The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center’s Nancy and Frederick DeMatteis Arts Education Program for Children has announced that it will offer an array of classes and workshops for all ages and skill levels in the coming months.
The program provides youngsters the opportunity to explore drama and performance through a variety of musical theater camps, discover their creativity and ability to develop characters through master classes and workshops, and master the world of theater through participation in the program.
The program’s Young Actor’s Studio series, which seeks to cultivate a love of theater and dramatic arts in children of all ages through after-school classes, weekend workshops, and skill based master classes, continues later this month with several offerings. Taught by professional theater, music and dance educators and experienced actors, the studio is designed both for young children developing life skills through the performing arts and youngsters and teens who are interested in pursuing the craft of theater. Sessions begin in January and run for six weeks.
“Acting Up” for children age 6 to 8 runs on Mondays from 4 to 5 p.m. from January 25 through March 8 for $135. The dramatic story-telling class focuses on nurturing creativity and self-confidence as children participate in a wide variety of theater games each week to foster a sense of exploration, self-expression and fun.
Other Young Actor’s Studio classes include “Adventures in Acting,” for children age 9 to 11 on Tuesdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. from January 26 through March 9 for $165. Participants will learn how to think on their feet in improvisational games, “speak the speech” of Shakespeare, and try on the shoes of a host of characters. The class culminates in a production in front of family and friends on the last day of class.
Also on the schedule is “Teen Theater,” for children age 12 to 16, on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. from January 26 through March 9 for $165. Using improvisation, scene study and movement exercises, participants will learn what it means to both build and become a character and will learn a great variety of acting techniques to add to the “acting toolbox.” Young performers will show off their newly honed skills in a presentation for family and friends.
The education program is also planning a master class in playwriting for children age 11 and up, on Saturday, February 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $125. Playwright Sandy Biano will lead the class and teach participants how to use words, dialogue and action to create scenes that make people laugh or cry; jump or shout; run or hide; all from things that happen every day. Participants who have writing they would like to share are encouraged to bring it to class.
A winter vacation camp focused on a production of “Jack & the Beanstalk,” for children age 5 to 16 will be held February 15 through 19, for $325. Five-year-olds must be enrolled in kindergarten to be accepted. The camp will culminate in a performance on February 19 at 7 p.m. Tickets to the show will be $15.
Weeklong musical theater camps will also be offered, with teams of actors and directors providing sets, lights, costumes, props and makeup. Auditions are held on Mondays, and by Friday the cast is performance ready. Every day in between includes a rehearsal of a musical tale, plus classes in acting, improvisation, singing, movement, theater games and more.
For more information, contact Arts Education Program Manager Julienne Penza at 288-2350, ext. 114, e-mail JulienneP@whbpac.org, or visit www.whbpac.org.
on Jan 7, 2010