Dreamcatcher Rep to Hold Preview for Summer Theatre Conservatory, Today

The New Jersey Theatre Alliance presents Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre's All in One Theatre Workshop on Saturday, March 15 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Oakes Center at 120 Morris Avenue in Summit.

This event is part of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance's Stages Festival, the state's largest annual theatre festival that provides discounted and free theatre performances, workshops and events for all ages throughout the month of March.

The Theatre Workshop will provide a preview of Dreamcatcher's Summer Theatre Conservatory for students aged 10 and up, which runs throughout the month of July. This event will be free, but registration is required.

The Stages Festival is a statewide program offering free and discounted tickets to performances, workshops, classes and events at the states professional theatres, partner performing arts centers, as well as libraries, schools, senior centers and museums. The program was developed to encourage New Jersey's residents to attend their local professional theatres by making the experience affordable, accessible and fun.

All across the state, patrons will receive free and discounted tickets to over 100 performances and special events, including classes, and workshops for all ages. Since its inception 17 years ago, the program has served over 80,000 people.

Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre, professional Theatre in Residence at the Oakes Center in Summit, will hold the Summer Theatre Conservatory from July 7 through August 1, 2014. Students in this varied program will take classes in subjects like acting technique, improv, voice, and dance and will have the opportunity to create and put on a show! The program is open to actors aged 10 and up. Classes are held Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm (with a special performance August 1 at 7:30 pm) at Dreamcatcher's summer home at Calvary Episcopal Church at 31 Woodland Avenue in Summit.

The STC is a fun way for students to explore their interest and deepen their skills in the performing arts during their summer vacation. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, freeing your own creativity, and exploring new skills in a supportive environment. Participants can tailor the program to suit their preferences and their family's schedule, attending the Conservatory for one, two, three or all four weeks. Professionals in their field teach all classes, and students receive individual attention, constructive feedback, and the support needed to achieve their personal goals.

Week 1, the Actors' Workshop (July 7 - July 11), provides a strong foundation in the building blocks of acting: vocal and physical preparation, Acting Technique, Improvisation and Scene Study. Week 2, the Musical Theatre Workshop (July 14 - 18), will include classes in Acting Technique as well as in Musical Theatre dance and singing, with the chance to put all three skills together each day. Weeks 3 and 4, Dreamcatcher Junior (July 21 - August 1), will be a combination of skill-building and rehearsal, as the students put together their own show under the guidance of a professional direction staff. Past shows have included an original show about a fledgling television network entitled DON'T TOUCH THAT DIAL!, a collection of fables and songs called LEGENDS AND LORE and A VAUDEVILLE CALAMITY, a new-fangled, old-fashioned entertainment. Students from last summer's Summer Theatre Conservatory commented: "This is a great program!" and "I learned a lot of awesome stuff."

Reservations are required for the Sample Class Day, and enrollment is strictly limited. To register, call 908-514-9654 or email info@dreamcatcherrep.org. The cost of the Summer Theatre Conservatory is $275 for one week, $495 for two weeks, $700 for three weeks, and $880 for all four weeks, with limited scholarships available. Discounts are provided for those who register before April 15. Admission is on a first come, first served basis until the program is filled or until the deadline of June 1, and applications for the Summer Theatre Conservatory and more information on the program may be obtained by calling Dreamcatcher's business office at 908-514-9654, emailing info@dreamcatcherrep.org or may be downloaded at www.dreamcatcherrep.org.

Founded in 1981, the New Jersey Theatre Alliance is the first statewide organization for professional, not-for-profit theatre companies in the United States, and is a leader in developing model programs that foster collaboration, cooperation and audience development. The Alliance provides member theatres and arts patrons a wide range of supportive services and programs, assists member theatres in their growth and development - as well as in the promotion of their programs - helping them reach their full potential. For arts patrons, the Alliance provides a variety of services to enhance their theatre-going experience.

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