2008 "SUMMER YOUTH THEATER FESTIVAL: Don't miss our final production of the summer, "Les Petits Rats": Thursday, August 21st, 7:00 pm, at Esber Recital Hall on the PSU University Park campus. Set in 1840 backstage at the Paris Opera, this dramatic musical comedy focuses on the lives of the "little rats," the young ballet students of the Paris Opera corps de ballet. Featuring a large cast of almost forty youth and adult guest artists, "Les Petits Rats" is a great show for the entire family. For ticket information, call the Arts Conservatory studio at 234-4961.
Earlier productions this summer included "Disney's Alice in Wonderland, Jr.," and "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Over the course of the summer, over sixty young performers from around the region have come together at the Arts Conservatory to rehearse and perform great theatrical works, and to receive professional coaching and direction in acting, singing, and dance. If you missed it this year, contact us at 234-4961 or by e-mail.
During the regular school year, the Arts Conservatory’s Theater Division features the only comprehensive youth theater education program in the region. Called “DramaWorks,” it offers instruction in acting, creative drama, diction, movement, musical theater, auditioning techniques, and more. DramaWorks provides students of all ages an integrated approach that takes them beyond the stage. It truly develops skills for life!
“DramaWorks” classes are grouped by age level: Grades 1 and 2; Grades 3 through 5; Grades 6 through 8 (Middle School); and Grades 9 and above (High School and Adult). The program offers students group classes and their own performance ensemble.
Musical Theater (Grades 1 – 2 and 3 – 6)
This musical theater song and movement class provides young students an excellent performing outlet while enriching their knowledge of the classic era of Broadway. Repertoire includes songs by George and Ira Gershwin, Rodgers and Hart, Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, Oscar Hammerstein, and many others.
Acting (Grades 1 – 2 and 3 – 5)
This class emphasizes the “FUNdamentals” of theater expression and is designed to bring out each student’s creative best. Voice development, mime, directed improvisation, and elementary script work helps students acquire the basic skills of the actor in a fun way.