Village Theatre Kidstage Announces Its Spring Line-up, Classes Begin Mid-April

Village Theatre Kidstage is proud to announce its spring line-up of exploratory and musical theatre classes, along with Spring Break camps for students of all ages. Some of these classes include “Story Explorers” for children as young as Pre-K, a wide variety of dance classes—including yoga ballet and tap—and a “Broadway Foundations” class that focuses its work around the music in the hit new musical Wicked. The majority of these classes begin in mid-April. Classes range from $145-$250 and parents can receive a 10 percent discount when registering more than one student from the same family or when registering for more than one class. One discount per family. Each registered student will also receive one half-price single ticket to any Village Theatre Mainstage production. Registration forms are available online at www.villagetheatre.org or by calling Village Theatre’s Youth Education office at (425) 392-1942 x148.

Classes are as follows:

Issaquah Kidstage Spring Classes at the Francis J. Gaudette Theatre, 303 Front Street North, Issaquah, WA 98027.

Early Stages – Literature and Life Skills (Pre-K–Grade 2):

Early Stages are literature-based exploratory classes that foster confidence by building theatre and life skills in a fun and encouraging environment. Process over product is emphasized. Developmentally appropriate exercises and activities teach beginning terminology and theatre skills in every class. Students also learn valuable life skills such as taking turns, listening, speaking up and being part of a team — all in a safe atmosphere where it is easy to make new friends. Classes are offered year-round and have a different theme each session. A demonstration for family and friends is held on the last day of each class.

Story Explorers (Grade Pre-K-K)

Monkey Business

Mondays, 2:30– 3:30PM, April 13–June 8, 2009

Tuition: $145

Curious little monkeys enjoy craft projects and have a chance to act out popular literature such as Caps for Sale, Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, and of course, the adventures of that famous monkey named George.

Fables and Fairytales (Grades K–1)

Skippyjon Jones

Section A: Mondays, 2009, 4:00– 5:00PM, April 13–June 8

Tuition: $145

Students become Los Chimichangos as they engage in creating the loco characters in Judy Schachner's hilarious stories of a Siamese kittenboy who would much rather be a Chihuahua superhero.

Fables and Fairytales (Grades K–1)

Duck, Duck, Goose

Section B: Thursdays, 4:00– 5:00PM, April 16–June 4, 2009

Tuition: $145

Students explore movement, voice, and storytelling as well as arts and crafts in this class celebrating what makes life just ducky with stories such as The Ugly Duckling, Make Way for Ducklings, and Giggle, Giggle, Quack.

Creative Chronicles (Grades 1-2)

Junie B. & Jigsaw Jones

Thursdays, 5:15– 6:15PM, April 16–June 4, 2009

Tuition: $145

Students will re-create their favorite scenes from the stories of Junie B. Jones by Barbara Park as well as James Preller's Jigsaw Jones adventures. They may even create a story or two of their own in this class that encourages individuality and teamwork.

Fundamental Stages – Building Blocks for Young Actors (Grades 3–12)

Fundamental Stages are introductory exploration classes that encourage confidence by building theatre and life skills in a fun and encouraging environment. Process over product is emphasized. Developmentally appropriate curriculum includes exercises and activities that teach terminology and theatre skills in every class. Students also learn valuable life skills such as teamwork, creativity, collaboration, imagination, public speaking, problem solving, and responsibility — all in a safe atmosphere where it is easy to make new friends. Classes are offered year-round and have a different theme each session. A class sharing or demonstration is held on the last day of each class.

Character Quests (Grades 3–5)

The Tale of Despereaux

Mondays, 4:00– 5:30PM, April 13–June 8, 2009

Tuition: $170

Students learn how to create characters from the ground up by using and developing their own unique vocal and physical skills. Basic theatre and acting terminology are woven throughout the class as students re-enact and reinvent the heroic feats of Despereaux the mouse, the Princess Pea, Roscuro, and others in this Kate DiCamillo classic.

Ensemble Elements (Grades 6–8)

Twilight

Tuesdays (Mini Session), 4:00– 6:00PM, April 14–May 5, 2009

Tuition: $145

Learn what it takes to work from a book, poem, or short story to bring a tale to life through improvisation, dialogue, and movement in an ensemble environment. Students work collaboratively to create spontaneous original scenes based on these phenomenally popular books of vampires and werewolves in the Pacific Northwest.

Acting 101 (Grades 9–12)

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Thursdays (Mini Session), 4:00 – 6:00PM, May 7–June 4, 2009

Tuition: $185

This is an intermediate course for the teen student to fine-tune acting techniques. Class will include character development, ensemble building, and scene-study from the springtime Shakespearean classic tale of A Midsummer Night's Dream and other Shakespearean comedies.

Pair with Musical Theatre 101

Musical Theatre Classes (Grade 1–Age 20):

Musical Theatre Classes are for students ready to develop or increase skills in all areas of musical theatre. Class time includes learning music, staging, choreography, and rehearsal terminology. In the introductory level classes (Musical Moves) the focus is on the process of developing skills. There is an open class the last day of the session that demonstrates the new abilities of the students. In the intermediate and advanced level classes, students collaborate to produce material to share with family and friends at the end of the session. All classes have a different theme each session. We encourage students to study year-round.

Beginning Musical Theatre:

Musical Moves

Prerequisites: none, although Early Stages classes are highly recommended.

Explore the joys of moving and singing in a fun group environment. Students take turns and take risks as they develop healthy vocal habits while increasing body, rhythm, and spatial awareness. Students also explore singing and acting through a wide range of musical styles.

Under the Sea (Grades 1–2)

Section A: Wednesdays, 4:00 – 5:00PM, April 15–June 3, 2009

Tuition: $145

Swim with mermaids and crabs, or let the wind take you sailing with pirates.

I'm Flying (Grades 2–4)

Section B: Wednesdays, 2:30– 3:30PM, April 15–June 3, 2009

Tuition: $145

Fly high with music from such shows as Peter Pan, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mary Poppins, and others.

Be Our Guest (Grades 3–5)

Section C: Wednesdays, 5:15– 6:15PM, April 15–June 3, 2009

Tuition: $145

Dine and dance with your favorite characters from Beauty and the Beast, Alice in Wonderland, and many more.

Intermediate Musical Theatre:

Broadway Foundations (Grades 3–5)

Seussical

Section A: Tuesdays (Mini Session), 4:00– 6:00PM, May 12–June 9, 2009

Tuition: $185

This class is designed for students who have been introduced to musical theatre and are ready to work at a more advanced level. Increased emphasis on performance technique and skills by using songs such as "Oh the Thinks You Can Think," "It's Possible," and "How Lucky You Are" make this a challenging and fun class for everyone.

Prerequisite: Musical Theatre classes, previous Kidstage performance experience, or permission.

Broadway Foundations (Grades 6–8)

Wicked

Section B: Tuesdays (Mini Session), 4:00– 6:00PM, May 12–June 9, 2009

Tuition: $185

This class is designed for students who have been introduced to musical theatre and are ready to work at a more advanced level. The students will work in a collaborative style on fine-tuning a musical revue of songs such as "One Short Day," "Defying Gravity," and "The Wizard and I" from the Tony Award-winning musical Wicked.

Pair with Ensemble Building.

Prerequisite: Broadway Jr., Broadway Bound, previous Kidstage performance experience, or permission.

Musical Theatre 101 (Grades 9–12)

Rock Musicals

Wednesdays (Mini Session), 4:00–6:00PM, May 13–June 3, 2009

Tuition: $185

Great rock musicals will come alive in this high powered class as students perform beloved songs from such musicals as Jesus Christ Superstar, Rent, and Spring Awakening. Sing, dance, and rock out!

Pair with Acting 101.

Singing For Musical Theatre (Grades 4–12)

Thursdays (Mini Session), 4:00–6:00PM, April 16–May 14, 2009

Tuition: $185

A complete song-learning class, designed to help performers learn more about singing and music. Areas covered include vocal technique, music theory, breath control, rhythm, melody, and sight-reading. Students expand their vocal range, fine tune their ears, strengthen breathing, and learn new music in a small class of eight students maximum. (This class does not take the place of individual voice lessons, which should be taken privately, year-round for serious singers.)

Prerequisites: None — although Broadway Foundations is highly recommended.

Saturday Morning Dancing (Grade 4–8)

Kidstage Summer Show Prep

Saturdays, 9:00 AM–10:30AM, April 18–June 6, 2009

Tuition: $170**

As we gear towards summer and some huge dance shows, this class will to give you some skills and techniques to lay the foundation for challenging choreography. Explore the fundamentals of the unique styles that will be used for our summer productions with the choreographers of the summer shows. Class time will explore acting through dance, specificity of movement, dancing with strength, and selling a dance number. Fine tuNe Your technique, performance skills, and prepare for summer auditions or any future musical theatre dance experience.

Pair with Singing for Musical Theatre.

Prerequisites: One year of dance training, or permission.

**Pair with Tap for a special discounted price: $250.00

Saturday Morning Dancing (Grades 4–8)

Tap (beginning/intermediate)

Saturdays, 10:30 AM–11:30AM, April 18–June 6, 2009

Tuition: $145**

Tap is an essential skill for all musical theatre performers. Students develop fundamental technique, rhythm, flexibility, coordination, and style.

Pair with Broadway Foundations.

**Pair with Kidstage Summer Show Prep for a special discounted price: $250.00

Advanced Musical Theatre:

Advanced Dancing (Grade 7–Age 20)

Yoga Ballet

Mondays, 5:15–6:15PM, April 13–June 8, 2009

Tuition: $145

Take a peek at Ballet from a different point of view. Students will connect the breath to the flowing movements of yoga, ballet, and contemporary dance as they challenge the body, mind, and heart to find their inner dancer.

Saturday Morning Dancing (Grade 7–Age 20)

Kidstage Summer Show Prep

Saturdays, 9:00 AM–10:30AM, April 18–June 6, 2009

Tuition: $170**

As we gear towards summer and some huge dance shows, this class will to give you some skills and techniques to lay the foundation for challenging choreography. Explore the fundamentals of the unique styles that will be used for our summer productions with the choreographers of the summer shows. Class time will explore acting through dance, specificity of movement, dancing with strength, and selling a dance number. Fine tuNe Your technique, performance skills, and prepare for summer auditions or any future musical theatre dance experience.

Pair with Singing for Musical Theatre.

Prerequisites: One year of dance training, or permission.

**Pair with Tap for a special discounted price: $250.00

Saturday Morning Dancing (Grade 7–Age 20)

Tap (intermediate/advanced)

Saturdays, 10:30–11:30AM, April 18–June 6, 2009

Tuition: $145**

Tap is an essential skill for all musical theatre performers. Students develop fundamental technique, rhythm, flexibility, coordination, and style.

Pair with Broadway Foundations.

**Pair with Kidstage Summer Show Prep for a special discounted price: $250.00

Steve Tomkins Performance Studio (Grade 9–Age 20)

(By Auditon or Invitation)

Mondays, 6:30–9:30PM, April 13–June 8, 2009

Tuition: $250*

By audition or invitation.

For our most advanced students who want to train at a professional level. Focus is on fine-tuning each element of a triple threat performer. Guest artists will educate students on specific theatre skills such as: monologues, scene work, singing, dancing, stage combat, dialects, and auditioning. The session will culminate with a special visit from Village Theatre Artistic Director, Steve Tomkins.

*$200 if TeenSelect or Company Originals Member.

Special Workshops

Audition Prep Workshop (Ages 8–20)

Monday, April 20, 2009, 6:00–9:00PM

Tuition: $70

A three hour intensive for those that are new to auditioning or just need help with monologue and song selection. We will teach you skills to choose a successful monologue and song including:

      Preparation techniques

      How to choose pieces that work for you

      Tricks to make your audition unforgettable

 Audition Dance Intensive (Ages 8–20)

Monday, April 27, 2009, 6:30–9:00PM

Tuition: $60

This fantastic workshop is for those preparing for auditions for this summer's productions of The Wiz or West Side Story. Explore the fundamentals of the dance styles that will be used in these shows, explore acting through dance, specificity of movement, dancing with strength, and selling a dance number. The workshop will fine tune performance skills in these unique dance styles and prepare you for the Summer auditions or any future dance call.

Private Audition Coaching (Ages 8–20)

Monologues, Songs, and Mock Audition

Sundays, May 3, 2009, 1:00–5:00PM

Tuition: $30 each section/$80 for all three sections

These private coaching sessions are perfect for the experienced performer. Students will walk away with a fine tuned audition package unique to their audition needs.

Each section 30 minutes of individual coaching.

Section A: Monologues

Perfect your audition monologue with your own personal coach.

Section B: Songs

Have an expert fine tuNe Your audition song.

Section C: Mock Audition

In a mock audition, you will practice your audition and receive additional counseling and suggestions to make your whole package unforgettable.

Spring Break Camps

Alice In Wonderland (Grades K–2)

Monday–Friday, 9:30 AM–12:30PM, April 6–April 10, 2009

Tuition: $185

Students join the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts, and others as they follow Alice down the rabbit hole and through the looking glass. Basic theatre and acting terminology are woven throughout the camp.

Fantasy Villians, Heroes And Heroines (Grades 3–5)

Monday–Friday, 1:00–4:00PM, April 6–April 10, 2009

Tuition: $185

Students explore their favorite characters from fantasy movies, plays, and books such as The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Eragon. Character creation and teamwork are incorporated in group scene work as students pursue their own quests.

Mamma Mia! And Other Movie Musicals (Grades 6–10)

Monday–Friday, 9:30 AM–4:00PM, April 6–April 10, 2009

Tuition: $300

Join the movie musical craze! Students will hand-pick their favorite numbers from recent Broadway/Hollywood musicals. The result will be a musical revue of songs from such musicals as Hairspray and the phenomenal Mamma Mia!.

Designed to encourage teamwork, personal integrity, self-esteem, and a life-long appreciation for live theatre, Kidstage is a year-round performing arts training program in Issaquah and Everett for young people ages 3-20. Kidstage students participate in classes, workshops and full-scale Kidstage productions. All performances are by Kidstage students and classes are taught by professional theatrical instructors.

Village Theatre is a leading producer of musical theatre in the Pacific Northwest. What began in 1979 with the vision of a small group of dedicated theatre artists has grown into one of the region's best-attended resident theatres, with over 18,000 subscribers to the current season and 165,000 projected total attendance, youth education programs serving over 54,000 young people, families, and schools annually, and a nationally recognized program that has enabled the development of over 80 new musicals. Serving an expanding and diverse community, Village Theatre has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years with the start of our contract as the resident performing and management company at the Everett Performing Arts Center in 1998.

Kidstage is made possible, in part, by City of Issaquah, Everett Cultural Commission, Fluke, Kobe Foundation, Snohomish County Tourism, Tulalip Tribes, US Bancorp, and Washington State Arts Commission.

 

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