Circle in the Square Theatre school

[Katecab99]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 11:30am

I just posted this on the OT board, but has anyone ever attended classes or have any personal insight on the school? The website just got thrown my way, and I'm curious

[DTBG2]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 12:07pm

I was checking that school out too. i'm not attending there, cuz they dont offer any type of student housing...but other than that one "little" detail, i hear that they have good staff/faculty. Their alumni is so-so, the only names I am familiar with are Al Pacino, Benicio Del Toro, and Matthew Lilliard.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 12:32pm

I attended their summer workshop in 1996 and learned more there in a couple of months than I did over several years in college. It was the most eye-opening and beneficial experience I eve had in the theatre. I highly recommend the summer workshop as they share staff with Julliard and it gives you an idea of their teaching styles and philosphies before you attempt to dive into their professional program. I will never forget working with K.C. Ligon, Alan Langdon, Moni Yakim, Terry Hayden, Jacqui Brookes and Albert Stephenson. I still refer to my notes from their classes to this day. That year was the final season of the repertory theatre and we were all invited to the final dress of Eugene O'Neill's Hughie with Al Pacino and Paul Benedict. In addition to the program, there are also comp tickets to several Broadway and Off-Broadway shows as well as opportunities to intern on professional productions. After performing a scene for Alan Langdon frm Fankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune, Alan pointed out that the bed we used was the same one used on stage for Arms and the Man with Raul Julia.

I wouldn't say these alumni is "so-so":

Felicity Huffman
Philip Seymore Hoffman
Benicio del Toro
Kevin Bacon
Barbara Garrick

[DTBG2]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 12:42pm

i only said so-so, becuase when chosing a school, alumni is one of the many important things you must look at. Their names, and where there careers are now...what they did to further their careers after they graduated. Things like that...it wasn't a insult in any way...i just dont recognize that many names on their alumni list...which raised a red flag for me when i was researching this school as a prospective student.
Updated On: 3/16/05 at 12:42 PM

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 12:49pm

I gotcha. Whether or not the alumni have been "famous", it seems that many at the very least get a lot of work. Unless they have changed, the professional program is pretty tough and you have to be reaccepted for each year. The third year focuses on actually working in the business through internship and performance as well as developing contacts to start a career.

Updated On: 3/16/05 at 12:49 PM

[BrookArtsCenter]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 2:19pm

I went to Circle several years ago (mid 70's) and I must say that it was the best training in my life, short of actual stage experience. The program covered voice, dance, stage movement, etc. with emphasis on scene study. I had two teachers in Scene Study who were both marvelous -- Madeleine Thornton Sherwood (formerly Sister Woman in CAT and Mother Superior in THE FLYING NUN) and Nikos Psychauraupolos, the Artistic Director of the famed Williamstown Theatre Festival. They were very different teachers -- Madeleine was the earth mother who nurtured your talent and Nikos was the taskmaster. Whenever I have a forced or false moment onstage, I can still hear Nikos' Greek accent chiming in with, "I don't believe it!!" God rest his soul.

Ah, I digress. Suffice it to say, I recommend the school.

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 5:15pm

I believe Ms. Menzel also wen through that school by way of Tisch.

[dancingthrulife04]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 5:52pm

The website just got thrown my way, and I'm curious

Throw it my way, please? :)

[broadway_star_tomorrow]

Posted: 3/16/05 at 6:12pm

www.circlesquare.org

[textbarellis]

Posted: 3/24/19 at 6:19pm

I'm bringing this old thread back to life! I have a couple questions!

Has anyone attended their Two-Year musical theatre conservatory? I haven't heard much about the program and I'm considering auditioning for the school. I have a vast performing background and want to make sure I can learn & grow even more. Also, how hard is it exactly to get into the program?

 

Thank you in advance! :) 

[nycward]

Posted: 3/25/19 at 3:54pm

I went there as well in the mid 70’s. Along with Madeleine and Nicos I also adored working with Jacqueline Brooks and Terry Hayden. I attended Jackie’s memorial at Circle and was so moved by the experience.