Bucks County Playhouse Announces Youth 'Saturday Arts Program', Sept-Nov 2012

Bucks County Playhouse (BCP) (Jed Bernstein, Producing Director) has launched The Saturday Arts Program (SAP), a training ground for passionate young performers. Classes will take place weekly from September 22nd – November 17th at the Bucks County Playhouse, New Hope Solebury High School, and the Solebury School.

This conservatory-style program is perfect for those middle and high school students who want to take their skills to the next level. They will be supported and mentored by top instructors, who will help each emerging artist gain the technique and artistry needed to give them an edge in their art form. Each discipline will focus on encouraging participants to become better performers, to be more comfortable with themselves, and develop a wide range of artistic interests. BCP "SAP" participants are sure to leave with new skills and a better understanding of their artistic area of choice, but most importantly with the confidence to continue their training.

In addition to our highly trained local instructors, "SAP" will invite guest artists in the various disciplines to visit during the 9 week run in order to enhance the overall experience for each student. The program will culminate in an on stage presentation for friends and family.

"The support of theater education is a critical part of the Bridge Street Foundation's philanthropic mission. We think that this Saturday Arts Program is a great step forward in that regard," said BSF President Tanya Cooper.

An orientation will be held on Saturday, September 8th at the Bucks County Playhouse where instructors will evaluate students in an effort to structure the classes so they are most beneficial to the group. The 90 minute classes costs $50.00 each week ($450 for each 9 week course). Discounts will apply for enrollment in multiple classes, and for enrollment of siblings. For full details and to enroll, visit bcptheater.org, call 609-460-4630 x 114 or email Brittany@bcptheater.org.

Available classes are as follows:

Course # 1: Musical Theater Dance
Grades: 6-8 (#1A)
Grades: 9-12 (# 1B)
Instructor: Rebecca Summers-Wilschutz (Ovation Award-winning choreographer)

Course Description: Put it all together: acting, singing and dancing as you learn to be a triple threat! Classes will study the choreography of such greats as Bob Fosse, Gower Champion, Jerome Robbins and Jerry Mitchell, to name a few! Dancers will reproduce some of their award winning numbers incorporating the genres of tap, jazz and ballet to produce Tony award winning dance routines! This class is for beginners to seasoned dancers who want to perfect their musical theatre dance technique and performance.

Course #2: Musical Theater Voice
Grades: 6-8 (# 2A)
Grades: 9-12 (# 2B)
Instructor: Shawn Rowley Wright (Theater Director for The Solebury School,)

Course Description: This high energy class will break down the importance of the performance in singing for musical theater. Students of every level will benefit by working in groups, duets, trios and individually to bring out the "show" in their show tunes. Musical Theater Voice teaches fun and innovative ways to tell the story of the song and sound fantastic while you are doing it. We will be singing some Broadway favorites as well as some hidden gems that could serve the student well in an audition situation. Students will each perform at the final presentation to present what they have learned to friends and family!

Course #3: Acting
Grades: 6-8 ( # 3A)
Grades: 9-12 ( # 3B)
Instructor: Erika Lupo (CEO and Owner of Acting-A-Part® Theater Company)

Course Description: Class focuses on analyzing characters, scenes, monologues, and improvisational skills from Broadway shows old and new. The topics covered include bringing characterization to a scene, creating a back story, helping you shape the character you need to portray, vocal techniques, and mastering different styles. Both ensemble and solo performance work is fostered and encouraged, as well as audition techniques that will help students show off their very best. At the end of the class, students will utilize the skills they have mastered in a final performance of their class work for friends and family.

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