Sessions begin in October at Rose Lehrman Art Center
Sept. 30, 2010
HARRISBURG – HACC’s Theatre for Young People fall classes are more than telling stories, acting and creative movement. They also are about unlocking imaginations with props, costumes and theatre games.
Youth ages 7-11 will find two studio classes held Saturday mornings in which to explore the mysteries, joys and art of theatre, with “Magical, Mythical Story Theatre” and “Theatre Explorers.”
Adolescents, ages 12-16, can attend Tuesday evenings and craft and design a unique piece of theatre in “Original Performance Piece Workshop” or try improvisation Saturday afternoons in “Improv: The Great Art of Acting without a Script.”
The camps are held at varying times in October through December at the Rose Lehrman Art Center on the Harrisburg Campus of HACC, Pennsylvania’s Community College. The classes are taught by Janet Bixler, an independent performing arts professional with a master’s degree in theatre education. She is assisted by HACC theatre majors chosen for their ability to nurture young people interested in theatre. 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.
The classes include:
“Theatre Explorers” for ages 7-11 runs from 9-10:15 a.m. Saturdays, Oct. 23-Dec. 11, for $80. 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.
“Magical, Mythical Story Theatre” for ages 7-11 runs from 10:30 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Oct. 23-Dec. 11, for $85. 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. Parents will be invited to the final class to share what the students’ imaginations have created.
Students who register for “Theatre Explorers” and “Magical, Mythical Story Theatre” receive a discount for $150 for both workshops.
“Original Performance Piece Workshop” for ages 12-16 runs 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 26-Dec. 14, for $85. Students bring their creative thoughts and dramatic personality to the workshop and craft a unique piece of theatre. The young actors will share the results with friends and family on Saturday, Dec. 14.
“Improv: The Great Art of Acting without a Script” for ages 12-16 is four sessions and runs 12:30-2 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 23-Nov. 13 for $55. A second session is scheduled 12:30-2 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 20-Dec. 11, also for $55. Students stretch their imaginations through games that are both fun and entertaining. Participants become stronger actors as they take on outrageous characters, push physical limits, tell stories and create scenes which are totally unpredictable.
Students who register for “Original Performance” and both sessions of “Improv: The Great Art of Acting without a Script” receive a discount for $150 for both workshops.
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
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.
Serves ages 5-18 and is a year-round program with Studio Classes during the fall and spring semesters and 14 one-week summer theatre camps on the Harrisburg Campus.
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.
