Spring 2010 Courses

Registration Begin: Jan 18, 2010

Classes Begin: Feb 15, 2010

NEW! Daytime Courses
for Adults & Seniors

Reach your potential! Get inspired and bring a

new kind of drama to your life with the Center's classes designed especially for you!

All class times subject to change.

Drama Courses (14-Weeks)

Creative Dramatics (4-6)

Children will engage in dramatic play as a means of learning how to resolve conflicts, problem solving, and trying on roles from favorite folktales and fairy tales.  A good introduction to the art of theater and drama, with heavy use of improvisation, movement, speech and role-play. 

Theatre Intro 1B (7-12)

Tues | 4:00-5:00PM | Tom Chute

Sat | 11:00AM-12:00PM | Tom Chute

Students will learn the basic acting techniques of the master actors. Explore stage movement, vocal projection, develop characterizations, improvisations, scene work, learn to work with others through interactive theater games, as well as developing the poise and confidence needed for a stage presence. A final presentation for parents and friends will be performed at the conclusion of the course.

Theatre Intro 2B (13-18)

Tues | 5:00-6:00PM | Tom Chute

Sat | 12:00-1:00PM | Tom Chute

Improv & Scene Study 1B (7-12)*

A continuation of the skills acquired in Beginner Drama, this course encourages students to explore their inner  creativity while introducing various crucial acting techniques such those of Meisner, Hagen and Stanislavski.  Improvisation exercises and ensemble work play primary roles in this course in helping students gain a better understanding of theater performing.

Improv & Scene Study 2B (13-18)

Junior Stage (9-13)*

Students will study and present a scaled-down version of one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, such as “Much Ado About Nothing” or “Romeo & Juliet”.  Students will be required to draw upon their previous experience in Theatre Intro and Improv & Scene Study. This course not only explores performance and scene study, but also educates student on classical theater style as well as how European history helped shape Shakespeare’s writing.  This is a fun and exciting way for students to study the critical elements of classical drama.

Junior Repertory (10-14)*

A more advanced acting course for students who have already mastered the fundamentals of classic and contemporary drama. Drawing on the skills learned in Beginner & Intermediate Drama and Junior Stage, this course takes students on an intensive journey through character development, connecting with scene partners, dialects and phonetics and script analysis. This course is strongly recommended for more serious acting students looking to broaden their dramatic range.

Senior Repertory (13-18)*

This is the culmination of the core acting courses for children attending the WTCAE.  An advanced Acting/Music Practicum which   requires the actor to define their focus, refine their physical skills and strengthen their emotional ability on stage. The Linklater voice technique is used to cultivate their physical understanding of craft, as Stanislavski’s scoring and structure work is used to strengthen intellectual interpretation, improvisation, and sense memory. 

Performance Lab* (14-20)

A select group of advanced acting students, ages 15 - 18, who have completed the prerequisite Senior Repertory course, or by invitation of the instructor.  Students are admitted into this course by way of a meticulous audition process.  Performance Lab provides students with a rigorous and concise method of polishing their skills as actors through intensive rehearsals and ultimately performing a renowned classic or contemporary play for public admission at the end of the semester.  This course leads its students through all true-to-life aspects of the theatre: from casting to the rehearsal process, all the way to curtain call.

Shakespeare on Stage (Adult)

Great classics like Hamlet and Othello were never intended to be read alone like a novel. Shakespeare needs to be heard and performed to fully understand his wonderful works.  Many people who study classical literature feel that if Shakespeare were alive today, he might be like another Steven Spielberg.  This class will study through critical analysis and performance of scenes and complete plays to understand the acting style. Anticipated plays to be read are Hamlet, Henry V, Macbeth and Othello.

* Prior approval by the Director of Education required for admission into this course

Dance & Movement Courses

(14-Weeks)

Creative Movement (2-3)

Little Movers (3-6)

Youth Beginner Tap Dance** (4-6)

Beginner Tap Dance 1B**
(7-12)

Beginner Tap Dance 2B**
(13-18)

Intermediate Tap Dance **
(9-18)

Advanced Tap Dance**
(12-18)

Mandatory for the actor who wishes to move well! Students learn technique, placement, and alignment while building strength and flexibility. They are exposed to helpful terminology and proper dance etiquette.  Focus on learning and performing choreographed dance phrases to pre-recorded music. Two or three contrasting styles are explored each semester emphasizing individual character. 

* Tap shoes required

Hip Hop Dance 1B (7-11)

Hip Hop Dance2B (12-18)

Learn the dances that are all the rage these days!  From popping and locking to freestyle, students will learn the fundamentals of self-expression through urban hip hop dancing in this highly-engaging, aerobic course.  A wonderful class for people who want to learn the hippest dance moves or just to get into shape and have fun doing it!  Jazz shoes or sneakers required

Musical Theatre Song & Dance 1B (7-12)

Musical Theatre Song & Dance
2B (13-18)

Important for the musical theatre actor who wants to learn to sing and dance on stage, this class is a combination of vocal and dance class, emphasizing overall musical theatre performance.

Movement for Actors (12-18)

The focus of this class is to build a foundation of correct technique in theatre dance for the actor who has little or no formal dance training.  All the fundamental vocabulary of jazz, tap, modern dance and lyrical with a hint of ballet will be learned, while exercises for strength, flexibility, balance and rhythm will also be covered.  Students will study all the steps that are most commonly used in Musical Theatre to prepare them for the dance portion of an audition and/or a Musical Theatre production.  This class is strongly recommended for all WTCAE students who participate in the Young Actors Series and other theatrical productions.  * Jazz or Ballet shoes required

Broadway Dance 1B (7-12)

Broadway Dance 2B (13-18)

Learn Broadway style dance with Sheila Fucci, choreographer of the World Premiere and National Tour of “The Magic Tree House-The Musical”.  Sheila will present a Musical Theater Jazz Dance style that will develop technique, increase strength, stretch and confidence as you hone your skills and broaden your vocabulary in the styles of your favorite Broadway Musicals.

So You Think You Can Dance?

(12-18)

Additional 14 Week Courses

Latin Inspired Aerobic Dance (Adult)

A fitness program inspired by Latin Dance, belly dancing and Aerobics.  Classes run two or three days a week. Lose weight and have fun!

Advanced Acting* (13-18)

Figure Drawing (9-18)

 Beginning Figure Drawing is a progressive step by step elementary experience for development of visual perception, understanding of basic art concepts, and basic drawing skills and  techniques.

Musical Scene Performance (9-18)

Learn the fundamentals of proper acting and character development in a Musical production!  Focusing on the importance of acting and music, this class will teach students to be well-versed, comprehensive performers!

Build a Story (10-18)

writing & illustration

Sat | 11:00-12:00PM | Charlene Donaghy  

                                    & Suzanne Muccino

Write and illustrate your own story book!   Our talented teachers will teach you the fundamentals of basic story writing and illustration in this fun and exciting new class.  Build a story book of your very own to bring home!

Fiction Writing for Young Adults (ages 11-16)

Latin Dance (12-18)

Glee (ages 10-18)

Project Runway (11-17)

Technical Courses

Technical Theatre (15-Adult)

$245.00

A fascinating, completely hands-on journey into the world of technical theatre.  Students will learn the fundamentals of lighting design, set design, operating light and sound boards, stage management and much more.  Design and create your own model of a stage set, completely to scale!  Learn how simple changes in lighting color can alter the entire mood of a scene.  Discover the key elements of being a stage manager!  Students will have the unique opportunity to put their new skills to the test by working with their instructor on a Warner Stage Company production!  No previous experience is necessary. 

Intensive Courses

(8-Week intensive course for older teens and adults)

Musical Theatre Dance (Adult)

If you love musical theatre and love to dance, then this course is for you!  Imagine yourself on a stage, doing Fosse-style choreography while feeling the rhythm and getting in shape at the same time!  Students will learn a wide variety of musical theatre choreography styles in this fast-paced, fun-filled and high energy course.  No prior dance training required!

Tap Dance (Adult)

A fun approach to enhancing tap skills with concentration on technique, terminology, rhythms & styles. Class will consist of warm up, across the floor and combinations, tailoring the levels to challenge all participants. A great class for exercise or preparation for community theater participants!

Intro to Fiction Writing (16-Adult)

This course is for people who have little or no experience writing fiction. The purpose of the course is to develop creative writing skills needed for students to feel capable and empowered while learning to write stories. Each week, we will be reading, writing, and sharing your story drafts with your fellow classmates. In addition, as new writers, you will spend time simply observing, and thinking about, the world around you in deeper and more intense ways than you might have before.

Scenic Art (14-Adult)

Making Music on a Mac (14-Adult)

Calling all composers!  Using MIDI keyboards and brand new iMac computers, students will learn the fundamentals of music composition with the help of iMac’s popular Garage Band software.  A fun, informative and creative hands-on class!

Daytime Courses for Adults & Seniors

(8 Weeks)

Intro to Acting (Adult)

Learn the fundamentals of acting on stage in this high-energy and engaging course.  Students will learn about character development, vocal projection, movement and poise, motivation and much more.  Perfect for adults who are looking to test the waters of this wonderful performing art!

Intro to Yoga (Adult)

Relax, rejuvenate, refresh… all in this engaging and empowering course.  An excellent way to build strength, body awareness, energy and focus.  The perfect complement to everyone’s busy lives!

Intro to Qigong (Adult)

Wed | 2:00-3:00PM | Daylene Dudley

Wed | 5:30-6:30PM | Daylene Dudley

Mon | 4:30-5:30PM | Daylene Dudley

Qigong is the ancient Chinese art and science of becoming aware of the life energy of the “qi” and learning how to control its flow through a precise choreography of posture, movement, respiratory technique, and meditation. Like biofeedback, qigong teaches psycho-physiological self-regulation; the student becomes aware of bodily functions—blood pressure, respiratory rate, even the flow of blood and nutrients to internal organs--and learns to restore a healthier balance.

Intro to Tap Dance (Adult)

Intermediate Tap Dance (Adult)

Contemporary Memoir Writing (Adult)

 This workshop is for people who have little or no experience with memoir writing, but who wish to pursue a Contemporary Memoir approach to personal narrative.  The purpose of the course is to begin developing memoir writing skills that guide you to tell your own story, with your own voice, quirkiness, pain, joy, and your own way of seeing the world.  

Private Music Lessons (8-Weeks)

Voice, Piano & Woodwinds

Voice Instructor

Voice Instructor

Guitar Instructor

Violin & Viola Instructor

Voice & Piano Instructor

In-depth private music lessons are available in 8-week increments.  All ages and all levels are welcome! 

We currently offer private lessons in each of the following disciplines: Voice, Piano, Violin, Guitar, Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute, Bassoon.