Last Update: 07/22/10

When you go to a workshop...be sure you mention you saw the notice on the NEED website!

Connecticut CLINTON: MADHATTERS THEATRE COMPANY THEATRE SUMMER CAMP FOR THE MUSICAL COMEDY 'CHARLESTON' - AUGUST 9TH THRU 20TH @ LYMES YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU AND ANDREWS MEMORIAL TOWN HALL. OPEN TO AGES NINE AND OVER. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: www.madhatterstheatrecompany.com or call Francesca at (860) 395-1861 STAMFORD: Connecticut Ballet Center, official school of Connecticut Ballet, has announced ‘Back to School’ workshops in August for young dancers ages 8-14, allowing them a chance to refresh their technical level in advance of annual ‘Nutcracker’ auditions open to all area dancers in September. ‘The Nutcracker’ will once again take place in December at the Palace Theatre, Stamford Center for the Arts. Both beginner and intermediate levels will be offered. Directed by Brett Raphael, the summer sessions will take place August 16-27 at Connecticut Ballet Center, 20 Acosta Street, Stamford. Students will have daily classes in ballet, beginner and intermediate pointe, modern dance, ballroom, and ballet repertory. The faculty includes Mr. Raphael, Jessica Delia (modern), Karen Arceneaux (modern), John Vitti (ballroom), and Larisa Akinicheva (ballet). A special feature will be a ‘Make-up for the Dancer’ workshop taught by Connecticut Ballet make-up artist, Ingrid Okala. Financial aid is available to qualifying candidates. Interested parents may request a brochure by calling Connecticut Ballet Center at 203- 978-0771 or visit www.connecticutballet.com. WILTON: Music Theatre of Connecticut School of Performing Arts in cooperation with The Wilton Playshop presents a Musical Theatre/Acting and Scene Study Workshop at Wilton Playshop this summer. This exciting two-week workshop focuses on the fundamentals of theatre and concludes with a showcase performance for family and friends. Designed for students entering 7th-10th grade, the workshop takes place July 26 - August 6, Mondays - Fridays, 10am - 3pm at Wilton Playshop, Lover's Lane. Tuition is $500 and parents are required to provide a bagged lunch for their child each day. To register and for more information, contact Music Theatre of Connecticut at 203.454.3883 or www.musictheatreofct.com.  The Music Theatre/Acting and Scene Study Workshop will be taught by Broadway actress Mary Jo Duffy, a member of Music Theatre of Connecticut's professional faculty. Mary Jo Duffy has performed on Broadway in "Senator Joe," as Magnolia in the National and European tours of "Showboat" and in regional theatres across the country, as well as industrial trade shows and television commercials. Some of Mary Jo's favorite roles include Shelby in "Steel Magnolias," Maria in "West Side Story," Julie in "Carousel" and Laurey in "Oklahoma." Mary Jo has trained with Metropolitan Opera singer Mimi Lerner, Lorenzo Malfatti and Margaret Ross at Chatham College, Beatrice Krebs at Carnegie-Mellon University and Tony McDowell in New York City and has directed musicals at the Fraser-Woods School in Newtown and other schools. Mary Jo teaches musical theatre, drama, and private voice, and has been on the MTC faculty since 2003, and is a member of Actors Equity Association and the Screen Actors Guild.  To register and for more information about the Music Theatre/Acting and Scene Study Workshop, contact Music Theatre of Connecticut at 203.454.3883 or www.musictheatreofct.com Maine NEW!!  SPRINGVALE: Have you always wanted to be an actor/actress? Have you been in a play, but always felt you needed more training? HERE IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY ! Sanford Maine Stage will be hosting a one-night workshop "The Basics of Acting" on Wednesday, August 4th from 6: 30 - 10-:00 PM at their theatre on Hilltop Lane in Springvale. Led by Josh Chenard, a professional actor, director and current faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University, workshop participants will be exposed to the basics of stage voice, stage movement, acting technique, and improvisation in a fun, creative environment. Open to all ages, and skill levels, don't miss this unique opportunity ! Cost is $20 per person and space is limited ! Please email jchenard@hotmail.com for questions and registration or call (207) 324-8227. Massachusetts BEVERLY: Camp Broadway®, Broadway’s Original Summer Camp, is presenting three five-day musical theatre camps for children ages 6-9, 10-13 and 14-17 at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, Massachusetts during July and August 2010. New facility owner and producer, Bill Hanney invited Camp Broadway® to offer its acclaimed program at the theatre this summer as the first step in his long-range commitment to restore quality theatre arts programming for young audiences.  Said Bill Hanney, “North Shore Music Theatre has a long and distinguished tradition of providing area children with opportunities to learn about and experience the theatre. Having Camp Broadway® at North Shore this summer enables us to establish a direct link with Broadway and offer families the best in music theatre training.”  Celebrating its 15th season on Broadway, Camp Broadway® is a prolific producer of theatre arts programs and special events ranging from appearances in Macy’s Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade to Carnegie Hall. The company is also the publisher of StageNotes®, authorized study guides for Broadway shows. Camp Broadway’s Artistic Director, Tony Parise, has worked at North Shore Music Theatre many times throughout his 25-year career as a director, choreographer and actor. He will be returning this summer to oversee the introduction of Camp Broadway at the theatre. In addition, North Shore resident, director/choreographer/master teacher, Karen Pisani will serve as Camp Broadway’s Associate Director. North Shore native, Lisa LeMay, is providing Musical Direction for the summer series. Camp Broadway’s summer schedule is as follows: SHINING STARS™ August 16-20 Ages 6-9 9 am – 2 pm. CAMP BROADWAY®  August 2-6 Ages 10-17 9 am – 5 pm; August 16-20 Ages 10-17 9 am – 5 pm.  Visit www.CampBroadway.com/Northshore for complete details and enrollment information. NEW!! BOSTON: Comedy Through Collaboration: The SitCom Writer's Room, A Four week Master Class with Jonathan Katz and Bill Braudis - $150 for four classes, 2 hours each. Maximum of 15 Students, Wednesday Evenings, August 4, 11, 18, 25 from 7-9 pm.  The best comedy comes through collaboration. In the professional comedy writing world every show is dependent on the ability of the team to create chemistry, work together well and deliver the goods. Join acclaimed writers/producers/ performers Jonathan Katz and Bill Braudis for four weeks of intensive team writing. Katz and Braudis will show students what goes on behind the closed doors of the writer's room of a situation comedy. Serving as "Executive Producers" Jonathan and Bill will guide the class in creating a new show concept including characters descriptions and an outline for a pilot episode. Teams will be assigned to work together to create selected scenes for the show. At the end of four weeks the class will have created a draft of a pilot script for a brand new show. The final class will feature a table read of the completed project. Working with new people is an essential skill to have in the writing world. Your potential in the comedy world is linked directly to the folks you are partnered with. Learn from these two master collaborators how to create creative partnerships that work. Collaboration in Comedy is a natural extension of Jonathan and Bill's multi-year creative partnership.  Requirements: Students will be expected to commit to writing outside of class time with their partners.  Prerequisites: (what level of experience do you suggest folks have to take the class? I recommend: This is an advanced level writing class. Experience performing improvisation or stand up comedy, or in writing sketch comedy or spec scripts is highly recommended. ) For more info visit www.improvboston.com  or email workshops@improvboston.com DUXBURY: Make new friends and make summer creative! South Shore Conservatory (SSC), the region’s largest community school for the arts, and Duxbury Art Association, the region’s oldest art association, (DAA) have teamed up to offer a comprehensive 2-week Summer Theater Camp titled “Let’s Put on a Show!” to children ages 6 to 11 from August 16 to 27 at the Ellison Center for the Arts, 64 St. George St., Duxbury. The camp will be held from Monday through Friday both weeks, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Designed as a comprehensive immersion program, children will experience a true “child-created” theater production under the guidance of the SSC and DAA arts faculty. With the DAA, students will design and create a theatrical set, costumes, and performance programs. SSC instructors will guide students as they develop acting roles, write songs and play musical accompaniment to be featured in the camp finale: a full production musical “Bremen Town Musicians”. This Grimm’s Fairy Tale-style play tells a tale of cooperation and friendship that captures the spirit of the collaborative camp experience through animals played by actors. Students will welcome parents and families to their completed musical production on August 27th. To register for this program or to learn more, please contact Anne Smith at 781-934-2731 ext. 11 or visit www.sscmusic.org for complete schedule, registration, and pricing information for all South Shore Conservatory offerings. FRANKLIN: The Franklin School for the Performing Arts will hold a Summer Open House on Wednesday, July 28th from 4:00 until 8:00 pm at 38 Main Street in Franklin. The community is invited to meet the faculty, tour the facility and observe summer classes in musical theater, dance, drama, voice and instrumental lessons. Fall program catalogues and class schedules will be available.  Instrumental lessons, a comprehensive voice curriculum and the specialized Little Music School program are features of the Music Department while Dance disciplines offered by FSPA include Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap and Hip Hop with specfic classes for Teen Beginners, Boys and Adults. The school’s Drama Department includes Acting and Musical Theater programs for beginner through advanced students. The school’s musical theater and dance ensembles are cast each season by audition for performances in the community and at Walt Disney World. Fall registration at FSPA is ongoing and can be done in person or over the phone. For more information, call The School at 508-528-8668 or visit www.fspaonline.com. FRANKLIN: The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) has introduced a new two-track Ballet program for the upcoming season. In an effort to make outstanding Ballet training available to all students, including those pursuing dance for college and career as well as those who want to study dance for recreation, FSPA has made changes in the school’s curriculum, ballet levels, and class schedule, effective Fall 2010.  The FSPA Ballet Program is under the direction of Ballet Mistress Cheryl Madeux Abbott who completed certification in the American Ballet Theater (ABT) teaching curriculum in 2009. Ms. Abbott has been on staff at FSPA since 2002 after dancing with ABT, Joffrey and Hartford ballet companies. She has danced the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Franklin Performing Arts Company production of The Nutcracker and served as choreographer for The Company’s 2009 restaging of the production. The FSPA Ballet faculty includes Clyde Nantais, Rilla Tolmie, Marina Van Winkle, and Tracy Durso. The conservatory track offers Levels I-A through V in the concentrated program, requiring multiple days per week beginning in lower levels and requiring significant time commitment for pointe work when recommended. The School’s “Letter Track” offers Levels A-G to accommodate the growing numbers of students who want excellent ballet training without time required for high-level study in pointe.  FSPA offers beginner classes for students of all ages, allowing teens the unusual opportunity to begin ballet and attend class with their peers. “Ballet is fundamental. It is essential for all performers, not only dancers, improving skills for singers and actors as well. Ballet imparts poise, posture, grace, and presence in everyone,” notes FSPA director Raye Lynn Mercer. “Proper training in ballet is critical. Correct technique, especially in preparation for pointe work, is essential for the safety and future health and well being of the young dancer. It is something that should be researched by the parents of all prospective students.”  Conversation about the benefits of ballet study as well as FSPA’s curriculum and class offerings are available at upcoming Open Houses at the Franklin School for the Performing Arts on July 28, August 18, and September 1 and 2 from 4-8 pm. Further information is available by contacting the FSPA office at 38 Main Street, 508-528-8668, or by visiting www.fspaonline.com.  07 HUDSON: Summer Drama Workshop offers area students entering grades 1-13 musical theater workshops weekday mornings, which culminate in performances for the public to enjoy! For 22 years these popular sessions have been successfully presented by the Arts Alliance, a non-profit organization which promotes community arts and arts education. Exciting theater arts education programs offer structured group fun, providing kids with creative, collaborative outlets, and teaching them self-confidence in safe environments with dedicated, experienced educators. August 2-13 for grades 1-6. Tuition fees are discounted for family members of the Arts Alliance. Summer productions, from youngest to oldest, are: Aesop’s Fables; Disney’s Cinderella, Kids; Honk! Jr. and Into the Woods. For information, including registration forms, call 978-562-1646 or visit: www.upwitharts.org LITTLETON: Gatsby's Getaway, an original play written by Shawn Cannon, all about four girls in the 1920's that decide to go out and live their dreams! They will encounter lots of different people as they go along the road to success and will help each other along the way.... Its going to be a funny show with lots of music from the era, along with some great dance numbers and fun costumes! We will also be doing hair and makeup, and learning vocal techniques, acting techniques and will put on the show at the end. This musical is for grades 4 through 10th grade. The dates for this program/show will be on Aug. 9 through 12 and Aug. 16 through 19. The show will be that night at 8:00 p.m., on Aug. 19 and on Friday night, Aug. 20. Each day will begin at 11:00 until 4:00 p.m., 5 hours a day for the eight days. The cost for this class/show is going to be $400, with a $10 supply fee. If you get your check and registration form in before the end of June, or have more than one sibling enrolled, there will be a 10% discount, so the cost will be $360, with the supply fee.  Email thecannontheatre@gmail.com for information. WATERTOWN: Summer Voice Lessons - Watertown Children's Theatre. Strengthen your voice with WCT! Through private instruction, acquire the proper technique for healthy singing and learn to sing songs of your choice! Increase your performance opportunities and build vocal confidence in an enjoyable, non-threatening atmosphere. Grades 4-Adult. Tuition: $140/4-week session. Location: Arsenal Center for the Arts, WCT Drama Space. Lesson Times: July 27 - August 19, Tuesdays/Thursdays, 30 minute lessons, 4:30-9 pm. Please contact WCT Program Associate Kathi Tighe at 617-926-ARTS, Ext. #1 to reserve a lesson time and to receive a registration form. For more info visit www.watertownchildrenstheatre.org  or email ktighe.wct@gmail.com WATERTOWN: Wren's Summer Voice Over "Booth Camp" in Aug! Come to the Summer "Booth Camp" with Wren Ross Demo Preparation/Business of Voice-Over Seminar on Monday, August 16, 2010, from 10:30am-4pm at the Burclan Recording Studio, Watertown, Mass. This is a practical and comprehensive one-day seminar designed to help you develop and practice the skills necessary to find success in the Voice Over market. We will discuss making and updating demos, marketing strategies, auditions, unions, as well as work with techniques to help you find a more genuine and spontaneous read. You will also have the opportunity to meet a distinguished panel of producers and directors. No matter where you are in your voiceover career, you’ll find the information you need to take your voiceover work to new levels. For more information, fees and registration please call: (class size limited --This workshop fills quickly- early registration recommended) 617-924-SING (7464) or email: wren@wrenross.com. WATERTOWN: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland - Watertown Children's Theatre. This fall, follow the White Rabbit into Wonderland where everything is topsy-turvy! Wacky dances, silly songs, and Mad Tea parties will leave everyone smiling like Cheshire Cats. Join the cast of Lewis Carroll’s classic, and you’ll be able to outgrabe with the mome wraths – just be wary of the Red Queen and you’ll come out a-head! Grades 3-5. Tuition: $275. Location: Arsenal Center for the Arts. Required Orientation: Sunday, September 12. • 2:00 - 5:00 pm Student Audition Orientation; • 4:00 - 5:00 pm Parent Orientation. Auditions: September 13 & 15, 3:30 - 6:00 pm. Rehearsal Dates and Times: September 26 – November 14. Wednesdays, Fridays 3:30 - 6:00 pm; Sundays, 2:00 - 5:00 pm. Final Rehearsals: November 15-18 (times TBA). Performances: Mosesian Theatre, Arsenal Center, Friday, November 19, 7 pm; Saturday, November 20, 2 pm & 7 pm; Sunday, November 21, 2 pm. For more info visit www.watertownchildrenstheatre.org or email ktighe.wct@gmail.com WATERTOWN: Page to Stage: The Magic School Bus - Watertown Children's Theatre. “Wahoo!   Get out there and explore” with Ms. Frizzle and her students! Students will select a favorite Magic School Bus book and bring it to life. Whether it’s a trip to the bottom of the Ocean Floor or the outer reaches of the Solar System, this will be one bus ride you’ll never forget! In addition to playing theatre games and learning performance technique, students will have fun adapting the story to the stage. Grades K and 1. Tuition: $70 (Early Bird $55, postmarked by June 30). Dates: September 25 – November 13, Saturdays, 10:00 am - 11:30 am. (No rehearsal on October 9) Location: Arsenal Center for the Arts, WCT Drama Space. Final presentation for family and friends: Saturday, November 13, 11:00 am, Mosesian Theater.  For more info visit www.watertownchildrenstheatre. org or email ktighe.wct@gmail.com WATERTOWN: Junior Players - Watertown Children's Theatre. This fall, follow the White Rabbit into Wonderland where everything is topsy-turvy! Wacky dances, silly songs, and Mad Tea parties will leave everyone smiling like Cheshire Cats. Join the cast of Lewis Carroll’s classic, and you’ll be able to outgrabe with the mome wraths – just be wary of the Red Queen and you’ll come out a-head! 1st and 2nd graders will sing and dance alongside the main cast in 2 of the 4 performances* . Students will also have fun with theatre games and creative movement in this very popular performance class. Grades 1 and 2. Tuition: $150. Location: Arsenal Center for the Arts, WCT Drama Space. Dates: September 27 - November 8 (No class October 11), Mondays, 3:30-4:30 pm OR 4:30-5:30 pm. Rehearsals with Main Cast: 3:30 pm class – November 15 and 17; 4:30 pm class – November 16 and 18. *Performances: Mosesian Theater, Arsenal Center: 3:30 pm class – Friday, November 29, 7 pm; Saturday, November 20, 2 pm. 4:30 pm class – Saturday, November 20, 7 pm. For more info visit www.watertownchildrenstheatre.org  or email ktighe.wct@gmail.com WATERTOWN: Music Theory Workshop: The Do-Re-Mi's of Music - Watertown Children's Theatre.  Join WCT vocal instructor Bridget Murphy for a music theory workshop! Students will be introduced to the basics of note reading, music vocabulary, melody, rhythm, and sight-reading. Whether you’re starting voice lessons for the first time or are an experienced singer, don’t miss this opportunity to increase your musical knowledge, prepare for rehearsals, auditions, and performances, and have FUN! Grades 6-12.  Tuition: $50. Dates: October 16 & 23. Saturdays, noon - 2:00 pm. Location: Arsenal Center for the Arts, WCT Drama Space. For more info visit www.watertownchildrenstheatre.org or email ktighe.wct@gmail.com New Hampshire NEW!! MANCHESTER: Whitebridge Farm Productions is offering a $10 AUDITION TECHNIQUE WORKSHOP - TUESDAY, JULY 27TH FROM 6 – 9 PM.  COLD READINGS , PREPARED MONOLOGUES, IMPROV, 16 BARS – BE PREPARED FOR ANY AUDITION THAT COMES YOUR WAY!  CALL OR EMAIL US TO REGISTER!  603-744-3652 OR Workshops@WhitebridgeFarmProductions.com Rhode Island Nothing right now.  Please check back! Vermont BURLINGTON: The Flynn Center hosts a program of year-round performing arts classes for adults, young adults, and children. Since its inception, the FlynnArts program has been committed to offering performing arts classes for the whole community, from the curious beginner to the proficient performer. We invite you to explore a new area of interest or develop an existing skill. Our teaching artists have extensive experience both as artists and as educators. All are committed to the FlynnArts mission of fostering the creative spirit in students of all ages and backgrounds, igniting a curiosity about the artistic process, and helping students claim the arts as an integral part of their lives. If you have questions about class selection or placement, we are always happy to help. Please call or email Paulina Anderson at 802-652-4548 SHELBURNE: SHELBURNE PLAYERS - Summer Theater Camp - Shelburne Players & Shelburne Parks and Recreation Department presents a SUMMER THEATER CAMP - 5th-8th graders. Director Tim Maynes and Musical Director Nate Venet. Shelburne Town Center, 5420 Shelburne Road - August 2nd-6th from 9am-3pm. $210.  At the end of the week kids put on a musical show on the Shelburne Town Centerstage. Last year's "Theseus and the Minotaur" was a hit for parents and kids alike.  INFO/REGISTER: (802) 985-9551. Limited enrollment. Register early to guarantee placement. WAITSFIELD: VALLEY PLAYERS - KidsACT! Summer Musical camp - Directed by Ruth Ann Pattee, at the Valley Players Theater, Rt. 100. Aug. 2-6 - entering grades 4-6 in Sept. 2010. Students will perform "Through the Looking Glass", based on the Alice In Wonderland stories. Familiar characters include Alice, the Red Queen, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, Humpty Dumpty and more!  10am-3pm M-F. Free performance Fri. Aug. 6 at 7PM. Tuition: $175; Aug. 9-13 - entering grades 7-9 in Sept. 2010. Students will perform the one-act musical "Adventures of a Comic Book Artist", about a janitor who works for a comic book company and has his nown characters come to life thanks to some magic pens. Lots of fun characters, solos, and dance numbers for guys and girls! Camp runs 10am - 4pm; M-F with a free performance on Friday, Aug. 13 @ 7pm. Tuition: $200. Partial scholarships available. INFO/REGISTER: Ruth Ann Pattee (802) 793-4220 or thespians@gmavt.net Miscellaneous Nothing right now.  Please check back.