StarKidz owner and Harrison Resident finalist in Westchester Idol competition

Alyson Isbrandtsen, Harrison mom and co-owner and Director of Star Kidz, has just made the FINALS in Westchester Idol 2013 (at Westchester Burger Company in Rye Brook)!  The weekly singing competition kicked off in July with 11 competitors, and now it's down to the final 4 (of course, Alyson is a definite front-runner).  The crowning event will be held next Tuesday, August 27th at 7:30 pm at Westchester Burger Company in Rye Brook, and Alyson could really use all the live hometown support she can get.

Alyson started performing for anyone who would listen at 3 years old, but got her first professional job at 10 as Duffy in the 1st national tour of Annie (a huge accomplishment for a regular kid with no background in show business!).  After that, she hired a talent manager and booked many national commercials, voice-overs as well as film/tv credits.

Almost 10 years ago, Alyson and fellow Broadway veteran Suzanne Spano teamed up to launch Star Kidz, an after school performing arts program for kids 4-17 that's based in Westchester with locations in White Plains, Mt. Kisco, and NYC.  What makes Star Kidz unique is that we work with kids individually as well as in a group setting which allows us to accommodate each individual kid's needs.  A Star Kidz foundation in singing, acting and dancing helps to build kids' confidence and talent in a way other activities can't.  And that experience can extend well beyond the Star Kidz stage, whether it's in school, on the field, in a play, or even in a professional setting.  In fact, two of our most notable "graduates" include Carly Rose Sonenclar, last year's "X-Factor" runner-up, and Emily Rosenfeld, who currently plays Molly in Broadway's Annie.  Of course, while it's exciting to see our students "make-it" in the business, it's important to note that it's most gratifying to see the majority of our students have fun, be creative, and build their self esteem.

Alyson lives in Harrison with her husband Rob, her 3 kids (Jordan, Danielle, and Tyler), and her dog Riley.  All of Alyson's kids attend Harrison public schools.