Show Success!

We had our show(s) last night. It included "Peter and the Wolf" done by the ballet and jazz dance classes and "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" done by the drama classes. They were done well and things went great. We sold out of our printed tickets! Now is the time to sign up for next terms show, Lion King!

Belly Dancing Class

I need to brag about the wonderful group of ladies I have in my advance belly dancing class this term.  I presented them with a new challenge this time around and asked them to have a dance of their own started, and ready to present to the group, by the end of the term.  Each and every single one of them not only stepped up to the challenge, but exceeded my expectations by leaps and bounds.  They choose unique and engaging pieces of music from cellos to Harry Belafonte to folk songs; they researched other dancers, troupes, and movements on-line as inspiration; and came up with their own wonderful creations that inspired us all.  I look forward to seeing them take these dances further, engage their fellow dancers, and bring them to completion.  Each one is truly a work of art! ~ Emily Hanson-Gifford

Intro Update

I'm so proud of the Intro class today! Everyone has their lines memorized and we're able to work on the finer points of acting. We took it from the top and got over halfway through. Next week, which is also our last regular class, we will do the second half.

A couple of reminders as we approach performance week:

Monday, Dec 5th is our last regular Intro class

Wed, Dec. 7th 6-7pm Intro students are invited to join the intermediate/advanced class to start rehearsing together. If it is at all possible, please be there!

What students should work on this week:

• picking up their cues
• reacting to what's being said onstage
• making sure those lines and cues and stage directions are memorized frontwards and backwards and every which way!

If your director says, "Pick up your cue!" it means she wants there to be less space in between the lines.

This Week in Intro to Theater

We're getting down to crunch time. Students should have all of their lines, cues, and blocking memorized. We have two more classes before all of the drama classes are combined to rehearse. Yikes!

Today in class we worked on final blocking. Students learned about creating a pleasing stage picture and how to balance the stage.

Many of the scenes in this play have at least 20 actors onstage at once. It's important that they're not all clumped together on one side or all standing in a straight line across the stage. There needs to be depth and balance. Even in scenes that are supposed to look chaotic, actors must be aware of where they are scurrying in relation to other actors so that they create a balanced stage picture.

We also worked on projection and using the diaphragm to push out air and project the voice farther.

Next week, we'll take it from the top. Be ready!

Intro to Theater

Today the Intro class really buckled down, and we got through all of the blocking except the very end. We'll do that next week. And we'll have to go back and do the fireman scene, which I accidentally skipped. (Sorry Jenna and Ellie S.)

Here are some of the terms that came up while rehearsing:

ad lib: to add lines or business not in the script, especially as improvisation

upstage hand: the hand furthest from the audience

Students learned to use their upstage hand to gesture so that it doesn't obscure their face. Those playing kids in the pageant have many opportunities to ad lib as they react to the action onstage.

Intro Update

Today in Intro to Theater we continued working on blocking and should finish up next week. On Monday, Nov. 14th students will be expected to be off book.

When an actor or actress is off book, it means that he or she no longer needs the script to rehearse the play, having memorized the work.

Memorizing a part includes more than just memorizing lines. Actors are expected to know their cues, blocking, entrances and exits. (Except, of course, if we haven't blocked it yet.)

Happy Memorizing!

Tap Notes

Kids' Tap Class on November 11th will be cancelled, due to the instructor will be out of town. Also, there will be no tap class on November 25th (Thanksgiving Break)

We will offer a make up class on Monday, November 28th from 6pm - 7pm. Please let your instructor know if you plan to attend.

Couple of Reminders

A couple of reminders about things coming up:

There will be a stage craft day coming up in November. This is a day for that is required for the Intermediate and Advanced Drama students. They will be working on building the sets for the performance in December and is a great way for them to learn a little more about what goes on in the theater. More information will be posted soon.

There will not be classes on the Thursday (Nov 24) - Sunday (Nov 27) for the Thanksgiving holiday.

The last week of the term (Dec 12 - Dec 16) will be for performers only. There will be a little different schedule and more information about that will be coming soon.

Also, you have one last chance to learn Thriller and come dance with us in the street. This Saturday, Oct 29, there is a classes happening. Please stop by the front desk and check it out!

Parking

Just a reminder to everyone about parking. There is no parking in the parking lots of the Salon M and the laundromat beside the Academy. You can park in the dentistry office, across the street, after 5pm. We want to have a good relationship with our neighbors, so please help us out by parking only in designated areas.

Intro to Theater Update

We are six weeks into the term. The show has been cast. Students should have read the entire script by now and should be busy memorizing their lines. We are in the process of blocking the show.

Definition: Blocking is the process of planning where, when, and how actors will move about the stage during a performance.

Halloween reminder: Since the Intro class is cancelled for that day, students are encouraged to make up the class on Wednesday, Nov. 2nd by attending the intermediate class from 6-7 pm.

Happy Halloween! See you in November!

Teacher Lisa

Thriller Workshops

Attend our Thriller workshops this October and dance with us on the streets Halloween night! Every Saturday, and some Sundays, there are workshops happening now! Come check it out! Our workshops are a fundraiser for the school and help scholarship students, among other things. Call now to sign up.

Starting Week

We had great start to our week! The building is coming together and looks wonderful. Stop by and check it out, and while you are here, you can still sign up for some of the classes!