Paper Mill Playhouse Theater School Reveals New Offerings for Kids

Paper Mill Playhouse one of the country's premier not-for-profit theaters, is the place where American musical theater is celebrated, cherished, and pushed in exciting new directions, invites young thespians to enroll in new classes where they will train with some of the state's most talented professionals. For pricing and class registration information please contact Michelle Tempkin at mtempkin@papermill.org. For more information about Paper Mill Playhouse Theatre School classes visit www.PaperMill.org.

The newest addition to the Paper Mill Playhouse Theater School is the Audition Techniques class. The class teaches young actors about resume prep, choosing the right headshot, wardrobe etiquette, cold readings or musical selection, and dealing with audition nerves. The class meets on Monday's from 3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. for students ages 9- 12 and from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. for students ages 13-17.

In collaboration with VSA-NJ, an organization which provides a wide array of arts programming for children and adults with all types of disabilities, our Theater for Everyone class will include theatre improvisation, storytelling, music, movement, and some visual art. The series meets on Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. for students ages 8-13 and from 10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. for students age 13 and older.

Another new offering is our A Capella class which will focus on sight-reading, vocal techniques and performance skills. The class is designed for students ages 13-17 and is in the style of the hit TV show "The Sing-Off." This six week class meets on Monday evenings from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Paper Mill Playhouse's Sketch Comedy class meets on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. for comedians ages 11-14. After a quick introduction to joke formulas, students are shown how to write using their own experiences and observations as inspiration. The session will culminate in a mini showcase of student performance.

Our Dance... Just For Boys class focuses on technique, rhythm, and performance skills in a non-competitive environment. This class will explore the basics to musical theatre style dance and will help boys ages 10-13 build strength and creativity. The class meets on Friday's from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

The Broadway Babies class is an introduction to the world of theatre for children ages 3-4. From 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. on Friday mornings, children will use music, movement, and improvisation to create fun-loving characters and bring stories to life.

In addition to group classes, Paper Mill also offers private acting and vocal coaching sessions for young actors and singers. Individual acting sessions are perfect for children wanting to enrich his or her personal process for plays, performance and other artistic goals. Our private vocal coaching sessions help young singers learn breath control and vocal placement in a nurturing one-to-one environment. Exercises are used to strengthen and protect the voice, and both popular and theatre songs are rehearsed. The available times and during of the sessions depend on the individuals need. For information on private coaching, please contact Michelle Tempkin at mtempkin@papermill.org.

"Performing in front of an audience doesn't have to be scary," remarked Mickey McNany, Theatre School Director at Paper Mill Playhouse. "With practice, anyone can gain the presentation skills and confidence to act, sing or dance onstage. The key is finding a nurturing environment where you can hone your craft. A place that encourages you to try new things without fear. A place that gives you the freedom to explore your talents and creativity in a fun, encouraging setting. That is who we are, and that is what we do."

PAPER MILL PLAYHOUSE, a not-for-profit arts organization, is one of the country's leading regional theaters. Paper Mill Playhouse programs are made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, A Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Paper Mill Playhouse is a member of Theatre Communications Group, the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, the Council of Stock Theatres, and the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.

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