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Drama & Theatre Arts Classes
Our theatre program is a professional training program designed to teach all ages and levels important techniques and skills needed in the theatre. Each level is designed to be a fun learning experience geared specifically to the age group's ability and needs. Graduating students of our programs have had professional careers in acting and are always sought after by directors because of their fine tuned skills, consistance for excellence, directability and reliability.
Skills that are developed in each class (and perfected at different levels as they progress) are: public speaking, different ways to use their voice, character building, body language, stage directions, stage etiquette, following directions, team work, stage technical skills (sound, lights, backstage, etc) and much more.
No audition is required to participate in any of our theatre programs. However, all students audition during class time so that we cast the roles appropriately. All roles in all shows are divided into categories based on the number of lines and stage time, eligible to audition for in each class. Intro to Theatre students, being beginners, have the smallest roles available to them as they are introduced to the world of theatre. As they reach Intermediate level, they have the supporting roles available to them, and as they reach Advanced they are then eligible for the lead roles. By then, they are finessed actors and ready to succeed with the amount of responsibility there is when leading a show!
Students are graduated to the next level based on teacher and director recommendation. Once we feel their maturity level and ability have reached the standards for that level, we graduate them into the next class.
Commitment is a HUGE part of our theatre program. It takes commitment from both students AND parents. People registering for any drama class need to know what they are committing themselves to. We expect excellent class attendance and that ALL students in our classes perform, so you need to be sure you have our performance dates available BEFORE you commit. Double and triple check your schedules/calendars first! It is extremely difficult to recast a role after the show has been cast, and very frustrating when we are told "we didn't know the show dates"... that's why we tell you the dates at registration. Please be sure that other activities don't conflict (sports practices and games, other shows you might be in the community, other after school activities, etc). Commitment means other things are sacrificed first.
Once students have reached the Intermediate and Advanced level classes, students are required to attend the Stage Craft Days once monthly (always the 2nd Saturday of each month in the spring) as part of their theatre education. At the Stage Craft Days, they learn how stage sets and props are built, how to stretch muslin flats, many painting techniques, creative ways to create unique items, and problem solving. It is also a fun and bonding experience and gives them an extra sense of pride, ownership and confidence in their show. At the end they can say, "Wow! We made that!!"
We've implemented a unique and special mentoring system into our drama classes. As the students progress through the levels they spend a certain amount of time studying together with the higher levels, so that they see how their skills transfer into the next level, and what's in store for them (and expected of them!) in the next level. It also builds a team environment that is supportive, respectful and nurturing. Even during performance time we have what we call "Stage Families", where we group together "families" with a mix of ages and experience, with the oldest and most experienced students as their "parents" (leaders). The families act as a support system to each other through out their performing experience. We've found that it creates an even more special and memorable experience on and off stage!
Creative Theatre Classes
Level 1 is for ages 3-4 and Level 2 is for ages 5-6. One 30 minute class once a week. No experience required! Class size is limited to 8 children, so early enrollment is suggested. Children who love to express themselves creatively and use their imagination will LOVE this class! Students will enjoy learning basics in theatre through fun drama games and exercises perfect for this age group. We teach children how to use their bodies and voices to create characters, animals, and objects, while also learning speaking skills, confidence and social skills.This is a fun, structured class for any budding performer!
Punch card class: 4/$38, 8/$76, or 12/$110.
 
Intro to Theatre Classes
For ages 7-11 (generally; exceptions are made. Must be able to read). One hour class; choice of once or twice a week. No experience or audition is required; all are accepted into this program (but must be able to read.) This class will perform their own short play or skits in the fall terms if not in the main play. The class will have the opportunity to have stage-time as an "extra" or in a chorus role for all musical performances in the spring. This class (or equivalent experience) is a pre-requisite for Intermediate and Advanced Drama classes at the Academy. It teaches many valuable theatre techniques such as stage directions, improvisation, body language, character building, public speaking and projection, stage blocking, theatre ettiquete and much more. Much of this is taught through theatre games and skits during class time, as well as supporting roles in the advanced plays or musicals. This is a great introduction to acting class for the "budding actor/actress" who lives for the spotlight!
Monthly tuition of $45 if once a week; $85 for twice a week. A script/score fee of $15 is due upon registration; all students get to keep scripts/scores.
  
Intermediate Drama
For ages 10-18. One, 1 hour class, once or twice a week. Studies with the Advanced drama students. Directors placement only. Must have taken Intro to Theatre or audition with director and produce previous theatre experience. Drama students will continue progress in learning and perfecting techniques such as auditioning, memorization skills, public speaking, stage blocking, character building, body language, timing, cues, stage crafts, costuming, stage make-up, performing and professional theatre ettiquete. The class learns and memorizes a play that they perform for the public at the end of the program. They perform one drama play per term, with the exception of one musical per year in spring term that requires 20 weeks of rehearsals instead of 14 weeks. No audition is required if you are a returning Academy student. This program has a huge success and has a 95% student return-rate because it is so much fun! The kids have a blast, learn a lot about theatre, gain confidence, enjoy teamwork, and make great friends and memories.
Monthly tuition of $45 for once a week, $85 for twice a week. A script/score fee of $15 is due upon registration, which students may keep.
   
Advanced Drama Program
For ages 11-18. 1 hour classes twice a week. Directors placement only. Must have taken Intermediate drama class or audition with director and produce previous theatre experience with recomendations. Drama students will advance in learning and perfecting techniques such as auditioning, memorization skills, public speaking, stage blocking, character building, comedy, drama, body language, timing, cues, stage crafts, costuming, stage make-up, performing and professional theatre ettiquete. The class learns and memorizes a play that they perform for the public at the end of the program. We do one musical per year that requires 20 weeks of rehearsals instead of 14 weeks. This program has a huge success and has a 95% student return-rate because it is so much fun! The kids have a blast, learn a lot about theatre, teamwork, and make great friends and memories.
Monthly tuition of $85 for 2 classes a week (twice a week is required for this level). A script/score fee of $15 is due upon registration; students may keep their scripts.
  
Theatre Production
For ages 12 through adult. 1 hour class, once a week. Learn what goes on behind the scenes and how to do it! Class includes set design, production and basic craft of props and sets, costuming (selection, alteration, designing, making), basic stage tech (lighting, sound, sound effects, special effects, back stage tech), and stage make-up (basic lighting/shading, aging, character make-up, face paint, etc). Fall term, students choose a script to use, planning it's "production" from the ground up, by building a miniature stage model, creating costumes, props and more. Spring term, students implement these practices and put them into use for the spring musical, including getting to design and techie all aspects their very own scenes! A very FUN, exciting and rewarding experience!
The Academy provides the majority of the materials needed for stage production class, but also teaches students how to think creatively, problem solve, and work as a team to collect common and household items, that are "free"!
Monthly tuition of $45. Script fee of $15 is due for Spring term only (not for fall term).
Adult Theatre Program
New! Ages 18+ This class includes the same training that we offer our minor aged students, but be geared towards those that either:
a) Used to be involved in theatre and wish to get back into it
b) Wish to fulfill a childhood dream of acting
c) Looking to obtain better public speaking skills and confidence in front of an audience.
Students will start out by practicing skills by using monologues, and when comfortable and confident, will work their way on up to 1 Act plays and 2 Act plays.
Monthly tuition of $45 a month for once a week classes. A script/score fee of $15 is due upon registration; students may keep their scripts.
Costuming
For ages 10 and up. 1 hour class once a week (summers and workshops only). Learn basic costuming skills such as hand and machine sewing, simple crafting techniques such as fabric glue, hot glue, recycling common attire for costuming, what to look for in thrift store shopping, taking common household items and making them into costumes and much more! Costuming is a very handy skill to know as an actor or actress; learn how to think creatively and work with a small or non-existant budget!
Stage Make-up
For ages 10 and up. 1 hour class once a week (summers and workshops only). Classes and workshops available. Start by learning the basics on special lighting, colors, hard lines, blending, aging lines and face painting. Increased skills as the class progresses to doing specific characters, animals and mystical creatures. Learn how to use different tools and house hold items. This skill is invaluable to any performer and will get used time and time again! Also a great class for parents who wish to learn how to build their children Halloween or school program costumes.
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