Rosie is the founder of Rosie’s Broadway Kids, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free instruction in music, dance, and drama, as well as a professional theatre experience, to public schools and students from low-income areas.

In 2008, Rosie’s Broadway Kids will open the doors to their new home, Maravel Arts Center, a performing arts school in the heart of New York City’s Theatre District.

We recently gave some of Rosie's Broadway Kids the opportunity to ask Rosie some questions. Her answers are in bold.

Kelly C.: Do you prefer watching a Broadway show or performing in one?

Rosie: Both. Being in a Broadway cast is the best part of show business, and I would rather watch a Broadway show than do almost anything.

Daniel: Did you ever feel overwhelmed being on Broadway?

I felt pure joy.

Nicole: What's your favorite Broadway show and why?

Les Misérables . The message has stayed with me my whole life .

Mary: What does it take to become a professional performer?

Dedication. Practice. Persistence. Desire .

Taisha: When you were little and watching Broadway shows, did you ever think you would be up there someday?

Yes I did!

Ashalay: How does it feel to know that so many people look up to you, because of all the money you give away to help people?

Hmmm. Well, if you have a lot you should give a lot.

Christina: What does Broadway mean to you?

It reminds me of everything I love about life.

Kirra: What does it feel like at the end of the night, after you've performed in a show? What about when a show closes and ends its run?

You have a lot of energy when the show ends. It takes a while to calm down enough to go to sleep. The friends you meet doing a show last forever.

Nia: Did you ever have stage fright?

Well, I am always excited and a little nervous before each show, but not real stage fright.

Doug: What was your first experience of Broadway? How old were you and what was it?

I saw Bette Midler in Clams on the Half Shell .

Dan L.: How does it feel to do the same thing over and over each night when you are doing a Broadway show?

It is a challenge to make it new, and to stay present during each performance.

Tareake: When you were on Broadway, how did you feel dancing in front of all those people?

It is the best feeling in the world, better than ice cream.

Javier: What do you love most about Broadway?

The people, the stagehands, the costume designers, everything. It is like a family.

For info on Rosie's Broadway Kids, visit www.RosiesBroadwayKids.com

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