Acting

This course introduces students to training techniques useful for all mediums but particularly aimed at acting in the Musical Theatre genre. The course begins with foundational exercises to train students’ reflexes toward behavioral truth within imaginary circumstances. Once this foundation has been established, students begin to apply themselves to scripted text. 

Performance Lab

This is a performance-based course that approaches musical theatre the same way an actor explores text in a play. During the course, students develop the necessary skills to thoughtfully investigate material in order to combine organic choices in movement, acting, and singing. Students explore the fundamentals of text analysis and research in order to provide intentions, stakes, and conflict for each character in a variety of contrasting musical theater genres.

Voice and Speech

In this course, students are introduced to the basic elements of preparing the body for authentic phonation, breath support, auditory sensory awareness, and the freeing of the natural voice. Students study the effective production of pure vowels and diphthongs, consonant action, and the interplay of the spoken word within imaginary circumstances. 

Ballet

This course provides a highly disciplined and developmentally appropriate sequence of ballet training. In-class training focuses on building strength, flexibility, musicality, and coordination. This course covers the basics of placement/alignment, turnout, line of positions, port a bras, quality of movement, class etiquette, and ballet terminology. 

Jazz and Theatre Dance

This course is designed to teach each student the correct alignment and specific techniques necessary for advancement within this and all dance genres. In-class training aims to increase strength, flexibility, endurance, and student’s ability to learn and retain choreography. 

Voice Studio Lab

This course provides an introduction to the basic functional skills of vocal production and singing. Topics include breathing, muscular and air support, diction, vocal anatomy, tone production, vowel and consonant modification, resonance, and vocal health. 

Musical Theatre History

This course provides students with an overview of early and modern theatre; including composers, lyricists, performers, directors, choreographers, and producers. 

Ensemble Practicum

This course is designed to help students increase their knowledge of rehearsal techniques, professional behavior, and musical skills. Students receive practice in ensemble singing in large groups, duets, trios, and small group numbers.

Audition Technique

This course is the study of musical-based audition techniques. In-class work is focused on professional preparation and the business of acting covering topics related to casting, audition prep, headshots and resumes, personal style, awareness of type, and current trends in the profession. 

Improvisation

Students explore the fundamental principles of improvisation and how it enhances and applies to all of their performance work. Working in pairs and groups, students create improvised scenes and environments, explore character, learn to trust instincts, and practice making honest, fully committed choices.