Classes & Workshops
Note from the Director of Education
In response to parent/family feedback, fall 2012 introduces these features: two 5-week fall semesters with new 2-hour classes across all age groups and more drama intensives.
Wheelock Family Theatre’s education programs are sustained by both a professional theatre staff and Wheelock College, whose mission is improving the quality of life for children and families.
The result is a dynamic and exciting drama curriculum for youngsters between the ages of 6 and 17 that teaches drama skills AND connects those skills to child development theory and practice.
Child development faculty at Wheelock College work with theatre artist-educators to create challenging drama and movement games, improvisations, and exercises that help youngsters learn not just the HOW but also the WHY of onstage thoughts, feelings, and actions.
While we encourage students to repeat classes, particularly at the youngest, creative dramatics level, we also thoughtfully design a scope-and-sequence of class offerings within each age group so that students are consistently asked to build upon what came before. Early creative dramatics classes lead to introductory acting, movement, and improvisation classes, then to specialty classes such as musical theatre, stage combat, and scene work. Experienced students can then audition for Wheelock Family Theatre's advanced performance programs and mainstage productions.
If you would like our help in selecting the best choice(s) for your child, please contact John Bay at 617-879-2252 or jbay@wheelock.edu
AUDITION WORKSHOPS in preparation for THE HOBBIT
SUNDAY, JUNE 2
9:00AM-11:00AM: Ages 7-12 (Hobbits & Spiders - DOUBLE CASTING)
NO preparation necessary except to dress comfortably for character movement and stage combat exercises.
Tuition: $50
12:00 NOON-3:00PM: Ages 13-16 (Dwarves & Goblins, NO DOUBLE CASTING)
Bring a 1-minute dramatic monologue of high energy and be prepared to move.
Tuition: $75
Registrations are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.
AUDITIONS WILL BE JUNE 8 & 9 – Times to be announced.
REHEARSALS BEGIN OCTOBER 1, Production opens OCTOBER 25, closes NOVEMBER 24, with possible extension through Thanksgiving weekend.
For more information and to register, please email Jane Staab or call 617-879-2235
SUMMER 2013 FOR CHILDREN
JUNE INTENSIVE for children ages 6-8
B9. Fractured Fairy Tales
Saturday, June 29—Wednesday, July 3; 9:00am-3:30pm. Tuition: $400.
Challenges students to retell classic fairy tales by changing elements of plot, setting, and design; adding new characters, and whatever their imaginations suggest! Improvisation and rehearsal of their original fractured tales culminates in a Friday morning demonstration for families and friends!
JULY PROGRAMS for children ages 5-6
B9.11. Dramatic Imagination!
Monday, July 8—Friday, July 12; 8:30-11:30am
Creative Dramatics ABC’s! Tuition: $200 per week.
A fun and physical introduction to the building blocks of drama. Students will explore a different theme each week through movement exercises, story enactment, theatre games, improvisation, role playing, music, dance, and more. Each Friday, family and friends are invited to join the group as they showcase what they’ve learned about the process of theatre-making. Students may enroll for one, two, three or all four weeks. For all 4 weeks $750. For discount please contact WFT directly at 617-879-2252.
B9.12. Wild Moves!
Monday, July 15—Friday, July 19; 8:30-11:30am
Creative Dramatics ABC’s! Tuition: $200 per week.
A fun and physical introduction to the building blocks of drama. Students will explore a different theme each week through movement exercises, story enactment, theatre games, improvisation, role playing, music, dance, and more. Each Friday, family and friends are invited to join the group as they showcase what they’ve learned about the process of theatre-making. Students may enroll for one, two, three or all four weeks. For all 4 weeks $750. For discount please contact WFT directly at 617-879-2252.
B9.13. Treasure Trunk Theatre!
Monday, July 22—Friday, July 26; 8:30-11:30am
Creative Dramatics ABC’s! Tuition: $200 per week.
A fun and physical introduction to the building blocks of drama. Students will explore a different theme each week through movement exercises, story enactment, theatre games, improvisation, role playing, music, dance, and more. Each Friday, family and friends are invited to join the group as they showcase what they’ve learned about the process of theatre-making. Students may enroll for one, two, three or all four weeks. For all 4 weeks $750. For discount please contact WFT directly at 617-879-2252.
B9.14. Creative Critters!
Monday, July 29—Friday, August 2; 8:30-11:30am
Creative Dramatics ABC’s! Tuition: $200 per week.
A fun and physical introduction to the building blocks of drama. Students will explore a different theme each week through movement exercises, story enactment, theatre games, improvisation, role playing, music, dance, and more. Each Friday, family and friends are invited to join the group as they showcase what they’ve learned about the process of theatre-making. Students may enroll for one, two, three or all four weeks. For all 4 weeks $750. For discount please contact WFT directly at 617-879-2252.
JULY PROGRAMS for children ages 7-8
Choose one of two pathways!
"Comprehensive" 4 week program or "Exploration" 2 week programs.
B9.21. Creative Drama Comprehensive. Tuition: $1,500
4 week program. Monday, July 8—Friday, August 2, 9:00am-3:30pm
A comprehensive four-week curriculum, with each week’s approach designed to build upon previous work both onstage and offstage. Students will explore the story of Peter Pan, developing characters through improvisation and movement and voice exercises. They will also design and create set pieces, costumes, and props for their dramatization. They will share their work-in-progress with families and friends on Friday, July 19th, and will present a final demonstration on Friday, August 2nd.
B9.22. Creative Drama Exploration I. Tuition: $400 per week
2 Week Program: Monday, July 8—Friday, July 19, 9:00am-3:30pm
Two-week program with a panoramic survey view of the spectrum of drama skills. Dramatizing children’s literature will lead students on a dynamic journey that incorporates improvisation and theatre games, creative movement, music, creation and manipulation of masks and puppets, and more! Students will share their work with families and friends on July 19th.
B9.23. Creative Exploration II. Tuition: $400 per week
2 Week Program: Monday, July 22—Friday, August 2, 9:00am-3:30pm
Two-week programs with a panoramic survey view of the spectrum of drama skills. Dramatizing children’s literature will lead students on a dynamic journey that incorporates improvisation and theatre games, creative movement, music, creation and manipulation of masks and puppets, and more! Students will share their work with families and friends on August 2nd.
AUGUST INTENSIVE for children ages 7-9
B9.61. Creating a Mini-Musical.
Monday, August 5—Friday, August 16; 9:00am-3:30pm. Tuition: $800
A two-week program that introduces elements of performance—acting, singing, and dancing—in the process of creating a mini-musical production. Families and friends are invited to see the results on Friday, the 16th!
SUMMER 2013 FOR YOUTH
JUNE INTENSIVE for children ages 9-11
C9. Designing, Making, and Using Stage Props
Saturday, June 29 — Wednesday July 3; 9:00am-3:30pm. Tuition: $400.
The magic of a professional theatre production often relies on the contributions of people who are never seen by the audience. Students will learn how to design and construct props that fool the eye—turning Styrofoam into wood or metal and transforming lights and strips of cloth into a blazing fire! Improvisation, using movement and imagination, will provide opportunities for students to integrate their props into performance.
JULY for youth ages 9-11
C9.11. Play Production I
Monday, July 8—Friday, July 19; 9:00am-12:00 noon.
Tuition: $450 per two-week session; $850 for both sessions
A chance to experience the whole theatrical process from beginning to end! Students design, produce, and perform pieces created from dramatic literature for invited guests at the end of each two-week session. Previous experience recommended but not required.
Can be combined with Afternoon Specialty Workshops for a full-day session.
C9.12. Play Production II
Monday, July 22 – Friday, August 2; 9:00am-12:00 noon.
Tuition: $450 per two-week session; $850 for both sessions
A chance to experience the whole theatrical process from beginning to end! Students design, produce, and perform pieces created from dramatic literature for invited guests at the end of each two-week session. Previous experience recommended but not required.
Can be combined with Afternoon Specialty Workshops for a full-day session.
Specialty Workshops: July 8-12
Combine Play Production I or Morning, and Afternoon Specialty Workshops for a full day session.
C9.21. Auditioning: Monday, July 8—Friday, July 12.
Morning Specialty Workshop: 9:00am-12:00 noon. Tuition: $235.
Preparation is the best cure for audition anxiety. Students will explore various relaxation techniques, work on cold readings, rehearse monologues, and learn what it takes to make a favorable first impression.
C9.22. Comedy Jam: Monday, July 8—Friday, July 12.
Afternoon Specialty Workshop: 12:30-3:30pm. Tuition: $235
A light-hearted exploration of the intricate, almost mathematical structure of comedy. Students will work on comic scenes, invent comic personalities and discover what makes an audience laugh.
C9.23. The Actor’s Toolbox: Monday, July 8—Friday, July 122.
Afternoon Specialty Workshop: 12:30-3:30pm. Tuition: $235
Introduces several essential techniques actors use as they develop characters for performance. Students will explore high-status and low-status dynamics, Laban Movement Analysis (understanding and adapting one’s movement “fingerprint”), and improvisation in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere.
Specialty Workshops: July 15-19
C9.31. Behind the Scenes: Monday, July 15—Friday, July 19.
Morning Specialty Workshop: 9:00am-12:00 noon. Tuition: $235.
WFT designers reveal the backstage secrets that result in onstage magic. Students will learn fundamental techniques and processes for conceiving and building props, costumes, and set pieces.
C9.31. Ensemble Acting: Monday, July 15—Friday, July 19.
Afternoon Specialty Workshop: 12:30-3:30pm. Tuition: $235
In many ways, theatre is like a team sport: while each participant has a specific part to play, it’s the combined force of the entire team that brings great results. Students will exercise their collaborative muscles by working on group scenes that emphasize concentration, observation, and listening with focus.
C9.32. Theatre of Objects: Monday, July 15—Friday, July 19.
Afternoon Specialty Workshop: 12:30-3:30pm. $235
Using found objects, their own imaginations, and craft supplies, students will design and build one-of-a-kind puppet creatures. They will also learn how to connect object manipulation to visual storytelling and gain the performance skills needed to bring their creations to life!.
Specialty Workshops: July 22-26
Combine Play Production I or Morning, and Afternoon Specialty Workshops for a full day session.
C9.41. Broadway Kids I: Monday, July 22—Friday, July 26.
Morning Specialty Workshop: 9:00am-12:00 noon. Tuition: $235.
A high-energy class for students who love to sing, dance, and act. Each session focuses on a different selection of song and dance numbers from contemporary and classic musicals, with an emphasis on developing strong ensemble skills and a Broadway-ready professional attitude.
C9.42. Monsters and Heroes: Monday, July 22—Friday, July 26.
Afternoon Specialty Workshop: 12:30-3:30pm. Tuition: $235.
Explores early myths and legends from a variety of world cultures. Students will examine and dramatize stories from a range of traditions, learning how to realistically interpret classic tales and larger-than-life characters.
C9.43. Shakin’ It With Shakespeare: Monday, July 22—Friday, July 26.
Afternoon Specialty Workshop: 12:30-3:30pm. Tuition $235.
Bring on the Bard! This class decodes the sometimes perplexing language of Shakespeare, helping students to find meaning, humor, and a variety of other emotions behind the words.
Specialty Workshops: July 29-August 2
C9.51. Broadway Kids II: Monday, July 29—Friday, August 2.
Morning Specialty Workshop: 9:00am-12:00 noon. Tuition: $235.
A high-energy class for students who love to sing, dance, and act. Each session focuses on a different selection of song and dance numbers from contemporary and classic musicals, with an emphasis on developing strong ensemble skills and a Broadway-ready professional attitude.
C9.52. Inventing Movement: Monday, July 29—Friday, August 2.
Afternoon Specialty Workshop: 12:30-3:30pm. Tuition: $235.
Expands students’ movement vocabularies through exercises and physical improvisations, supports development of body and movement awareness, and encourages the observation of others’ mannerisms and walks. Students will learn how actors express a character’s inner life and intentions through movement.
C9.53 Creating 5-Minute Plays: Monday, July 29—Friday, August 2.
Afternoon Specialty Workshop: 12:30-3:30pm. Tuition: $235
A concise introduction to the playwriting process. Students will build on initial ideas through improvisation, develop scripts, and produce and perform their own original works.
AUGUST INTENSIVE for children ages 10-14
C9.61. Musical Theatre: Developing Performance Skills.
Monday, August 5—Friday, August 16; 9:00am-3:45pm. Tuition: $850.
This unique program provides a positive educational experience for the young musical theatre student while simulating the 'two weeks and up' rehearsal process found at many professional theatre companies. Students will focus particularly on two aspects of character development: immersing a character in song and physicalizing a character. The two weeks will culminate in a fully-staged evening presentation of "Flat Stanley" on the WFT mainstage. By invitation and/or audition only.
SUMMER 2013 FOR TEENS
JUNE INTENSIVES
D9. For ages 12-16. Meisner Acting Technique for Teens
Saturday, June 29 — Wednesday July 3; 9:00am-3:30pm. Tuition: $400.
The goal of Meisner technique is to live truthfully under given imaginary circumstances. Students will bring the spontaneity of improvisation to work with text. Meisner is an essential element in an actor’s education and fun to learn as well!
D9.01. For ages 13-18. Musical Theatre Scene Study.
Saturday, June 29 — Wednesday July 3; 9:00am-3:30pm. Tuition: $400.
This 5-day program challenges advanced musical theatre students to truly combine the crafts of singing, acting, and dancing in comic and dramatic musical theatre songs and scenes. The class will focus on developing complex characters through work on related musicals and plays and on building the skills necessary to tell a compelling story. Limited class size offers uniquely intensive and personalized coaching by experienced professionals, M. Lynda Robinson and Grace Napier. On the final afternoon, students will perform in a brief demonstration on the Wheelock Family Theatre main stage. By invitation and/or audition only.
JULY PROGRAMS for teens ages 12 – 16
D9. 11. Story Troupers
Four weeks: Monday, July 8—Friday, August 2; 9:00am-12:00 noon. Tuition: $850.
Story Troupers gives experienced teen performers the opportunity to play a wide range of roles, from outrageous slapstick comedy to serious drama. For the first two weeks, Story Troupers rehearse an original show based upon children’s literature. Troupers then take the show on a two-week tour, performing for young audiences at childcare centers, hospitals, camps, and libraries throughout greater Boston. Troupers also have the chance to perform at various Wheelock Family Theatre events during the 2013-2014 season. Previous stage experience, a willingness to take artistic risks, and a four-week morning commitment are necessary. An audition or permission of the instructors is required.
July Specialty Workshops: July 8-12
Combine Story Troupers or Morning, and Afternoon Specialty Workshops for a full day session.
D9.21. Comedy Improv: Monday, July 8—Friday, July 12
Morning Specialty Workshop: 9:00am-12:00 noon. Tuition: $235.
Introduces the fundamental skills of comic improvisation. Students learn what makes a scene funny, while honing their ability to listen and build on other actors’ ideas.
D9.22. Creating Characters I: Monday, July 8—Friday, July 12
Afternoon Specialty Workshops: 12:30-3:30pm. Tuition: $235
Examines the essential elements of developing distinctive and believable characters. Improvs, exercises and theatre games help students make strong performance choices physically, vocally, and emotionally. (Sessions I and II cover different material; students can choose one or both.)
D9.23. Introduction to Directing: Monday, July 8—Friday, July 12
Afternoon Specialty Workshops: 12:30-3:30pm. Tuition: $235.
What does a director need to know? This class explores the fundamentals of directing, choosing material, casting performers, working with designers, the rehearsal process, and performance.
July Specialty Workshops: July 15-19
Combine Story Troupers or Morning, and Afternoon Specialty Workshops for a full day session.
D9.31. Pop/Rock Audition Technique: Monday, July 15—Friday, July 19
Morning Specialty Workshop: 9:00am-12:00 noon. Tuition: $235.
Contemporary productions often use pop and rock styles instead of more traditional show tunes. Students will work with a variety of styles within this approach to build their repertoire of audition pieces.
D9.32. Creating Characters II: Monday, July 15—Friday, July 19
Afternoon Specialty Workshop: 12:30-3:30pm. Tuition: $235.
Focuses on interpreting characters from a script. Students learn to identify and overcome their individual actor habits to develop characters who are distinctly different from themselves. (Sessions I and II cover different material; students can choose one or both.)
D9.33. Theatre of the Absurd: Monday, July 15—Friday, July 19
Afternoon Specialty Workshop: 12:30-3:30pm. Tuition: $235.
Addresses the actor’s challenge of interpreting a playwright’s meaning with only minimal information in the script. Students will develop various approaches to scenes from Beckett’s comic-absurdist classic Waiting for Godot.
July Specialty Workshops: July 22-26
Combine Story Troupers or Morning, and Afternoon Specialty Workshops for a full day session.
D9.41. Acting Shakespeare: Monday, July 22—Friday, July 26
Morning Specialty Workshop: 9:00am-12:00 noon. Tuition: $235.
Focuses on both the physicality and poetry a Shakespearean actor needs to make language spring to life and characters to shine. Pre-memorization of an assigned Shakespeare sonnet is required.
D9.42. Broadway Song and Dance I: Monday, July 22—Friday, July 26
Afternoon Specialty Workshops: 12:30-3:30pm. Tuition: $235.
An ambitious one-week journey through song and dance numbers from contemporary and classic musicals. Engages students in the performer’s triple play of acting while dancing and singing. (Sessions I and II cover different material; students can choose one or both.)
D9.43. Suzuki and Viewpoints: Monday, July 22—Friday, July 26
Afternoon Specialty Workshops: 12:30-3:30pm. Tuition: $235.
Explores two of the most influential approaches to actor training. Tadashi Suzuki’s method uses exercises inspired by Greek theatre and martial arts; Viewpoints, developed by director Anne Bogart and playwright-director Tina Landau, is an improvisation-based technique for exploring a play through movement and gesture.
July Specialty Workshops: July 29-August 2
Combine Story Troupers or Morning, and Afternoon Specialty Workshops for a full day session.
D9.51. Vocal Technique: Finding Your Voice: Monday, July 29—Friday, August 2
Morning Specialty Workshop: 9:00am-12:00 noon. Tuition: $235.
Focuses on theatre breath and vocal technical training while emphasizing supported, confident speaking. Students will learn techniques for integrating body with voice in physical acting.
D9.52. Broadway Song and Dance II: Monday, July 29—Friday, August 2
Afternoon Specialty Workshops: 12:30-3:30pm. Tuition: $235.
An ambitious one-week journey through song and dance numbers from contemporary and classic musicals. Engages students in the performer’s triple play of acting while dancing and singing. (Sessions I and II cover different material; students can choose one or both.)
D9.53. Stage Combat: Monday, July 29—Friday, August 2
Afternoon Specialty Workshops: 12:30-3:30pm. Tuition: $235.
Spotlights techniques for safely and realistically creating dangerous battles and heroic struggles. Emphasizes the combination of physical and mental discipline needed for memorable clashes onstage!
AUGUST INTENSIVE for ages 14 -18
D9.61. Raising the Bar: Exploring the Actor's Process with Fran Weinberg
Monday, August 5—Friday, August 16; 12:00-6:30pm. Tuition: $850.
In this program, students committed to deepening their acting skills and knowledge of the craft will immerse themselves for two weeks in intensive advanced theatre training. Through challenging exercises and workshops in vocal, movement, and character work, and exploring scenes from outstanding plays, students experience the actor's process in-depth. They receive intensive ensemble training and are given specific individual attention and feedback. This program will culminate in an "Open Studio" showcase performance of their work on the WFT Mainstage on the final evening of the program. Scenes are TBA.
Fall, Winter, & Spring Offerings
Classes & Workshops – Weekly classes and specialized workshops in creative dramatics, acting, expressive movement, dance, Shakespeare, and more.
Vacation Week Institutes – Intensive theater experiences for young people during school vacation weeks.
Summer Offerings
Classes & Workshops – Four weeks of acting classes with workshops in movement, voice training, and theatre crafts; and Story Troupers, a teenage touring ensemble.
Advanced Performance Intensives – Two weeks in August for the experienced student.
Class Information
Not only did I have so much fun, but I also received a lot of constructive criticism. It's extremely hard to find a program that's both entertaining and beneficial — most are interested in one or the other.
– Wilmene H, teen intensive program member
Everyone takes something personal and lasting from their participation in the theatre whether as an actor or a member of the audience. I hope that many other kids will share my good fortune and have the opportunity to be part of the Wheelock family.
– Jacob B, student & actor
