Youth Theatre Education Class

This Beginning/Intermediate class is designed to develop creativity, inspire appreciation and understanding for the dramatic arts, and establish life long communication skills. It is for students already passionate about theatre to further refine their skills, and for new students curious about the performing arts in theatre. Acting is taught through weekly instruction in musical theater choreography, scene work based in Asian Tales and Folklore and working as a group on a short original play based on the story scenes we create in class through improvisation. This work facilitates correct use of the voice, body, and face to express character.  At the end of the last class, students will perform a short showcase for family and friends. Students will also perform a sample of their “Play in progress” at the Chinese New Year Festival in Nevada City on Sunday Feb. 21st.  Presented by the Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra and the Miners Foundry.

Dinah Smith (Teacher/Coach, Choreographer/Director, Actor)

With a BA in Theatre, a Masters in Education, Dinah has been involved in the Entertainment Industry and Theatre Arts Education since the early 1970’s as a teacher, director, choreographer and performer.  Locally, she has worked with Sierra Stages, LeGacy, Paul Emery, CATS, Lake Wildwood, Placer Community Theatre and has taught classes for Yuba River Charter School, Bitney Prep, Colfax Elementary, Grass Valley Charter, The Center For The Arts and Miners Foundry.  She directed the highly acclaimed premier holiday drama of Sonja Weissman and The Miracle Play, in 2013 and 2014, featuring 9 local youth actors, ages 10-16.  She is currently directing 2 plays for the Nugget Fringe Festival 2016 and choreographing the Broadway Musical Revival of Godspell for Placer Community Theatre.