CTAA Spring 2013 Catalog by EASTCONN

Capitol Theater Arts Academy 896 Main Street, Willimantic

Spring 2013 Classes

Enroll Today! Call 860-465-5636 or go to www.registereastconn.org/ctaa

Capitol Theater Arts Academy (CTAA) EASTCONN’s Capitol Theater Arts Academy (CTAA) is a community arts education program for Northeastern Connecticut children, ages 3 to 18. Founded in 2007, as part of EASTCONN’s arts outreach initiative, CTAA offers classes in dance, theater, musical theater, creative writing, visual arts, and private music lessons — all taught by talented, local, professional artists. CTAA is housed in EASTCONN’s Capitol Theater, a beautifully renovated Art Deco-era facility in the heart of Willimantic’s thriving downtown. Surrounded by boutique eateries and adjacent to the library and post office, the theater is also home to Arts at the Capitol Theater, or ACT, EASTCONN’s regional arts high school. Once ACT’s high school students head home for the day, CTAA comes to life, offering evening and Saturday classes to the region’s youth. CTAA students have full access to the Capitol Theater’s two fully equipped theaters, a black box theater, two dance studios, classrooms, audio/video editing suites, a full theater scene shop, a costume design space, a café and an art gallery. CTAA is an enthusiastic part of the downtown Willimantic community, inviting area residents to attend four CTAA student shows each year: two in dance and two in musical theater. CTAA students regularly participate in Willimantic’s “3rd Thursday Street Fest,” its annual “Chocolate Festival” and “Trick or Treat on Main Street.” Students also perform at the McSweeney Senior Center and Regency Rehabilitation. CTAA offers its young dancers an opportunity to join the highly selective Youth Dance Performance Ensemble, which also performs during special occasions and at outside venues.

Calendar & Additional Notes Tuesday, January 15 | 5–8 p.m. • Open House & Registration for Fall Classes • Shoe Exchange | Dance Showcase | Workshops *Snow Date: January 17

n Tuesday, January 22

Classes Begin

n March 1 & 2 | 7 p.m. & 2 p.m. 13 — The Musical n Saturday May 18 at 7 p.m.

& Sunday May 19 at 2 p.m. Spring Dance Recital n Saturday, May 18 Classes End

A grown-up story about growing up! Evan Goldman’s parents have just gotten divorced and he is forced to move from NYC to a small town in Indiana. All he wants to do is make friends and survive the school year. Easier said than done. With an unforgettable rock score from Tony-Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, 13 is a hilarious, high-energy musical for all ages about discovering that cool is where you find it, and sometimes where you least expect it.

Performances:

Feb. 17-23 – February Break March 29-31 – Easter Break April 14-20 – Spring Break

Tickets: $10 General; $8 Students/Seniors Call 860-465-5636

n Open House & Shoe Exchange

Join EASTCONN’s Capitol Theater Arts Academy on January 15, 2013, from 5 to 8 p.m., as we kick off our Spring Semester for children ages 3 to 18. Register for Theater, Dance, Creative Writing, Visual Arts, and Musical Theater classes, Private Lessons, tour our beautiful building, meet the staff, watch presentations, participate in FREE workshops, and exchange your old shoes! Over the years, CTAA has built up a collection of gently used Jazz, Tap and Ballet shoes. Bring any slightly used shoes and exchange them for a different size. We look forward to having you join us!

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The Musical

Friday, March 1, 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 2, 2 and 7 p.m. The Capitol Theater, 896 Main St., Willimantic

n NO CLASS DATES

For more information on CTAA classes, private lessons and events, call 860-465-5636, x1023, visit our Web site at www.eastconn.org/ctaa, or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CTAAEASTCONN Register online: www.registereastconn.org/ctaa

Musical Theater n

Three Musical Theater Training Classes

Ages 8-17 | Tuesdays & Thursdays | 6–8 p.m. Fee: 1 Class: $125 | 2 Classes: $225 | 3 Classes: $325 No additional discounts apply to these classes. Dancing for Musicals March 12-28 | Instructor: Rachel Roccoberton Griffin Dancing can be difficult and intimidating. Don’t let those steps get you down! In this class, learn pieces of Broadway choreography and the technique to go with each step. The class will focus on how to break down choreography to make it more manageable, count music, and basic steps used in a lot of choreography. Get comfortable moving, singing and acting in this class designed for performers of all types and abilities. This class requires movement; please dress appropriately. Singing for Musicals April 2-25 | Instructor: Kasia Popovic Learn the skills necessary for reading music during rehearsals and prepare a song for auditions in this class designed to help students get ready for the next musical theater audition. Emphasis will be placed on quality of sound, diction and projection. Students will be tested the first day for their vocal range and throughout the course will learn how to strengthen their voices and extend vocal range. Acting for Musicals and Beyond April 30-May 16 | Instructor: Shane Kegler Actors don’t enter an audition unprepared. In this class students will learn the techniques and skills required for cold readings, monologues, scene work and more through a series of lessons and exercises. Students will develop an actor’s talent in the areas of imagination, listening, concentration, focus and response. All of these skills will help them learn the fundamentals and the proper preparation for acting auditions. This class requires movement; please dress appropriately.

THEATER

Acting 1: Creating the Actor’s Toolbox Ages 10+ | Mondays | 5:30-6:30 p.m. Instructor: Dan Coyle | Fee: $145

Actors have a “toolbox” of skills and talents from which to draw. This class will teach, encourage, and sharpen the actor’s tools — voice, body and imagination — through exercises, games, and skits. Students will also develop self-confidence and the ability be creative collaboratively! This class covers basic acting principles including action, objective, obstacles, conflict, beats, and being in the moment while incorporating fundamentals of movement, voice, and improvisation essential to the art of acting. Students will examine scripts, perform character analysis, learn about actors’ journals, and perform a final presentation for families. n Acting & Comedy Improvisation Ages 10+ | Mondays 6:30-7:30 p.m. Instructor: Dan Coyle | Fee: $145

Comedic Improvisation, like “Whose Line is it Anyway,” is not scripted but requires building blocks to create successful scenes. Students will develop the confidence to take control of the stage, develop cool characters and funny situations, and support fellow performers. Using shows such as “Saturday Night Live,” “Monty Python,” and “Second City TV” as inspiration we will work on the skills necessary to create great comedy sketches. This class will be a blast, so come with your improv and writing shoes on. A performance will take place for families at the end of the semester.

n Stage Combat Ages 12+ | Wednesdays | 6-7 p.m. Instructor: Shane Kegler | Fee: $145

Through monologues and scene work, students will develop a working knowledge of how to understand and accurately portray Shakespeare. Students will explore important tools for speaking the text including scansion, First Folio work, and studying the Bard’s words to understand their true meaning.

Students will learn the basics of stage combat, as well as techniques used by film and stage actors to portray violence safely. We will learn hand-to-hand techniques and work using stage-safe swords. We will also learn the basics of creating a whole fight scene. No previous experience is necessary. Solid-toed shoes are strongly recommended for each class. This class requires movement; please dress appropriately.

Shakespeare Ages 12+ | Wednesdays | 7-8 p.m. Instructor: Shane Kegler | Fee: $145

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VISUAL ARTS & CREATIVE WRITING

n Cartooning Ages 10+ | Thursdays | 6:30–7:30 p.m. Instructor: Bill Dougal | Fee: $155

n Tell a Story! Write a Poem! Ages 11+ | Thursdays | 5:30-6:30 p.m. Instructor: Dara Bowling | Fee: $155

Create a cartoon in an artistic environment, led by a professional artist! Students will combine artistic skill with imagination in order to learn the basics of figure and face drawing. They will create their own characters and place them into scenes. Projects include funny faces, expressions, animals, superheroes, caricatures, and comic strips.

This Creative Writing class is a fun and interactive way for kids to develop pieces of writing that describe, amaze, and inspire! Kids learn to work with peers while creating pieces that are interesting and meaningful to them as individuals. Please bring a notebook and a pencil or pen and get ready to have a great time! This class aligns with Common Core Standards in English/Language Arts and is taught by a certified Connecticut educator.

DANCE Ballet Technique Classes Dress Code: Ballet students must wear pink leather or canvas Ballet slippers, leotard and pink tights. Please clear warm-ups with instructor first. Hair must be secured up off the face when taking class. No jewelry (including braided wrist and ankle bands, watches or rings) may be worn in class. Ballet slippers and toe shoes must have elastic and ribbons sewn on. *All of Rachel Roccoberton Griffin’s classes will be co-taught by CTAA’s Ballet staff this spring. Pre-Ballet Ages 3-5 | Saturdays | 9:15–10 a.m. Instructor: Rachel Roccoberton Griffin* | Fee: $110 n

In this beginning Ballet class, students learn the joy of movement while the basic positions and movements of classical Ballet are introduced. There is less traditional barre work and more independent movement, exploring balancing, hopping, skipping, jumping, galloping, age appropriate stretches, basic positions of the feet Register online: www.registereastconn.org/ctaa

and arms, the concept of parallel vs. turned out legs and feet and Ballet class etiquette. Basic Ballet skills, terminology, rhythm, and coordination are taught, practiced and developed through creative movement, music and mime in a supportive and supervised environment. n Ballet 1 Ages 6-7 | Tuesdays and Wednesdays | 5–6 p.m. Saturdays | 10–11 a.m. | Instructors: Wed., Amy Chibeau; Tues./Sat., Rachel Roccoberton Griffin* Fee: Tues. $155; Wed. $155; Sat. $125

In this beginning Ballet class, the basic concepts learned in PreBallet are reinforced and the more traditional format of barre followed by center exercises is introduced. Moving in time with music becomes more important, as well as memorization of Ballet terminology. Special attention is paid to encourage proper muscle memory so that alignment issues require less revision in more advanced classes.

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n Ballet 2 Ages 8-9 or 2 years of previous dance experience Saturdays | 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Instructor: Rachel Roccoberton Griffin* | Fee: $185

n Ballet 4/5* Ages 9-16 | Wednesdays | 6:00–7:30 p.m. Instructor: Amy Chibeau | Fee: $230

Students expand their knowledge of basic vocabulary, learning more advanced steps and using them in more complex combinations in this basic Ballet class. Ballet 2 students work on the building blocks of muscle memory that will lead to simple pirouettes, as well as petit and grand allegro. Flexibility will be encouraged, alignment refined, and musicality reinforced. n Ballet 2/3* Ages 8-11 | Thursdays | 5–6:30 p.m. Instructor: Sarah Roberts Mallory | Fee: $230

This class is appropriate for both Ballet 2 and Ballet 3 students. Please see appropriate level for full class description. Ballet 3 Ages 9-13 | Saturdays | 12:30–2 p.m. Instructor: Rachel Roccoberton Griffin* | Fee: $185 n

This low-intermediate class is designed for the dancer with 3 or more years of training. Students will work on intricate patterns, learning to combine the feet, legs, arms and head. Students will work on more complex turns and begin preparations for pointe work. Balance will be emphasized in center work to improve upon turns and adagios. Flexibility will be increased as well as strength, poise and coordination.

This class is appropriate for both Ballet 4 and Ballet 5 students. Please see appropriate level for full class description. n Ballet 5 Ages 11+ | Fridays | 3–4:30 p.m. Instructor: Amy Chibeau | Fee: $215

The goal of this class is to ensure familiarity with the full Ballet vocabulary so that attention to musicality can begin to dominate, with the goal of technique becoming transparent. Longer combinations will demand more advanced memory work. Students are introduced to more complex batterie, advanced multiple pirouettes, fouettes and work toward advanced flexibility. This is the final level before Advanced Ballet. *About Combined Classes Students benefit both by being challenged and by leading, so as they progress through the levels, we like to see students contrast a “challenge” level class with a class at their “mastery” level. For the more advanced, the “mastery” class is an opportunity to build confidence and leadership skills by modeling clean technique in more familiar steps for their less advanced peers. For those less advanced, it’s an opportunity for exposure to new challenges while working with more advanced peers.

Ballet 3/4* Ages 9-13 | Mondays | 5–6:30 p.m. Instructor: Amy Chibeau | Fee: $215 n

This class is appropriate for both Ballet 3 and Ballet 4 students. Please see appropriate level for full class description. n Ballet 4 Ages 9-13 | Tuesdays | 6–7:30 p.m. Instructor: Amy Chibeau | Fee: $230

In this intermediate-level class, barre work begins to resemble the standard comprehensive Ballet barre, while invoking more musicality and memory work. Preparation for pointe work is also emphasized. In center floor, students are taught to master standard intermediate work, such as double pirouettes en dehors and en dedans, tour piqué, full épaulement, petit allegro with counter accents, beginning batterie, 16-count adagios and beginning work on intermediate grand allegro movements, such as grand jeté interlacé. Students who wish to go en pointe must take class twice a week to build the proper strength.

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n Advanced Ballet Ages Teen-Adult or by permission of instructor or audition Mondays | 6:30–8:00 p.m. | Instructor: Amy Chibeau | Fee: $215

Students explore a more advanced vocabulary through more complex combinations, honing skills toward major metropolitan standards and enabling a more artistic expression of movement.

Pointe Classes

In order to ensure that students are continuing to build strength while taking pointe, all pointe students must be enrolled in 2 Ballet technique classes. No exceptions. Pointe 1 By permission of the instructor; requiring enrollment in the preceding Ballet 4 technique class and one other class. Tuesdays | 7:30–8 p.m. | Instructor: Amy Chibeau | Fee: $80 n

In this introduction to pointe work class, students learn to put on pointe shoes properly and how to break them in. Class exercises work to improve ankle alignment, flexibility and strength, and to perfect the center of balance necessary for pointe. Most class work takes place at the barre.

Early Childhood Dance Dress Code: Leotard and stirrup /footless tights or pants and t-shirt/tank top (no baggy warm-up clothing). n Pre-Ballet Ages 3-5 | Saturdays | 9:15–10 a.m. Instructor: Rachel Roccoberton Griffin Fee: $110 See description under Ballet Classes.

Creative Movement 1 Ages 4-6 or up to 1 year experience | Saturdays | 1–1:45 p.m. Instructor: Alana J. Mahdalik Fee: $110 n

Children are introduced to the joy of dancing in this introductory class. They learn basic dance skills and explore movement and coordination of their bodies through music, rhythm, poems/stories and props. Perfect for children who love to move!

n Pointe 2 By permission of the instructor; requiring enrollment in the preceding technique class. Wednesdays | 7:30–8 p.m. | Instructor: Amy Chibeau | Fee: $80

For students in their second year of pointe study, who will begin spending more time off the barre, working on more demanding steps, pirouettes, and traveling turns, and then incorporating these into simple enchainements. Advanced Pointe By permission of the instructor; requiring enrollment in the preceding technique class. Mondays | 8–8:45 p.m.; Fridays | 4:30–5:15 p.m. Instructor: Amy Chibeau | Fee: Mon. $125; Fri. $125 n

For students with two or more years experience in pointe, this class works on mastering advanced pointe technique.

Bring a Friend to Dance Class What’s more fun than learning to dance with your friend? When you register for Pre-Ballet, Ballet 1 or Creative Movement, and your friend registers for the same class, you are both entitled to 25% off your class registration. This discount may not be applied to other classes and may not be combined with other offers.

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Jazz/Modern/Hip-Hop Technique Classes Dress Codes:

n Jazz/Modern & Tap 3 Ages 9-13 or with instructor permission | Wednesdays 5:15–6:15 p.m. | Instructor: Alana J. Mahdalik | Fee: $145

Modern Students: Leotard and stirrup /footless tights or pants and t-shirt/tank top (no baggy warm-up clothing). Jazz Students: Leotard and stirrup /footless tights or pants and t-shirt/tank top (no baggy warm-up clothing). Jazz sneakers or dedicated pair of street sneakers worn only inside. No shoes worn outdoors allowed in the dance studio. No black soles. Tap Students: Leotard and stirrup /footless tights or pants and t-shirt/tank top (no baggy warm-up clothing). Tap shoes. n Jazz/Modern & Tap 1 Ages 6-9 or up to 2 years experience | Saturdays | 9–10 a.m. Instructor: Alana J. Mahdalik | Fee: $125

Students learn to dance using Jazz and Modern dance styles with an emphasis on using the whole body and self-expression and spatial awareness. The Tap portion will teach basic vocabulary, styles and fundamentals of Tap through technique, floor progressions and dance combinations. Creativity will be encouraged through improvisation.

Students further their knowledge of Tap vocabulary, styles and fundamentals through technique, floor progressions and dance combinations at a more advanced level. Technique will focus on faster, more intricate footwork, with rhythms and patterns providing the development for more speed, clarity and dynamics. n Jazz/Modern 4 Ages 12+ or 3 years or more experience | Wednesdays 6:15 p.m.–7:15 p.m. | Instructor: Alana J. Mahdalik | Fee: $145

Students learn to dance with an emphasis on using the whole body, self-expression and spatial awareness. Specific historical styles of dance associated with Modern dance pioneers will be incorporated including Horton, Limon, Graham and Cunningham. Creativity will be encouraged through improvisation. Hip-Hop 1 Ages 7-10 or up to 3 years of experience | Saturdays | 12–1 p.m. Instructor: Alana J. Mahdalik | Fee: $125 n

Jazz/Modern & Tap 2 Ages 8-11 or up to 4 years of experience | Saturdays 10–11 a.m. | Instructor: Alana J. Mahdalik | Fee: $125

Students learn rhythm, musicality and coordination, while exploring the fundamentals of Jazz dance on which Hip-Hop is based. Creativity will be encouraged. This is an age-appropriate class.

Students move beyond the basics in this intermediate-level class. They will develop the freedom, power and dynamics of Jazz and Modern dance styles. Technique, floor progressions and dance combinations will focus on refining Tap skills for clarity of sound and steps.

n Hip-Hop 2 Ages 11-14 with 2-3 years of dance experience or by teacher permission | Saturdays | 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Instructor: Alana J. Mahdalik | Fee: $125

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An age-appropriate Hip-Hop class exploring the fundamentals and beyond of Jazz dance on which Hip-Hop is based. Class will further the students’ technical training to a more intermediate level with combinations and floor progressions. Musicality and rhythm will be a focus. Creativity will be encouraged.

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n Modern Ages 10+ or 3 years or more experience | Thursdays 6:30 p.m.–7:45 p.m. | Instructor: Sarah Roberts Mallory | Fee: $190

Students explore a variety of classical modern-dance techniques while expanding their experience in improvisation, composition, and partnering. Students’ movement vocabulary developed in Ballet, will be built upon in order for them to be a productive member of the contemporary dance community. n Youth Dance Performance Ensemble 1 Ages 7-12 | Wednesdays | 7:15 p.m.–8 p.m.* Instructor: Alana J. Mahdalik | Fee: $125

Private Lessons

Spring: 12 Weeks, January 22–May 6 (make-ups will be held the weeks of May 6 and May 13)

Open to members of the Youth Ensemble or interested new members of appropriate age with previous dance experience, with Artistic Director’s permission. This is a Jazz, Modern and Ballet dance performing group in which students contribute to the creation of original dance pieces to be performed for organizationrelated functions or in the community. Students must also take at least one technique class per week. For more information, please call 860-465-5635 x1023. *Once per month, the two Ensembles will overlap for a half-hour rehearsal together. On these days, the schedule will be: YDPE1, 7:15–8:15 p.m., YDPE2, 7:45–8:45 p.m. Dates will be provided at the beginning of the semester. CTAA’s Youth Dance Performance Ensemble is available for community performances. Please contact Rachel Griffin at 860-4655636 x1023 to schedule an Ensemble performance at your event. Honorarium donations greatly appreciated.

It is the policy of EASTCONN that no person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be discriminated against under any program because of race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetic information, gender identity or expression, veteran status, disability or any other classification protected by state or federal law. Register online: www.registereastconn.org/ctaa

Private Lessons develop artistic skills in people of all skill levels and are a vital component for excellence. Our one-on-one lessons with professional instructors will help increase facility, dedication, and capacity. Students of all ages develop and hone their skills for auditions or performances in a supportive and professional atmosphere. We offer lessons in all our dance forms, as well as in piano, voice, guitar and drums. This year, we offer two sessions of lessons which will be scheduled Monday through Saturday at a mutually convenient time. Sign up before January 15 for the spring session and receive one free lesson.

Fee: $20/half-hour lesson; $35/hour lesson. Please Note: Private lessons are not eligible for Paid In Full/ EASTCONN employee or ACT student/Multi-Class discounts.

SAVE THE DATE! CTAA’s Summer Musical Theater Program July 8 – August 10, 2013 Grades 4 to 12

Spend 5 weeks acting, singing and dancing with CTAA! We will put together a Broadway musical on the Capitol Theater stage. Limited spaces available. More information to come in February. To be added to the mailing list call 860-465-5636, x1023

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