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CONSERVATORY                                                                                                                     
  

Our Conservatory

Education has always been one of the highest priorities of the Playhouse.  Utilizing professionally trained, experienced master teachers, the Conservatory brings the finest in theatrical arts to the community's youth.

We offer:

 
  • After school classes in acting, dance and voice held on site in the Playhouse's two classrooms.
  • After school programs in acting and dance technique suitable for any budget and length of time.
  • Consistent acting opportunities in mainstage Playhouse Merced productions.
  • Free one time only 45 minute in-class workshops for grades K-5.Scholarship opportunities available!                                                                                                                                         Back to Top
 
Conservatory Code of Conduct

Students are expected to be on time, prepared to fully participate in class.  Students who will be absent or tardy should inform the Playhouse as soon as possible.  In the interest of safety, students should be picked up promptly at the end of classes.

Playhouse Merced staff and students will treat everyone with respect.  Violation of any of these policies may effect the student's future inclusion in the program, including class and performance opportunities.

 
  

Course Descriptions

Workshop Classes - Coming Soon!

All workshops are eight-week intensive programs and are not available for enrollment after the first week of class.  Depending on the class and the instructor, performance opportunities may be available.


Core Classes:

Core 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. 

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 - 8: An introduction to basic acting vocabulary and a chance to get young children enjoying live theatre.  Instructor: Andrew Burkum  Time: Tuesdays from 5:00pm to 5:45pm.

Acting II - Ages 9 - 12:  The next step in acting, with more emotionally explorative themes and some basic scene work.  Instructor: Andrew Burkum  Time: Tuesdays from 4:00pm to 4:45pm and 5:45 PM to 6:30 PM.

Acting III - Ages 13 - 19:  Advanced but appropriate scene and partner work, allowing teens to work through prevalent life issues using theatre language.  Instructor:  Joe Hypes  Time: Thursdays from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM

Dance I - Ages 5-8:  For the younger dancer to develop coordination, utilize good technique and build dance vocabulary. Instructor: Noelle Chander  Time: Wednesdays from 4:45 PM to 5:30 PM.

 Dance II - Ages 9-12:  A further exploration of movement and skill, with an emphasis on footwork combinations, routines and musicality.  Instructor: Noelle Chandler  Times: Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM.

Dance III - Ages 13-19:  A chance for older or advanced students to brush up on basics and practice performance and storytelling technique.  Instructor:  Noelle Chandler  Times: Wednesdays from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.

Hip Hop - Ages 7-16:  A fun contemporary dance style for the little popper and locker in your life!  Instructor: Kim Romero Time: Thursdays from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Voice I - Ages 5-8:  an introduction for young students into vocal technique and class structure, matching pitch and confidence while singing.   Instructor:  Crystal Backoff  Times:  Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM.

Voice II - Ages 9-12:  increasing vocal vocabulary with an emphasis on solid vocal technique and strong individual sound.  Instructor: Crystal Backoff Time:  Wednesdays from 4:45 PM to 5:30 PM.

Voice III - Ages 13-19:  Advanced work in vocal styling for musical theatre, with an added auditioning component to prepare the well-rounded student.  Instructor: Joel Scott Shade  Time: Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM

 
  
Rates 
  

Workshop Classes: $75.00 per month
Core Classes: $30.00 per month

Are you "on track"?
Put yourself on a track to success by taking a voice, acting and dance class at the same time.  Take any non-performance voice, dance and acting class for $80.00 per month (a savings of $10.00 per month), or participate in any 3 workshop classes for $200.00 (a savings of $50.00 per month).  If you would rather mix and match, take any 3 classes at full price and the 4th class is FREE!  

* There is a non-refundable $15 yearly registration fee per family. 

 
Conservatory Instructors 


Crystal Backoff

Andrew Burkum

Noelle Chandler - Originally from the DC Metro area, Noelle is pleased to be able to bring her big-city experience to the ever-growing population of Merced.  Noelle has a degree in Theatre Performance from University of Maryland in College Park, and enjoys playwriting, acting, directing and of course teaching the eager young students who cycle through her door.  She believes firmly that schools should be palaces, learning needs to be interactive to be effective, and that teachers who mold the youth of tomorrow should be paid way, way more than someone who can hit a ball further than anybody else.  She sends her love, deep thanks, and honest regards to all of her wonderful Conservatory staff, her family and friends (East Coast and West) and the town of Merced for this wild and wonderful experience.  "Vive Le Conservatoire!"

Joe Hypes


Robert Hypes

Joel Scott Shade - Originally from Pennsylvania, Joel studied Music Education (voice emphasis) at Manfield University before moving to Merced in 2004.  Since then, he has been privileged to Music Direct and teach for Playhouse Merced.  Joel also teaches private voice and piano lessons and is very fortunate to be the new Director of Music Ministy for the extremely supportive congregation at the United Methodist Church of Merced.

 
      
  

2010 Summer Programs


"Once Upon A Mattress"

Performance Dates: July 23, 24 @ 7:30pm and July 25 @ 2:00pm
Tickets are $10 Adults - $5 Students and Children
Call (209) 725-8587 for tickets


At Merced College's College for Kids:
"Aristocats KIDS!"

Performance Dates: July 28 & 29 @ 5:30pm and 8:00pm (2 performances per day)
 
The summer programs at Playhouse Merced have been a fixture in the community for over 20 years. The program has grown over time into something we are very proud to offer the county and beyond!  Through generous sponsorships and donations, we can continue to keep this vital program operating.

  Want any more info?  Call Noelle at 209.725.8587 or email questions to Noelle@playhousemerced.com!
                                                                                                    		 
  
 452 West Main Street; Merced, CA 95340  209-725-8587                      boxoffice@playhousemerced.com

      

                                                  

   
 

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