Classes Are Offered In The Following Dramatic Arts Programs:
THE ACTING PROGRAM
Open to Adults and Teens (Ages 16+)
LEVEL 1: Intro to Acting
Discover the actor inside of you! By using theatre games and improvisation, students will learn basic theatre skills in a supportive, creative and fun environment. Learn how to answer the questions all actors must ask before they even pick up a script: Who? Where? What? Why? How? This class is the first step to building a solid foundation in the art of acting.
LEVEL 2: An Actor Prepares
Students will work on monologues while learning how to analyze a script, identify a character's problems and solve those problems. Advanced theatre games are used to deepen basic skills. In addition, there will be further development of the actor's physical resources of voice and movement. *Prerequisite: Successful completion of an introductory acting class or an interview.
LEVEL 3: Scene Study
Explore characters and relationships on a deeper level. In this class, students will track a character's journey through a scene and learn to further articulate the essential elements of a character's objectives, obstacles, conflicts and relationships. Rehearsal with a scene partner outside of class is required. *Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level 2 or by audition.
LEVEL 4: Building A Character (Parts I and II)
Part I: Through the use of theater games and generic scenes and/or monologues, students discover how action and behavior shape characterization and thus learn how to create a distinct physical and emotional personality for a character.
Part II: Students now apply the skills developed in Part I by working on monologues and scenes. The class will culminate in a performance to the public. *Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level 3 or by audition.
LEVEL 5: Advanced Acting
Students will now explore advanced material, focusing on classic playwrights and their styles. Works by playwrights such as Miller, Mamet, Chekhov, Williams, Pinter, Ionesco and Shakespeare will be used. The class will culminate in a performance open to the public. *Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level 4 or by audition.
LEVEL 6: The Professional Showcase-CLASS ACTS
Students will apply all of the skills they've learned by rehearsing and performing in a professional production of one act plays on the stage at the Westminster Arts Center at Bloomfield College. *Prerequisite: Successful completion of: Level 5, Speech for the Actor and Movement for the Actor.
THE MASTER CLASS: TECHNIQUE WORKSHOP
An ongoing class for advanced students and working actors to continue to hone their skills and technique. Students may work on monologues, scenes, exercises or any project of their choice. *Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level 5 or by audition only.
THE MASTER CLASS: PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP-The Black Box Theater Project
Students will choose one full-length play or series of one acts (with the guidance of the director) as a class project and then collaborate on all aspects of a production. Extensive work on telling the story, tracking a character and understanding the playwright's point of view will be explored. Students will also use the class as a rehearsal workshop culminating in a weekend of performances of the project at the NJSDA Theater. This workshop is designed for advanced actors who want to keep skills sharp and gain deeper experience in developing a character and creating a play. *Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level 5 or by audition.
Audition Technique
By the end of this course you will be set for your next audition and will have two "ready to go" monologues. Students will also learn how to prepare and perform "cold" readings and how to ace the agent/casting director interview. *Prerequisite: Completion of Level 3 or by permission of the instructor.
Shakespeare
This class will introduce students to the thrilling challenge of acting Shakespeare.
Unlock the passions of Shakespeare’s characters by cracking the secret code
he left in the text. By analyzing the verse structure, students will learn
to “score” the copy for pace and breath. More importantly, students will
begin to learn the technical foundations (voice, speech, scansion, rhetoric)
all actors need to unlock the text, as well as explore the artistic depth
and richness these plays provide through "letting in", personalization,
humor, and character. Culminates in students performing monologues. Come conquer your fear of the Bard, and find out why he's everyone's favorite playwright!
Prerequisite: Successful completion of
Level 3 or by permission of a director.
Speech for the Actor
A must for actors interested in increasing their vocal richness and emotional range in order to maximize their individual potential. This process based course will consist of voice, speech and language. Voice includes breath and body placement, and breath support. Speech includes vowel placement, accent reduction and recognizing personal patterns. Language will include work on Shakespeare and learning to use language as a tool for defining character in performance and auditioning.
Movement for the Actor
Discover the tools an actor uses to create, project and maintain a character. This lively and energetic class teaches the art and techniques of using one's body on stage. The class will first focus on how to execute basic, universal human action on stage: simply, truthfully and without effort. Next you will play, explore and create content that is emotional, fantastic, comedic, absurd and above all imaginative. Finally, after developing these basic skills, you will engage in storytelling by exploring various theatrical and cinematic genres.
Makeup for the Stage
Learn the basics of using and applying theatrical stage make-up for creating characters. In this hands-on workshop, students will be introduced to the tools of the trade such as types of make-up, sponges and brushes. Each student will create and apply their own aging make-up by focusing on highlights and shadows, crow’s feet, bags and wrinkles. Other more advanced techniques such as creating scars and bruises will also be introduced. Please Note: Students will be required to purchase a Ben Nye Student Theatrical Makeup Kit. Kits are available on-line or through the studio. The cost for the make-up kit will range from $45 to $55.
PRIVATE LESSONS
Students may schedule one on one coaching sessions with a director to prepare for auditions, college admissions or for special projects or needs. Please call for an appointment
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ACTING WORKSHOPS
Open to Adults and Teens (Ages 16+)
Auditioning Workshop: The Cold Reading
In this special 4 week workshop, students will learn how to prepare and perform "cold" readings and how to ace the agent/casting director interview. *Prerequisite: Completion of Level 3 or by permission of the instructor.
Clowning and Physical Comedy Workshop
Free your body and imagination and develop your physical comedy and improvisational technique through the world of the clown. Explore the traditions and styles of the likes of Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, Peter Sellers, and Sacha Baron-Cohen (Borat). Students will discover and develop their own personal clown -- tapping into and exploring those unique elements of innocence, wonder, fear, and the ridiculous that live inside us all. Actors will explore their inner emotional life at its simplest and truest while developing techniques that will hone their sense of subtlety, comic timing, and give them the ability to create physical routines or "gags."
Stage Combat
This workshop will introduce students to the elements of Stage Combat, including: hand-to-hand (slaps, punches, hair pulls chokes etc...), the use of weapons (swords) and establish a format to create and choreograph their own fights. We will focus on safety procedures, establish a vocabulary and then “Let the fights begin!” Students should come in clothes appropriate for movement and be prepared to roll around.
The Business of "The Business" : A Showbiz Seminar
This seminar will give you all the basic information you need to get started in Show-biz. Learn about agents, managers, unions, resumes and headshots, plus information on commercials, film, print and theatre. Discover how to spot scams that want you to invest large amounts of money with no guarantees. Find out where the auditions are and what it takes to succeed. If you are interested in starting a career in show business or have a child with a passion for acting, singing or modeling, this seminar will be an invaluable aid in understanding the ins and outs of the industry.
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FILM AND TV PROGRAM
Open to Adults and Teens (Ages 16+)
The TV Commercial Industry : Level 1
Everything you wanted to know about the TV commercial industry is included in this class. Photos, resumes, how and where to look for work, union vs. non-union jobs, agents, and casting directors are discussed. You will learn how to prepare for the commercial audition by working on camera each week. By the end of this class, students are ready to start their career!
NEW! The TV Commercial Industry : Level 2
This class focuses on auditioning for commercials of various styles, identifying these styles and knowing what approach to take. The class offers a more analytical study of commercials and commercial performance technique than level I. The goal is to give two or more excellent and unique takes at every audition. Upon completion, the participant should have a comfort level that will allow him/her to book the spot! *Prerequisite: Completion of Level I and a resume and headshot.
Acting For Film and Television : Level 1
This course will teach actors how to approach written material for TV and Film: exploring choice, size and physicality in front of the camera. Learn the differences between reading stage scenes and film scripts, and between preparing and developing a character for film versus the stage. Auditioning for the camera will also be covered. The class is appropriate for theater actors adjusting to the camera, and seasoned professionals looking to improve their craft. *Prerequisite: Successful completion or current enrollment in Acting Level 3-Scene Study or by permission of a director.
Acting For Film and Television : Level 2
Building on the tools learned in Level 1, students will now concentrate specifically on ways to build a character for the camera. The class will include techniques that are designed to further develop and translate a character to film. *Prerequisite: Successful completion of Film & TV : Level 1 and Acting Level 4 or by permission of a director.
Acting For Film and Television : Level 3
Level 3 will cover character work while on the set, pacing during a film shoot, and more detailed script analysis. This class is a forum for working actors and students to fine tune any or all concerns that they may want to address during a shoot. *Prerequisite: Successful completion of Film & TV : Level 2 and Acting Level 5 or by permission of a director.
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IMPROV PROGRAM
Open to Adults and Teens (Ages 16+)
Introduction to Improv
Give your imagination a blast of spontaneity! Learn how to better use your observation, concentration, creativity and quick thinking skills. Plus, learn how to use improvisation during theatre rehearsals and while performing on stage. A fun and funny course!
Advanced Improv
Students will now build on the fundamental rules of improvisation. In the first half of this course, you will learn the basics of improvising a scene and how to keep it afloat. In the second half, we will incorporate all of the rules of improv by working on performance games. The last session is an open class which will give students a chance to be put "on the spot" by performing in front of an invited audience! *Prerequisite: Successful completion of Intro to Improv or by permission of the instructor.
The Improv Performance Workshop
Students will apply all of the skills they've learned by rehearsing and performing in a professional evening of improv comedy similar to Whose Line Is It Anyway? on the stage at our theatre! All students who successfully complete this workshop are eligible to audition for our improv troupe, On The Spot! *Prerequisite: Successful completion of Advanced Improv or by permission of the instructor.
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MUSICAL THEATER PROGRAM
Open to Adults and Teens (Ages 16+)
Voice 101: The Art of Singing
Love musical theater? Always wanted to learn how to sing? Learn about the most essential element of musical theater: the voice! Students will work on vocal techniques, proper breathing, diction, projection and best of all, singing. Group numbers will be used. Outside practice is recommended.
Musical Theater
At this level, the performance elements of musical theater are introduced. Students continue to develop vocal skills while learning how to act through a song. Group numbers, duets and solos will be used. *Prerequisite: Successful completion of Voice 101 or by permission of instructor.
Musical Theater Performance Workshop:
This workshop, taught by Drama
Desk Award winner Toni DiBuono, is designed for singers who want to keep
their skills sharp and gain a deeper understanding of song interpretation.
Students will work on solos, duets and group numbers. The class culminates
in a production, open to the public, at the NJSDA Theater.
Musical Theater DANCE!
Learn to become more comfortable with dance and movement. This course combines the traditional styles of jazz, ballet and tap into a fun blend of "Broadway" style dance. You will learn techniques, steps and combinations commonly used in musical theater dance.
Private Voice Coaching
For students looking for uniquely personal instruction. Individually scheduled sessions may be used to improve technique, find new material, prepare for auditions, etc.
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SPECIALTY CLASSES
The Directing Workshop
Emphasis will be on the basics of directing: script analysis, blocking, style / concepts, collaboration (with the author, producer, stage manager, design team, etc.), prompt books, and working with the actor. This class is a project based and mentored program. The session will end in a final showcase of 10 minute scenes with actors of your choice. Time will be allotted for rehearsals during class however outside rehearsal may be required. NOTE: Class size is limited to 8 students. *Prerequisite: Admission only by permission of the instructor.
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CHILDREN & TEEN CLASSES
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CLASSES FOR KIDS
Ready, Set, ACT! (Grades 1 - 3)
The first step to understanding what acting is all about! In this fun and supportive class, children use theatre games, storytelling and role-playing to stretch their imaginations and discover the endless creativity in themselves. Each semester ends in a final informal performance open to family and friends.
Broadway Juniors (Grades 1 - 3)
Using familiar songs and scenes from classic Broadway shows and films such as The Music Man, The Wizard of Oz and Suessical, students will learn the basics of musical theater performance. Vocal technique, beginning acting skills and basic choreography will be developed as students "put it all together" in this fun-filled class. The last session includes a final informal performance.
Young Actors Workshop (Grades 4 -5)
Kids learn the fundamentals of acting in a fun, supportive and creative atmosphere. Through theatre games and improvisation, students concentrate on the basics of acting: the who, where, why and how. Students will then apply these concepts to basic scene work. The last session includes an open class for family and friends.
Musical Theater for Kids (Grades 4 - 5)
Using familiar songs and scenes from classic Broadway shows and films such as The Music Man, The Wizard of Oz and Suessical, students will learn the basics of musical theater performance. Vocal technique, beginning acting skills and basic choreography will be developed as students “put it all together” in this fun-filled class. The last session includes a final informal performance.
CLASSES FOR TWEENS / TEENS
The Tween (Grades 6 - 8) Acting Program
Level 1
By using theatre games and improvisation, students will learn basic theatre skills in a supportive, creative and fun atmosphere. The second half of the semester emphasizes learning to understand a script, identifying the character's problems and discovering how to solve them. Students will work on a monologue or scene for the final open class project.
Level 2
In this level characters and relationships are explored on a deeper level. Students discover how action and behavior shape characterization. Students continue to track their character's journey through scenes and monologues; articulating the essential elements of building a character, playing objectives, fighting through obstacles and trying to resolve the conflict in the scene. As always, instructors continue to encourage the unique creativity of each student. The session culminates in a final open class project. Please Note: Most students are required to complete two semesters of Level 2 before moving onto Level 3. *Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level 1 or by interview and audition.
Level 3
Level 3 students will continue to hone their acting technique by working on material individualized for their specific growth. Work can include monologues, scene study, acting exercises, or other projects of the teacher's choosing. Continued development of the actor's physical resources will be included. The semester will culminate in a complete staging of theater pieces performed at our theater! Prerequisite: Completion of two semesters of Level 2 AND permission of a director. Students entering our program for the first time must audition for placement in this program.
Acting for Film & TV
This on camera course will teach students about the TV commercial and the TV /
film industry. By working on camera each week, students
will learn how to prepare for the commercial audition and how to approach written material for TV and Film
(while also exploring choice, size and physicality in front of the camera). Prerequisite:
Enrollment in or completion of Tween Acting I (or an equivalent).
Improv Comedy Workshop
Give your imagination a blast of spontaneity! Learn the basic rules of improvisational comedy and then put them to use playing performance games (similar to "Whose Line Is It Anyway?"). The last class will include a comedy showcase for family and friends.
The Teen (Grades 9 -12) Acting Program
Level 1
This level is for students entering our program for the first time. The class emphasizes the development of a strong acting technique through the use of theater games, improvisation and scripted material. Students learn how to answer the questions all actors must ask in order to successfully approach a script: Who? Where? What? Why? How? Exploration of the actor's physical resources of voice and movement will also be used. The last class will be open to invited guests.
Level 2
In this level we explore characters and relationships on a deeper level. Students discover how action and behavior shape characterization. They continue to track their character's journey through scenes and monologues; articulating the essential elements of building a character, playing objectives, fighting through obstacles and trying to resolve the conflict in the scene. As always, instructors continue to encourage the unique creativity of each student. The session culminates in a final open class. Please Note: Most students are required to complete two semesters of Level 2 before moving onto Level 3. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level 1 or by interview and audition.
Level 3 : The Master Class
Level 3 students will continue to hone their acting technique by working on material individualized for their specific growth. Work can include monologues, scene study, acting exercises or other projects of the instructor's choosing. Continued development of the actor's physical resources will be included. The semester will culminate in a complete staging of theater pieces performed at our theater! Prerequisite: Completion of two semesters of Level 2 AND permission of a director. Students entering our program for the first time must audition for placement in this program.
Acting for Film & TV
This on camera course will teach students about the TV commercial and the TV /
film industry. By working on camera each week, students
will learn how to prepare for the commercial audition and how to approach written material for TV and Film
(while also exploring choice, size and physicality in front of the camera).
Prerequisite: Enrollment in or completion of
Teen Acting I (or an equivalent).
Improv Comedy Workshop
Give your imagination a blast of spontaneity! Learn the basic rules of improvisational comedy and then put them to use playing performance games (similar to "Whose Line Is It Anyway?"). The last class will include a comedy showcase for family and friends.
The Tweens and Teens Musical Theater Program
TWEEN Level 1: Introduction to Musical Theater
In this fun, non-competitive class, students are introduced to the most important element of Musical Theater: the Voice! By using group numbers
and solos, students will learn about vocal technique, proper breathing, diction, projection, the basics of reading music and best of all, the joy of singing!
At the same time, students will be introduced to "acting
through a song" by exploring and interpreting the lyrics of the song. The last session will be an open class for family and friends.
TWEEN Level 2: Musical Theater II
Students will continue to develop vocal skills and
further develop the technique of acting through a song by exploring and interpreting the lyrics of the song. Group numbers, duets and solos will be used. As always, instructors encourage the unique abilities of each student.
The last session will be an open class for family and friends. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level 1 or by permission of instructor.
TEEN Level 1: Introduction to Musical Theater
In this fun, non-competitive class, students are introduced to the most important element of Musical Theater: the Voice! By using group numbers
and solos, students will learn about vocal technique, proper breathing, diction, projection, the basics of reading music and best of all, the joy of singing!
At the same time, students will be introduced to "acting
through a song" by exploring and interpreting the lyrics of the song. The
last session will be an open class for family and friends
TEEN Level 2: Musical Theater II
Students will continue to develop vocal skills and
further develop the technique of acting through a song by exploring and interpreting the lyrics of the song. Group numbers, duets and solos will be used. As always, instructors encourage the unique abilities of each student.
The semester will culminate in a complete staging of musical theater pieces
performed in a final class project in the NJSDA Theater! Prerequisite: Successful completion of Level 1 or by permission of instructor.
ENCORE! MUSICAL THEATER PROJECT - By Audition Only.
This Spring's production will be
"BACK to the 80's": "Back to the 80's" is a
musical that tells the story of the senior class of William Ocean High School
that graduated in the 1980's, as remembered and seen through the eyes of Corey
Palmer, who is now 30-something. Throw in a Star Wars dream
sequence, high-energy dance routines, the obligatory 80's party scene, copious
amounts of blue eye-shadow, twenty cans of hairspray, as well as some of the
most popular songs ever written, and the result is a musical that is
"totally awesome" AUDITIONS
will be held on THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2 from 6pm - 9pm (See full audition notice
below) : This 15 week Musical Theater / Professional Performance Project is designed for the intermediate to advanced musical theater
tween / teen. The ENCORE! Musical Theater Project is designed to allow students to immerse themselves in the rehearsal and production process of a musical while continuing to build their acting, voice, speech, movement and dance skills. Enrollment is limited to 25 performers. All roles will be cast during the 1st week of rehearsal. The
cast will meet Thursdays from February 9- May 10, 2012 plus on 4 Sundays (TBA)
from 1pm - 5 pm. Tech week will be from May 14- 17 from 6:00 pm - 10:00
pm. The show dates are Friday, May 18 and Saturday, May 19 at 8:00 pm. The shows will be done at the Westminster Arts
Center at Bloomfield College. Due to the
high level of professionalism of this project, tech week is mandatory!
Also, any actor who misses more than 2 rehearsals during the semester will
have their role recast. Please Note: Due to the special nature
of this project, there is a $100 non-refundable deposit required for this
program.
ENCORE! MUSICAL THEATER PROJECT AUDITIONS will be on Thursday,
February 2. You may arrive anytime between 6pm - 8:45 pm. You
will be asked to: Sing 16 bars from a musical theater song (please bring
sheet music in the correct key), perform a monologue no longer than 1 minute
and be prepared for a short dance audition. If you have any questions,
please call 973-566-9700. |
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