Course Descriptions
Stretch & Strength - Any and all ages. Supplement your dance regimen with a regular stretch class to improve flexibility and make dancing easier and more fun. Instructed by Matthew Davis on Thursdays at 4:00 PM in the Studio.
Parent/Child Jazz & Tap Combo - For the whole family to enjoy! One parent and one child of any age required to dance. Simple and fun jazz combinations and the basics of tap dance as well. Tap shoes required. Instructed by Noelle Chandler on Tuesdays at 5:30 PM in the Black Box.
Performance Workshop Classes
Performance workshop classes are just what they sound like; longer, more intensive "workshop-style" classes for the devoted theatre student. Auditions for Dance, Vocal and Musical Theatre workshops will be held on August 23rd at 1:00 PM. Students should come prepared to audition for all classes by being ready to move and having with them 16 bars of a song and sheet music as well as a memorized 30-45 second monologue. Performance Workshop Classes will prepare end-of-the-year pieces which will be performed during "Free Theatre Weekend" in April or May of 2009.
Dance Workshop - Audition Only. All ages allowed. Work as individuals and as a group to explore combinations of techniques and styles, including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, modern, tap and more. Focus on storytelling and expression in dance. Instructed by Noelle Chandler on Wednesdays at 4:00 PM in the Black Box.
Chorale Workshop - Audition Only. All ages allowed. Focus on more difficult group work and singing as an ensemble. Instructed by Joel Shade on Fridays at 5:15 PM in the Studio.
Musical Theatre Workshop - Audition Only. All ages allowed. Concentrates on the integration of acting and vocal prowess to work as a group and put together a musical production. Not for the faint of heart. Instructed by Samantha Narron and Matthew Davis on Saturdays at 10:00 AM in the Black Box.
Stage Combat Workshop - Ages 14 and up. Learn the ever-so-important art of not hurting people while on stage. Work with hand-to-hand techniques as well as swords and weaponry. Instructed by Micah Chandler on Thursdays at 5:15 PM in the Black Box.
Directing for Actors Workshop - Ages 14 and up. Test yourself on another side of the stage and improve your acting abilities by looking at a show from a directors point of view. Taught by Playhouse Merced's own Artistic Director, Robert Hypes on Wednesdays at 5:15 in the Black Box.
Playwriting for Actors Workshop - Ages 14 and up. Look at how writing can help improve your overall knowledge of the craft! Study how plays are constructed and try your hand at writing your own performance pieces. Instructed by Michael Winder on Thursdays at 4:00 in the Black Box.
Non-Performance Classes
Non-Performance Classes at the Playhouse Merced Young Artists Conservatory are geared toward helping your child discover his or her creative potential in a safe, comfortable environment while surrounded by peers with similar interests to their own. Non-Performance Classes do offer performances for parents on the final day of class in May, with a sneak peek during the month of December.
PLEASE NOTE: A "beginning" class is not necessarily easy and does not in any way impede learning. A "beginning" class is simply a class that recognizes the need to work from the ground up.
Acting I - Ages 5-9. A beginning acting class which focuses on the basics of projection, clear speaking, storytelling and memorization. Teaches working as an ensemble as well as comfortably taking the stage by yourself. Instructed by Matthew Davis on Wednesdays at 4:00 PM in the Studio.
Acting II - Ages 10-14. A beginning acting class for our older students who are capable of more than the simple basics. Focus on monologue work and telling a true story. Instructed by Matthew Davis on Wednesdays at 4:45 PM in the Studio.
Acting III - Ages 15-19. A beginning acting class for young adults with a story to tell. Continues training in basic theatre skills as well as working as a true ensemble, in addition to monologue work and auditioning technique. Instructed by Matthew Davis on Tuesdays at 5:30 PM in the Studio.
Dance I - Ages 5-9. A beginning dance class for young and eager movers. Learn basic dance moves and improve your coordination. Instructed by Noelle Chandler on Tuesdays at 4:45 PM in the Black Box.
Dance II - Ages 10-14. A beginning dance class for early teens. Re-enforce your previous training or begin your dance career, and begin exploring what your body can really do. Instructed by Noelle Chandler on Tuesdays at 4:00 PM in the Black Box.
Dance III - Ages 15-19. A beginning dance class for our older students interested in improving technique and enlarging vocabulary. Work as a group and individually. Instructed by Noelle Chandler on Wednesdays at 5:30 PM in the Studio.
Voice I - Ages 5-9. A beginning voice class which concentrates on proper technique and vocal control. For singers and non-singers alike. Instructed by Monet Beardsley on Tuesdays at 4:00 PM in the Studio.
Voice II - Ages 10-14. A beginning voice class for early teens which re-enforces good singing technique as well as proper breathing. Instructed by Monet Beardsley on Tuesdays at 4:45 PM in the Studio.
Voice III - Ages 14-19. A beginning voice class for young adults who are interested in musical theatre. Concentrates on singing as a group and individually, as well as song choice for auditions. Instructed by Joel Shade on Fridays at 4:00 PM in the Studio.
Hip-Hop I - Ages 5-11. Musical Theatre Dance with a jazzy urban flair and a focus on precision and isolation. Instructed by Noelle Chandler on Fridays at 4:00 PM in the Black Box.
Hip-Hop II - Ages 12-19. Urban dance for the interested teen. Concentration on precision, technique, isolation and expression. Instructed by Noelle Chandler on Fridays at 4:45 PM in the Black Box.
Classes begin September 2, 2008 and end on May 30, 2009. There will be no classes during the following weeks:
November 24 thru November 29, 2008
December 22, 2008 thru January 3, 2009
February 16 thru February 21, 2009
April 13 thru April 18, 2009
