Natalie Wachen Returns to La Mirada Theatre to Teach Musical Theatre Workshop and More, Summer 2014

Before joining the cast of Martin Scorsese's Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning HBO series BOARDWALK EMPIRE, and before starring as Mimi Marquez in the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway revival of RENT, Natalie Wachen was a member of the La Mirada-based Phantom Projects Theatre Group. Now, Ms. Wachen returns not as an actress and director, but as a teacher.

After 17 years of producing high-quality theatre at their home-base La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, Phantom Projects is extending their services to include classes for those looking to explore their creative side. The non-profit theatre troupe has just announced open enrollment for an extensive series of classes aimed at all levels of experience, ages 10 and up.

Students interested in enrolling can call 714.690.2900 or visit PhantomProjects.com/classes. Space is limited and discounts are available by enrolling in multiple classes. As an added bonus, students will also receive tickets to Phantom Projects' upcoming performances in the 2013-2014 Season at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.

"Each year, the most frequent requests we receive from our audiences, are for classes. Now, we're answering that request in a very big way. We're making it possible for every young person to learn, whether it's acting, dancing, singing, getting a better understanding of Shakespeare, or even if they've never even stepped on stage before. Having Natalie return and join our roster of wonderful teachers and working professionals is a huge asset for our new and returning students," commented Phantom Projects' Producing Artistic Director Steve Cisneros.

"As a teenager in La Mirada, I was given room to grow as an actor and director at Phantom Projects. It's so important for young people to have a place where their talent is taken seriously and allowed to thrive," added Natalie Wachen. "These classes are a continuation of the tradition I was a part of as a teen, and I'm excited to help the next generation of young performers."

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Specific dates and information can be found at www.PhantomProjects.com/classes.

Musical Theatre Workshop-1 Week, Ages 15 and up

This intensive one-week workshop is designed for musical theater students of all levels. The focus is on effective auditions, supported by impressive & appropriate materials. Bi-Coastal actress and instructor Natalie Wachen, helps students master the professional audition experience. There are many paths to theatrical success, and since every artist has unique talents and goals, the workshop is tailored to meet each student's individual needs.

Instructor: Natalie Wachen

Contemporary Musical Theatre Workshop-2 Weeks, Ages 15-21

This intensive workshop is designed for intermediate to advanced musical theater students. Broadway's landscape is shifting toward pop, rock, rap, and folk music-based musicals. This is not your mother's musical theater, and the audition requirements are not the same. Leave your character shoes at home and master the contemporary musical theatre audition and callback with instructor & actress Natalie Wachen. Week one will focus on finding and perfecting appropriate pop/rock material from various genres for initial auditions. Week two will focus on sides from current Broadway, touring, and regional shows appropriate for each student.

Instructor: Natalie Wachen

On Camera Audition Intensive-1 Day, Ages 15-21

Designed for actors of all levels, this one-day intensive focuses on auditions for television. Prior to the intensive, each student will be provided with sides from current TV shows. After a Q & A, instructor and actress Natalie Wachen, will walk students through mock television auditions using their prepared sides, offering adjustments and coaching as needed. Class work will be recorded on-camera so students will be able to view their own work in class.

Instructor: Natalie Wachen

On Camera Audition Intensive-2 Days, Ages 15-21

This two-day intensive is designed for the intermediate to advanced actor. Day one will focus on sides for co-star and guest star roles, while day two will focus on the very different approach to successful recurring and series regular auditions. Instructor and actress Natalie Wachen (HBO's Boardwalk Empire), will walk students through mock television auditions using their prepared sides, offering adjustments and coaching as needed. Class work will be recorded on-camera so students will be able to view their own work in class.

Instructor: Natalie Wachen

A Midsummer's Summer Getaway-4 Weeks, Ages 13-17

Join us for a five-week intensive of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM! After exploring Shakespeare's text and stories students will perform for their friends and family! In the first week, the ensemble will decide where and when the play will be set, making it a truly unique theatre experience.

Instructor: Rachel Carlson

Shakespeare Crash Course-1 Day, Ages 12-17

This 3 hour workshop gives kids and teens the opportunity to get to know William Shakespeare and his plays a little bit more. Learn the tools to understanding how to read Shakespeare's text, the who's who and what's what of Shakespeare, how his work has an impact on art/media today, and practice speaking with some Shakespeare scene work! This course is designed for those who want to get Shakespeare out of the classroom and onto its feet!

Instructor: Rachel Carlson

Intro to Theatre-4 Weeks, Ages 12-14

Take the exciting first step to being an actor! In our live theatre setting, performance techniques and stage terminology are taught in a no-pressure environment to properly develop your knowledge and understanding of theatre. After this class, you'll never want to leave the stage!

Instructor: Steve Cisneros

Ballet Basics, Intermediate and Advanced: 3 Weeks, Ages 10-13

Learn the basics of ballet including positions, terminology, and steps while improving flexibility and balance. Students will focus on internal aspects of technique instead of physical appearance.

Instructor: Danielle Doucet

Basic Classical Jazz, Intermediate and Advanced-3 Weeks, Ages 10-13

Increase your flexibility, agility, and sense of rhythm with classical jazz. Students will learn basic steps, isolations and rhythmic styles of Fosse, Robbins and Giordano. This style is found in musicals such as West Side Story, A Chorus Line and Chicago. This class is for male or female students who have no prior dance experience. Students will focus on internal aspects of technique instead of physical appearance.

Instructor: Danielle Doucet

Backstage Basics-1 Day, Ages 10-13

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a show? Have you ever wondered who makes the costumes, set, props, and the whole show run? Here are your answers. In this one day workshop we'll find out what goes into a show both on and off the stage and all the people that go into making the theatre magic possible. Students will get to take turns acting as each member of the cast and crew in short scenes.

Instructor: Danielle Doucet

Scene Study: Fundamentals and Techniques Ages: 15-17

Ready to be challenged? This is not your typical scene study class. Acting is not one-size-fits-all, so we will focus on a wide range of different techniques that are designed to make your performance as compelling and moving as possible. You will have the opportunity to tackle some of theatre's most powerful material in a safe, constructive, and demanding environment. Under the guidance of an experienced actor/director, you will learn to push the creative limits.

Instructor: Julie Ouellette

ABOUT NATALIE WACHEN: Phantom Projects alum Natalie Wachen currently plays "Lenore White" on HBO's awardwinning series, BOARDWALK EMPIRE. Recent Off-Broadway credits include RENT (Mimi), Murder Ballad, and the recent workshop of Lin-Manuel Miranda's The Hamilton Mixtape at The Public Theater. She has appeared and recurred on television shows in New York and Los Angeles, as well as starred in musical theater productions regionally and abroad. A full-time actress & singer for 9 years, her teaching style is based on extensive study and real-world experience, and is always tailored to meet each student's individual talents, needs, and goals.

ABOUT STEVE CISNEROS: Steve created Phantom Projects Theatre Group in 1996 when he was just 17 years old. Since then, he has overseen the daily operation of the troupe, while directing numerous tours and mainstage shows as part of the annual season at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts. The success of the troupe has been talked about by media outlets all over the world. Camera crews from France and Russia have been flown out to learn more about Phantom Projects, and newspapers in 7 different countries have run features on the group.

PHANTOM PROJECTS THEATRE GROUP, now in its 17th Season, has been a leader in providing high quality theatre aimed at teen audiences. In addition to the La Mirada Theatre season, Phantom Projects brings live theatre into elementary, middle, and high schools throughout Southern California. The year is rounded out by a summer series of classes for new actors.