Learn About Acting Through Musical Theatre (ages 8-13*)

Overview

This Beginning / Intermediate class is designed to develop creativity, inspire appreciation and understanding for the dramatic arts, and establish life long communication skills in a small group setting with individualized attention (maximum 12 students).

Class Dates

September 26, October 3, 10, 17, 24, November 7, 14, 21, 28, December 12

Objectives

At the completion of this course, students will be able to:
– Demonstrate how body language and facial expression affect communication
– Demonstrate basic vocal techniques, including projection, diction, and expression
– Define basic terms used in theatre including the actors’ basic tools
– Develop a character(s) and perform in a final class showcase combining all the skills learned in class
– Use their learned skills to audition for a future local play or musical if desired

Class Description

This weekly class is for students already passionate about theatre to further refine their skills, and for new students curious about the performing arts in theatre.  Experienced actors gain confidence and expertise as they become leaders in the class.  Beginning actors learn from their peers and have an opportunity to develop the craft in a group with support from their peers.  The class involves singing, musical theatre dancing, and acting.

Acting is taught through weekly instruction in musical theatre where all students are engaged in learning choreography and lyrics from Broadway songs appropriate for youth ages 8-13.  Students naturally learn about the actor’s tools of face, body, and voice as they learn material that involves the whole group in ensemble production numbers, and solo songs that students perform together that can later be used as solo audition pieces.  Students will also participate in “mini plays” developed from familiar stories and poems that encourage correct use of the voice and body to express character.  AT the end of the last class, students will perform a short showcase for family and friends.

Teacher Requests

Please adhere to the following rules:
– Attendance to all classes (especially the last class) is very important as choreography and blocking build each week towards the final showcase performance.  A missing actor is challenging to the group.  In the case of minor illness (no fever), I encourage the student to come and watch as opposed to staying home.  This supports the integrity of the ensemble and continuity of performing arts.
– Please wear comfortable clothes that you can move and dance in.  Girls wear shorts or tights  under skirts.
– Wear tennis shoes or dance shoes (jazz or ballet only).  Please no sandals, platforms, slip-ons, or boots.  Shoes should tie onto the feet or have an elastic band to hold them securely.
– Bring water.
– Arrive 5 minutes early.

*If space allows, younger children will be admitted to the class with previous experience.

Instructor

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

With a BA in Theatre, a Masters in Education, and a California Certified Teacher, Dinah has been involved in the Entertainment Industry and Theatre Ats Education since the early 1970’s as a teacher, director, choreographer, and performer on stage, in film, and on TV.  She has worked professionally with children’s and community theatres throughout the Western United States.  Locally, she has worked with Sierra Stages, LeGacy, Paul Emery, Sandra Rockman, Lake Wildwood, Center Stage Dance, Quest Theatre Works, Nugget Fringe Festival, CATS, and Placer Community Theatre.  Dinah as taught Youth Theatre Classes and camps at the Miners Foundry, the Center for the Arts, Colfax Elementary, Yuba River Charter School, and Grass Valley Charter School.  She directed the highly acclaimed holiday family drama, Sonja Weissman and The Miracle Play, featuring 9 local youth ages 10-16 with a supporting adult cast.