Summer Theatre Conservatory at Dreamcatcher to Offer Free Sample Class Day

Dreamcatcher Repertory Theatre, professional Theatre in Residence at the Oakes Center in Summit, will hold its Summer Theatre Conservatory for students aged 10 to 17 from July 6 through July 31, 2015. Students in this varied program will take classes in subjects like acting, improv, clowning, stage combat, voice, and dance and will have the opportunity to create and put on a show. Classes are held Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm (with a special performance July 31 at 7:30 pm) at Dreamcatcher's home at the Oakes Center, 120 Morris Avenue in Summit.

A free Sample Class Day for the summer program will be held on Saturday, March 21 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Oakes Center. 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 preview day will provide a taste of Dreamcatcher's Summer Theatre Conservatory; this event will be free, but registration is required.

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 6 - July 10), provides a strong foundation in the building blocks of acting: Acting Technique, Improvisation, Scene Study, Clowning and Stage Combat. Week 2, the Musical Theatre Workshop (July 13 - 17), 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 in an ensemble class. Weeks 3 and 4, Dreamcatcher Junior (July 20 - 31), 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 the misadventures at "Camp Dreamcatchawaka," the story of a fledgling television network entitled "Don't Touch That Dial!" and "A Vaudeville Calamity," a new-fangled, old-fashioned entertainment.

Reservations are required for the Sample Class Day, and enrollment is strictly limited. To register, please 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.

The Stages Festival offers over 100 performances, workshops, classes, and events at the states professional theatres, performing arts centers, libraries, schools, senior centers, museums and other community venues. The program was developed to encourage New Jersey's residents to attend their local professional theatres by making the experience affordable, accessible, and fun. Since its inception 18 years ago, the program has served over 90,000 people. To receive a full schedule of events for The Stages Festival please visit www.stagesfestival.org.

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