Hartford Stage Announces Winter Studio Youth Theatre Classes

Hartford Stage announces the schedule for Winter Studio youth theatre classes for 2014. All classes are taught by Hartford Stage's professional teaching artists and all classes take place at Classical Magnet School, 85 Woodland St. in Hartford.

Story Theatre
Story Theatre runs January 18 - March 15, on Saturdays from 10-11 a.m. for ages 5-6. The perfect starting point for a young student looking to jump into acting! Students will learn the basics of theatre including creating characters, stage directions, and working as an ensemble as they act out stories and create performances. (Suitable for both non-readers and beginning readers.)

Stories on Stage
Stories on Stage runs January 21 - March 18, on Tuesdays from 4:45-5:45 p.m. for ages 5-6. Students will embark on dramatic adventures as they perform and re-imagine scenes from favorite stories, bringing beloved magical characters to life using pantomime, movement, music, and simple props and costumes.

Let's Act
Let's Act runs January 18 - March 15, on Saturdays from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. for ages 7-8. This beginner level acting class will give students the opportunity to explore the basics of acting - voice, movement, and character - through theatre games, improvisation, and short scripts.

Broadway Dance
Broadway Dance runs January 21 - March 18, on Tuesdays from 5-6 p.m. for ages 7-9. This class will introduce students to the basics of dance through the use of popular musical theatre music. Students will also have the opportunity to choreograph some of their own dances.

Mini-Production: Character Matters
Mini-Production: Character Matters runs January 21 - March 18, on Tuesdays from 4:45-6 p.m. for ages 5-8. Led by Rapunzel, a Handsome Prince, and a (recovering) Wicked Witch, the council offers help to famous folk creatures. The Big Bad Wolf learns the Golden Rule, Cinderella gets help in managing her anger and Jack and the Giant discover that their differences are cool.

Production Class: Winnie the Pooh
Production Class: Winnie the Pooh runs January 18 - March 29, on Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for ages 5-8. Welcome to the Hundred Acre Wood, where Winnie the Pooh is once again in search of honey. Along the way, he meets his pals Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit, and Owl but soon discovers that Christopher Robin has been captured by the mysterious Backson! As they prepare for a rescue operation, the animals learn about teamwork, friendship, and sharing. (Tech Week Rehearsals take place from 6-8:30 p.m. March 25, 26 & 27, and Performances are 7 p.m. Friday, March 28, and 2 p.m. Saturday, March 29.) (Winnie the Pooh - music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B Sherman, Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez, music adapted and arranged with additional music by Will Van Dyke; and book by Cheryl Davis.)

Yes, and! Improv
Yes, and! Improv runs January 18 - March 15, on Saturdays from 1-2 p.m. for ages 8-11. Have fun playing silly improvisational theatre games while learning the tools to think on your feet! Students will explore spontaneity, character development and ensemble building skills in this fast-paced and exciting class.

Acting Out: Scenes from the Movies
Acting Out: Scenes from the Movies runs January 18 - March 15, on Saturdays from 12-1 p.m. for ages 9-12. Students will hone their acting skills by exploring improvisation and studying scenes from popular films, with a focus on making bold choices and creating strong characters.

One Act Play
One Act Play runs January 21 - March 18, on Tuesdays from 6-7:15 p.m. for ages 9-14. Students will work together to rehearse the hilarious short play Bad Auditions by Bad Actors by Ian McWethy. The final performance will be part of our Share Day.

Monologue Building
Monologue Building runs January 18 - March 15, on Saturdays from 1:15-2:15 p.m. for ages 12-17. Students will enhance their repertoire by working on age-appropriate monologues and learning the techniques to create a nuanced performance and strong audition piece.

Production Class: Gooney Bird Greene and Her True Life Adventures
Production Class: Gooney Bird Greene and Her True Life Adventures runs January 18 - April 26, on Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. for ages 9-14. Summer has come to a crashing halt in the little town of Watertower. The kids don't want to be back in school; they are listless and bored. Suddenly, the classroom door bursts open and there, wearing pajamas and cowboy boots, stands red-headed Gooney Bird Greene! The class is never the same again. Gooney Bird speaks with confidence and dresses in outrageous outfits and casts herself as the hero in the most improbable, outlandish stories! Gooney Bird awakens the students' dormant imaginations. They come to realize their lives are as unique as Gooney Bird's and that they, too, can cast themselves as the heroes in their own true tales of discovery and adventure. (Tech Week Rehearsals take place from 6-8:30 p.m. April 22, 23 & 24, and Performances are 7 p.m. April 25, and 2 p.m. April 26.) (Gooney Bird Green and Her True Life Adventures - written by Kent R. Brown, based on the book "Gooney Bird Greene" by Lois Lowry.)

Advanced Performance Troupe Musical Theatre Cabaret
Advanced Performance Troup Musical Theatre Cabaret runs January 21 - April 29, on Tuesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. (with additional rehearsals and performance that may continue through May) for ages 10 and up. 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. Additional rehearsals may be required to prepare for appearances.

Private Acting Coaching or Voice Lessons
Private Acting Coaching or Voice Lessons are available by appointment between January 18 and March 15. Work one-on-one with one of our teaching artists or experienced voice instructor! Lessons will be scheduled by appointment only in 30 minute sessions for acting coaching and 45 minute sessions for voice lessons. Students will be expected to practice at home between lessons.

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