Fall Term 2008 Class Schedule
Click here to register now!

Skills Classes

From intro level to advanced, the following classes are designed to help students hone specific theater skills. Please call 503-222-2190 to schedule parent/teacher conferences.

Beginning = Intermediate = Advanced =

Acting, Musical Theater, First Stage, Technical Theater, Film & Video

Learn basic acting techniques, tips and terms. This fun format introduces students to voice projection, stage direction, theater etiquette, scene work and more. Students will be invited to attend Hansel & Gretel, on Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. Suggested prerequisite to playlabs.

Review basic acting techniques then move on to in-depth character analysis, monologues, scene work and more. Intermediate students will be invited to attend a free performance of Hansel & Gretel, on Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. Previous class or performance experience required.

Serious students of theater will begin the year with an advanced approach to specific acting techniques and process. Led by three master teachers, qualified participants will cultivate performance skills through group text, open scenes and character study. Enrollment is open to KidsPro NW members, or by audition only; to be considered, contact Melody Bridges at 503-222-2190, x 13, or melody@nwcts.org. A three-term commitment is recommended but not mandatory.

Shakespeare’s plays come to life for young actors in this innovative new class. Using storytelling, creative movement, and dramatic games, Noah will introduce the class to Shakespeare’s magical words and worlds.

If you really like to make people laugh and consider comedy the highest art form on the block or you are a shy turtle pulled way back in your shell, this class may be just what you are looking for! Improvisation teaches flexibility, timing, characterization and fast thinking. Time spent doing improv is never wasted.

One-on-one intensive coaching for musical and non-musical theater. A coach will help you choose/polish music and monologues or work on specific acting needs. They will tell you what to expect at an audition and give tips on audition preparation. One session or multiple sessions available. By appointment only, 503-222-2190.

Download a Class Registration Form

Home  •  Top of Page

This class introduces students to voice and dance techniques, with an emphasis on performing for musical theater. Work will include solos and group numbers from favorite musicals.

Tap your toes to favorite Broadway show tunes as Mindy introduces you to a variety of musical theater dance styles and techniques: jazz, soft shoe, ballet, latin and more.

Download a Class Registration Form

Home  •  Top of Page

It’s okay to wiggle and squirm in this class. Mindy will introduce students to basic movement and rhythm skills using a hands (and foot) on format with fun music old and new.

Come join the fun and build confidence! Start at the very beginning to learn about the world of theater. Sing, create characters, act out stories, put on puppet shows and much more!

Explore a new story from around the world each week, building skills in acting, ensemble, movement, and creative problem solving, while bringing literature to life.

And now…in the center ring…send in the clowns and the tightrope walkers. Watch the animal trainer with the big cats and delight as the elephants perform amazing tricks. Join the First Stage Circus for a fun-filled fall!

Download a Class Registration Form

Home  •  Top of Page

Our Drammy-winning set designer will guide student “techies” through the fascinating backstage world of special effects, sound, light design and more. The class is invited to sit in on selected mainstage rehearsals and crew for the playlab The Taming of the Shrew.

Download a Class Registration Form

Home  •  Top of Page

Award-winning Sandra Peabody develops talent for broadcast television and film and coaches, both locally and in LA. Join her to act on-camera with instant feedback, learn professional audition and presentation skills, practice improvisation, and act in scenes using film, TV and commercial scripts. Class is limited to 8.

Download a Class Registration Form

Home  •  Top of Page

Playlab Classes

The following classes will put on a play. Students will audition, rehearse, and perform. Everyone gets a part! Size or nature of roles is at the professional discretion of our instructors. All roles provide a valuable learning experience. No refunds granted due to dissatisfaction with assigned roles. Most playlab performances will be videotaped and made available for purchase.

Beginning = Intermediate = Advanced =

Fantasy, Folk and Fairytales, Contemporary Theater, Classical Theater, Musical Theater, Workshops & Seminars

The carefree grasshopper laughs and sings his summer days away partying with his merry bug friends; while the industrious ants march to and fro gathering food for the long winter months ahead. Come explore the ensuing dramatic tension!

Download a Class Registration Form

Home  •  Top of Page

This whimsical playlab was based on the Shel Silverstein book about a circle looking for its missing wedge. This story of self-discovery unfolds through creative use of script, movement, music and puppetry—a unique theater experience.

Scarlett O’Hara and E.T. go on a trip to Casablanca and…wait, that’s not the way that movie goes! Maybe it is. Suezann has taken favorite movie scenes and mixed them all up in this hilarious parody of our favorite pastime—movies!

Download a Class Registration Form

Home  •  Top of Page

Shakespeare’s controversial comedy has been fodder for opera, musical theater, television and more. A shortened version of Petruchio and Katherine’s famous battle of the sexes will heat up the stage and challenge teen actors this fall.

Download a Class Registration Form

Home  •  Top of Page

What lurks in the creaky haunted house at the end of the lane? We have no idea…because students and instructors will work together to write and perform a mysterious original show. Sign up for frightful fall fun!

If you enjoyed The Little Rascals, then you’ll love this class because it was inspired by those classic scamps. Students will work as an ensemble to create the characters, merry mix ups and period acting style.

Get on board for a Loehrke/Warren original musical based on Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland. Alice is re-imagined into the American Wild West, as she embarks on a train journey to her aunt’s house. The trip is filled with all of the odd characters and unexpected turns in the original story.

Download a Class Registration Form

Home  •  Top of Page

New this fall! Choral singing is the focus of the Broadway Chorale. Acclaimed Ezra Weiss will work with the vocal ensemble members to develop skills in group singing such as harmonizing, phrasing, blending, and diction. Repertoire will be chosen from musical theater both traditional and contemporary. By audition or invitation only. A three-term commitment is encouraged. Chorale begins prior to fall term.

Salut! Explore the classic French tale, Cendrillon (or Cinderella) through the playful archetypes of commedia dell’arte using improvisation, physical theater and masks! This class, a joint project of The Alliance Francaise and NWCT, is for intermediate level French students and is an unique opportunity to perform this story in French. Teacher approval is needed to enroll in the class. Class begins prior to fall term.

Boys welcome too—(planned activities may not qualify boys for a theater badge.) Attend a theater class, see Hansel & Gretel and complete your theater badge, all on the same evening! Room for a short dinner break is provided. Scout leader is free. Other parents pay half-price.

Download a Class Registration Form

Home  •  Top of Page