The emphasis of this class is performance training. We work to develop young people who have an interest in theater; we also assist students by preparing them for competitions in school/state oratory contests. Students are introduced to stage geography, voice projection, enunciation exercises that help to improve diction, and are taught the fundamentals of character development, scene study and stage etiquette.  They are also eligible to audition for and be cast in our Saturday Family Matinee Theater Series (highlighting our Youth Performance Workshop in productions that provide a theatrical venue that gives them an opportunity to demonstrate their development as actors, singers and dancers).  The Saturday Family Matinee series is a wonderful teaching opportunity because it allows our students to have the “hands-on” experience of knowing what is required to perform in a production and learning the discipline and skill of performing before a live audience.

Forms and exercises based in dance are the basis for this technique.  Dunham technique will create an awareness of time, space, form and function derived from most basic interactions.  Bar work, center floor work, basic combinations and progressions will insure a good strong solid introduction to the technique.  There will be choreography sessions and a performance. Students are encouraged to design their own dance costumes for selected class exercises.  It is an imaginative, fun way for them to connect their costumes with various dance styles from past to present.

                                  

Drama classes serve children in various ways.  For example, in schools, children are often graded on their ability to memorize things, and on the fluency with which they can read text.  The skills taught in drama classes naturally transfer over to other aspects of a child’s life. This class consists of enunciation exercises, oral interpretation of African American poetry; improvisation and character building (students are taught the importance of over-coming shyness, of speaking clearly and audibly, good posture, moving with confidence and realizing what they can achieve.   They learn how to be more expressive through arts training.  In addition to reading and oral interpretation, this class also consists of written assignments.

This class is designed to encourage musical growth and expression through voice and music theory. Students will be introduced to basic music concepts and terms.