Classes Offered in the Winter 2010-2011 Session

Singing

Introduction to Singing
Instructor: Samantha Arrasmith

In this class, students will learn the foundation of proper vocal technique as well as some beginning music theory. Each student will have opportunities to sing by themselves in addition to learning how to blend in an ensemble with two and three voice harmony.

Show Choir
Instructor:Kristen Slaughter

Show Choir is all about working as a team of many voices to make one dynamic sound! Perform fun and challenging music while working on reading music, harmonizing and vocal techniques and do it all with MUSICAL TEAMWORK!  Students will work on group projects to be performed at the end of the session for parents and guests. Focus will be on contemporary pieces, performed a cappella and accompanied. Music will be carefully selected to help young voices continue to grow and develop while still challenging vocal abilities. Some of the best singers of all times got their start in the CHOIR.

Musical Theater Vocal Techniques
Instructor: Samantha Arrasmith

Students who take this class will learn about how to sing in a group with proper vocal technique and great stage presence. They will sing repertoire from Broadway shows and learn how to blend and harmonize with their fellow performers.

Acting

Acting in Musicals
Instructor: Comika Beaudry

Have you ever wondered why some musicals are amazing and inspiring while others fall flat? Or why some technically proficient singers and dancers never get the parts they want? The answer is they are only participating in half of the story they are trying to tell. If your acting doesn’t compliment your other talents, then it’s holding you back from being the real triple threat you need to be. This class will help the scripted parts of musicals you love come alive.

Comedic Acting
Instructor: Jinnae Barrett

Making an audience cry from laughter is possibly the greatest feeling ever! This class gives you a chance to fine-tune your funny bone with comedic exercises that involve the whole group! These exercises explore the ability to play many different characters (some turning out to be extremely hilarious!). Come join this "comedy troupe" and put a smile on!

Introduction to Musical Theatre
Instructor:Jinnae Barrett

This class will focus on a brief overview of three key areas of musical theater. Proper singing technique, basic dance and movement and stage terminology are covered. This is an ideal class for the beginning actor or actress.

Musical Theater Revue Showcase
Instructor:Comika Beaudry

If you aspire to become a triple threat but have not yet had the opportunity to be a lead performer, or if you love to sing and dance but have not yet put that together with the acting training needed to perform at a high level in musicaltheater, then this class is for you. This class offers students a chance to bring your talents to a real show environment, from audition to rehearsal to opening night. Students will gain experience in the acting preparation necessary to perform speaking roles, as well as integrating the song and/or dance skills they bring to the class into a multidimensional performance. Students will be expected to prepare outside of class like actors in a show and my need parental assistance in doing so in order to get the most our of the class. A themed showcase will be performed at the end of the session featuring singing, dancing, monologues/ solilquies and/or scenes. Students may also get the opportunity to practice their writing skills, depending on the size and dynamics of the group.

Materials needed: Students will need to bring an acting notebook and pencil or pen to each class. The notebook can be a unique decorated journal or a simple spiral notebook.

Young Performer Musical Theater Workshop
Instructor:Comika Beaudry

Does your child love to act, sing, and dance? Are they natural performers and need to burn off creative energy in a fun, performance based environment? If so, this is the perfect intro class for younger children who might want to explore being onstage one day or just learn how to express themselves artistically. The class will consist of many exercises, improvisations, and musical theater inspired games as well as the opportunity for learning small, simpler pieces of various children's plays and/or poems.

Dance

Tap: Beginning, Tap 1, 2, 3, Man Tap 2
Instructor: Christine Martorana

Beginning Tap is for the new tapper to learn the fundamental basics of tap dancing, rhythm and musicality. This class started at the “very beginning” in August and is starting at the “very beginning” again in January. Tap 1 will work on strengthening the basic steps such as shuffles, flaps, Irish, maxi-ford, buffalos, waltz clog, cramp rolls and riff walks.Time steps will be introduced along with basic tap turns. We will work on creating patterns and step combinations.
Tap 2: Moving beyond the fundamentals, tap skills should be clean and clear for this class. Additional time step variations will be added plus drawbacks, pullbacks, wings, paddle and roll, sequencing and combinations. Tap 3 builds on the skills learned in Tap 2, focusing on more aggressive combinations and techniques as well as improvisational tap.
ManTap 2: Sorry girls, this one is just for the boys. Must have taken a Beginning/Tap1 class.

Beginning/Intermediate/Advanced Jazz
Instructor:Jinnae Barrett

The beginning/intermediate  class is designed for the student with an interest in learning basic Jazz dance technique. The student will gain increased flexibility, strength & coordination with emphasis on the proper technique & placement of the body while dancing , as well as retaining choreography. The Intermediate/ Advanced Jazz will focus on new jazz dance movements, increased flexibility, and retaining more difficult choreography.

Advanced Tap
Instructor: Debbie Wilson

Advanced Tap is by teacher's approval only. You are expected to know a variety of timesteps, turns, pullbacks, graboffs, speed steps, and be able to pick up combinations quickly!