Classes for Youth 2011-2012
Virago Theatre Company focuses more on the process of creating theatre rather than
an end product. We want Virago Theatre Conservatory students to come away from a
Virago class with tools they can use no matter what production they are in. They will
develop audition skills, ability to think on their feet, ability to take direction, ability to
develop a character without a script by just using their bodies and voices, they will find
comfort and confidence on stage, they will learn that theatre is not just about acting,
but includes lighting/sound/set design, and they will each have an equal role in the final
presentation because THEY will drive the playwriting of the original piece.
Virago Theatre Conservatory classes are meant to be a year-long process and should
be taken all year for the greatest benefit, but we design the classes in a way that anyone
can join any session.
Fall 2011 Session
BUILDING BLOCKS FOR THE ACTOR
In this first session of a year-long curriculum, we will concentrate on the voice/body
relationship through Improvisation skills, Physical Theatre skills, and Vocal technique.
Students will learn stage directions, how to use their voice and body in new ways,
learn to take direction well and find the confidence to take risks while working on a
monologue.
The session will end with a showcase for family & friends of the students’ memorized
monologues and a demonstration of Improv games.
Find out how fun and exciting being on stage can be!
Winter 2012 Session
ACTING AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
In this class, students will focus on using body and voice to develop characters. While
working on scenes with partners, students will create characters in tandem with one
another, build their confidence to take acting risks, learn character status techniques,
and learn how to take direction and record that on their script while blocking a scene.
Beginning stage combat will also be taught. The session will end with a showcase
for family & friends of the students’ memorized scenes and a demonstration of Stage
Combat.
Spring 2012 Session
ORIGINAL PLAY PROJECT
This very exciting session allows students to create their own original play. Over this 10-
week session students will learn storytelling techniques, character creation and develop
their playwriting skills as they work together to create original characters in an original
story. A special guest instructor will join us for one class to talk about the technical
aspects of theatre, including lights and sound design. With the use of basic costumes,
props and music, students will present their original work on the last day of class.
Winter 2012 classes are held at Earhart, Franklin, Otis, Paden and NEA Elementary schools in Alameda.
Registration for drama at Earhart, Franklin, Otis and Paden Elementary schools is handled by Alameda Education Foundation. Register at www.alamedaeducationfoundation.org
FOR NEA STUDENTS - follow the link at the top of the page to print out a registration form. Please send a copy of this registration form along with your check to:
Virago Theatre Company
PO Box 2734, Alameda, CA 94501
510-865-6237
Or bring it with you the first day of class on January 10, 2012.
Please make checks payable to Virago Theatre Company
Payment and reg form are due January 17, 2012.
For more information contact:
Virago Theatre Conservatory Program Director
Angela Dant
angela@viragotheatre.org
510-865-6237
