Category: Acting

Fall 2018 Classes Are Open For Registration!

Post author By Matt Geske
Post date August 3, 2018

We are happy to announce that our Fall 2018 Semester schedule of community arts classes, lessons and programs has been finalized, and registration is now open!

Would you or your family member like to explore a new creative outlet? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to try the piano. Maybe drawing or painting is more your style. Is the theater stage calling your name? Maybe you have dreams of playing in the orchestra one day.

Music Classes at the Academy
SEE MUSIC CLASSES

For those of you who have been with the Academy before, perhaps it’s time to take a continuation class. Maybe you’ve got a taste of artistic self-expression, and you want more. For more experienced music students, now might be the perfect opportunity to join an ensemble.

Visual Art Classes at the Academy
SEE VISUAL ART CLASSES

Whether young or old, beginner or advanced, shy or outspoken – you have a place here at the Academy. With an abundance of Music, Art and Acting classes to choose from, you’re sure to find something that matches your passion and/or curiosity.

Acting and Theater classes at the Academy
SEE ACTING CLASSES

You can register online now. Although most classes will not start until mid-September, due to limited enrollment space, we urge you sign up as soon as possible. Don’t let the opportunity pass you by!

SEE FULL CLASS LIST

Acting

Technical Theater Boot Camp Is Back This Summer

Post author By Matt Geske
Post date June 8, 2018

Technical Theater Boot Camp returns to the Hylton Performing Arts Center in July, where students learn what happens behind the scenes of a real performing arts venue! These exciting one-week training programs are led by the Hylton Center’s own in-house production staff of experts and guest instructors.

This summer will feature two class offerings for Ages 16 through Adult (ages 14-15 with recommendation):

Technical Theater Boot Camp I – July 16-20, 2018
Technical Theater Boot Camp II – July 23-27, 2018

Participants will experience the opportunity to learn everything from the essential skills of technical production and stage lighting/rigging to the operation of sound equipment and stage crew best practices. And that’s just in Technical Theater Boot Camp Level I! Level II continues to build upon skills learned in Level I.

Merchant Hall at Hylton Performing Arts Center

Former participant Erika Koekkoek gives the camp enthusiastic thumbs up, stating “[the camp] is taught by people who love what they do in a place that will welcome you back to continue exploring theatre.”

Rick Davis, the Dean of Mason’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, shares, “One of the best things about the Tech Boot Camp is the hands-on experience the students get under the watchful eyes of our professional staff. There’s nothing like ‘learning by doing’ when you have an excellent real-world mentor standing by.”

The registration deadline for both classes is July 12, 2018.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER TODAY!

Acting Events Music

Spring 2018 Recitals & Shows, June 2 & 3

Post author By Matt Geske
Post date May 18, 2018

Our Spring 2018 Student Recital & Showcase Weekend celebration is coming up on Saturday, June 2nd and Sunday, June 3rd, which includes several music recitals and theater performances showcasing our Academy students of all ages. Come enjoy a fun and free weekend of the arts on the Mason Fairfax Campus!

MUSIC RECITALS

Due to our large number of Music students, we break up performances into hour-long (approximately) Music Recitals that are presented throughout the weekend. All performances are FREE and open to the public.

[one_half]Saturday, June 2
10:00 AM (designated for ages “8 and under”)
11:00 AM
12:30 PM
2:00 PM
3:30 PM
[/one_half] [one_half]Sunday, June 3
12:00 Noon (designated for ages “8 and under”)
1:00 PM
2:30 PM
4:00 PM
5:30 PM
[one_half_last]

A light reception with follow each recital. Come and enjoy some great music from performers of all ages and instruments!

PARKING: On Saturday and Sunday, you can park in Parking Lot K for free. It is about a 5-10 minute walk to the Performing Arts Building (note: NOT the Center for the Arts). You can also park in the Mason Pond Parking Deck for $8, right next to the Performing Arts Building.
DIRECTIONS TO CAMPUS

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR RECITALS

FOR OUR ACADEMY MUSIC STUDENTS/ FAMILIES:
READ OUR HELPFUL GUIDE TO A SUCCESSFUL RECITAL EXPERIENCE

Theater Students acting on stage

THEATER SHOWCASES

Our Acting students who study with Acting For Young People will present several performances throughout the weekend in TheaterSpace (lower level of the de Laski Performing Arts Building). There may be a nominal ticket price depending on which show you choose to attend.

SEE ACTING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS

As we say, ENJOY THE SHOW!!

Acting Events

Cherry Tree Lane, Sunday, May 6th

Post author By Matt Geske
Post date May 4, 2018

Acting For Young People presents “An Afternoon on Cherry Tree Lane” – a fun collection of sample songs and skits from their upcoming Spring theater productions – this Sunday, May 6th, at the Sherwood Center in Fairfax. This event is kid friendly and FREE for the whole family!

WHAT: “An Afternoon on Cherry Tree Lane”
WHEN: Sunday, May 6, 2018 at 1PM
WHERE: Sherwood Center, Fairfax See Map
COST: Free, including parking next to building

Join AFYP and Mason Community Arts Academy for this fun-filled presentation of selections from our Spring production of Mary Poppins, Jr. and its companion shows, The Little Chimney Sweeps and London Adventures.

The event will also features crafts and activities led by our Teaching Artist staff – you can even learn a dance from the show. There may be a visit from Mary Poppins herself!

SEE MORE DETAILS

Acting Music

Not Your Usual Song And Dance Number

Post author By Matt Geske
Post date May 4, 2018

At this summer’s Musical Theater Vocal Bootcamp, young singers will add new musical theater pieces to their repertoire, improve their skills as a singer/actor, and build confidence being on stage, while rehearsing in large groups, small ensembles and even solos – all leading up to a final concert featuring a collection of musical theater songs from various shows!

This year, the Bootcamp will be split into two age groups, ages 12-18 (July 9-13) and ages 7-11 (August 6-10), allowing the teaching artists to focus on the best material for that age group and their specific developmental levels. Students will work on repertoire from classic hits all the way to very contemporary numbers. A great focus will be placed on healthy vocal technique, basic movement and acting – all from the point of view of telling the story behind a song.

Summer singing camp for kids

“I love the variety of songs that exist within the musical theater genre, and how a song can take you from energized and excited to introspective to lovesick to hopeful,” said Emi Eiting, director of the teen Bootcamp, and veteran performer and educator. “Musical theater songs offer us a great opportunity to explore the human condition–and to put ourselves in other peoples shoes for a while!”

“Our faculty are appearing in musicals in area theaters, and bringing these experiences back to share with our students,” explained Mary Lechter, director of Acting For Young People, which coordinates the Bootcamp programs. “At bootcamp, we’ll work on the nuts and bolts of musical theater technique, really focusing on the process, how to polish that work, and be performance-ready.”

“A stand out memory from previous summers is seeing the final product come together,” stated Ms. Eiting. “Last year we had some really fun production numbers–sung, staged and with light choreo. Seeing those come to together was really awesome. I also loved how so many kids were interested in auditioning for solos–even those who I might not have expected! In the right environment – a safe, creative one – kids have the chance to take risks, and I would like to think that I am able to create that environment for my students.”

Are you ready to sing a lot, move a lot, and have a lot of fun? Whether you like to sing as part of a group or be a solo star, there’s a place for you to grow as a singer and performer at Musical Theater Vocal Bootcamp. Plus, family and friends will enjoy the final concert in Mason’s Harris Theatre on Friday!

GET DETAILS AND REGISTER TODAY!