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Education Station - September 2009


kids at scr

Excited students off to class.

Acting Classes Start Soon

In the theatre world, September is when the excitement begins, and for SCR it’s one of the busiest months of the year as the season gets underway—and fall classes do the same.

Just when the casts of the first two shows arrive to begin rehearsals, kids, teens and adult students gather for the start of their fall session—where there’s something for everyone.

Young people in 3rd through 12th grade enjoy a fun and formative series of classes that take them from their very first taste of theatre through advanced programs and the opportunity to audition for the SCR Players ensemble groups (see story this page).  The Kids and Teen Program runs from Sep 15-Nov 21.

For those age 18 and above, the Adult Program (Fall Session Sep 21-Nov 10) provides classes that range from “Basic Skills” and “Improvisation” for beginners and anyone who wants to gain self-confidence in day-to-day life, all the way to Program Director Karen Hensel’s “Actors Workshop” for serious students.  Also offered is Improv, Singing for the Actor, Acting for the Camera and Playwriting. And first-time students who are SCR subscribers receive $30 off tuition costs.

Register or read more information about the Theatre Conservatory or call (714) 708-5510.

Photo of Secret Garden

Nick Slimmer and Valentina Gehley in The Secret Garden.


Secret Garden a Sell-Out

SCR’s Summer Players season ended with two sell-out weekends of The Secret Garden. And what a way to wrap things up.  The feedback from theatre-goers was glowing: "The Secret Garden exceeded my expectations. Kids loved it, and I even shed a few tears. You rounded up amazingly talented kids," said Carrie Lundell.

That’s well-deserved praise for these young thespians, who devote a big chunk of their summer to rehearsal.

Earlier in the spring, The Junior and Teen Players had their time onstage, presenting highly acclaimed productions of Gold in the Bones and Charles Dickens’ Hard Times. According to Theatre Conservatory Director Hisa Takakuwa, all three shows tested the mettle of the young thespians, but the time spent in class honing their skills accounted for the success of their shows.

They’ll be back next spring and summer for three more productions on the Nicholas Stage, joined by other students who have completed two years of training (one year for Summer Players) and auditioned to join the ensemble groups.  “I’m very proud of their work," said Takakuwa.  "After rehearsing so diligently in class, it’s wonderful for these young actors to discover that there’s nothing like performing onstage before a live audience.”

Watch this page for upcoming play titles.


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