Berkeley Rep. Announces Summer School of Theatre

Berkeley Repertory Theatre announced the summer session at its School of Theatre – where kids, teens, and adults can cut loose, have fun, and stay cool. With ten classes for adults, three classes for youth, and a summer intensive for middle-school and high-school students, staying out of the sun has never been so much fun. All activities are held next door to the Theatre in the Nevo Education Center at 2071 Addison Street in downtown Berkeley.

"This summer, we're offering more classes for more ages and abilities than we have in the past," says Rachel Fink, the School's director. "Whether you want to use this summer to bring your skills to the next level, or give yourself the chance to try something new, these classes are the best way to beat the heat and have a great time this summer."

Starting on July 7, this session offers something for students of all ages and all levels. The following classes meet weekly for two to three hours with instructors who are nationally recognized artists and teachers:

* Students beginning grades K-1: Superheroes Workshop with Erica Blue, an interactive class where kids create their own superheroes and send them on brave adventures
* Students beginning grades 2-4: Acting Up with Nancy Gold, an introductory class exploring character, masks, mime, and improvisation
* Students entering grades 5 and up: Dueling Duos with Michael Storm, a private stage combat class in which pairs of youth learn to safely create realistic and exciting fights
 * Acting for adults: Beginning Acting with Michael Navarra, Intermediate Acting with Marvin Greene, Advanced Acting with Andrew Hurteau, Acting Shakespeare: Twelfth Night with Andy Murray, and Generating New Material with Daniel Stein
 * Physical theatre classes for adults: Combat for Couples with Michael Storm and The Flying Actor with James Donlon
* Other classes for adults: Improv Your Relationships with Diane Rachel, and Voice for Emerging & Working Actors with Lisa Anne Porter. A master class performance workshop for actors and directors taught by Artistic Director Tony Taccone will run June 2–5.

 In the Summer Theatre Intensive, middle-school and high-school students concentrate on core classes in acting, improvisation, movement, play creation, and stage combat. They also choose classes in design (such as costumes, lighting, and props) and electives that include directing, hip hop, and playwriting. High-school students add Shakespeare and voice to their curriculum as well. Participants create their own plays, and conclude the program with a public performance at Berkeley Rep. The first session, for students entering grades 6-8, is held on weekdays from June 23 through July 18. The second session, for youth in grades 9-12, is scheduled for July 21 through August 15. Tuition is $1,050 for session one and $1,150 for session two; a limited number of financial-aid scholarships are available.

The Berkeley Rep School of Theatre provides a wide array of programming for individuals of all ages. In addition to classes for youth and adults, the School offers Target ® Story Builders, a drama workshop for elementary-school classrooms; the Student Matinee Series for middle- and high-school students; the Playmaking Project for high-school students and incarcerated youth; in-school residencies; teacher training; and a variety of outreach activities that encourage lifelong learning. The School also hosts the Teen Council, which allows youth to participate in all aspects of the dramatic process: on stage, backstage, and in front of the stage. Housed in the Nevo Education Center, the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre is supported by the Mosse Foundation for Arts and Education. For complete details – including schedules, faculty bios, course descriptions, and registration information – call 510.647.2972 or visit www.berkeleyrep.org/school.

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