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It’s all about fun, laughter and learning something new. Feeling good about yourself and conquering new skills are part of the package. So are singing, dancing, acting and being part of a group. Toss in a love of being on stage and you’ve got the essence of ACT out East.
ACT out East is a new program starting on September 15 at the Vail-Leavitt Music Hall in Riverhead for children and teens who want to master the craft of musical theater. Registration is open until the first class begins.
The premise behind the new endeavor is simple: Being part of a musical theater production might involve a lot of skills, but acquiring them should be simple. ACT out East aims to offer one-stop shopping for singing, dancing, acting and stagecraft. A production will be mounted each session, but what happens within each session is more than a rehearsal.
“There’s nothing like this out here,” said Kristen Estes-Poulakis, a founder of ACT out East. “We think there’s a real need for a program like this that teaches students everything they need to know about musical theater in one place. There’s no need to run to different places to study voice, dance and acting. We offer it all.”
ACT out East is run by co-founders and theater educators Ms. Estes-Poulakis of Hampton Bays, Kim Galway of East Quogue and Darby Moore of New Suffolk. Ms. Galway and Ms. Moore are both registered drama therapists and licensed creative arts therapists. The trio selected Riverhead to appeal to students on the South and North forks.
Mixing students from across the East End will cut out some of the competition that arises when classmates compete for the same part, Ms. Estes-Poulakis explained. Cutting across different age brackets from 8 to 18 sets up a mentor–trainee dynamic in which the older and more experienced participants can help pave the way or or offer instruction for those who are just beginning, Ms. Galway said.
Each weekly class will teach aspects of theater craft. The 13-week session culminates in a musical theater production. “The Music Man” by Meredith Willson will be the program’s first show. Classes will be held on Tuesdays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. beginning on September 15. The session concludes on December 13 with performances of “The Music Man.” Tuition is $660 per session.
The founders expressed confidence in their ability to stage a top-notch production while having sufficient time to teach musical theater fundamentals and more. Their goal is to present a program for serious students while allowing plenty of room for kids who want to see if the stage is a place for them.
Each session is divided into rehearsal and skill learning. Students will be grouped according to age so individual attention is possible. Rehearsals may be used to tackle individual scenes and group dance numbers. The smaller groups are where acting, voice and dance will be taught. Excerpts from the musical production will be used as teaching aids and so the students aren’t pulled in too many directions.
ACT out East doesn’t stop at teaching musical theater, going beyond that part of the mission to serve as an umbrella for a range of theater services the women offer individually. All three are accomplished in their respective fields and bring years of experience to the table.
Ms. Estes-Poulakis is a voice instructor who has been teaching students under the auspices of Sing—her private vocal studio. She has also taught dance at the Dance Centre of the Hamptons. Ms. Galway has a private drama therapy practice that she’s bringing to Act out East.
Ms. Moore will join her, offering drama therapy for groups or individuals. Specializing in adolescent issues, Ms. Moore has brought theater and healing to students in the New York City school districts for 20 years. She also did summer stints in Bosnia, training educators there.
On the education side, Ms. Galway has taught children creative drama, acting and scene study at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center. Ms. Moore has directed a cast of more than 200 New York City high school students who wrote their own parts for that production.
The women hope ACT out East will become a theatrical studio known for preparing students to meet their goals, whether that means Broadway or simply walking the school halls with newfound poise and confidence. Expansion is already on their minds: ACT out East will add classes for young children this winter.
“Those who want to study seriously will have the opportunity to learn what they need to know to audition on Broadway,” Ms. Galway said. “Not everyone wants that. Some people are shy or curious about theater. We want to make sure this is a positive experience for everyone.”
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