Spring Term at KCT’s Creative Dramatics Academy runs for a length of six weeks. Most classes will culminate in a showcase or open class presentation for family and friends at the end of the term. The cost for the term is $180 per student, except for Tiny Thespians (a one hour class) $150, and If You Build It is $120.
Upon completion of class, each student will receive 2 complimentary tickets to an upcoming KCT performance.
To reserve a seat in any class, or for more information: use the online submission form at:
knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com/education
You will receive registration info, via e-mail, upon inquiry. Enrollment is only guaranteed upon receipt of deposit of 50% of tuition.
Please include your child’s name, age, a telephone number, and which class you are interested in.
HOME SCHOOL
Introduction to Acting, Ages 10 – 12
Wednesdays on on 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Instructor: Laura Beth Wells
This class is designed to develop the confidence and creativity of the actor. Students will study correct vocal projection, stage movement, character development, and objective based acting. The class begins with group exercises and will also include opportunities for individual development and partner work. The instructor will draw material from classic plays for scene and text study.
Ages 4 -5
Tiny Thespians presents SO MANY BUNNIES
Thursdays on 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 5/2, 5/09, 5/16
4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Instructor: Julia Stark
Students will learn about the various dramatic elements of a play, including plot, setting, and character. Students will also be introduced to a technical element of theatre, such as costume or scenic design, through weekly crafts. This class includes lots of fun exercises and games, and will culminate in a showcase performance for friends and family on the final day of class. No reading ability or prior experience required.
Ages 6-7
Page To Stage presents PETER RABBIT
Wednesdays on 4/3, 4/10, 4/17, 5/1, 5/8, 5/15
4:30 PM to 6 PM
Instructor: Julia Stark
This class draws on the high-energy and creativity of this age group in order to introduce our youngest thespians to the basic concepts of theatre. Students will learn about the theatrical elements of plot, setting, theme, and character through the medium of storytelling. Each day students will focus on a particular element through show and tell, a craft, group story time, and beginning theatre games. The class will culminate in a group retelling of this story.
Ages 8-9
How To Be In A Play: The Basics of Rehearsal Technique and Character Building
Mondays on 4/1, 4/8, 4/16, 4/30, 5/6, 5/13
4:30 PM to 6 PM
In this class students learn about what happens in a rehearsal and are introduced to basic techniques to help them feel confident and prepared. Students will learn what it means to take blocking, make character choices, and how to do character research. Blending acting exercises with the experience of a rehearsal process, it’s ideal for beginners as well as returning students looking to sharpen their skills.
AGES 8-10
Voice and Diction
Tuesdays on 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 5/30, 5/7, 5/14
4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Instructor: Michelle Fratus
Young actors are hindered by two major vocal issues: correct stage projection and vocal variation (the ability to sound older, younger, dialects, emotional…etc). This voice and diction class is an opportunity to strengthen and explore the range of your unique voice. Starting with the fundamentals of projection and enunciation, the class will build up to developing a pleasing quality and the ability to produce different tones for various emotions and character types.
Audition Workshop
Thursdays on 4/4, 4/11, 4/18, 5/2, 5/09, 5/16
4:30 PM to 6 PM
Instructor: Laura Beth Wells
This class is an introduction the general audition, and students will leave the class with at least one suitable monologue that they will learn to present in a professional manner. The class concentrates on the monologue-form of audition but also includes instruction in cold reading and the interactive or working audition. This class is primarily focused on individual work, so it is open to actors aged 10 & up: the class may be repeated.
Ages 10-11
Character Through Improv
Saturdays on 4/6, 4/13, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Instructor: Emily Helton
Using the fundamental tools of improvisational theatre, this class will help students free their imaginations and learn to develop fresh and inventive characterization. Through classic and innovative improve game and exercises, students will learn to think creatively, positively, and decidedly out of the box- all while honing important acting skills: presence, projection, and physical transformation. Suitable for beginners and students with experience.
Ages 11 & up
If You Build It…Scenic Design from Paper to Stage
Saturdays on 4/13, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11
10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Instructor: JP Schuffman
Intended for potential scene designers who are interested in how a design goes from drawings on the page to a fully constructed set. This class will focus on the practical skills for researching and purchasing building materials, constructing set pieces, safe and effective tool usage, time management, and other facets of the set build. Students should have some experience with set design although prior set building experience is not necessary.
Ages 12 & up
Acting 101
Tuesdays on 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 5/30, 5/7, 5/14 4:30 PM to 6 PM
This class is designed to develop the confidence and creativity of the actor. Students will study correct vocal projection, stage movement, character development, and objective based acting. The class begins with group exercises and will also include opportunities for individual development and partner work. The class concludes with a brief showcase of scene work.
ADVANCED SESSIONS
Acting 3, Shakespeare
Mondays on 4/1, 4/8, 4/16, 4/30, 5/6, 5/13 4:30 PM to 6 PM
Instructor: Dennis E. Perkins
This class is for advanced students interested in a practical and approachable method of acting Shakespeare. We will explore the different ways to approach (and, hopefully, demystify) blank verse and heightened language, how to act set speeches and soliloquies, how to search the text for performance clues, and learn more than a few tips and tricks for understanding the delicate approach to classical theatre through modern acting methods.
Summer Term at KCT’s Creative Dramatics Academy consists of 5 days of intensive sessions. Most classes will culminate in a “showcase” presentation for family and friends at the end of the term.
To reserve a seat in any class, or for more information: use the online submission form at knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com. You will receive registration info, via e-mail, upon inquiry. 50% of the class fee must be received in order to guarantee enrollment.
Upon completion of class, each student will receive 2 complimentary tickets to an upcoming KCT performance.
To reserve a seat in any class, or for more information: use the online submission form at:
knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com/education
You will receive registration info, via e-mail, upon inquiry. Enrollment is only guaranteed upon receipt of deposit of 50% of tuition.
Please include your child’s name, age, a telephone number, and which class you are interested in.
AGES 4 -5
Tiny Thespians (Ages 4-5) presents “The Hungry Caterpillar”, $150
June 24 – 28
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
OR
Tiny Thespians (Ages 4-5) presents “Giraffes Can’t Dance”, $150
July 8-12
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Students will learn about the various dramatic elements of a play, including plot, setting, and character. Students will also be introduced to a technical element of theatre, such as costume or scenic design, through weekly crafts. This class includes lots of fun exercises and games, and will culminate in a showcase performance for friends and family on the final day of class. No reading ability or prior experience required.
AGES 6-7
Page to Stage (Ages 6-7) presents A Pirate’s Life For Me $300
June 17-21
8:30 – 12:30
Ahoy Matey! Climb aboard the S.S KCT and see if you have what it takes to be a pirate! Through high-energy theatre games, exercises, songs, a daily craft, and the introduction of technical elements (set, costumes, props, and sound), students will receive an introduction to the process of taking a play from page (the first read-thru) to the stage (final performance). The week will culminate in a final showcase for family and friends of pirate songs and a scripted version of the book How I Became a Pirate. Some experience and/or reading ability recommended..
Page to Stage (Ages 6 -7) presents Aesop’s Adventures $240
June 24-28
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
This class draws on the high-energy and creativity of this age group in order to introduce our youngest thespians to the basic concepts of theatre. Students will learn about the theatrical elements of plot, setting, theme, and character through the medium of storytelling. Each day students will focus on a particular element through show and tell, a craft, group story time, and beginning theatre games. The class will culminate in a group retelling of a classic fairy tale.
Page to Stage (Ages 6 -7) presents Under the Sea $240
July 22-26
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Under and over the waves lies a lot of adventure! Sound fishy? You bet it is! Through high-energy theatre games, exercises, songs, a daily craft, and the introduction of technical elements (set, costumes, props, and sound), students will receive an introduction to the process of taking a play from page (the first read-thru) to the stage (final performance). Some experience and/or reading ability recommended.
AGES 8-9
Beginning Acting (Ages 8-9) Finding a Character: Movement and Improv $240
June 17 – 21
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
In this camp students learn how to create distinctive character through their physical action and then to place the characters in improv situations that require quick thinking and a great imagination. The class includes skill building games, scenes, and exercises to help them build better characters from the feet up! The week culminates in a showcase for family and friends.
Improv Acting (Ages 8-9)
July 8-12
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Using the fundamental tools of improvisational theatre, this class will help students free their imaginations and learn to develop fresh and inventive characterization. Through classic and innovative improve game and exercises, students will learn to think creatively, positively, and decidedly out of the box- all while honing important acting skills: presence, projection, and physical transformation. Suitable for beginners and students with experience.
Beginning Acting (Ages 8-9) presents The Wonderful World of Roald Dahl $240
July 15-19
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
In this class, students will explore the exciting world of characters from the works of Roald Dahl. KCT staff members have designed this class to channel the incredible energy of this age group into different characters and theatrical creations. Each class will begin with an introductory concept or skill of the theatre and acting for the stage. Students will practice through group acting games, performance activities, and beginning scene study and character development. This class is designed for students with little to no theatre experience who are interested in exploring the art of acting.
AGES 10-11
Acting 1 (Ages 10-11) Life in Narnia $300
June 17 – 21
12:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
In this fantasy-based class, students will learn the basics of character acting and how to build mythical and non-human characters, as they are often called upon to do at KCT. The class will feature exercises, theatre games, an introduction technical elements, and the opportunity to do scene work with such KCT favorites as The Hobbit, Wind in the Willows, and The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.
Beginning Acting (Ages 10-11) $240
June 24-28
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
KCT staff members have designed this class to channel the incredible energy of this age group into different characters and theatrical creations. Each class will begin with an introductory concept or skill of the theatre and acting for the stage. Students will practice through group acting games, performance activities, and beginning scene study and character development. This class is designed for students with little to no theatre experience who are interested in exploring the art of acting.
A1B Rehearsal Techniques & Scene Study (Ages 10-11) $240
July 15-19
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
In this class, students learn to develop their acting skills through physical expression and are introduced to elements of modern realistic acting by way of character analysis based on a character’s objective, or goal, in a scene. Actors are also introduced to the language and fundamental elements of rehearsal and staging. Each class includes warm-up exercises and games to help develop physical and vocal skill and foster imagination and confidence.
AGES 12 & UP
Acting 2 (Ages 12 & up) Into The Wardrobe $300
June 24-28
12:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
In this fantasy-based class, students will learn the basics of character acting and how to build mythical and non-human characters, as they are often called upon to do at KCT. The class will feature exercises, theatre games, an introduction to technical elements, and the opportunity to do scene work with such KCT favorites as The Hobbit, Wind in the Willows, and The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.
Acting 101 (Ages 12 to 14) $240
June 17-21
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This class is designed to develop the confidence and creativity of the actor. Students are introduced to the fundamentals of acting both physical and imaginative, including correct vocal projection, stage movement, character development, and objective based character. The class begins with group exercises and include opportunities for individual development and partner work as students apply their skills to a script. The class concludes with a brief showcase of scene work.
Monologue Writing: The Power of Your Personal Stories $250
July 8-12
1pm – 4pm
In the modern world, artists increasingly engage in content creation – sometimes solo and often in collaborative environments. In this workshop students will learn to write dynamic personal monologues for performance. By working in teams, students will create engaging and meaningful monologues and learn the value of collaboration and listening. The class features guided discussions and feedback on how to explore elements of dramatic structure, including theatricality, the role of conflict, plot, communicating subtext, voice, narrative, the importance of “set-up” and how to present and perform their work for an audience. The session concludes with an informal presentation of the work produced during the week.
Musical Theatre (Ages 12 – 14) Move, Sing, Act! $300
July 22-26
1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Musical Theatre is the marriage of three distinct performance skills into one powerful theatre moment. In this class students will learn to develop and combine those skillsets through music, movement and a strong connection to character. Through appropriate selections from the Broadway repertoire, students focus on developing expressive communication and building performance skills through voice and choreography.
ADVANCED SESSIONS
SPECIAL EDITION: Acting with Accent $260
June 10- June 14
6/10: 10 am – 2 pm, 6/11 – 6/14: 10 am – 12 pm
David Brian Alley
Many young actors think that acting with accents is an easy and surface addition to a role. But using any vocal alteration creates a number of challenges for actors (of all ages) that require special consideration beyond vocal clarity and audibility. In this Special Edition scene study class, students will learn how to make strong character choices based on textual analysis and imaginative work and how to incorporate English Received Pronunciation fully into the fabric of a role to create an authentic and rich characterization. David Brian Alley is an Artist-In-Residence at UTK where he teaches Acting and Play Analysis in the Undergraduate program, performs regularly with the Clarence Brown Theatre Company, and coaches dialect.
SPECIAL EDITION: Ensemble Acting (Ages 12-14) $240
July 15-19
1pm – 4pm
Aleah Vassell
In this camp, students will learn what it takes to build and work as an ensemble – a cohesive, creative group focused on creating a unique and powerful expression of theatre. Participants will also work on methods of building a story as a theatrical event through both imaginative text-based work and use of movement as communication in performance. This Special Edition class is taught by Aleah Vassell, an MFA Candidate at The University of Tennessee.
Stage Management Essentials $100
Tuesday, June 11
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
This day camp will cover the technique and practice of stage management including organizational requirements, methods for rehearsal documentation, composition of a professional prompt book, and more. The class includes practical exercises for the recording of blocking, the creation and execution of shift plots, recording and running cues for technical elements, and running clean cue to cue rehearsals.
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