Enrollment for Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's Summer Education Programs Now Open

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is currently accepting enrollment for its summer educational programs, Junior and Senior Corps which offer training in classical theatre by professional theatre artists for middle- and high-school aged students. The Junior and Senior Corps provides a forum for young people ages 11 to 17 to expand their performance skills and gain a deeper understanding of classic texts, while meeting new friends and having fun. For more information or to register call 973-845-6742, email Classes@ShakespeareNJ.org or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org/Classes.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's Junior Corps is a two-week summer acting program for ages 11 through 14. The program offers a unique opportunity for aspiring young actors as well as youngsters making their first foray into theatre.

Each two-week Junior Corps session offers daily classes including training in voice and speech for the stage, movement for the actor, Shakespeare's text, improvisation, stage combat and scene study. The focus of the Junior Corps program is ensemble work. The sessions culminate in a short original production, adapted from Shakespeare or another piece of classic literature, which is performed before an audience of family members, friends, local residents and Shakespeare Theatre company members.

While developing basic acting skills, the Junior Corps curriculum also emphasizes self-confidence, collaboration, creativity and teamwork. The Junior Corps offers two sessions-June 30 through July 12 and July 21 through Aug. 2. No audition is required for admission into the Junior Corps, but space is limited. Tuition for each two-week Junior Corps session is $750. A discount is applied to returning students or those whose parents are subscribers to The Shakespeare Theatre. To register, or for more information, call 973-845-6742 or email Classes@ShakespeareNJ.org.

The Senior Corps is a three-week program designed for students ages 14 to 18 who demonstrate an aptitude for performance or a strong interest in theatre. The Senior Corps builds upon the foundation of the Junior Corps curriculum with an enhanced focus on Shakespeare, the rehearsal process, performance techniques and the nuts and bolts of the profession.

Students take daily classes in voice and speech, movement for the actor, improvisation, Shakespearean scene study, stage combat, and audition technique. The sessions culminate with a performance piece - either a collection of Shakespeare scenes, or a condensed version of a Shakespeare play - which is presented to family, friends, local community residents and Shakespeare Theatre company members. Admission to the Senior Corps is by audition only and space is limited.

Students will meet with The Theatre's professional resident artists in master classes and discussions. Each student will also come away from the program with a rehearsed and critiqued Shakespeare monologue of his or her choice - a great asset for auditioning for colleges or other theatre programs. All members serve as ushers at the Theatre's performances providing an opportunity for students to work with the public while experiencing the Theatre's professional productions.

Two sessions are offered -- June 30 through July 19 and July 28 through Aug. 16. The three-week Senior Corps sessions are $900 each. Returning students or children of 2014 season subscribers receive a discount. To sign up for an audition slot, or for more information, call 973-845-6742 or email Classes@shakespearenj.org.

The acclaimed Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is an independent, professional theatre company located on the Drew University campus. One of the leading Shakespeare theatres in the nation, serving 100,000 adults and children annually, it is New Jersey's largest professional theatre company dedicated solely to Shakespeare's canon and other world classics. Through its distinguished productions and education programs, the company strives to illuminate the universal and lasting relevance of the classics for contemporary audiences.

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