Act Sing Education Catalogue Dance* * *
Passion Creativity Curi * osity* * At the STAGES Performing Arts Academy our mission is to inspire these attributes within students of all ages while providing the highest quality professional training in the musical theatre arts. Our sequential curriculum as well as our unique Access the Arts specialized and inclusive classes and our scholarship programs provide a range of opportunities that reveal the beauty of the performing arts to any interested student. So whatever your age or experience level, whether you re a new or continuing student, look inside and discover your artistic home at STAGES. I have learned that musical theatre opens its arms to everyone, and for this I thank STAGES with all of my heart. Madison, age 16, Wildwood Sincerely,... Rob Grumich, Director of Education & Outreach About STAGES Performing Arts Academy: 2. Acting 4. Voice 6. Dance 8. Musical Theatre 10. Access the Arts 12. Specialty Programs 13. Community Programs 14. TeamSTAGES 16. Policies & Registration 1.
Acting Programs Acting Sampler Classes Ages 3-5 These theme-based, 7-week trial classes such as Fairytale Mix Up and Seuss on the Loose focus on using creative drama to explore the pages of different stories while creating simple props to accompany the action. Students will bring characters from everyone s favorite stories to life. Acting Up! Ages 3-5 Young performers will unlock their creative imaginations in this fun acting class. Students will build acting skills working with traditional stories and classic characters. Imagination Theatre Ages 6-8 Students will use their imaginations and physicality to re-create stories, both familiar and new, while learning basic elements of theatre. Simple props and costume pieces will be added to complete the imaginary transformation. Introduction to Acting Ages 6-8 This is the perfect class for students to begin or continue acting training. Basic tools of the actor are learned through improvisation, character development and script exercises. Acting I Ages 9-12 & 13-18 Students create characters and develop imaginary relationships in a fun, creative environment. Through class projects, students develop an expressive voice and body while discovering the actor s process. Acting IB Ages 9-12 & 13-18 Prerequisite: Acting I Students will build on the foundation established in Acting I as they refine their skills with more complex acting scenarios and character exercises. Acting II: Scene Study Ages 9-12 & 13-18 Prerequisite: Acting IB Students continue to expand their understanding of the craft through on your feet exploration. Objectives, obstacles, beats and conflict are incorporated into this class. Acting IIB: Scene Study Ages 9-12 & 13-18 Prerequisite: Acting II This advanced class builds upon skills learned in previous courses. Students will continue advanced scene work in this class for serious acting students. Acting III Ages 13-18 Prerequisite: Audition This pre-professional class will challenge experienced performers with various topics offered on rotation each semester including advanced scene study, acting styles, writing, directing and monologue development. Students receive one-on-one training within a small group environment. Improvisation Ages 9-12 & 13-18 Students explore the physical and vocal creation of character through various improvisation games. This course requires quick thinking, strong choices and full involvement important skills for any actor. Adult Acting Studio Ages 18+ Students experiment with a variety of scenes and monologues while studying the essential elements of acting character objectives, obstacles, beats, conflict and relationships. Acting The Acting curriculum at STAGES develops creative and well-rounded performers who maximize their physical, vocal and creative potential. As students move through advancing levels, an equal emphasis is also placed on analysis of the craft of acting as well as theatrical literature. STAGES is the only professional theatre company in St. Louis with a performing arts academy. Through taking acting classes at STAGES, I ve learned that I love making people laugh and that my audience loves surprises. George, age 11, Florissant 3.
* * Voice Voice classes at STAGES focus on musicality, vocal technique and vocabulary. As students move through class levels refining and broadening individual techniques, a continued emphasis is placed on each student s healthy production and projection of sound. * Singing makes me feel like I can express myself in a new and different way. Sarah, age 14, Wildwood Voice Programs Music Sampler Classes Ages 3-5 These theme-based 7-week music classes such as Jungle Jives and Sounds of the Sea are a great introduction to music for any young student. Music & Me Ages 3-5 Students use instruments and a variety of songs from musical theatre shows to create rhythms and beats while learning to correctly use their singing voices. Singin Kids Classics Ages 6-8 Young singers discover their voices along with basic music and listening skills while performing songs from their favorite musicals. Group Voice I Ages 9-12 & 13-18 Students continue to develop their voices, focusing on basic vocal technique including work on proper breathing, diction and projection. Group Voice II Ages 9-12 & 13-18 Prerequisite: Group Voice I or Director s consent Students continue developing particular vocal skills with more challenging material while progressing toward individualized study. Group Voice III Ages 13-18 Prerequisite: Group Voice II or Director s consent Students expand vocal skills with more complex musical pieces featuring intricate harmonies. This class focuses on solos in addition to ensemble singing. Sight Singing Ages 9-12 & 13+ In this fun, participation-oriented class, students will focus on reading rhythms and pitches using solfege syllables and techniques developed by Kodaly. Ideally, students will learn to recognize leaps and steps in melodic lines, as well as note names. Adult Group Voice Age 18+ Students learn proper vocal technique and train their voices for challenging solo and ensemble singing. Private Lessons Prerequisite: Group Voice or Director s consent Call the Academy for details on these personalized lessons. STAGES has 6 professional studios for class and practice. STAGES was so supportive in providing a scholarship for my son to continue classes after discovering his love of performing in their community program at the St. Louis County Library. Veronica, STAGES Parent 4.
Dance Programs Movin to the Beat Ages 3-5 Our creative movement class for young students provides an introduction to dance. Students develop coordination, imagination, memory, musicality and self-confidence. Pre-Ballet Ages 3-5 Basic ballet positions and simple steps will be learned in this class for beginning students. In addition, students will work on basic motor skills including gallops, skips and leaps. Ballet/Jazz/Tap Combo Ages 6-8 Students will begin work at the barre, in center and across the floor while refining fundamentals of ballet, jazz and tap technique and vocabulary. Students who choose to repeat this class will work on more complex steps in subsequent semesters. Ballet/Jazz Technique I Ages 9-12 & 13-18 This introductory class is for students who want to develop a strong dance foundation with a focus on ballet and jazz dance technique. Students will learn dance vocabulary and proper body placement. Ballet/Jazz Technique IB Ages 9-12 & 13-18 Prerequisite: Ballet/Jazz Technique I This class will continue to build upon vocabulary and steps learned in preceding classes. Students will continue to work on flexibility, strength and presentation. Ballet/Jazz Technique II Ages 9-12 & 13-18 Prerequisite: Ballet/Jazz Technique IB This intermediate class is for students with some previous dance training. Students will continue working on proper ballet and jazz technique including barre exercises, progressions and center combinations. Ballet/Jazz Ages 9-12 & 13-18 Technique IIB Prerequisite: Ballet/Jazz Technique II This advanced class will focus on performance quality. Students will continue to practice dance technique and develop new skills. Musical Theatre/ Ages 9-12 & 13-18 Tap Dance I This introductory class incorporates various musical theatre and tap combinations while working with material from different genres and choreographers. Musical Theatre/ Ages 9-12 & 13-18 Tap Dance IB Prerequisite: Musical Theatre/ Tap Dance I Students will continue studying basic tap steps and rhythms in addition to various musical theatre dance styles in this continuing class. Musical Theatre/ Ages 9-12 & 13-18 Tap Dance II Prerequisite: Musical Theatre/ Tap Dance IB Building on basic technique, this class will focus on more advanced rhythms and musical theatre combinations. Musical Theatre/ Ages 9-12 & Ages 13+ Tap Dance IIB Prerequisite: Musical Theatre/ Tap Dance II Well-trained dancers will study complex, advanced dance styles and combinations as well as the work of influential musical theatre choreographers. Hip Hop Dance Ages 6-8, 9-12 & 13-18 Students will learn the latest dance steps and combinations to current pop music in this class. No previous dance training is required. Contemporary Dance Ages 9-12 & 13-18 A fusion of ballet, modern, lyrical, and jazz; contemporary dance is an expressive dance style that encourages free movement and interpretation. Previous dance experience is preferred but not required. Adult Dance Classes Ages 18+ Beginning, intermediate and advanced tap classes are offered each semester for adults. Intermediate ballet, jazz and contemporary adult classes are offered on rotation. Dance Dance classes at STAGES provide students well-rounded training through progressive levels of the traditional disciplines as well as specialized style classes. While establishing a fun and encouraging class environment, teachers emphasize proper physical technique and vocabulary essential for any level of performer. Our instructors have appeared in 500+ professional productions. I love dancing with the friends I ve made at STAGES. Kylie, age 9, Fenton 7.
Musical Theatre Integrating the arts of acting, singing and dance, Musical Theatre classes provide students experience with a broad range of increasingly complex theatrical styles while training their voices, minds and bodies to perform this thrilling and truly American art form. 16 of our instructors have Master s degrees in their fields. The teachers at STAGES encourage me to go for my dreams and be myself Erin, age 10, Chesterfield Musical Theatre Programs Musical Theatre Ages 3-5 Sampler Classes In these theme-based 7-week classes students will dance and sing songs from musicals such as THE LITTLE MERMAID and MARY POPPINS. These classes include introductory theatre play, simple choreography and vocal instruction. Broadway Babies Ages 3-5 This active class incorporates a variety of age-appropriate songs to introduce children to the musical theatre arts of singing, dancing and acting as they develop listening skills and learn to work as an ensemble. Magical Musical Theatre Ages 6-8 While exploring new material from delightful musical theatre classics, students will experience the magic of musical theatre performance as they have fun combining the arts of singing, acting and dancing. Kids on Broadway Ages 6-8 Prerequisite: Magical Musical Theatre Students will build on their prior experience in Magical Musical Theatre as they work on material from modern and classic Broadway musicals. Musical Theatre I: Ages 9-12 & 13-18 Broadway s Best This class for students just beginning musical theatre study, incorporates classic musicals such as those from Rodgers & Hammerstein to contemporary pieces by Stephen Schwartz. Students will develop acting, singing and dancing skills with a focus on Broadway s best musicals. Musical Theatre IB: Ages 9-12 & 13-18 Pop Sensations Prerequisite: Musical Theatre I Students will work as an ensemble on singing, musical comedy skills, a variety of dance styles and acting while performing some of musical theatre s hottest pop hits including GREASE, LEGALLY BLONDE and HAIRSPRAY. Musical Theatre II: Ages 9-12 & 13-18 Through the Years Prerequisite: Musical Theatre IB Students will travel through time in this class focusing on material from different eras of American musical theatre. The class will begin with the first modern musical SHOW BOAT, progress to standards such as the classic GUYS AND DOLLS and follow through to contemporary hits like WICKED. Musical Theatre IIB: Ages 9-12 & 13-18 Hidden Gems Prerequisite: Musical Theatre II Discover Broadway s Golden Age of the 1940s and 1950s in this advanced musical theatre class. From THE BOYFRIEND to DAMN YANKEES, students will learn material from many famous and not-so-famous shows that were important in helping make musical theatre what it is today. Musical Theatre Ages 6-8, 9-12 & 13-18 Performance Classes Prerequisite: One year of Musical Theatre study In these spring semester classes, experienced students will put into practice skills learned in previous training. These themed offerings balance the classroom experience with a focus on more refined performance skills and culminate in an expanded, end-of-the-session showcase performance. Audition Prep Ages 9-12 & 13+ Students work intensively, studying audition etiquette, material selection and performance choices within an audition. Movement, vocal and acting skills will be tested in this special class designed to improve auditioning skills. 8.
Access the Arts Programs Stories on Stage Ages 6-9 Students explore the world of performing arts with this fun and highly interactive musical theatre class. Movement, music and dramatic skills are used by creating characters and stories while building important motor and communication skills. Performing the Part Ages 10-14 Students will sing and dance as they refine their work on fun, new musical theatre numbers. Through these efforts and various creative drama exercises, students will continue to develop their performing talents while also refining important motor and communication skills all in a positive and supportive environment. On Broadway Ages 15+ Students will continue to develop performance technique while also improving motor and communication skills. Students will be given personalized attention in an intimate classroom environment as they learn some of the same pieces as our performing troupe. In this fun, unique, developmental class students will also have specialized performance opportunities. Access the Arts: Acting Ages 10-14 & 15+ Access the Arts: Voice Access the Arts: Dance These three Access the Arts classes which focus on the specific disciplines of the musical theatre arts are offered by the Academy on a rotating schedule. Designed to supplement the core Access the Arts musical theatre program, these classes will focus on basic skill development in each of these performing disciplines. In this small, personalized setting, the goal for students will be participating in dance, acting or voice classes in an inclusive setting or simply enjoying a fun, creative outlet! Troupe Broadway Ages 14+ Troupe Broadway was developed to provide a serious performance outlet for interested students. The group rehearses weekly and performs throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area at special events. Call the Academy to schedule an audition. For booking information, contact Rob Grumich at 636.530.5959. Access * the * arts These unique STAGES programs are designed to make the beauty of the musical theatre arts accessible to all young people and have been specially created for students with physical, cognitive or developmental delays. STAGES presents the opportunity of possibility and recognizes potential in everyone regardless of who they are. Phillip, age 18, Access the Arts Student, St. Louis * STAGES Access the Arts program is the only one of its kind in the region. 11.
Specialty Programs In addition to weekly classes at the Academy, STAGES offers several classes and workshops. Through these unique programs, STAGES promotes involvement in the performing arts and gives all groups the opportunity to experience the art of musical theatre. For more information and specific dates and times, please visit our website. Community Programs Aside from the Performing Arts Academy, STAGES has become a leader in developing partnerships with various community-based organizations. Unique musical theatre programs utilizing professional teaching artists are individually designed and implemented in collaboration with schools, community centers and other youth organizations throughout the greater St. Louis metropolitan area. Scout Workshops: STAGES provides opportunities for Girl and Boy Scouts to earn their performing arts badges in addition to fun workshops and overnights for scouts featuring comedy improvisation, puppet making and musical theatre. Birthday Parties: Make your birthday wish come true. Themed birthday parties are available at STAGES. Each personalized party includes 45 minutes of entertainment and 45 minutes for cake and gift opening. Stories @ STAGES: These interactive monthly readings are performed by STAGES artists for young children. The story is followed by dramatic play activities and a craft coordinating with the story of the day. Attendance is free, although registration is required. See our website for details. Club STAGES: Club STAGES is the hippest, coolest place to be on Friday nights. Pre-teens and teens are invited to bust a move, croon a tune and show off their inner self at these high-energy events led by STAGES artists. Registration is required. In the past three years, over 70 Community Education Programs from STAGES have served more than 10,000 young people and adults in the St. Louis area. Included within these programs are those through the STAGES Urban Arts Initiative where programs ranging from one-hour workshops to 40-hour residencies, serving over 1,500 underserved students are implemented at no cost to the school. For more information about bringing Community Education Programs from STAGES to your school or community organization, contact Rob Grumich at 636.530.5959. STAGES offers over 25 residencies each year in partnership with 18 different community organizations. Master Classes: STAGES offers specialized one-time workshops with professionals every semester. View upcoming classes and register on our website at www.stagesstlouis.org. www.stagesstlouis.org 636.530.5959 We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with STAGES ST. LOUIS. Without them, our students would not have access to quality arts programming. Don Danforth III, President & Co-Founder, City Academy 12. 13.
The region s premier teen a cappella ensemble, TeamSTAGES was developed in 2007 to give pre-professional artists the opportunity to perform throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area. The elite, diverse group was selected from hundreds of teens from across the region. Knowing I have brightened someone s day through performing in my community makes me feel great, like I m making a difference. Zuri, age 17, Florissant TeamSTAGES has accumulated many credits including performances at art festivals, community and corporate events and Walt Disney World. In addition, the young artists attend monthly master classes and semi-weekly rehearsals as they continue their education and prepare for a life in the arts. Auditions for the group are held every spring at the STAGES Performing Arts Academy. For more information or to book, call Christine Goldmann at 636.530.5959. 14.
STAGES Policies Registration Confirmation/Receipt Registration may be completed online, by phone or in person. Students are registered upon receipt of $15 registration fee and 50% of total tuition. The remaining 50% is due the first day of class. Registration confirmation will be sent when an email address is provided. Scholarship Please call the Academy for information regarding financial assistance. Refunds Notice of withdrawal must be made in writing to the Director of Education & Outreach. If withdrawal is made before the class begins, a full refund will be provided. If withdrawal is made after the first class and before the third class meeting, only 50% of the tuition cost will be refunded. If withdrawal is made after the third class meeting, no refund will be made. Registration fees are non-refundable. If for any reason STAGES cancels a scheduled course before the first class, you will be notified no later than one week in advance and a full refund for that course will be provided. Attendance Policy Attendance at each class meeting is expected. Please do not sign up for a course if you know you will be unable to attend more than two classes. Refunds will not be given for missed classes. Students are welcome to arrive early for class but, in order not to interrupt classes in session, they must stay in the community room until their class begins. Any disruptive behavior or inappropriate dress at the Academy during or outside of class time could result in the student s dismissal from the program. Wait Lists In order to keep student/ teacher ratios at an optimal level, each course has a maximum student enrollment that is enforced. Upon registering you will be notified if a particular course is full. Wait lists will be kept and you will be notified if an opening becomes available. Observation & Performances Classes will be open for observation once mid-semester and once at the end of each semester. All spring semester classes, except early childhood which perform in-house, will perform in our year-end showcase. Parents/ guardians/families are not allowed in the studio spaces unless it is an open observation day. Please feel free to wait in the community room and lobby areas for your student to complete his/her class. Holidays & Inclement Weather The Academy does not hold classes the weekend after Thanksgiving or during our one-week Spring Break. Please see current semester information for specific dates. Closings will be broadcast on local television stations KTVI, KSDK, KMOV and on our website. Please always call the Academy on the days in question, for up-to-date information on closings and delays. If an individual class meeting is canceled due to inclement weather, a make-up time will be arranged and posted at the Academy. Contact Information STAGES Performing Arts Academy 444 Chesterfield Center Chesterfield, MO 63017 Phone: 636.530.5959 Fax: 636.530.5933 www.stagesstlouis.org Register online, by phone or in person. Rob Grumich, Director of Education & Outreach rgrumich@stagesstlouis.org Christine Goldmann, Associate Director of Education cgoldmann@stagesstlouis.org 16.
444 Chesterfield Center Chesterfield, MO 63017 636.530.5959 www.stagesstlouis.org Programming support provided by: Anonymous The Bohle Scholarship Fund City of Chesterfield The Caleb C. and Julia W. Dula Educational & Charitable Foundation Employees Community Fund of Boeing St. Louis Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation Dierbergs E. Reuben & Gladys Flora Grant Charitable Trust Gerard & Irene Lane Education Fund Maritz Inc. Mary Ranken Jordan and Ettie A. Jordan Charitable Foundation Monsanto Fund Piening Family Fund Sachs Properties The Saigh Foundation Norman J. Stupp Foundation Susan B. Svejkosky Tribute Fund TALX Corporation Target Tilles Fund The Trio Foundation of St. Louis Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID St. Louis, MO Permit No. 5888