Registration Underway for
Kids’ Acting Classes at Racine Theatre Guild

RACINE, WI--August 14, 2009—The Racine Theatre Guild (RTG) is announcing its schedule of acting classes for the 2009-2010 school year. There are theatre and musical theatre classes for kids in grades 1-5 and SPArK (Student Performing Arts Kompany) for middle-schoolers.

Musical Theatre Workshop I is designed for beginning actors entering grades 1, 2 and 3. No prior experience or audition is required. This is an exciting introduction to theatre and a fun way to develop a child’s self-esteem and confidence. Students are taught basic theatre skills and then put them into practice in a small-scale musical play. At the conclusion of the term in March 2010, the students perform for their families. The class meets Tuesdays, 4:15-5:45 p.m., beginning September 29. The tuition for 20 weekly lessons is $170, with $85 due upon registering.

The RTG is pleased to have Briana Rose Lipor back to teach Musical Theatre Workshop I. She was on staff in 2007-2008, before being crowned Miss Wisconsin. Lipor is now completing a degree at UW-Parkside in elementary education with double minors in vocal performance and communications. In addition to a background in performance, Lipor has for five years been teaching theatre, musical theatre and voice to children, and directing children’s productions and children’s choirs in Wisconsin and Lake Forest, IL.

Musical Theatre Workshop II is designed for students in grades 3, 4 and 5, and meets Wednesdays starting September 30, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. The prerequisite for Workshop II is a previous theatre class or stage experience. This course further develops acting, vocal and movement skills. At the end of the term in March, the students will demonstrate in a musical presentation the skills they have honed. Workshop II also meets for a minimum of 20 sessions. The fee is $180, payable in two installments, with the first $90 required at registration.

Jennifer Kiel returns for a third year as instructor for Musical Theatre Workshop II. She has been a music teacher at Slinger Middle School, Tremper High School, Indian Trail Academy and Washington Middle School (Kenosha). Since 2005 she has been teaching K-8 music part-time at Drought School in Franksville. Kiel is also an experienced musical director, choreographer and singer-dancer. She has performed at Six Flags Great America, Florentine Opera Company, Skylight Opera and the Racine Theatre Guild.

This season a new acting class, Acting Academy, has been created for beginning to intermediate students in grades 1-4. The class will explore acting through theatre games, rehearsals and production of a fairy tale. The goal is to introduce acting basics while building confidence and fostering creativity. The acting class meets Thursdays, 4:15-5:45 p.m., starting October 1. Tuition for 20 weekly lessons is $170, with $85 due upon registering.

Ashley Mulder is the instructor for Acting Academy. She is a 2008 graduate of Calvin College and has worked with children in theatre and music programs at Racine Christian School, Racine Kid Players and Knollcrest Music Camp. She gained technical and stage experience with Racine Youth Players, Calvin Theatre Company and the Racine Theatre Guild (“Beauty and the Beast”).

SPArK (Student Performing Arts Kompany), for grades 6-8, is both an advanced theatre class and a touring troupe of actors that performs short plays with messages specifically targeted to younger students. In the fall, the actors concentrate on refining their skills with instruction from SPArK’s new director, Briana Lipor. In the second semester, the focus shifts to producing and rehearsing an original play dealing with a topic relevant to youth, like bullying. In early May, the troupe performs at local elementary schools.

Participation in SPArK is by audition. Company members must be suitable role models. Open auditions consisting of cold readings are scheduled at 4:15 p.m. on Monday, September 21, and Tuesday, September 22, at the Theatre Guild. SPArK meets through April on Mondays from 4:15 to 5:45 p.m. There is no fee.

For further information or to register a child for classes, call the box office at 262-633-4218, or stop by the Racine Theatre Guild, a community theatre located at 2519 Northwestern Ave. (Highway 38). Regular office hours are on weekdays from 12 to 6 p.m. Visit RTG online at www.racinetheatre.org.

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