Education Through Theatre Program June 17, 2012

Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, one of Chicago’s top musical theaters, will host three exciting educational workshops for young theater enthusiasts. These workshops will provide students of all ages with the environment to explore the world around them through theatre, to have fun with creative expression while building self-esteem, and to expand communication and creative problem solving skills. These Summer 2012 classes will begin June 18 and run through August 3.
The workshops include:
Mask Workshop- Students will learn about mask making and what an important role costume and prop design play in theatre. Each student will design and build their very own mask, and will then learn how to bring it to life through movement and staging. Children will discover the posture, sounds and personality of their mask through specialized mask theatre exercises, guided play and improvisation. All materials are included with the cost of tuition. Classes will run Monday through Friday, June 18 through June 22, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. This workshop is for students ages 5-13. Patty Bird will instruct.
Shakescenes Shenanigans- Students will embark on a journey of imagination and discovery with this fun-filled Shakespeare workshop. Over the course of two weeks, students will explore the crazy characters and create their own unique spin of one of Shakespeare's most beloved works. This workshop is designed for young actors who love to perform. The workshop will culminate in a wonderful opportunity for the students to join dozens of actors from throughout Northwest Indiana, and take to the stage at the University of Notre Dame. One day of performances will be performed for families, each offering a series of ten-minute scenes. Classes will run Monday through Friday, June 25 through June 29 and July 9 through July 13 (with one week off during the 4th of July Holiday), from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. This workshop is for students ages 7 – 18. Patty Bird will instruct.

Harmony High S’Cool! - Clever original songs, zany antics and creative script writing combine for a truly spectacular musical theater production on stage. Through acting, singing, and choreography, performers will learn to use their bodies and voices to develop strong characterization. Students will also learn the element of theatrical design as they create and build set pieces. The students will close the workshop with a free performance on Saturday, August 4th on the Theatre at the Center stage. Classes will run Monday through Friday, July 23 through August 3 from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. This workshop is for students ages 7 – 12. Peter Vamvakas and Laural Reinhart will instruct.
There is limited space available for all workshops, so early registration is recommended. Tuitions range from $175 - $250. For more information regarding these classes, contact Kimmie Lauer at 219.836.9073 or visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.
Founded in 1991, Theatre at the Center is a year-round professional theater at its home, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. Theatre at the Center is conveniently located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.
For more information regarding the main stage productions at Theatre at the Center, or to purchase tickets, call the Box Office at 219.836.3255 or Tickets.com at 800.511.1552. Group discounts, available for groups of 20 or more; and gift certificates, perfect for all special occasions are also available by calling the Box Office at 219.836.3255. For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit TheatreAtTheCenter.com.