• Dance for Musical Theater II

Instructor: Johnna Mitchell

Dates: Mondays, 5:30 – 7 p.m., Jan. 14-March 25 (No class Jan. 21)

Ages: Middle school through high school

Fee:  $185

(Students do not need to have completed Session I in order to participate.)

This high-energy dance class will help prepare participants for dance auditions and performances on the musical theater stage, as well as build confidence and general stage presence. Each week, students will learn routines choreographed to well-known Broadway music, using steps and techniques specific to a particular dance genre. Class will conclude with a "Showcase" of dance numbers learned during the series. This class will benefit dancers of all levels and is taught by Act3’s MAT Award-winning Choreographer, Johnna Mitchell.

•  Improv

Instructor: Jesse Cramer

Dates: Tuesdays, Jan. 15 - March 19, 5:30-7 p.m.

Ages: 4th grade- high school

Fee: $185

Improvisational theater, or “improv”, teaches actors to use learned skills to perform spontaneously. Improv is often comedic and typically uses audience suggestions to contribute to the mood, content and direction of a performance.  In this class, students will learn the secret of being funny on stage, as well as how to read others and react naturally. It’s taught by Jesse Cramer, who has been involved in improvisational theater since 2006, and the session will conclude with a public performance for family and friends who wish to attend.

• Acting Techniques for Young Actors

Instructors: Johnna Mitchell and Michelle Peck

Dates: Wednesdays, Jan. 16 – March 20, 5:30-7 p.m.

Ages: 4th -8th grade

Fee: $185

This class will help new actors gain confidence and those already familiar with the stage to delve deeper into character work. Students will work on monologues and scene studies with a partner while implementing the basics of the Stanislavski System. Not only will students work on characterization and sense memory, but they will learn to identify beats and objectives, and develop a set of acting skills that will serve them well as they continue to grow. The class will culminate in a showcase of the participants’ work.

• Take the Stage (Second Act)

Instructors: Johnna Mitchell, Jesse Cramer and Michelle Peck

Dates: Thursdays, Jan. 17 – March 21, 4:30-6 p.m.

Ages: Kindergarten - 5th grade

Fee: $200

(Students do not need to have completed Session I in order to participate)

In the second installment of Take the Stage, students will continue their study and practice of musical theatre acting by strengthening good vocal techniques, improving their knowledge of musical theatre dance styles and working on characterizations in scenes with classmates. They will continue to develop confidence by preparing for auditions and learning to give and receive peer feedback on their work. Jesse Cramer, director of Act3’s improv troupes, will teach the students about improvisation, an extremely important skill for any actor to possess. This exciting class will culminate in a showcase for friends and family.