NJPAC to Offer Spring Classes in Arts Training

Classes begin on Tuesday, January 14 (Newark, New Jersey- December 23, 2014) The New Jersey Performing Arts Center's Young Artist Institute, part of NJPAC's Center for Education, is currently accepting applications for its Spring semester of after-school classes, open to young people ages 10 to 18. Registration takes place NOW through Monday, January 5. Classes are offered in dance, acting, music theory/ear training, jazz, a piano lab, as well as the opportunity to learn how to sing in a chorus by joining the NJPAC Youth Chorus.

The Young Artist Institute also offers a musical theater workshop which this spring will focus on the musical "Annie." Participants will be given the opportunity to study and perform a role. Performances will be held on April 17 (7:00pm) and 18 (3:00pm) in the Black Box in NJPAC's Center for Arts Education. An audition is required for students interested in taking part in the musical theater workshop and take place on Wednesday, January 7 and Thursday, January 8 at NJPAC's Center for Arts Education, located at 24 Rector Street, Newark. To find out more about the musical theater audition please contact artseducation@njpac.org or call 917.353.7058.

Rebecca Hinkle, Director of Arts Education at NJPAC, says, "NJPAC's Arts Education Department is excited to offer a variety of unique performance and educational classes for students ages 10 to 18. Whether you are a beginner or aspiring Broadway star opportunities abound for learning, creative study and fun."

Students who are registered and taking classes in NJPAC's Young Artist Institute are given the opportunity to engage in main stage activities at the New Jersey Performance Arts Center. In the past, they have attended a "Meet and Greet" with Broadway stars. Participants in the dance class have had the chance to interact with master guest artists who have been guests of Carolyn Dorfman, founder of the acclaimed Carolyn Dorfman Dance. Members of the musical theater class performed in September as part of the Women's Association Gala with Broadway's Seth Rudetsky, and the NJPAC Youth Chorus recently took part in NJPAC's annual Kwanzaa Celebration, and looks forward to being showcased as part of NJPAC's Martin Luther King Celebration on Saturday, January 16, as the arts education component "Embody in the Dream,"

Class descriptions are listed below:
Acting (takes place on Tuesday evenings): Develop fundamental acting techniques and portray a wide variety of characters through devised theater and traditional repertoire study. Collaborate with your peers to create and perform!

Berklee PULSE (takes place on Thursday evenings): Music Theory/ Ear Training: Thanks to NJPAC, you don't have to be in college to benefit from Berklee College of Music's knowledge and expertise. This course uses the renowned music school's Pre-University Learning System Experience (PULSE) Music Method to instruct students in the building blocks of music: form, rhythm, melody and harmony. You won't find this course offered anywhere else in New Jersey!

Jazz Instrumental (takes place on Wednesday evenings): Work closely with accomplished jazz musicians in this fun, performance-based class designed to help you hone hour skills and grow as an artist. You'll become a better listener, experiment with different styles, and learn to work as part of a team and as a soloist. Instruction includes practice sessions, music theory, listening, and jazz history. This class culminates with an end-of-semester performance at NJPAC.

Modern Dance with Carolyn Dorman Dance (takes place on Wednesday evenings): Study dance with members of the acclaimed Carolyn Dorfman Dance Compnay, a troupe that the Star-Ledger has hailed as "ingenious" and "emotionally resonant" by The New York Times. You'll be challenged physically and intellectually as you work to fine-tune technique and learn the art of communicating through movement. This class culminates with an end -of-semester performance at NJPAC.

Musical Theater Performance Workshop (takes place on Wednesday and Thursday evenings): Annie.Jr., strengthen your skills as a triple threat! Refine your dancing, acting and singing technique while taking part in intensive character study.

NJPAC Youth Chorus (takes place on Thursday evenings): Build confidence and enhance your performance skills as a member of NJPAC's resident chorus, where you'll study vocalization, sight-reading and music theory with renowned choral director Chantel Wright. By the end of the 13-week program you'll be singing in two-, three- and four-part harmony with repertoire in many styles and languages. And you'll enjoy plenty of performance opportunities at various community events. This class culminates with an end-of-semester performance at NJPAC.

Piano Lab (takes place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and Saturday mornings): Improve your piano skills in a group setting and learn alongside your peers! Develop techniques such as sight-reading, dynamics and scales, while studying standard piano repertoire.

The tuition for Spring 2015 classes is listed below. Discounts are available for families with two or more students (siblings) enrolled and financial aid is available.

Acting: $300
Berklee Pulse Music Theory/Ear Training: $300
Jazz Instrumental: $300
Modern Dance with Carolyn Dorfman Dance: $300
Musical Theater Workshop: $475 + $50 costume fee
NJPAC Youth Chorus: $150
Piano Lab: $300

For information please call 973 353 7058 or email the NJPAC Center for Arts Education at artseducation@njpac.org.

Don't Miss a New Jersey News Story
Sign up for all the news on the Spring season, discounts & more...