphenate creatives looking to understand how the business actually works.
Topics include:
How to find auditions in theatre, music, television, film, and live entertainment
Building your professional toolkit: headshots, demo reels, vocal recordings, resumes, websites
Understanding agents, managers, casting, contracts, and representation
What "getting discovered" actually looks like in today's industry
Common mistakes emerging performers make (and how to avoid them)
Includes a 15-minute live Q&A with industry professionals. No fluff. No gatekeeping. Real conversation from people doing the work.
1:30 PM - 2:25 PM — # 2 Building Your Brand as a Performer
N'Kenge, Immpana Srri, Anzhelika Steen Olsen
Talent gets noticed. Branding gets remembered. In today's entertainment industry, your online presence matters just as much as your audition room presence. Learn how to create a compelling identity that helps open doors.
Topics include:
Growing your presence on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and emerging platforms
Creating content that gets engagement
Defining your personal brand: your voice, style, image, and story
What casting teams, agents, and producers notice online
Turning followers, fans, and visibility into real opportunities
Perfect for artists who want to stand out in a crowded industry.
2:30 PM – 3:20 PM — # 3 Q and A With Industry Professionals
One on one with industry professionals. Ask the questions you want the answers too. No fluff. No gatekeeping. Real conversation from people doing the work
EVENT TIMELINE
3:30 PM — Doors Open VIP check-in, seating, arrivals, networking
4:30 PM — ARE YOU THE NEXT SHOWSTOPPER?! LIVE FINALS Ten extraordinary finalists compete live for the ultimate prize: Ultimate International Performing Arts Summer Program – All Expenses Paid
Hosts: N'Kenge and H.H. Dr. Prince Mario Max Schaumburg-Lippe
Judge Panel: Saycon Sengbloh · Peter Avery · Michael James Scott · Stephanie Rosenberg
Event Details
Date: Friday, June 12, 2026
Registration opens: 10:30 AM
Programming runs: 11:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Venue: The Players — 16 Gramercy Park South, New York, NY
Dress: Smart casual for the day; finalists in performance attire.