Developing Excellence. Growing Creativity
All sessions are held at Hershey Area Playhouse at Country Meadows, Sandhill Road at Cherry Drive, Hershey, PA
Acting classes, like dance classes are repeatable and build on natural cycles of learning with age appropriate skills to help children expand imaginations and more experienced students perfect technique.
EXPECTATIONS FOR THEATRE ACADEMY STUDENTS:
If you are interested in taking one of our acting sessions or auditioning for the junior musical, here are some basic expectations you would need to be able to follow:
1. Listen when you are supposed to listen.
2. Following directions that are given. Be willing to try if nervous or unsure. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
3. Respect student/teacher aides/counselors.
4. Respect fellow students’ personal space and ideas.
In order for your child to get the most out of their camp experience, they need to be present each day for the full time, barring a family emergency. If your camper is going to be late or absent, please contact the lead teacher so that we can plan accordingly.
POLICIES FOR CAMP REGISTRATION AND PARTICIPATION:
Payment is due at the time of registration through our website. In order to secure a refund and allow us time to fill the open slot, you must withdraw your camper(s) within 10 business days. If a cancelation occurs within 5 business days, you can receive a partial refund.
Theatre Auditions 101: Nailing All of the Components
SPRING SESSION 2024
The Hershey Area Playhouse Theatre Academy joyfully introduces "Your Best Audition: Nailing All of the Components," a comprehensive series instructed by seasoned educators with expertise in their respective fields within the industry. Commencing on March 16th, the spring session spans six weeks, with classes taking place each Saturday. This program is meticulously designed to furnish young performers with the essential tools for delivering successful auditions, both in secondary school and beyond.
Students can opt to enroll for the entire six-week duration or select specific sessions based on their preferences (families registering for all six weeks will enjoy a discounted rate). The concluding week will culminate in an audition workshop, featuring a distinguished guest actively engaged in the theatre industry.
Details:
Grades: 7-12
Timing: 1.5 hours per class, with the the final class requiring additional time.
Cost: $50 per session; $275 in total for students registering for all sessions (a savings of $25).
Instructors: Two teachers per session. Final auditions will involve a panel of teachers alongside a special guest from The Theatre Academy.
March 16, 10a-11:30a How to Pick the Perfect Monologue
Delve into monologues with experienced actors and teachers, Debra Macut and Melissa Moad. They'll assist you in selecting a monologue that suits you, considering your gender, age, and maturity. Exploring both dramatic and comedic options, they'll guide you to grasp the meaning within the context, letting the words convey emotion genuinely.
Throughout the session, practice and study at home are emphasized. In the final class, participants will perform their monologues for the audition panel, receiving valuable feedback essential for growth.
March 23, 10a-11:30a How to Pick the Perfect Song
Jonathan Walker-VanKuren, professor of music theatre at Lebanon Valley College, along with Stacy Erdman, will evaluate students' vocal abilities on multiple levels. The focal questions guiding this session revolve around the story the students are conveying and how they want an audition panel to perceive that narrative.
The emphasis of this session is to assist students in discovering the ideal song or songs that complement their individual vocal instruments. Selecting the right piece of music is crucial for a successful audition, and students will depart with at least two song options and various cuts suitable for different auditions. Participants are encouraged to bring any existing audition songs from their repertoire, but the session also welcomes those without pre-selected songs.
March 30 OFF for Easter Weekend
April 6, 10a-11:30a How to Prepare for the Dance Audition
Dena McKell has been a dance instructor and choreographer for over 20 years. She and Jada Webb will help prepare the skilled dancer, and the novice, for a dance audition. What types of dance should a student be familiar with? How much should one know to present him or herself well? How does he/she prepare when he/she is not sure what will be asked of them? Dena and Jada will help assess each student’s level of knowledge and maturity in dance and will teach them to understand the best tactics for audition preparation.
April 13, 10a-11:30a How to Create a Video Audition
More and more community and professional theaters are asking for video auditions, Hershey Area Playhouse included! Our experienced educators Ashley Winkler and Sierra Fields will take this session to teach students how a video audition is different from an in-person one. Finding the right space, lighting, sound barriers, camera and camera settings are major factors in presenting oneself on screen. The steps in this process and creating examples in class are all part of this important session. Students are invited to come prepared to get on camera, no better way to practice than getting into it!
April 20, 10a-11:30a The Business of Auditions
This session provides valuable insights into the business aspects of auditioning. The Hershey Area Playhouse is partnering with Lauren Alteah Photography to offer headshots for all participants in this session. Additionally, Rosemary Bucher, an arts administrator, graphic designer, and theatre educator, will share tips and tricks on crafting an outstanding resume. The focus is on creating a resume that effectively showcases each participant's abilities and achievements in the Arts.
Whether the resume is intended for a current job application or for post-high school studies, Rosemary's practical and creative ideas are designed to be applicable throughout one's lifetime of resume-building.
April 27, 10a-1p The Final Audition
Students who took part in any or all of the six audition sessions this spring will now have the privilege to showcase their talents in a final audition for Broadway luminary Patrick Connaghan and a distinguished panel comprising individuals from previous Audition 101 workshops. Patrick, renowned for his successful career in musical theatre, notably as part of the original cast of "Bandstand," brings his wealth of experience to this unique audition scenario. It's important to note that this audition doesn't guarantee a specific role; rather, it provides an earnest evaluation of each participant's skills in various disciplines.
For the students involved, this experience promises not only encouragement for their current efforts but also invaluable insights on how they can enhance their abilities for future pursuits.
SUMMER 2024
June Performance Camp: June 10-21, 2024
Monday-Friday; June 21
Evening Performances 6:30pm
Once again the Theatre Academy offers their June performance camp to students going into grades 1-12. Each class will prepare and present a scripted show, created or chosen by the lead teachers. Each student will have the opportunity to audition, be cast in the show, memorize lines, learn blocking and staging, and finally perform for friends and family members. No prior experience is necessary. Qualified teachers for the Theatre Academy will educate, support and encourage your student to play their role to the best of their abilities and have a great time doing it. Join this energized, fast-paced, educational opportunity for students in the greater Hershey area.
Students attend class each day June 10-14 and 17-21
1-3 grades meeting 9a-10:30a
4-6 grades meeting 10:30a-12:30p
7-12 grades meeting 1:30p-4:30p
The final performances are June 21 from 6:30p-8:30p with friends and family members welcome to attend. Please register at www.hersheyareaplayhouse.com under the Theatre Academy. Registration will end Friday, May 24. Cost for the camp is grades 1-3 $150; grades 4-6 $190; grades 7-12 $260, plus a registration fee.
Theatre Academy July Camp
in conjunction with the Hershey Gardens
a partnership of 11 years!
Dates: July 8-12 and 15-19, 2023
with Performance July 19 at Noon
Grades: 4-8
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm Monday-Friday plus performance on Friday, July 19 at 12:00pm at the Hershey Gardens in the outdoor theatre in the Kids Garden Amphitheater. As part of the camp fee, two tickets for the Gardens will be given to each registered family for the final Friday and a tshirt for each camper.
Mondays: meet at the Hershey Area Playhouse and
Tuesday-Friday: meet at the Hershey Gardens
Cost for the 2-week camp: $275 plus registration fee
Once again the Hershey Area Playhouse will partner with the Hershey Gardens to offer a special two-week camp for 4th-8th graders. With the exception of Mondays at the Playhouse, students will meet in the Gardens and explore the beauty and vastness of the area. The camp will meet in the Education Center for an indoor space and outside in the outdoor theatre and surroundings. Our 11th Anniversary show, The Jungle Book, written by Rudyard Kipling and adapted by our own Jennifer Feldser, is about Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves in the jungle. The story includes fun and frightening adventures with familiar characters Baloo, the bear, and the dangerous tiger, Shere Khan. The performance will be complete with auditions, casting of 30 campers, acting games, rehearsals, memorized lines, blocking and fight coordination. We will add costumes, props and small set pieces for a polished show in only two weeks! Our qualified Theatre Academy teachers and counselors are looking forward to getting back to the Gardens and working with, and enjoying, your children.
Only 30 campers will be cast in the show, each one with a speaking role, so register soon! Please make sure your child can attend every day of the camp before registering. Much is accomplished every day!
A Google Form will be sent out to registrants to capture more detailed information about your child, including name, grade, tshirt size etc.
For more information contact Jill Panyard, jillpanyard@gmail.com
Hershey Area Playhouse: 830 Cherry Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
Hershey Gardens: 170 Hotel Road, Hershey, PA 17033
Registration information
Registration is open now. Click at the link below or visit hap.booktix.com.
The Hershey Area Playhouse is committed to providing a safe learning and performing space for students, parents, and staff. All programs will adhere to CDC and Playhouse safety guidelines.