Theatre at the Center Announces Education Through Theatre Program, 1/24-3/15

Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, one of Chicago's top musical theaters, will host five exciting and educational workshops for the young theater enthusiasts of Chicagoland.  These workshops will provide students of all ages with the environment to explore the world around them through theatre, to have fun with creative expression while building self-esteem, and to expand communication and creative problem solving skills. These winter 2011 classes will begin January 24 and run through March 15.

The workshops include:
-FAIRY TALE MIX-UP; They may be the most recognized stories but what happens when the big bad wolf goes on trial or Cinderella shows up at the ball in combat boots? In this class, students will work as a team to create new and imaginative versions of well-known fairytales. Students will then have the opportunity to play their favorite twisted fairytale characters while gaining the ability to build confidence, explore their imagination, develop basic social skills, and further develop their acting skills. On the final day, students will present their own fairytale theatre performance to family and friends.  This workshop is for ages 5 -7 and will be held January 24 through March 14 on Mondays from 4 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.  The instructor will be Patty Bird.
 
-RAINBOW EXPRESS; Through acting, singing, and choreography, performers will learn to use their bodies and voices to develop strong characterization. What's over the rainbow? Find out when you join the Conductor & his friends as they take a spectacular musical journey aboard the Rainbow Express! You'll visit the place where dreams come true . . . dreams of riches, fame, travel, and all your favorite things!  This workshop is for ages 8 - 11 and will be held January 24 through March 14 on Mondays from 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.  The instructor will be Peter Vamvakas.
 
-ACTING I; Discover the actor inside you! Students will explore the basics of acting and gain confidence through theatre games, improvisation exercises, monologues, and scene work.  This workshop is for ages 11 - 13 and will be held January 25 through March 15 on Tuesdays from 4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.  The instructor will be Charlie Scanlon.
 
-ACTING II; Now that you know the basics, it's time to get deeper and more in depth into what an actor needs to do to prepare and perform. Students will explore advanced acting techniques through self exploration, monologues, and scene work. Students will also explore the "business" of acting. Prerequisites: Acting I or experience on stage or film.  This workshop is for ages 11 - 13 and will be held January 25 through March 15 on Tuesdays from 5:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.  The instructor will be Charlie Scanlon.
 
-PRIVATE VOICE LESSONS; In private, 30 minute voice lessons, the student will learn the fundamentals of singing and music while having fun! Lessons will include both classical and modern vocal technique, based on proper breath support, control, and focus of the voice. The students will discuss their vocal goals, and then a sensible and enjoyable repertoire will be chosen. The term will end with a vocal recital on the TATC stage, where students will perform the songs they have learned throughout the term.  This workshop is for ages 10 - 18 and will be held January 24 through March 14 on Mondays from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.  The instructor will be Kelli Morgan McHugh.
 
There is limited space available for all workshops, so early registration is recommended.  Tuitions range from $125 - $240.  For more information regarding these workshops, or to register over the phone with a credit card, please call Kimmy Lauer at 219-836-9073.
 
Patty Bird has been teaching, acting and directing for over 16 years. She received her B.A. in Theatre/Television Arts, concentrating in Elementary Education and English. Patty has been with Theatre at the Center over three years and is an accomplished actress, instructor and director. She received NIETF lead actress nominations for: Joan in Murder in Green Meadows; Beth in A Lie of the Mind; Poopay in Communicating Doors; and May in Fool for Love.
 
Charlie Scanlon graduated IUN with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and is also a certified elementary teacher.  While there, he was very active in The Children's Theatre department, acting in several children's shows and working behind the scenes in several others.  He also taught children's theatre workshops as a student at IUN.  He also taught children's theater workshops as a student at IUN.  Charlie is very active in Northwest Indiana Theatre and is cofounder of the Grand Calumet Players, a local theatre company. 
 
Kelli Morgan McHugh teaches Musical Theatre Voice at Loyola University in Chicago. She graduated from Berry College with a bachelor's degree in Music Education, and from Northwestern University with a master's degree in Vocal Performance. Kelli has been performing, choreographing, and teaching in the cabaret, musical theatre, and opera scene in Chicago for the last 8 years, and is a founding member of Chicago Cabaret Project.

Peter Vamvakas has been a musical theater instructor/director with the Northbrook Illinois Park District for 10 years and at Apple Tree Theatre for two years.  He has appeared on stage at Theatre at the Center, Chamber Opera Chicago, Shakespeare on the Gree, Illinois Theatre Center, NB Musical Theatre for Young Audiences and Apple Tree theatre to name a few.  His television credits include appearances on the Discovery and History Channels and the Animal Planet network. 
Founded in 1991, Theatre at the Center is a year-round professional theater at its home, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana.  Theatre at the Center is conveniently located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago. 
 
For more information on the workshops and to register, call 219.836.9073 or online at www.TheatreattheCenter.com.  For more information regarding the mainstage productions at Theatre at the Center, or to purchase tickets, call the Box Office at 219.836.3255 or Tickets.com at 800.511.1552.  Group discounts, available for groups of 20 or more; and gift certificates, perfect for all special occasions are also available by calling the Box Office at 219.836.3255.  For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

 

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