ArtistDirect News
Emily Kristen Morris to Host Vocal Master Class and Benefit Concert at Hanifl Performing Arts Center
On June 1 and 22, 2026, Broadway’s own Emily Kristen Morris will bring her vocal prowess and theatrical experience to the Hanifl Performing Arts Center. The actress, best known for her tour‑leading role as Elphaba in Wicked and as Princess Elsa in Chicago’s Frozen, will conduct a master class and headline a summer benefit concert.
The master class is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Monday, June 1. Attendees will receive an inside look at Broadway performance techniques and vocal training. Production and Operations Manager Laura Long described the event as “for anyone interested in learning about Broadway, learning about music, or learning about singing.” Long added that Morris is “a positive, uplifting person” and that the class will be enjoyable.
On Monday, June 22, Morris will headline the CPA’s Summer Benefit Concert at 6:30 p.m. The program will feature Broadway favorites, classic songs, and personal highlights from Morris’s career. Twin Cities musician and music director Wesley Frye, who has previously worked with Lakeshore Players, will accompany her. VIP ticket holders will receive dinner at 5 p.m. and a meet‑and‑greet with Morris at 5:30 p.m.
The events are part of a broader effort by Children’s Performing Arts to bring Broadway talent to local audiences. Executive Director Sharon Hanifl‑Lee explained that the organization wants to provide community members with experiences they might not otherwise have, such as seeing a Broadway performer in a live setting.
Education and Programming Manager Braylon Lane emphasized the educational value of the appearances. Lane said that hosting Morris “represents our dedication and commitment to exposing the youth to opportunities in terms of performing on stage, growing as performers, and growing their life skills.” He added that young people who admire Morris can see that “someone you see online is not unattainable” and that meeting her “reinforces kids’ aspirations of being professional performers.”
Morris’s upcoming role in the summer production of Guys and Dolls at The Chanhassen will see her portray Sarah Brown, a mission worker who becomes the love interest of the show’s protagonist. The role is scheduled for the summer, but the Hanifl events will precede her regional debut.
Morris’s background includes a strong presence on TikTok, where she has more than 1.5 million followers, and a history of touring with major Broadway productions. Her work as Elphaba and Elsa has earned her recognition from both theater professionals and a broad online audience.
Tickets for the master class and benefit concert are available through the Children’s Performing Arts website at childrensperformingartsmn.ludus.com.
These events highlight the organization’s commitment to community engagement and youth development while showcasing a seasoned Broadway performer’s talent and experience.
The master class and benefit concert will take place at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center, a venue that hosts a variety of local and regional performances. The schedule for the two dates is:
• June 1, 4 p.m. – Vocal Master Class • June 22, 6:30 p.m. – CPA’s Summer Benefit Concert
The events are expected to attract theater enthusiasts, aspiring singers, and families interested in cultural programming.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit childrensperformingartsmn.ludus.com.
The master class is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Monday, June 1. Attendees will receive an inside look at Broadway performance techniques and vocal training. Production and Operations Manager Laura Long described the event as “for anyone interested in learning about Broadway, learning about music, or learning about singing.” Long added that Morris is “a positive, uplifting person” and that the class will be enjoyable.
On Monday, June 22, Morris will headline the CPA’s Summer Benefit Concert at 6:30 p.m. The program will feature Broadway favorites, classic songs, and personal highlights from Morris’s career. Twin Cities musician and music director Wesley Frye, who has previously worked with Lakeshore Players, will accompany her. VIP ticket holders will receive dinner at 5 p.m. and a meet‑and‑greet with Morris at 5:30 p.m.
The events are part of a broader effort by Children’s Performing Arts to bring Broadway talent to local audiences. Executive Director Sharon Hanifl‑Lee explained that the organization wants to provide community members with experiences they might not otherwise have, such as seeing a Broadway performer in a live setting.
Education and Programming Manager Braylon Lane emphasized the educational value of the appearances. Lane said that hosting Morris “represents our dedication and commitment to exposing the youth to opportunities in terms of performing on stage, growing as performers, and growing their life skills.” He added that young people who admire Morris can see that “someone you see online is not unattainable” and that meeting her “reinforces kids’ aspirations of being professional performers.”
Morris’s upcoming role in the summer production of Guys and Dolls at The Chanhassen will see her portray Sarah Brown, a mission worker who becomes the love interest of the show’s protagonist. The role is scheduled for the summer, but the Hanifl events will precede her regional debut.
Morris’s background includes a strong presence on TikTok, where she has more than 1.5 million followers, and a history of touring with major Broadway productions. Her work as Elphaba and Elsa has earned her recognition from both theater professionals and a broad online audience.
Tickets for the master class and benefit concert are available through the Children’s Performing Arts website at childrensperformingartsmn.ludus.com.
These events highlight the organization’s commitment to community engagement and youth development while showcasing a seasoned Broadway performer’s talent and experience.
The master class and benefit concert will take place at the Hanifl Performing Arts Center, a venue that hosts a variety of local and regional performances. The schedule for the two dates is:
• June 1, 4 p.m. – Vocal Master Class • June 22, 6:30 p.m. – CPA’s Summer Benefit Concert
The events are expected to attract theater enthusiasts, aspiring singers, and families interested in cultural programming.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit childrensperformingartsmn.ludus.com.