Dreamcatcher Rep to Offer Preview of Summer Theatre Conservatory, 3/9

DREAMCATCHER REPERTORY THEATRE, professional Theatre in Residence at the Oakes Center in Summit, is beginning enrollment for its Summer Theatre Conservatory, to be offered from July 8 through August 2, 2013. Students in this varied program will take classes in subjects like acting technique, improv, voice, and dance and will have the opportunity to create and put on a show! The program is open to actors aged 10 to 13 and 14 to 17. Classes are held Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm (with a special performance August 2 at 7:30 pm) at Dreamcatcher's summer home at Calvary Episcopal Church at 31 Woodland Avenue in Summit.

The STC is a fun way for students to explore their interest and deepen their skills in the performing arts during their summer vacation. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, freeing your own creativity, and exploring new skills in a supportive environment. Participants can tailor the program to suit their preferences and their family's schedule, attending the Conservatory for one, two, three or all four weeks. Professionals in their field teach all classes, and students receive individual attention, constructive feedback, and the support needed to achieve their personal goals.

Week 1, the Actors' Workshop (July 8 - July 12), provides a strong foundation in the building blocks of acting: vocal and physical preparation, Acting Technique, Improvisation and Scene Study. Week 2, the Musical Theatre Workshop (July 15 - 19), will include classes in Acting Technique as well as in Musical Theatre dance and singing, with the chance to put all three skills together each day. Weeks 3 and 4, Dreamcatcher Junior (July 22 - August 2), will be a combination of skill-building and rehearsal, as the students put together their own show under the guidance of a professional direction staff. Past shows have included a revue of Shel Silverstein's poetry and music entitled HIPPOPOTAMUS SANDWICH, a collection of fables and songs called LEGENDS AND LORE and A VAUDEVILLE CALAMITY, a new-fangled, old-fashioned entertainment.

Students can see what's in store for them in the Summer Theatre Conservatory at a free Sample Class Day on Saturday, March 9th from 10:00 - 2:00 at the Oakes Center at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit. This program is offered as a part of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance's Stages Festival, a statewide celebration of professional theatre. Reservations are required for the Sample Class Day, and enrollment is strictly limited. To register, call 908-514-9654 or email info@dreamcatcherrep.org.

The cost of the Summer Theatre Conservatory is $275 for one week, $495 for two weeks, $700 for three weeks, and $880 for all four weeks, with limited scholarships available. Discounts are provided for those who register before April 15. Admission is on a first come, first served basis until the program is filled or until the deadline of June 1, and applications for the Summer Theatre Conservatory and more information on the program may be obtained by calling Dreamcatcher's business office at 908-514-9654, emailing info@dreamcatcherrep.org or may be downloaded at www.dreamcatcherrep.org.