NEW YORK – The American Musical and Dramatic Academy of New York City has announced that Crystal Rona Peterson has been accepted for the 2006-2007 school year and is the recipient of the National Scholarship Award given for outstanding audition performance.

Peterson is a 2005-2006 alumna of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City.

Her acting coach, Jacqueline Solotar, an original “Fosse Girl” who has appeared on Broadway with Bob Fosse, believes Peterson “is ready to challenge herself much more fully.”

Her dance instructor, Alvin Ailey Dance Studio Choreographer Vic DiMonde, said, “Crystal has a flair for style and consistently works to improve her technique.” And her vocal production coach, John Bailis, said Peterson is “ready for Broadway!”

She began her performing career at the age of 3 with the musical group “All God’s Children.” Peterson has had a career as a singer, dancer, actress, choreographer and musician throughout her years in Maine. She participated in concert and marching band in high school. An eight-year student of dance with Cecile Phinney’s Art of Dance Studio in Greene, she performed at recitals each spring.

As a choreographer, Peterson worked with “Shows to Go!,” a performing arts company that won first place in the 2003 Maine State Parade for its show, “Wonderful World/A New Orleans Street Party.”

She has appeared in numerous school musicals, including “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Sound of Music” and “Cinderella.” She has also appeared in Community Little Theatre productions such as “Wizard of Oz” and “The Scarlet Pimpernel.”

A 2005 graduate of Leavitt Area High School in Turner, Peterson looks forward to a career on the Broadway stage. She is the daughter of Larry and Nancy Peterson of Leeds and granddaughter of Emile and Mary Denis of Lewiston.

The academy was founded on Broadway in 1964. Alumni have achieved success as actors, singers, dancers, producers, choreographers, musical directors, playwrights, casting directors and theatrical agents.

The conservatory offers full-time musical theater training in voice, acting and dance, as well as acting for stage, film and television.