Sessions begin in March at Rose Lehrman Art Center
Feb. 17, 2010
HARRISBURG – HACC’s Theatre for Young People’ spring classes are more than telling stories, acting and creative movement. They are also about unlocking imaginations with props, costumes and theatre games.
Youth ages 7-14 will find a series of four different camps in which to explore the mysteries, joys and art of theatre, from the “Magical, Mythical Story Theatre” to “Theatre Explorers” and discover theatrical expression. They also can craft and design a unique piece of theatre in “Original performance Piece Workshop” and beginners will be introduced to basic techniques in “The Acting Experience.” A one-day specialty workshop in May, “Theatre Game Day,” shows participants popular theatrical contests.
The camps are held at varying times in March through early May at the Rose Lehrman Art Center on the Harrisburg Campus of HACC, Pennsylvania’s Community College. All classes are divided by age group.
Whether a student is a novice in theatre arts or a returning participant, the curriculum is updated each year and structured so that individual ability levels are challenged, says Brenda Eppley, Theatre for Young People director and professor in HACC’s Theatre Department.
The Rose Lehrman Arts Center on the Harrisburg Campus offers a performance and instruction facility featuring a theatre, a studio theatre, movement studio, green room and make-up lab, as well as a scene and costume shop, just like the real theatre world.
Young actors have the advantage of participating in these workshops with a large number of professionals with a master’s degree in theatre (as well as) instructors with bachelor’s and associate degrees and equivalent professional experience. They are assisted by HACC theatre majors chosen for their ability to nurture young people interested in theatre.
The classes include:
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“Magical, Mythical Story Theatre” for ages 7-10 runs from 10:30-noon Saturdays, March 2-May 1 for $80 (no workshop April 3). Using props and costumes from the theatre storage area, students will explore the wonderful myths and legends of wizards, elves, fairies and magical creatures while learning the basic principles of acting and the state. Parents will be invited to the final class to share what the students’ imagination has created.
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“Theatre Explorers” for ages 7-10 runs from 9-10:15 a.m. Saturdays, March 6-May 1 for $75. Students will let their imaginations run free as they use creative play and movement to encourage artistic expression. They’ll develop skills in concentration, self-awareness, physical expression and teamwork through the use of creative dramatics and movement.
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“Original Performance Piece Workshop” for ages 11-14 runs 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesdays, March 2-April 27, for $95. Students bring their creative thoughts and dramatic personality to the workshop. With the guidance of theatre specialist, Janet Bixler, the participants will craft and design a unique piece of theatre. The young actors will share the results with friends and family on April 27. Students who register for “Original Performance” and “The Acting Experience” receive a discount for $140 for both workshops.
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“The Acting Experience” for ages 11-14 runs 12:30-2 p.m. Saturdays, March 6-May 1 for $85 (no workshop April 3). Designed for the novice, this class introduces basic acting techniques and training, and is a good foundation for future theatre classes. Students who register for “Original Performance” and “The Acting Experience” receive a discount for $140 for both workshops.
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In addition to the four studio camps, a one-day specialty workshop, “Theatre Game Day,” is scheduled 9-10:15 a.m. Saturday, May 8, for children ages 5-7 and 10:30-11:45 a.m. for ages 8-10. Groups will spend two hours participating in some of the most popular theatre games in the 19-year history of the Theatre for Young People. Cost is $15.
For more information and to register, go to www.HACC.edu/typ for printable forms. Or, call 780-2521, ext. 4 for a brochure. Class size is limited so early registration is strongly encouraged.
Fast facts: About TYP
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This year’s Theatre for Young People production for the Theatre Outreach program is E.B. White’s classic, “Charlotte’s Web,” directed by Brenda Eppley, professor of theatre and director of the TYP program. The group will perform for school groups Tuesday-Friday April 13-16, with two public performance at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, April 17, in the Rose Lehrman Arts Center. Admission is $8.
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The Theatre for Young People was created 19 years ago under the umbrella of HACC’s Theatre Program as a learning and outreach initiative for area youth. The program provides an affordable venue for students to gain exposure to the thrill of the theatre experience.
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Serves ages 5-18 and is a year-round program with Saturday Studio Classes during the fall and spring semesters and 14 one-week summer theatre camps on the Harrisburg Campus.
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TYP also has an off-site program tailored to meet the needs of individual organizations, with programs in schools, at borough and community parks and recreations sites and local theatres, as well as for private individuals.
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