Course Descriptions
Workshop Classes
All workshops are eight-week intensive programs and are not available for enrollment after the first week of class. Depending on the class and the instructor, performance opportunities may be available.
October 2009 - November 2009 Workshops:
WS1: Playwriting with Noelle Chandler
Ages 13-Adult
September 29, 2009 - November 17, 2009 @ 4:00 PM
Noelle Chandler is the Education Director at Playhouse Merced. In addition to teaching Dance for all levels, she is a published poet and produced playwright who will be sharing her knowledge with writing exercises and chances to exchange feedback. Though this class will be an introduction to the art, all levels are welcome.
WSII: Contemporary Dance with Noelle Chandler
Ages 13-Adult
September 29, 2009 - November 17, 2009 @ 5:00 PM
After shaking the Playwriting dust off her boots and putting on her ballet slippers, Noelle will use eight weeks to teach willing participants how to use their body and their individual movement styles to tell stories. All levels welcom, high levels encouraged.
WSIII: Vocal Chorale with Joel Scott Shade
Ages 13-Adult
October 2, 2009 - November 20, 2009 @ 4:00 PM
As the Resident Musical Director at Playhouse Merced, Joel Scott Shade has been playing in the area for several years and is excited to be able to do an 8-week intensive dive into Chorale-style music. Auditions will be held for entry into this class.
WSIV: Audition Workshop with Joel Scott Shade, Jim and Dianne Kocher
Ages 13-Adult
October 2, 2009 - November 20, 2009 @ 5:00 PM
Boost your confidence and get feedback on your audition technique with a panel of local veterans to assist you! Songs and monologues are both encouraged , actors and singers of all levels welcome.
February 2010 - March 2010 Workshops:
WSI: Tap Dance with Noelle Chandler
Ages 7-14
February 2, 2010 - March 30, 2010 @ 4:00 PM
An introduction to tap vocabulary and rhythmic stylings. Tap shoes required.
WSII: Scene Study with William Gamble
Ages 16-Adult
February 2, 2010 - March 30, 2010 @ 5:00 PM
Los Angeles actor Bill Gamble has returned home to Merced, and wants to teach you how to do a scene right! Not a class for beginners.
WSIII: Acting Shakespeare with Andrew Burkum
Ages 13-Adult
February 5, 2010 - April 2, 2010 @ 4:00 PM
Andrew Burkum is on the Board of Directors for Merced Shakespearefest and has been performing in the Bard's work for may years. All levels encouraged.
WSIV: Audition Workshop with Joel Scott Shade, Noelle Chandler and Andrew Burkum
Ages 13-Adult
February 5, 2010 - April 2, 2010 @ 5:00 PM
Boost your confidence and get feedback on your audition technique with a panel of local veterans to assist you! Songs and monologues are both encouraged, actors and singers of all levels welcome.
April 2010 - May 2010 Workshops:
WSI: Ballet with Noelle Chandler
Ages 7-16
April 13, 2010 - June 1, 2010 @ 4:00 PM
An introduction to the barre work, floor work and basic body position of ballet. All levels welcome, beginners encouraged.
WSII: Improv with Joe Hypes and Rob Hypes
Ages 16-Adult
April 13, 2010 - June 1, 2010 @ 5:00 PM
Twin local comedians Joe and Rob will give veterans and beginners alike a chance to stretch their improvisational muscles with games and activites designed to make you think and act fast and funny.
WSIII: Directing with Rob Hypes
Ages 16-Adult
April 16, 2010 - June 4, 2010 @ 4:00 PM
Artistic Director Rob Hypes will take you through the directing process from the ground up. All levels welcome.
WSIV: Audition Workshop with Joel Scott Shade, Noelle Chandler and Joe Hypes
Ages 13-Adult
April 16, 2010 - June 4, 2010 @ 5:00 PM
Boost your confidence and get feedback on your audition technique with a panel of local veterans to assist you! Songs and monologues are both encouraged, actors and singers of all levels welcome.
Core Classes:
Core Classes at the Playhouse Merced Young Artists Conservatory are geared toward helping your child discover his or her creative potential in a safe, comfortable environment while surrounded by peers with similar interests to their own.
PLEASE NOTE: A "beginning" class is not necessarily easy and does not in any way impede learning. A "beginning" class is simply a class that recognizes the need to work from the ground up.
Acting I - Ages 5 - 8: An introduction to basic acting vocabulary and a chance to get young children enjoying live theatre. Instructor: Andrew Burkum Time: Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 5:45 PM.
Acting II - Ages 9 - 12: The next step in acting, with more emotionally explorative themes and some basic scene work. Instructor: Andrew Burkum Time: Thursdays from 5:45 PM to 6:30 PM.
Acting III - Ages 13 - 19: Advanced but appropriate scene and partner work, allowing teens to work through prevalent life issues using theatre language. Instructor: Andrew Burkum and Joe Hypes Time: Thursdays from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Dance I - Ages 5-8: For the younger dancer to develop coordination, utilize good technique and build dance vocabulary. Instructor: Noelle Chander Time: Wednesdays from 4:45 PM to 5:30 PM.
Dance II - Ages 9-12: A further exploration of movement and skill, with an emphasis on footwork combinations, routines and musicality. Instructor: Noelle Chandler Times: Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM.
Dance III - Ages 13-19: A chance for older or advanced students to brush up on basics and practice performance and storytelling technique. Instructor: Noelle Chandler Times: Wednesdays from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.
Hip Hop - Ages 7-16: A fun contemporary dance style for the little popper and locker in your life! Instructor: Kim Romero Time: Thursdays from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Voice I - Ages 5-8: an introduction for young students into vocal technique and class structure, matching pitch and confidence while singing. Instructor: Crystal Backoff Times: Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM.
Voice II - Ages 9-12: increasing vocal vocabulary with an emphasis on solid vocal technique and strong individual sound. Instructor: Crystal Backoff Time: Wednesdays from 4:45 PM to 5:30 PM.
Voice III - Ages 13-19: Advanced work in vocal styling for musical theatre, with an added auditioning component to prepare the well-rounded student. Instructor: Joel Scott Shade Time: Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
