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Program Overview
Act One School of Drama offers a full range of acting and drama classes for students aged 5 though Adult. From time to time during 2011-12 we will also offer specially designed and focused, one to three day workshops in specific topics. These are designed to provide participants with intensive training and information in a compressed time frame; as opposed to our term and year-long courses that require a more substantial time commitment. Information is available in our Workshop section. |
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Act One classes are designed with both novice and experienced students in mind. Students exploring the drama and acting option for the first time can use the classes to test the "theatrical waters" Our instructors are used to helping new students to experience and discover the fun and opportunities that the performing arts can offer, in a challenging, but balanced and supportive teaching environment. |
For students who have a greater sense of where their interests lie, have previous theatrical training and/or more experience with actual performance, Act One can also offer a range of Theatre, Music Theatre, Improvisation, Sketch Comedy and On Camera courses to choose from. Act One has also partnered with the Light of DAE studio project to provide Voice Over class and Vocal Program students with actual experience in a live recording studio as part of their class performance project work. Classes are once a week for either 1.5 hours per class (ages 5 to 13) or 2 hours per class (ages 14 and up). All classes are held at Act One's permanent, fully-equipped, teaching and performance studio.
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Depending on when a student wishes to begin, Act One offers full-year, 32, 36-week as well as winter term, 18 or 20-week options in some classes. Act One accepts late start registrants but all classes have varying cut-off deadlines for registration. Please contact the school with any questions regarding late-start possibilities. |
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Act One believes in helping students learn through doing. As courses progress, students will have increasing opportunity to gain performance experience, as the class formats switch from instructional and educational to more rehearsal and performance-orientated. Act One instructors pay special attention to idetifying the individual needs of each student and providing them with appropriate challenges to match their experience, interest and current level of knowledge. All classes feature a year-end full production in June in which students are able to showcase their work and new skills for family and friends. Students in our year-long program also have the opportunity to perform in our Winter Cabaret and " A Weekend of Monologues" shows to gain additional collaborative and solo performance experience and try out newly learned skills ( Click on the links to see photos from last years performances). |
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Act One pursues three main objectives in its training. First, we strive to do everything possible to help students develop a love of theatre and all the fun, challenges and interesting opportunities it can offer. Secondly, we work to help each student find their own comfort-level within theatre and acting and help them learn for themselves what drama means to them. |
Thirdly, as our students progress through the program, we strive not just to provide training in-house but also help prepare and encourage them to excel in outside theatre and acting endevours, whether this be providing early exposure to the concepts they might be taught in in later year school drama programs, preparing them to have better success in auditioning for school or community theatre productions, gaining advanced training in university and college-level material, showing them how drama skills can be applied in the non-theatre world or looking to pursue theatre or film in a more serious manner.
For more details on our training programs and information on registration and fees, please visit our Course Information page. If you have any questions that were not answered in this website, please don not hestitate to contact us at the school. We would be most happy to help in any way we can.
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Please note that the above registration form is an electronic PDF file that once downloaded can be completed manually and saved as a file on your computer for printing or e-mailed back to Act One as an file attachment.
Click here if you would like a version of the form to fill out by hand with a pen instread. |
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Act One 2011-12 Course Offerings at a Glance
(Click here for a larger hardcopy version in Adobe PDF format)
Click on the class to jump right to detailed information on the specific class
Important School Events
and Closure Dates |
Date |
Event |
Notes |
| August 1, 2011 |
Fall Registration |
Fall registration opens |
| October 8-10, 2011 |
Thanksgiving |
School closed/ No classes |
| Week of Oct 10th, 2011 |
Fall Open Registration Deadline
Start of 32-week classes
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After this week new registrations are still possible but students can only join a class with expressed instructor permission - please contact the school for more information.
If a class is 32 weeks in duration it will be scheduled to start after this week. |
| December 22, 2011 to January 4, 2012 |
Christmas/New Years |
School closed/ No classes |
| January 9, 2012 |
Winter Term Registration |
First day to register to join a class for Winter Term (assumes class still has space) |
| January 27-29, 2012 |
Winter Cabaret |
Student Performance Days |
| February 13, 2012 |
Winter Registration Closes |
Last day to join a class for the Winter Term |
| February 20, 2012 |
Family Day |
School is open and there are classes |
| March 12 to March 18, 2012 |
March Break |
School closed/ No classes
Act One March Break Theatre Camp for Ages 6-13 |
| March 23-25, 2012 |
Weekend of Monologues |
Student Performance Days |
| April 6 to April 9, 2012 |
Easter |
School closed/ No classes |
| May 19 to 21, 2012 |
Victoria Day |
School closed/ No classes |
| June 5 to 30, 2012 |
Class Year-End Performances |
Each class will perform on one day in June |
| July 3, 2012 |
Theatre Summer Camp - Session I |
Start of Act One's 2012 Theatre Summer Camps for Ages 5-13 |
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Full
Year Courses
(Two Term/32 or 36-week) |
1. Late Registration: Please note that most Full Year Programs have a cut-off point for new registration. After October 16, 2011, students may be accepted only upon agreement of the class instructor. Prospective post-October 2011 students are advised to contact the school as early as possible to ensure a particular class can accomodate them.
2. Winter Term Registration: If a class is not full as of January 31, 2012, we can also accept a limited number of new students into existing classes for the 18-week Winter Term. Winter Term registration is available up to Sunday, February 12, 2012.
3. Class Performances: Most Act One classes will have at least three live performances during the year. The Winter Cabaret, where students are encouraged to perform material they have worked on during the first half. The "Weekend of Monologues" show where students are invited to prepare and present solo monologues and a Year-End individual class performance at the completion of the course. All Act One performances are open to familiy and friends of the students. A nominal admission fee may apply.
The Winter Cabaret is a series of shows that take place in late January. All classes participate as one company over 2-3 performances. Students may participate in one or more pieces over one, two or all three shows depending upon their desires and availability.
The "Weekend of Monologues" show takes place shortly after the students return from March Break. This show is optional. Students will be given the opportunity to determine for themselves if they wish to participate. Students from all Act One classes may apply to participate over the course of 2-3 evenings. Each participating student will have the opportunity to prepare and present 1-2 monologues of their own choosing.
The Year-End performances are individual productions presented by each class independently. The shows typically take place during the second-to-last or last class of the school year in June.
Please note that dates indicated are provided for approximate student and family planning purposes. Act One strives to adhere as closely as possible to the target dates but they are subject to change due to unanticipated events, class rescheduling due to poor weather, etc and student availability.
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Winter Term Only Enrolment Option
(One Term/18 weeks) |
As long as a class is not full, Act One can accept new students into most of its classes for the second (Winter) term, commencing the week of January 30, 2012. Course formats are planned to permit easy and comfortable integration of both novice and experienced students into the classes. This is accomplished by using the first three weeks of the second term as an opportunity for both existing and new students to review the concepts presented in the first half and practise new theatre games, before the class turns its focus to rehearsal-format instruction in mid-February.
Depending on studio availability, we may also often able to offer a limited number of one term (ie. 18-20 week) classes in other potentially more convenient time slots.
Due to the lack of preparation time Winter Term enrolment students will not be able to participate in the Winter Cabaret performance. They will however perform fully in the year-end class production and have the option of participation in the March 2012 "Weekend of Monologues".
For information on our currently running and Winter Term only classes please consult the individual course outlines below.
Please note the following details:
- Courses highlighted with RED are new for the 2012 Winter Term.
- For new Winter Term classes the first day of class is the same as the course start date.
- For existing classes, the first day of Winter Term classes will be explicitedly indicated.
- For all existing 36-week classes, to avoid undue disruption of the existing class, unless there is explicit instructor permission, the maximum number of new Winter Term students permitted to join a single class is two (2), regardless of space availability.
For more information on the program in general and the Winter Term course fees, please click here.
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1. Registration Period: Registration for our second term commences January 9, 2012 and will continue until Sunday, February 12, 2012. All new students must be able to commence classes no later than the week starting Saturday, February 11, 2012. After that classes are closed for the year as the year-end productions will have been selected based on the class sizes and mix as of the February 12, 2012 week. Click here for the registration form.
2. Course Duration: As many second term students are integrated with existing classes, the length of the second term for each class may vary slightly, depending upon if there were any cancellations (ie. due to weather, etc) in first term. Class specifics will be available at time of registration. All classes will end by June 30, 2012.
3. Class Performances: Students registering for our Winter Term will take part in our year-end productions. All Act One performances are open to familiy and friends of the students. A nominal admission fee may apply.
The Year-End performances are individual productions presented by each class independently.
Year-End performances are traditionally scheduled to take place during the last or second to last class of the school term (typically mid-to late June). Final decisions on the date for each class performance will be made by the instructors, in consultation with their students in late April.
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Early
Years Theatre Program
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This is an introduction to the world of theatre. Focus
is on building confidence, teamwork, stage presence, and having fun.
In this class, students will learn the basics of performing in front
of an audience, and teamwork. The objectives are to build confidence,
enabling the students to open up and discover their own abilities and especially, provide them with the opportunity to discover a love and passion for the performing arts. They will
be taught the basics of acting techniques, through a variety of games, activities,
and scene studies. The students will learn to perform individually,
as well as to cooperate in a group setting, in a fun and safe
environment.
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Theatre Basics for Ages 5-7
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First day of Winter Term classes: February 9/12
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Instructor:
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Lindsay Cockburn |
Day: |
Thursday |
Time: |
5:00-6:30pm |
Start: Date: |
Sept 15, 2011 |
End Date: |
June 7, 2012 |
Class Length: |
36 Weeks
1.5 hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
54 |
Class Size Limit: |
8 |
Student to Staff Ratio |
8:1 Maximum |
Performances:
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Winter Cabaret
Jan 27, 28,and 29 - 2012
Weekend of Monologues
(Note: Theatre Basics does not participate in this show event)
Year-End Show
June 7 or 14, 2012
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First day of Winter Term classes: February 11/12
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Instructor:
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Alison Barber |
Day:
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Saturday |
Time:
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Noon-1:30pm |
Start: Date: |
Sept 17, 2011 |
End Date: |
June 30, 2012 |
Class Length: |
36 Weeks
1.5 hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
54 |
Class Size Limit: |
8 |
| Student to Staff Ratio |
8:1 Maximum |
Performances:
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Winter Cabaret
Jan 27, 28,and 29 - 2012
Weekend of Monologues
(Note: Theatre Basics does not participate in this show event)
Year-End Show
June 17 or 24, 2012
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Stage Theatre Program
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These courses are designed provide students with a solid grounding and confidence when performing and acting on stage. Focus is
on developing and enhancing student confidence, basic acting techniques, and their ability to perform live in front of an audience both individually and
as part of a group.
Students new to drama and looking to explore it will learn the fundamentals
of performance, while gaining the confidence to express and challenge themselves, as well as try new
things. Through an assortment of drama games, and lessons, students
will have fun learning new techniques, such as how to create characters,
and build their own scenes. They will be given the opportunity to
work on their own as well as in groups, and through scene studies
and the final performance, will gain a basic understanding of staging
and blocking, as well as the rules of the stage. The level of instruction
and depth to which the material is explored grows as the class age
increases.
For more experienced students, the focus is on exploring
and experimenting with the knowledge and ideas acquired through previous drama training or performance experience. As students progress they will delve into the topics more deeply and be challenged with more complex and demanding performance pieces, as well as be exposed to more aspects of backstage theatre management in
addition to performance on stage. As their theatre experience grows, these courses will allow students to try new and advanced methods of stage production. Advanced students
can expect to be given the opportunity to create their own scenes and work with
comparably experienced classmates to transition these pieces from idea to performance. Attention is paid to different aspects of comedic and dramatic performance.
All students
will have the opportunity to prepare and perform individual monologues, short scene and full length plays and work with characters,
story, and other techniques to expand and bring the material to life. They
can expect to prepare pieces for both the Winter Cabaret and Weekend of Monologues, as well as their own class year-end
production.
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Theatre for Ages 8-9
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First day of Winter Term classes: February 6/12 |
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Day: |
Monday |
Time: |
5:00-6:30pm |
Instructor: |
Lindsay Cockburn |
Start: Date: |
Sept 19, 2011 |
End Date: |
June 25, 2012 |
Class Length: |
36 weeks
1.5 hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
54 |
Class Size Limit: |
12 |
Student to Staff Ratio |
10:1 Maximum |
Performances:
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Winter Cabaret
Jan 27 28, or 29 - 2012
Weekend of Monologues
March 23, 24 and 25, 2012
Year-End Show
June 18 or June 25, 2012
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Day:
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Tuesday |
Time:
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5:00-6:30pm |
Instructor: |
TBA |
Start: Date: |
September 20, 2012 |
End Date:
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June 5, 2012 |
Class Length:
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36 weeks
1.5 hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
54 |
Class Size Limit: |
12 |
Student to Staff Ratio |
10:1 Maximum |
Performances:
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Winter Cabaret
Jan 27 28, or 29 - 2012
Weekend of Monologues
March 23, 24 and 25, 2012
Year-End Show
June 5 or June 12, 2012
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First day of Winter Term classes: February 11/12
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Day:
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Saturday |
Time:
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10:30am-noon |
Instructor: |
Alison Barber |
Start: Date:
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September 17, 2011 |
End Date:
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June 30, 2012 |
Class Length:
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36 weeks
1.5 hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
54 |
Class Size Limit: |
12 |
Student to Staff Ratio |
10:1 Maximum |
Performances:
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Winter Cabaret
Jan 27 28, or 29 - 2012
Weekend of Monologues
March 23, 24 and 25, 2012
Year-End Show
June 16 or 23, 2012
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Theatre for Ages 10-11
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First day of Winter Term classes: February 8/12
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Day:
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Wednesday |
Time:
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5:00-6:30pm |
Instructor: |
Nicole Fairbairn |
Start: Date:
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Sept 21, 2011 |
End Date:
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June 6, 2012 |
Class Length:
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36 Weeks
1.5 hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
54 |
Class Size Limit: |
12 |
Student to Staff Ratio |
10:1 Maximum |
Performances:
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Winter Cabaret
Jan 27 28, or 29 - 2012
Weekend of Monologues
March 23, 24 and 25, 2012
Year-End Show
June 6 or June 13, 2012
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First day of Winter Term classes: February 6/12
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Day:
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Monday |
Time:
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6:30-8:00pm |
Instructor:
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N/A |
Start: Date:
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Sept 19, 2011 |
End Date:
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June 25, 2012 |
Class Length:
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36 Weeks
1.5 hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
54 |
Class Size Limit: |
12 |
Student to Staff Ratio |
10:1 Maximum |
Performances:
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Winter Cabaret
Jan 27 28, or 29 - 2012
Weekend of Monologues
March 23, 24 and 25, 2012
Year-End Show
June 18 or June 25, 2012
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First day of Winter Term classes: February 11/12 |
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Day:
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Saturday |
Time:
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9:00-10:30am |
Instructor:
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Alison Barber |
Start: Date:
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Sept 17, 2011 |
End Date:
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June 30, 2012 |
Class Length:
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36 Weeks
1.5 hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
54 |
Class Size Limit: |
12 |
Student to Staff Ratio |
10:1 Maximum |
Performances:
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Winter Cabaret
Jan 27 28, or 29 - 2012
Weekend of Monologues
March 23, 24 and 25, 2012
Year-End Show
June 16 or June 23, 2012
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First day of Winter Term classes: February 4/12
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Day: |
Saturday |
Time: |
1:30-3:00pm |
Instructor: |
N/A |
Start: Date: |
September 17, 2011 |
End Date: |
June 30, 2012 |
Class Length:
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36 Weeks
1.5 hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
54 |
Class Size Limit: |
12 |
Student to Staff Ratio |
10:1 Maximum |
Performances:
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Winter Cabaret
Jan 27 28, or 29 - 2012
Weekend of Monologues
March 23, 24 and 25, 2012
Year-End Show
June 16 or June 23, 2012 |
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Theatre for Ages 12-13
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Day:
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Monday |
Time:
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6:30-8:00pm |
Instructor:
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Lindsay Cockburn |
Start: Date:
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Sept 19, 2011 |
End Date:
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June 25, 2012 |
Class Length:
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36 Weeks
1.5 hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
54 |
Class Size Limit: |
12 |
Student to Staff Ratio |
10:1 Maximum |
Performances:
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Winter Cabaret
Jan 27 28, or 29 - 2012
Weekend of Monologues
March 23, 24 and 25, 2012
Year-End Show
June 6 or June 13, 2012
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First day of Winter Term classes: February 8/12
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Day:
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Wednesday |
Time:
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6:30-8:00pm |
Instructor:
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Nicole Fairbairn |
Start: Date:
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Sept 21, 2011 |
End Date:
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June 6, 2012 |
Class Length:
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36 Weeks
1.5 hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
54 |
Class Size Limit: |
12 |
Student to Staff Ratio |
10:1 Maximum |
Performances:
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Winter Cabaret
Jan 27 28, or 29 - 2012
Weekend of Monologues
March 23, 24 and 25, 2012
Year-End Show
June 16 or June 23, 2012 |

First day of Winter Term classes: February 11/12 |
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Day: |
Saturday |
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Time: |
3:00-4:30pm |
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Instructor: |
Alison Barber |
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Start: Date: |
September 17, 2011 |
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End Date: |
June 30, 2012 |
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Class Length: |
36 Weeks
1.5 hrs/week |
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Instructional Hrs: |
54 |
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Class Size Limit: |
12 |
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Student to Staff Ratio |
10:1 Maximum |
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Performances:
Program & Fee Information |
Winter Cabaret
Jan 27 28, or 29 - 2012
Weekend of Monologues
March 23, 24 and 25, 2012
Year-End Show
June 16 or June 23, 2012 |
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Theatre for Ages 14-16
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First day of Winter Term classes: February 8/12
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Day:
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Wednesday |
Time:
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8:00-10:00pm |
Instructor:
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Nicole Fairbairn |
Start: Date:
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Sept 21, 2011 |
End Date:
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June 6, 2012 |
Class Length:
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36 Weeks
2 hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
72 |
Class Size Limit: |
10 |
Student to Staff Ratio |
10:1 Maximum |
Performances:
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Winter Cabaret
Jan 27 28, or 29 - 2012
Weekend of Monologues
March 23, 24 and 25, 2012
Year-End Show
June 6 or June 13, 2012
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Theatre for Ages 17-18
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| Day:
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| Time:
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N/A |
| Start: Date:
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See Performance Class below |
| End Date:
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| Class Length: |
36 Weeks
2hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
72 |
Class Size Limit: |
8 |
Student to Staff Ratio |
8:1 Maximum |
Performances:
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Performance Class for Ages 16-18
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The Performance Class course for 2012 has been re-designed for younger students (ie aged 16) with significant previous theatrical training and those students aged 17-18 (whether new to drama or with previosu experience) who are looking to maximize their experience in the rehearsal, production and performance aspects of theatre. Teaching is centred around the continuous developement and rehearsing of performance pieces, with an emphasis on providing the students with additional performance opportunities above the normally scheduled Act One shows. Students will obtain a wider and deeper exposuire to the different styles of theatre than is possible in a regular class.
Students will work on and perform one full class performance piece each term, in addition to requirements for the Winter Cabaret and Weekend of Monologues. Students will also receive comprehensive audition and monologue instruction in preparation for any outside opportunities. The class will also benefit from guest instructors from time to time over the class year who will oversee 1 or 2 classes each and bring a wider variety of different skills and perspectives on various important acting concepts and techniques.
Please note that admission to the Performance Class is limited to a maximum of 10 students. Admission may require students to audition.
If required, student auditions will be scheduled prior to the first week of classes. Interested students are requested to contact the school for more information or to book an audition slot.
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| Day:
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Sunday |
| Time:
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7:30-9:30pm |
| Instructor:
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Mark Nathanielsz |
| Guest Instructors:
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TBA |
| Start: Date:
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October 2, 2011 |
| End Date:
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June 17, 2012 |
| Class Length:
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32 Weeks
2hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
64 |
Class Size Limit: |
10 |
Student to Staff Ratio |
10:1 Maximum |
Performances:
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Winter Cabaret
Jan 27 28, or 29 - 2012
Weekend of Monologues
March 23, 24 and 25, 2012
Year-End Show
June 10 or June 17, 2012
Additional Performances:
TBD
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Improvisation is very unique and can considered as a type
of theatre on its own. Emphasis is placed on helping the students understand that the "fun and games" results of improvisation are derived from a solid technical foundation, self-discipline and confident, sharing teamwork. The aspect of using the "group as a team" dynamic to create
advanced level improv performances is greatly explored in the course.
Students will work with different types of improvised theatre, and will
be encouraged to expand their personal comfort zone to enable them to present greater variety and interest on stage. Opportunities
will be provided for students to create original, in-depth characters
and unique plotlines for scene work. Students will be given the chance
to analyze what makes an improvised scenes work well on stage, and use their acquired
knowledge to create fresh and interesting improv works. Students can
expect to perform during both the Winter Cabareat and Weekend of Monologues shows, as well as a year-end performance.
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Improvisation for Ages 12-13
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First day of Winter Term classes: February 9/12.
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Day: |
Thursday |
Time: |
6:30-8:00pm |
Instructor: |
Jackie Fleming |
Start: Date: |
Sept 15, 2011 |
End Date: |
June 7, 2012 |
Class Length: |
36 Weeks
1.5 hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
54 |
Class Size Limit: |
10 |
Student to Staff Ratio |
10:1 Maximum |
Performances:
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Winter Cabaret
Jan 27 28, or 29 - 2012
Weekend of Monologues
March 23, 24 and 25, 2012
Year-End Show
June 7 or June 13, 2012
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Improvisation for Ages 14+
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First day of Winter Term classes: February 9/12.
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Day:
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Thursday |
Time:
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8:00-10:00pm |
Instructor:
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Jackie Fleming |
Start: Date:
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Sept 15, 2011 |
End Date:
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June 7, 2012 |
Class Length: |
36 Weeks
2 hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
72 |
Class Size Limit: |
10 |
Student to Staff Ratio |
10:1 Maximum |
Performances:
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Winter Cabaret
Jan 27 28, or 29 - 2012
Weekend of Monologues
March 23, 24 and 25, 2012
Year-End Show
June 7 or June 13, 2012
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Sketch comedy is a performance form of drama that is probably most recognizable in such well-known shows as Saturday Night Live, Royal Canadian Air Farce and Kids in the Hall, to name a few. Designed for students with a medium degree of previous performance experience, as well as an interest in the more creative side of theatre, this class will introduce them to the subtle but important differences in the various types of comedy: Slapstick, parody, farce, satire & irony. Students will learn the most effective techniques for maximizing the entertainment potential of each; when each is most appropriate; as well as methods for combining two or more forms to achieve even greater audience impact.
Students
will also learn the differences between Sketch Comedy for stage and for film. Sketch for film is unique in that the restrictions which come with the stage do not necessarily apply. Technically, you’re only restricted to what your imagination (and your equipment) allows you to create. In this part of the course the students will write, rehearse and record a short sketch comedy scene for the camera.
Students will also gain experience in the techniques and
"rules" for writing their own material and interpretting that of other authors. Throughout the course emphasis will be on regular student collaboration, developement, rehearsal and performance of the material. Where feasible additional performances will be scheduled beyond the normal Winter and Year-end shows. Students can expect to come away from the course with a strong sense of their own comic potential and the confidence and knowledge necessary to pursue it successfully.
Please note that this is an advanced class. Students will be introduced to and gain experience in the equivalent of first and second year post-secondary level material. It is recommended that interested students have a minimum 1-2 years previous theatrical training or live performance experience.
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Sketch Comedy for Ages 14-18
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Day:
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Time:
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Instructor:
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TBA |
October Start: Date:
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Not offerred in 2011-12 |
End Date:
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Class Length: |
36 Weeks
2 hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
36 |
Class Size Limit: |
8 |
Student to Staff Ratio |
8:1 Maximum |
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Voiceover and Radio Theatre Program
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An actor's voice is one of the most important tools they have. Every day we use our voices to convey emotion, intent and information. Whether one is performing or simply taking part in social gatherings, public speaking, scholastic or work-related activities, how effectively we communicate impacts everything we do. Radio has been an integral part of our society for generations. There was a time, before the advent of television, when live broadcasting was one of the primary sources of entertainment. Entire families would gather around the radio to listen to the latest news or to hear live radio theatre complete with music, sound effects and wonderful character voices. Today, radio, whether for news, entertainment or in commercials, is still an important component of our lives.Voice acting has also taken on a new level of importance again with the evolution of CGI in film and television and the need for voice overs to lend animation a realistic, human quality.
In this class, students will learn the basics of voice work including improved breathing, vocal warm ups, widening vocal range and techniques for tackling accents and creating "characters" in an audience's ear. They will learn about the radio industry and how to create sound effects (foley) for radio and film using household items. As part of their year's work they will create and recrod their own short radio show.
For the year-end project students will write and design repalcement voice tracks for film or television show of their choice and then go into a studio to record it. The course objective is to expose the students to college and university level concepts, create a familiarity with the workings of the professional voice industry and provide them with the skills and knowledge to confidently use their own voices to create a wonderful atmosphere of word and sound.
Please note that this is an advanced class. Students will be introduced to and gain experience in the equivalent of first and second year post-secondary level material. It is recommended that interested students have a minimum 1-2 years previous theatrical training or live performance experience.
Studio Fee Notice
Act One has partnered with Pickering's own Light of DAE recording studio to allow students in the Voice Over class to gain live studio experience as part of their year-end performance process. Students will spend a number of hours in the Light of DAE studio recording the final versions of their year end class work.
Please note that there is an additional $50.00 recording studio fee that must be added to the course fee for this class. This fee goes entirely to Light of DAE, which is a non-profit organization established to benefit Durham-area youth. It relies almost 100% on community donations and sponsorships. This fee will help Light of DAE continue to provide a unique and valuable service to our region.
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Voice Over and Radio Theatre for Ages 14-18
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Day:
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Saturday |
Time: |
4:30-6:00pm |
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TBA |
October Start: Date:
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February 11, 2012 |
End Date:
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June 30, 2012 |
Class Length: |
18 Weeks
1.5 hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
27 |
Class Size Limit: |
8 |
Student to Staff Ratio |
8:1 Maximum |
Performances
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Weekend of Monologues
March 23, 24 and 25, 2012
Year-End Show
June 16 or June 23, 2012
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Adult Program
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Our adult program is designed along an Introductory/Intermediate level for those 19 years of age and older who are interested in learning what theatre can offer them. It will have value to those wishing to acquire new skills and understanding of acting and who want to have fun, while confidently and successfully getting involved in their local community theatre groups or proceeding to more serious acting pursuits.
The course will introduce participants to the various aspects of the stage and basic acting techniques. Selected methods of creating characters and achieving effective understanding of scripts will be highlighted. Monologue and scene work will be used extensively to demonstrate the importance of the material presented. Attention will also be paid to soem of the differences in acting in comedies as opposed to dramas. Participants will be shown simple and fun theatre games and exercises that help overcome stage fright, enhance acting abilities and can provide them with the confidence to use their new knowledge and skills to produce fun and successful performances.
The first half of the year will be educational and instructional in format, while during the second half, teaching will be more hands-on and focused around the class selection, rehearsal and performance of one or two short plays.
The class will participate in both the school Winter Cabaret and Weekend of Monologues showes, as well as its own year-end performance.
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Acting For Adults 19+
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Day:
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Monday |
Time: |
8:00-10:00pm |
Instructor:
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Mark Nathanielsz |
Start: Date: |
February 6, 2012 |
End Date:
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June 25, 2012 |
Class Length: |
18 Weeks
2 hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
36 |
Class Size Limit: |
8 |
Student to Staff Ratio |
8:1 Maximum |
Performances
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Weekend of Monologues
March 23, 24 and 25, 2012
Year-End Show
June 18 or June 25, 2012
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Introduction to Playwriting for Adults 18+
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At its core, drama is all about story-telling. Whether based in fact or the product of one's imagination, every successful play starts with the playwright having a story they want to tell. No matter how compelling the story, it is the structure of the play itself that goes a long way towards determining whether the events and characters portrayed within it successfully capture an audience's attention. This course will serve as an introduction to the techniques and processes needed by aspiring playwrights seeking to acquire the understanding and skills necessary to bring their own ideas to life on stage.
Topics will include:
- Developing Ideas: Where the ideas for good stories come from and how they are developed
- An Introduction to the One-Act Play including examples of finished one-act play script writing
- An Introduction to Story, Plot and Character Development
- Stage Geography: acquainting participants with the “space” where traditional theatre is performed and how to use it effectively in "shaping" your story
- Writing Scene Descriptions: an examination of the descriptive passages that precede scenes in play script writing
- Writing Dialogue and Stage Directions helps to understand the relationships between characters, and between characters and plot
- Theatre Personnel: The functions of non-acting personnel in traditional theatre can have just as much impact on the presentation of a play as any of the on-stage actors. This section discusses how they need to be considered in the development of any successful theatrical work.
Live Performance of Playwrights' Work: As the course progresses, participants will create their own short scenes to put their class experiences to practical use. Near the end of the course, participants will ahve the opportunity to workshop their scenes with other students from the school, culmulating with the chance to see their work performed on Act One's studio stage at the end of June in front of a live audience.
Additional Course Requirements: To permit effective use of class time, participants will need a laptop computer complete with word processing software.
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Day: |
Sunday |
Time: |
7:00-9:00pm |
Instructor: |
John Greene |
Start: Date: |
February 12, 2012 |
End Date: |
June 24, 2012 |
Class Length: |
2hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
36 |
Class Size Limit: |
8 |
Student to Staff Ratio |
8:1 Maximum |
Performances
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Year-End Show
June 24, 2012
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Film Program
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The focus of these courses is to help both
experienced and novice students understand the core principles, as well as the "tricks" and subtleties
of acting for film. The emphasis is on having fun while we learn !
Act One's On Camera program encompasses classes for ages 11-13 as well as ages 14+. Both classes will follow the same course formats but will be targetted to their specific age ranges in terms of level of material covered and class project sophistication.
The first half of these courses will focus on particular acting techniques
for film ( eg. tailoring the performance to the shot ). Students will
learn about the camera, basic elements of cinematography and the business
of film acting. Topics to be covered include how the language of film tells a story, the relationship between the actor and the film camera and the role of choices in creating variety, depth and continuity in a role. Focus is on understanding how the actor uses the camera
to create a memorable performance.Students returning to the program will have the opportunity to build on previously acquired skills through the tackling of more challenging performance pieces and roles As returning students progress they will also be given the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of film camera work and scene direction. Advnaced students can also look forward to learning post-production techniques using the premiere professional industry standard Avid Media Composer Film Editing Platform. This is the same platform that most major film studio motion pictures are edited and produced with.
The second half of the course adopts a more complete "hands on" approach, with each class working togther on their own class projects (a short film). This allows the students to apply the techniques
learned and through the rehearsal and filming processes, refine them.
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Acting On Camera for Ages 11-13
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First day of Winter Term classes: February 7/12
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| Day:
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Tuesday |
| Time: |
6:30-8:00pm |
| Instructors: |
TBA |
| Start: Date:
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Sept 20, 2011 |
| End Date:
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June 5, 2012 |
| Class Length: |
36 Weeks
1.5 hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
54 |
Class Size Limit: |
12 |
Student to Staff Ratio |
6:1 Maximum |
Productions:
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Winter Cabaret
Jan 27 28, or 29 - 2012
Weekend of Monologues
March 23, 24 and 25, 2012
Year-End Show
June 5 or June 12, 2012
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Acting On Camera for Ages 14-18
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February 7/12
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| Day: |
Tuesday |
| Time: |
8:00-10:00pm |
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TBA |
| Start: Date:
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Sept 20, 2011 |
| End Date: |
June 5, 2012 |
| Class Length: |
36 Weeks
2 hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
72 |
Class Size Limit: |
12 |
Student to Staff Ratio |
8:1 Maximum |
Productions:
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Winter Cabaret
Jan 27 28, or 29 - 2012
Weekend of Monologues
March 23, 24 and 25, 2012
Year-End Show
June 5 or June 12, 2012
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Musical Theatre Program
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Music Theatre classes are split between acting,
singing and movement/dance, leading towards aiding the students in understanding how to incorporate all three into a unified musical performances. Character development
and creating back stories will be used to layer songs and monologues.
The students will be expected to perform at each class, and also learn
how to help each other through constructive criticism. Emphasis will
be put on supporting the other actors and how each part has its place
on stage and in the story. As the students progress through the program, they will gain experience with solos, duets and ensemble singing. Attention will be paid to learning vocal and
physical warm ups and learning what exercises work for each individual
student and help them improve their abilities.Vocal flexibility and tone will also be highlighted, along with
strengthening each student's ability to hold harmony in a group.Through this, the class will work towards the Christmas and end of year shows, which are used to help focus on learning choreography and staging, Students in the Musical Theatre for Ages 11-13 and 14-18 classes can also take part in the Weekend of Monologues shows if they want. Students in the Musical Theatre for Ages 14-18 will also have the same end of year option of gaining recording studio experience through the Light of DAE studio just like the students in the Vocal Program.
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Music Theatre for ages 7-10
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....... .
First day of Winter Term classes: February 12/12..
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Sunday |
Time:
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11:30am-1:00pm |
Instructors:
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Aaron Kyte
Michelle Morrow
Nicholas Nasrallah
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Start: Date:
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Sept 18, 2011 |
End Date:
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June 24, 2012 |
Class Length: |
36 Weeks
1.5 hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
54 |
Class Size Limit: |
16 |
Student to Staff Ratio |
8:1 Maximum |
Performances:
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Winter Cabaret
Jan 27 28, or 29 - 2012
Weekend of Monologues(Note: MT 7-10 does not participate in this show event due to their focus on their year-end musical production)
Year-End Show
June 17 or June 24, 2012
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Music Theatre for ages 11-13
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First day of Winter Term classes: February 12/12.
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Day:
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Sunday |
Time:
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1:00-3:00pm |
Instructors:
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Aaron Kyte
Michelle Morrow
Nicholas Nasrallah
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Start: Date:
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Sept 18, 2011 |
End Date:
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June 24, 2012 |
Class Length: |
36 Weeks
2 hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
72 |
Class Size Limit: |
16 |
Student to Staff Ratio |
8:1 Maximum |
Performances:
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Winter Cabaret
Jan 27 28, or 29 - 2012
Weekend of Monologues
March 23, 24 and 25, 2012
Year-End Show
June 17 or June 24, 2012
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Music Theatre for ages 14-18
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First day of Winter Term classes: February 12/12.

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Day: |
Sunday |
Time: |
3:00-5:00pm |
Instructors: |
Aaron Kyte
Michelle Morrow
Nicholas Nasrallah
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Start: Date: |
Sept 18, 2011 |
End Date: |
June 24, 2012 |
Class Length: |
36 Weeks
2 hrs/week |
Instructional Hrs: |
72 |
Class Size Limit: |
10 |
Student to Staff Ratio |
10:1 Maximum |
Performances:
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Winter Cabaret
Jan 27 28, or 29 - 2012
Weekend of Monologues
March 23, 24 and 25, 2012
Year-End Show
June 17 or June 24, 2012
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