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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. April 2010 - May 2010 Workshops: WSI: Ballet with Noelle Chandler Ages 7-16 April 13, 2010 - June 1, 2010 @ 4:00 PM An introduction to the barre work, floor work and basic body position of ballet. All levels welcome, beginners encouraged. WSII: Improv with Joe Hypes and Rob Hypes Ages 16-Adult April 13, 2010 - June 1, 2010 @ 5:00 PM Twin local comedians Joe and Rob will give veterans and beginners alike a chance to stretch their improvisational muscles with games and activites designed to make you think and act fast and funny. WSIII: Directing with Rob Hypes Ages 16-Adult April 16, 2010 - June 4, 2010 @ 4:00 PM Artistic Director Rob Hypes will take you through the directing process from the ground up. All levels welcome. WSIV: Audition Workshop with Joel Scott Shade, Noelle Chandler and Joe Hypes Ages 13-Adult April 16, 2010 - June 4, 2010 @ 5:00 PM Boost your confidence and get feedback on your audition technique with a panel of local veterans to assist you! Songs and monologues are both encouraged, actors and singers of all levels welcome. 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 Bugsy Malone, Jr. A Summer Theatre Experience for Ages 8-14 June 7-25, 2010; M-F 12-5pm Performance Dates: June 25, 26 @ 7:30pm; June 27 @ 2:00pm It's the 1920's all over again! This fun, feisty, flapper-y look at the Roaring Twenties was written and designed specifically to be performed by children and enjoyed by everyone! Compete with silly-string gun battles and the baby-faced gangsters, Bugsy Malone, Jr. is a tender and timeless period piece that will keep your kids tapping their toes all summer long. Cost: $300 Due Upon Registration G2K: Once Upon A Mattress A Summer Theatre Experience for Ages 12-19 June 28-July 23; M-F 12-5pm Performance Dates: July 23, 24 @ 7:30pm and July 25 @ 2:00pm Think you know the story of the princess and the pea? Think again! A wild fairy-tale ride with fun and energetic music, this storytelling extravaganza will have your children thinking twice about wanting the simplicity of the prince or princess life. A wonderful introduction to the arts for youth and teens alike! Multiple parts available for a multitude of characters: there's something here for everyone! Cost: $350 Due Upon Registration At Merced College's College for Kids: Aristocats KIDS! A Summer Theatre Experience for Ages 5-9 July 5-29; M-Th 9am-12pm Performance Dates: July 25, 26 @ 5:30pm and 8:00pm (2 performances per day) Come join the famous cartoon cats on a romp through old-timey London! Chock full of familiar characters and well-known songs, this show is a perfect introduction to theatre for the young ones in your life. A first-time collaboration with Merced College and College for Kids, Aristocats KIDS! is a fun and fanciful alternative to traditional summer camps. Cost: $200 Due Upon Registration. Must register through Merced College. ..........and introducing....... ONE-WEEK INTENSIVE TEN HOUR WORKSHOPS! for students of all ages and experience levels. Acting Technique with Andrew Burkum Week One: June 7-11; M-F, 9am-11am; Ages 5-8 Week Two: June 14-18, M-F, 9am-11am; Ages 9-12 Cost: $100 per week ($75 with Show Tuition) Dance Technique with Noelle Chander Week One: June 21-25; M-F, 9am -11am Ages 9-12 Week Two: June 28-July 2; M-F, 9am-11am; Ages 13-19 Cost: $100 per week ($75 with Show Tuition) Vocal Technique with Crystal Backoff Week One: July 5-9; M-F, 9am-11am; Ages 9-12 Week Two: July 12-16; M-F 9am-11am; Ages 13-19 Cost: $100 per week ($75 with Show Tuition) 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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