ACTING THROUGH SONG
Rediscovering the Great American Songbook
with NAZ EDWARDS
A veteran of Broadway, regional theaters and cabaret, Naz Edwards has taught Master Classes in vocal performance and acting for nearly a decade. She has been part of Michael Feinstein's Great American Songbook vocal competition for high school students and now his Songbook Academy since 2012, as a teacher, clinician and mentor. Naz also has held Master Classes for Songbook South as their guest clinician/mentor and judge. As a guest artist at the University of Michigan, she has taught Cabaret Classes in the Department of Musical Theatre and master classes in the Department of Theater & Drama. She also has been a regular teacher and clinician for The Encore Musical Theatre Company’s summer programs.
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Additionally, Naz has been teaching in her private voice/acting studio for over 15 years, concentrating on preparing high school age students for their university auditions, but working as well with professional adults.
Naz lived and performed in New York City for 25 years, during which time she studied with Joan Lader, Joan Kobin, Judith Blazer and Tom Burke.
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In her teaching, Naz believes that combining all aspects of performing, acting, singing, interpretation, presentation and, most importantly, storytelling is key to a fully realized performance. “Connect-Create-Communicate” is the hallmark of her work.
As a performer, Naz has graced many stages across the US and Canada. Some of her most cherished roles are: On Broadway, ZORBA as the Leader, opposite Anthony Quinn, and ANNA KARENINA (the musical) as Dunyasha; Tours, ZORBA and Ken Hill's PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, as Madame Giry; Regional Theaters, Dennis DeYoung's THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, as Mahiette, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, as Drowsy, MAN OF LA MANCHA, as Aldonza, SHE LOVES ME, as Ilona, ONCE UPON MATTRESS, as Queen Aggravain, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, as Yenta, FUNNY GIRL, as Mrs. Brice, THE BAKERS WIFE, as Denise, OTHER DESERT CITIES, as Polly, MY NAME IS ASHER LEV, as Mother, NOISES OFF, as Dotty, THE CLEAN HOUSE, as Woman/Ana, SOUVENIR, as Florence Foster Jenkins, and WOMAN BEFORE A GLASS, as Peggy Guggenheim.
Naz is a proud member of both AEA and SAG/AFTRA.