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Our Conservatory

Education has always been one of the highest priorities of the Playhouse.  Utilizing professionally trained, experienced master teachers, the Conservatory brings the finest in theatrical arts to the community's youth.

We offer:

 
 
 
  

Course Descriptions

Stretch & Strength -  Any and all ages.  Supplement your dance regimen with a regular stretch class to improve flexibility and make dancing easier and more fun.  Instructed by Matthew Davis on Thursdays at 4:00 PM in the Studio.

Performance Workshop Classes
Performance workshop classes are just what they sound like; longer, more intensive "workshop-style" classes for the devoted theatre student.  Auditions for Dance, Vocal and Musical Theatre workshops will be held on August 23rd at 1:00 PM.  Students should come prepared to audition for all classes by being ready to move and having with them 16 bars of a song and sheet music as well as a memorized 30-45 second monologue.  Performance Workshop Classes will prepare end-of-the-year pieces which will be performed during "Free Theatre Weekend" in April or May of 2009.

Dance Workshop - Audition Only.  All ages allowed.  Work as individuals and as a group to explore combinations of techniques and styles, including ballet, jazz, hip-hop, modern, tap and more.  Focus on storytelling and expression in dance.  Instructed by Noelle Chandler on Wednesdays at 4:00 PM in the Black Box.

Chorale Workshop - Audition Only.  All ages allowed.  Focus on more difficult group work and singing as an ensemble.  Instructed by Joel Shade on Fridays at 5:15 PM in the Studio.

Musical Theatre Workshop - Audition Only.  All ages allowed.  Concentrates on the integration of acting and vocal prowess to work as a group and put together a musical production.  Not for the faint of heart.  Instructed by Samantha  Narron and Matthew Davis on Saturdays at 10:00 AM in the Black Box.

Playwriting for Actors Workshop - Ages 14 and up.  Look at how writing can help improve your overall knowledge of the craft!  Study how plays are constructed and try your hand at writing your own performance pieces.   Instructed by Michael Winder on Thursdays at 4:00 in the Black Box.

Non-Performance Classes
Non-Performance 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.  Non-Performance Classes do offer performances for parents on the final day of class in May, with a sneak peek during the month of December.
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 5-9.  A beginning acting class which focuses on the basics of projection, clear speaking, storytelling and memorization.  Teaches working as an ensemble as well as comfortably taking the stage by yourself.  Instructed by Matthew Davis on Wednesdays at 4:00 PM in the Studio.

Acting II - Ages 10-14.  A beginning acting class for our older students who are capable of more than the simple basics.  Focus on monologue work and telling a true story.  Instructed by Matthew Davis on Wednesdays at 4:45 PM in the Studio.

Acting III - Ages 15-19.  A beginning acting class for young adults with a story to tell.  Continues training in basic theatre skills as well as working as a true ensemble, in addition to monologue work and auditioning technique.  Instructed by Matthew Davis on Tuesdays at 5:30 PM in the Studio.

Dance I - Ages 5-9.  A beginning dance class for young and eager movers.  Learn basic dance moves and improve your coordination.  Instructed by Noelle Chandler on Tuesdays at 4:45 PM in the Black Box.

Dance II - Ages 10-14.  A beginning dance class for early teens.  Re-enforce your previous training or begin your dance career, and begin exploring what your body can really do.  Instructed by Noelle Chandler on Tuesdays at 4:00 PM in the Black Box.

Dance III - Ages 15-19.  A beginning dance class for our older students interested in improving technique and enlarging vocabulary.  Work as a group and individually.  Instructed by Noelle Chandler on Wednesdays at 5:30 PM in the Studio.

Voice I - Ages 5-9.  A beginning voice class which concentrates on proper technique and vocal control.  For singers and non-singers alike.   Instructed by Crystal Backoff on Tuesdays at 4:00 PM in the Studio.

Voice II - Ages 10-14.  A beginning voice class for early teens which re-enforces good singing technique as well as proper breathing.  Instructed by Crystal Backoff on Tuesdays at 4:45 PM in the Studio.

Voice III - Ages 14-19.  A beginning voice class for young adults who are interested in musical theatre.  Concentrates on singing as a group and individually, as well as song choice for auditions.  Instructed by Joel Shade on Fridays at 4:00 PM in the Studio.

Classes begin September 2, 2008 and end on May 30, 2009.  There will be no classes during the following weeks:
November 24 thru November 29, 2008
December 22, 2008 thru January 3, 2009
February 16 thru February 21, 2009
April 13 thru April 18, 2009

 
  
Rates 
  
 
Teacher Bios 
 
 
  

Summer Programs

The summer programs at Playhouse Merced have been a fixture in the community for over 20 years. The program has grown over time into something we are very proud to offer the county and beyond!  Through generous sponsorships and donations, we can continue to keep this vital program operating.

Youth Performance Workshop: 101 Dalmations
Ages 5-11
June 8 -26, 2009 Monday thru Friday 9AM - 12PM
Performances: June 26-28, 2009

Playhouse Merced's Youth Performance Workshop ("101 Dalmations" KIDS) will be a morning only camp  devoted to classes, choreography, music rehearsals and games to improve their theatre technique.  Camp will begin at 9 AM with classes and the day's rehearsals will end at 12 noon.  We will provide all costumes, props and set pieces required. 
Cost: $175 for 3 week camp

*We will be offering before care (beginning at 8 AM) and after care (until 5:30 PM) for students under 12.
Daily Rate: $20                Weekly Rate: $80               Full Camp Rate: $200.00
Late Fees: $1 per minute paid directly to staff member on duty after 10 minutes.

Teen Performance Workshop: High School Musical 2
Ages 12-19
June 8 - July 10, 2009 Monday thru Friday  1PM - 5PM
Performances: July 10-12, 2009
Playhouse Merced's Teen Performance Workshop (High School Musical 2) will be an afternoon only camp where teens can make friends, participate in classes and gain valuable theatre experience, while working to put on one of their favorite shows!  Students may be asked to provide some costume pieces.
Cost: $300 for 5 week camp.

*We will not be providing before or after care for campers over the age of 12.

 Want any more info?  Call Noelle at 209.725.8587 or email questions to Noelle@playhousemerced.com!
                                                                                                   

 
  
 452 West Main Street; Merced, California 95340  209-725-8587                      boxoffice@playhousemerced.com
   
 

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