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Theatre Education at Encore! Theatre Arts
At Encore! Theatre Arts, our mission is to foster an appreciation for theatre arts in the community. Unlike our productions, for which actors must audition, our classes are open to all youth, regardless of prior experience and training.
Nothing can replace the lessons learned from the hands-on experience of performing in a play: understanding the value of team work, dedication, reliability, and integrity. Being part of a play is a magical experience and gives one a sense of pride when audiences see the "final product." However, theatre classes are vital in the development of young actors.
In producing a play, we work with all the actors to be the best that they can be, amidst all the responsibilties of making the entire production the best that it can be. In class, everything else is put aside and the focus is 100% on the student’s progress. Rather than directing a cast of 30 or 40 actors, we are teaching an intimate group of 8-10 students. In a play, young actors who have very little stage experience may be cast in roles with few lines. But in class, all children are assigned scenes and monologues and given plenty of “stage time” to practice techniques and develop their skills.
In addition, classes are open to everyone in a particular age group, so young actors can continue to learn and grow even when they are not working on the current production. By continuing to hone their skills, they have something new to offer at each audition and are that much closer to landing their dream role!
-Mindy Barker, Director of Youth Education
Winter Session Class Schedule
Spring Schedule Coming Soon!
Classes starting in January 2012:
Acting Foundations Ages 8-14 * Tuesdays 5:00-6:00 p.m. * 4-week session * Enroll Now!
This class for beginning/intermediate actors covers a variety of theatre basics and is recommended (but not required) for anyone interested in auditioning for an Encore! show. Students will learn about auditions, monologues, scene study, and improvisation. This class is designed to be repeated (if a student wishes) to reinforce the theatre techniques.
Class Dates: January 10, 17, 24, 31
Tuition: $85 Instructor: Mindy Barker
Baby Broadway Ages 4-7 * Tuesdays 4:15-5:00 p.m. * 4-week session * Enroll Now!
Children will be introduced to the world of performing arts through song, dance, and role-playing. They will enjoy learning to use their creativity and imagination by reenacting familar fairy tales and fables. Youngsters will learn expression, coordination, listening, and other essential skills through fun games and exercises.
Class Dates: January 10, 17, 24, 31
Tuition: $75 Instructor: Mindy Barker
Improv! Ages 12-18 * Thursdays 5:30-6:30 p.m. * 5-week session * Enroll Now!
No scripts! No memorization! Students will learn to act and react "in the moment" to their surroundings and other characters. Students will especially enjoy the hilarious improv games, in the style of the TV show, Who's Line Is It Anyway? Improv is a skill that takes practice, so returning students are more than welcome! This class ends with a performance for friends and family at Encore! Studio.
Class Dates: January 12, 19, 26 February 2, 9
Tuition: $85 Instructor: Mindy Barker
Foundations+ Workshop
WHO: Actors age 8-18
WHEN: Saturday, March 10 12:00-5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Encore! Studio, 1302-B E. 15th St.
COST: $75 ($55 if enrolled by February 15th)
Includes headshots, resume, one-on-one monologue coaching, Q & A session for actors and parents, and snacks/beverages
This is a condensed version of our Acting Foundations class, focusing on the fundamentals of theatre, plus some special extras! This is the PERFECT class for new actors, but even experienced actors can benefit from this workshop by receiving valuable monologue coaching, updated headshots, and resume polishing. Details:
- Acting Warmups & Improv Exercises: The workshop will begin with a short series of warmups, relaxation techniques, acting exercises, and improv games to encourage students to relax and have fun!
- Monologue Coaching: Students may bring a monologue to work on, or can choose one from our library when they arrive at the workshop. Each student will receive one-on-one coaching to practice/polish their monologue, and learn helpful skills tailored to their acting level. This may be a monologue chosen just for the learning experience, or one to be used for future auditions, competitions, scholarhips, etc.
- Theatre Resume Help: Workshop instructors can help students create a resume from scratch, or assist in updating a current resume for theatre work. Each student will go home with a hard copy of their resume, and will also receive an electronic copy via e-mail.
- Headshots: Students will learn the importance and qualities of good headshots for auditions. Each student will receive a mini photoshoot, plus helpful hints for taking great photos (even for those who aren't photogenic!). After the workshop, students will receive a high-resolution, edited/touched-up headshot photo via e-mail. A CD with 10 headshots (10 poses, all photos high-resolution, edited, touched-up) is available for $25 if paid before/on the day of the workshop.
- Q & A Session: The workshop will end at 5:00pm with a Q & A session, which parents are welcome to attend. We will answer any and all questions regarding auditions, productions, classes, etc. Anything theatre-related, we'll answer any questions you may have!
Private Lessons
Private Lessons are open to all ages and experience levels
Private lessons are tailored to the individual student's needs, whether it is to isolate and strengthen weaknesses, explore specific styles of acting, prepare for an upcoming audition, or simply to receive one-on-one instruction. To schedule private acting lessons with Encore's Director of Youth Education, Mindy Barker, e-mail her at Mindy@EncoreTulsa.com.
Lessons may be scheduled in any combination of weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly lessons.
30-minute lessons: 1 lesson = $25 * 4 lessons = $85 (15% discount)
45-minute lessons: 1 lesson = $35 * 4 lessons = $120 (15% discount)
Encore! Theatre Arts was voted Best of the Best 2011 in Oklahoma Magazine for our summer theatre camps!
Theatre Education
- Is a disciplined approach to critical thinking, intellectual insight, and problem solving
- Fosters self expression, emphasizing individuality, humanity, imagination and talents
- Uses an individual’s strengths to the benefit of society
- Teaches the whole person, not just the intellectual person
- Builds self-confidence and self esteem
- Emphasizes concentration
- Fosters listening skills
- Teaches students to live fully
- Builds a strong sense of community trust and strong interpersonal relationships
- Requires students to learn perseverance, develop a work ethic, and always strive toward excellence
- Teaches students to delay instant gratification and learn patience towards greater rewards
- Teaches the individual to be real, natural and comfortable in and out of the public’s eye
- Respects and fully develops talents
- Helps students identify and utilize hopes, dreams, fears and values
- Is applicable to life beyond high school, regardless of whether a career in the arts is chosen
Spring Break Camp 2012
A week of theatre fun at Encore! Studio
WHO: Children ages 7-15 who love theatre!
WHAT: At Spring Break Camp, campers will perform improv games and scenes from favorite plays, write and direct short plays in small groups, play acting games, and practice acting exercises to improve skills and technique. Camp ends with a short performance for parents on Friday at 5:00pm.
WHEN: March 19-23, Monday-Friday 9:00-4:00 (early drop-off at 8:00 and late pick-up at 5:00 available for small fee)
WHERE: Encore! Studio, 1302-B E. 15th St.
COST: $135 ($25 non-refundable depot holds a child's space in camp, and is applied towards total tuition. Remaining balance is due March 5th)
ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Camp ends with a short performance for parents on Friday at 5:00pm. Campers bring a sack lunch each day, and tuition includes one afternoon snack.
REGISTRATION: Please print the registration form here and mail with your deposit/tuition check to Encore! Theatre Arts. Registration is also available online here.
