Hartford Stage Announces Fall Studio Youth Performance Classes

Hartford Stage announces the schedule for Fall Studio youth performance classes for 2013 including Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock, The Environmental Show, and The One and Only Santa Claus. These classes are all taught my Hartford Stage's professional teaching artists, culminate in a final performance, and all classes take place at Classical Magnet School, 85 Woodland Street in Hartford.

Mini-Production: Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock

Mini-Production: Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock runs September 21 - November 23, on Saturdays from 10 - 11:15 a.m. for ages 5-8. Students will rehearse and perform a mini-production of Anansi and the Moss Covered Rock. Based on a West African tale, Anansi is the story of a very tricky spider who discovers a magic rock that he uses to steal food from all the jungle inhabitants. The last laugh is on Anansi, of course, but not before everyone has a chance to sing some fun songs about yams, dancing mangos, and Anansi's mischief.

Mini-Production: The Environmental Show

Mini-Production: The Environmental Show runs September 24 - November 19, on Tuesdays from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. for ages 5-9. Students will rehearse and perform a mini-production of The Environmental Show. It's the night before the rock band's last-chance gig, and their old tour bus has broken down. As they set up a sloppy camp, strange creatures emerge from the woods. Enchanted plastic bottles, banana skins, light bulbs, and even a rusted SUV come to life, and they have some advice for the rockers on how to change their behavior, save the band, and help the environment.

Mark Twain Players

Mark Twain Players meet from September 24 - November 19, on Tuesdays from 5:30 - 7 p.m. for ages 9+. The Mark Twain Players create a unique performance opportunity for students who have already participated in classes and are looking to develop their craft as performers. Working with the Mark Twain House, students will develop characters for a costumed interpretation series that combines history, theatre, and improvisation. Students will participate in two events at the Mark Twain House: Victorian Scary Stories and the Olde Fashioned Christmas at Nook Farm.

Production Class: The One and Only Santa Claus

Production Class: The One and Only Santa Claus runs September 21 - December 21, on Saturdays from 1 - 4 p.m. with evening rehearsals from December 17 - 19 and performances on December 20 and 21, for ages 9+. Participation requires previous related experience or audition with Studio Manager Emely Larson. Live in your living room, it's your favorite TV show: "American Profiles!" In a series of hilarious and heart-warming sketches, host Yul Tide and co-host Chrystal Flakes explore what Santa Claus really represents, introducing us to various people who know and love him. The show is full of bloopers and comic bickering as the TV crew clamors to find old St. Nick, but Santa's not the only thing that's missing. They can't seem to find their Christmas spirit, either. Along the way, we meet the mail carrier for the North Pole, Santa's staff of elves as they run through their final check-list, mall santas, moms and dads, and even a shadowy figure with big ears who's not so keen on the great gift-giver (think other furry holiday figures).

Advanced Performance Troupe: Musical Theatre Cabaret

Advanced Performance Troupe: Musical Theatre Cabaret runs September 24 - November 19, on Tuesdays from 6 - 7:30 p.m. for ages 10+. Auditions will take place on September 10, from 5 - 6:30 p.m. OR 6:30 - 8 p.m. Please Call Chelsea Caplan at 860-520-7244 to schedule your audition time. Troupe members will create and perform a themed cabaret including a combination of group songs, solos, duets, trios, dances and scenes. This group will perform their own show, as well as performing at various venues throughout Greater Hartford.

For more information or to register for a class, please visit www.hartfordstage.org or call Chelsea Caplan, Education Sales Coordinator, at 860-520-7244.