Gulfshore Playhouse & Naples Performing Arts Center to Present STAR Academy Classes

Gulfshore Playhouse and Naples Performing Arts Center have announced a partnership to present STAR Academy classes. For the fall session, Gulfshore Playhouse teaching artists will teach four classes at Naples Performing Arts Center.

The STAR Academy offers after-school youth theatre classes for students ranging from pre-K to grade 12. Classes will use the technique of creative drama to teach both theatrical and life skills. Creative drama engages students with exciting and familiar themes.

"We are thrilled to be partnering with Naples Performing Arts Center in the inception of our STAR Academy. The opportunities provided by this partnership will allow both Gulfshore Playhouse and Naples Performing Arts Center to better serve our community with unique educational opportunities," says Kristen Coury, Gulfshore Playhouse's Founder and Producing Artistic Director. Kristen will also be teaching one of the classes offered at Naples Performing Arts Center during the fall session.

The fall session will include two classes offered for Twinkling STARs, pre-K and kindergarten students: "Fairytales and Fables" and "STAR Superheroes."

"Fairytales and Fables" is the perfect class for children who love fairytale characters like Princess Anna, Queen Elsa and Olaf the Snowman, Tinkerbell and her fellow fairies, or Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood. "Fairytales and Fables" will introduce our littlest STARs to theatre through their favorite fantasies, both contemporary and classic! Ending in an enchanting performance for family and friends, this class is an ideal first step into the wonderful world of theatre. 45-minute classes will be held at 3:15pm on Mondays from September 8 - November 3, 2014.

"STAR Superheroes" is for students who dream of being a superhero like Batman, Wonder Woman, Spiderman, or Superman. "STAR Superheroes" will let our bravest little STARs use the power of theatre to create their own secret identities, superpowers, and comic book-worthy adventures that they will share with friends and family in a thrilling performance on the class's final day. 45-minute classes will be held at 3:15pm on Fridays from September 5-October 31, 2014.

This session will offer one class for Rising STARs, students in grades 1-2, and Bright STARs, students in grades 3-5. In "Be a STAR", young actors can develop their skills, learn more about the art of theatre, and make new friends. Our STARs will have a blast as they explore character building, stage presence, and more! On the final day of class, students will show off their new skills for their family and friends in an exciting, creative performance. One hour classes will be held at 4pm on Wednesdays from September 3- October 29, 2014.

Shining STARs, students in grades 6-8, and Shooting STARs, high school students, can develop their craft in "Fundamentals of Acting". Ideal for young actors who are serious about their craft, "Fundamentals of Acting" will provide students with high-quality training. STARs will receive individualized, professional instruction from Kristen Coury, Founder and Producing Artistic Director of Gulfshore Playhouse. Through physical movement, text analysis, improv and scene study, STARs will immerse themselves in the art of theatre and learn what it means to be an actor. As an added bonus, STARs will visit Gulfshore Playhouse to observe and interact with professional actors and directors! From September 2-October 28, 2014, classes will be held from 6:00pm-7:30pm on Tuesdays.

Gulfshore Playhouse is passionately devoted to creating high-quality professional theatre at affordable prices and diverse educational opportunities for our region. Producing a full season of plays ranging from venerated classics and Broadway hits to contemporary plays and world premieres, Gulfshore Playhouse is committed to surpassing the standards of every valued patron while continuing to contribute to the vibrant arts and culture scene in Southwest Florida.

Gulfshore Playhouse Education serves Southwest Florida through a wide variety of unique educational opportunities. The Playhouse's educational programming provides people from the diverse community accessibility to the art of theatre. Program offerings for youth grades pre-K to 12 range from STAR (Student Theatre Artist in Residence) theatre classes, summer camps, and productions to ThinkTheatre in-school and classroom programs. Gulfshore Playhouse also provides a variety of educational opportunities for adults, from Synergy Series audience enrichment programs to professional internships.

Gulfshore Playhouse's fall session STAR Academy classes will be held at Naples Performing Arts Center, 6646 Willow Park Drive in Naples. To register please call Naples Performing Arts Center at 239-597-6722. For more information, please visit Gulfshore Playhouse's website at www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org.