SPRING into Drama Training
Theatre Collingwood announces the second session of two new Drama Training Programs for Teens and for Adults begins in the spring: mid-March until May/June, 2012. The location is the new Production Centre, 65 Simcoe St., Studio 7 (across from the library).
The Adult session (ages 19+) runs for 10 weeks, 3 hours per class, beginning March 20, 2012.
The Teen session (High school, ages 14-18) will run for 12 weeks, 2.5 hours per class, beginning March 24, 2012. If there is sufficient interest, a weekday class may be arranged.
Both programs are for anyone interested in improving core presentation skills, building self confidence, and a broader understanding of the dramatic art form. The programs are not just for actor-types. The skills learned are highly transferable to: the workplace, the classroom, social situations…life in general. Experience is not required. Enthusiasm for learning is.
Taught by highly experienced teacher and theatre trainer, Michael Clipperton, ten adults and eight teens have had a ‘rollicking good time’ delving into vocalization, movement, improvisation, theatre games, comic monologues, dramatic scene study and yes, even stage combat during the inaugural winter session. The current attendees range in age from 13 to17 (teen program) and mid-20 to sixty (adult program). The participants represent a wide range of backgrounds: complete novice, school drama, university drama graduate, community theatre, photographer, writer, Toastmaster, salesperson, retired teacher. An open house showcasing the inaugural programs is scheduled for March 7 & 8 (RSVP is required).
Says Michael, “ What I’ve most enjoyed is the enthusiasm of the participants. They are eager to learn, and eager to put into practice what they have learned. Some of them had absolutely no experience in the theatre prior to coming to this class. I have seen everyone’s skills grow by leaps and bounds during our time together.”
Photos by Robert Burcher
Each class is limited to 12 participants, and each session culminates in a demonstration for friends & family.
Artistic Director, Steven Thomas comments, “Our new Drama Training programs fulfill Theatre Collingwood’s mandate to enrich the cultural life of our community. We plan to offer programs year-round geared to a variety of age and experience levels. For example, the March Break program for ages 7 – 13 is a stepping stone to the teen program.”
Theatre Collingwood gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Town of Collingwood in helping to launch these new training programs. Both agencies are dedicated to assist in building a healthy and vibrant cultural community.
The Government of Ontario currently offers a Children’s Activity Tax Credit for activities such as dramatic arts instruction for youth under 16 years of age. For more information: www.ontario.ca/finance.
Pre-registration is required. For detailed information and a registration form, please contact: Theatre Collingwood (705) 445-2200 / 1 (866) 382-2200, or visit the website: www.theatrecollingwood.com
Develop your creative talents! Register today.
