programs for grades 1-3

Our 1 and 3 week programs o er an exciting variety! Students will use their Actor’s Tools to create characters who tell stories through acting, singing, dancing, and design! All final demonstrations for Grades 1 to 3 programs will take place at 2:00 p.m. on the final Friday of the program.

Characters Take the Stage

A fun and physical introduction to the fundamental building blocks of drama (body, voice, mind, and imagination). Using fantastical tales as a jumping-o point to spark and support the creative process, the characters will fly o the page as students participate in movement exercises, story reenactments, theatre games, improvisation, role-playing, music, dance, and visual arts. Themes this summer include, “Pirate Adventures” and “Mythical Creatures”.

Backstage Adventures

Who makes all the fabulous THINGS seen on stage?! In this class, students will be introduced to some of the backstage secrets that result in onstage magic! Students will tour all of the behind-the-scenes spaces at the theatre and learn design through hands-on experiences. Themes this summer include, “Seuss on the Loose” and “Fractured Fairy Tales”.

Sing & Dance-a-Story

Inspired by the stories and music from their favorite musicals, students will learn to “sing a story” by exploring the various voices that can be produced by using the appropriate vocal technique. Students will connect the voice to posture, gesture, and full-body movement through improvisation to create vivid characters. They will “dance a story” by learning to use creative movement to bring a story to life. Themes this summer include, “Into the Wild” and “Under the Sea”.

Mini Musical: Seussical KIDS

A fast-paced intensive for young people ready to take the stage! In three weeks, students will work together to perform a 30-minute version of Seussical. While working on this musical, they will advance their acting, singing, and dancing skills while also learning more about production elements such as set, props, costumes, and sound and light design.

About the show: From the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat, our narrator, tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the “Whos”, including Jojo, a Who child, who gets in trouble for thinking too many "thinks." Horton must not only protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must also guard an abandoned egg that's been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant! (mtishows.com)

Playmakers Junior: Kid Frankenstein

Students will develop characters through movement, vocal exercises and bring to life this frightfully funny sci-fi fantasy! In addition, they will learn about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into producing a play as they design and create set pieces, costumes, and props!

About the show: Frightfully funny laughs are in store in this bright new version of Mary Shelley’s classic Frankenstein. Frankie and Irving are science nerds who have an unusual idea for the upcoming Science Fair! When Doctor Frankenstein’s ancient secret book arrives from Transylvania, the friends are whisked into a sci-fi fantasy of time-warped, weirdly scary and lively adventure! (ArtReach)