SUMMER CLASS DESCRIPTIONS 2012
An understanding of a play as a whole unified story to tell, and the concept that each actor in the play is part of that whole, is a very important lesson learned in a real production class. In schools and local amateur theater, emphasis is often given to the biggest ham or the loudest singer and moments where someone is taking focus unnecessarily, are often applauded -rewarding what is often bad performing technique. At Gateway, students learn what it means to be performing artists, and how each part they play and each one of them, is as important as the rest. Listening and responding honestly, awareness of others and real character development are skills trained in improvisation, warm up theater games, AND the encouragement of writing and reading homework. Students will be allowed a 10 minute snack time halfway thru class. There will be an open class for friends and family at the end of each session. Roles will be determined the first week; every student enrolled has a chance to shine.
PRODUCTION CLASS SESSION I MON. and WED.
July 2-July 25 (except 7/4 when classes are rescheduled for Friday, 7/6)
Shakespeare’s AS YOU LIKE IT 10:00-12:30
Ages 12-17
With four marriages and happy endings, this light and breezy summer faire, is one of Shakespeare’s best comedies. An amusing tale where the forest is the setting of many an arduous pursuit- mismatched and forlorn lovers and their messengers –coming and going in delightful array- they come in disguise, some with intrigue, some on family pursuits, from banishment or from longing, we watch the friend and foe trickery and poetry, as the tangled web is woven. What a ton of diverse roles there are to play. This story gives old fashioned meaning to the phrase; “It’s complicated.” FUN! $275
PRODUCTION CLASS SESSION II MON. and WED.
July 30 - August 22
Shakespeare’s A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM 10:00-12:30
Ages 12-17
This whimsical comedy in another forest setting is once again the perfect summer piece and a great way to introduce Shakespeare to young actors. One of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays, it follows the adventures of a group of amateur actors, four Athenian lovers, and the fairies who inhabit the forest into which they wander. Lots of merriment ensues with lots of roles for all. This play was worked on last year with much success. This year with the age group expanded and a different director at the helm, new aspects of the play will be delved into for a new and unique experience. $275
FOLLOWING ARE THE INDIVIDUAL MONDAY & WEDNESDAY CLASSES. Class names and times stay the same for both sessions. Pick one or both Sessions; scene and exercise content is always different, making the second session cumulative for the individual student.
SESSION I and SESSION II CLASSES
MON. and WED.
July 2-July 25(except 7/4) and/or July 30 - August 22
1:00-3:00 Ages 12-17
MUSICAL THEATER PERFORMANCE
Students tap into their full potential and have their performances rise to a competitive level. Strong and unique audition pieces from our extensive library are chosen. During individual solo work, we focus on truthful expression and lyric interpretation, while perfecting vocal techniques. With consistent class, and homework done during the week, (stressing the direction given in class,) students can build a repertoire of audition material and rise to a competitive level. $225
3:15-4:45 Ages 12-17
ACCELERATED ACTING
Students learn to apply the skills they learn from previous class in technique and improvisation. Their craft continues to develop with sharper critique and challenging script work. The class will incorporate skill exercises along with script work. Students develop themselves as diverse actors. Scenes are performed at the end of each session.. Different material will be worked on in both sessions. $175
5:00-6:30 Ages 12-17
ACTING BASICS
Fundamental acting skills are taught through the use of serious and comedic theatre games. Students discover their unique voices and inner natures while participating in sense memory, objective, environment, character, and situation driven exercises. Group skits, based on technique learned, and a showing of exercises will be performed at the end of each session. Watch Out- Audience members may be asked to participate, (cuz, they think it’s so easy!) $175
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PRODUCTION CLASS SESSION I TUES. and THURS.
July 3-July 26
YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN 10:00-12:30
Ages 8-11
Many moments of joy ensue when the Peanuts gang gets together! Sweet childhood relationships; brotherly, sisterly, and man’s best friendly….converge on holidays, the playground, the baseball field, by the piano and out kite flying. And who can resist a little SUPPERTIME. Everyone will get to play a character, as we present little comedic vignettes and songs from Charlie Brown’s wonderful life. Chldren will have a chance to play a supporting role in one segment and a leading role in another. This class will feature scenes and a few musical numbers to supplement the story. Not all children need to sing in order to participate. $275
PRODUCTION CLASS SESSION II TUES. and THURS.
July 31- August 23
PETER PAN 10:00-12:30
Ages 8-11
Come fly with us to the place where dreams are born, as we work on what many consider one of the most magical stories of all time. J. M. Barrie’s immortal tale of the boy who won’t grow up and his adoring group of lost boys, the Darling family, the native friends who assist in his adventures and all that unfolds, will provide a wealth of opportunity for many roles, both singing and non singing, for boys and girls. Captain Hook and Smee, Tiger Lily, Wendy, Michael, John, Nana, Jane, Mr. and Mrs. Darling, and of course, Peter & all the Never Never Land inhabitants are sure to be a delight to enact and perform. Not all children need to sing in order to participate.$275
FOLLOWING ARE THE INDIVIDUAL TUESDAY AND THURSDAY SUMMER CLASSES. Class names and times stay the same for both sessions. Pick one or both Sessions; scene & exercise content is always different, making the second session cumulative for the individual student.
SESSION I and SESSION II CLASSES
TUES. and THURS.
July 3 - July 26 and/or July 31 - August 23
1:00-2:30 Ages 8-11
ACCELERATED ACTING
Students learn to apply their skills from previous class work in technique and improvisation. Their craft continues to develop with sharper critique and challenging script work. The class will incorporate skill exercises along with script work. Students develop themselves as diverse actors. Scenes are performed at the end of each session. Students may take this class for one or both sessions. Different material will be worked on in both sessions. $175
2:45-4:15 Ages 8-11
ACTING BASICS
Fundamental acting skills are taught through the use of serious and comedic improvisations and technique exercises. Script work is used as the class progresses. Students discover their unique voices and inner natures. Scenes, monologues and/or group improvisation exercises are performed at the end of each session. $175
4:30-5:30 Ages 5-7
LET’S PRETEND- INTRO TO THEATER
So, your little one wants to perform! It’s so much fun, as this class is geared for creative exploration and self esteem building that you may be looking for. Imagination, such an important trait to cherish in childhood, often stolen away too quickly in the digital age, is fostered and developed in performing arts classes. The story making, pretend scenes, fairy tale enactment, object and environment exercises we use, are all part of actor training, and specifically geared to the younger ages. Ready, set, ACT. $125
SPECIAL CLASS - 3 DAY COLLEGE PREPARATORY WORKSHOP (for young adults preparing for college auditions and adults looking to perfect their auditioning technique.) (Robin Joy Allan, Instructor, with guest teachers- Casting Director Jessica Kelly, Manhattan Teacher/Coaches, Andrew Pandaleon and Jessica Kerner.) This class is unlike any you will find. For Gateway's Main Stage productions, we audition and hire those who have graduated from the schools that we are guiding our students to be accepted by. We know and understand what the schools are looking for and the talent and skill necessary to make an impression at these auditions. As professionals who have been on both sides of the table, we know what casting departments and agencies look for when making decisions on casting and who to represent, respectively. Class members should do their homework and come to this workshop with choices of material. These pieces are then critiqued to meet the standards of competitive auditions. We have a sixty year old library of resources and materials available to substitute or add to the chosen material in order to showcase each young performer’s personality, type and range. This three day workshop has been held for students entering college in 2012. Stay tuned for this summer's workshop!
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