Wagon Wheel Theatre announced the fifth annual young actor's workshops.
These two programs are designed to give young people in the area a chance to work with and learn from theater professionals.
The first program, Summerplay, will be offered for actors going into first through fifth grade. It will run from June 15 to 17, from 1 to 4 p.m. Cost is $100 per student.The second, a Musical Theatre Workshop, will be offered for actors going into grades 6-12, and will run from June 24 to July 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The student should provide his or her own lunch. Cost is $250 per student.
Summerplay will follow the traditional camp format, with the opportunity for young actors to participate in hands-on theater activities including acting skills, puppetry, movement, dance and creative play. Each day is based on a different musical.
The Musical Theatre Workshop focuses on middle and high school students' commitment to improving the art of acting while working with professionals. The students will rehearse and perform a full musical theater production, which is to be announced at a later date. This intense, eight-day workshop will highlight voice training, movement, dance, acrobatic skills, choreography, character creation and working with an ensemble. Although previous expertise is not required, students should be able to display commitment, endurance and a sense of excitement.
Ben Dicke and Andy Robison will direct the programs, all of which have had training and experience as actors and directors in children's theater.
Dicke completed his master's degree in fine arts in acting from Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and holds a bachelor's degree in theater education from Sterling College.
Robinson holds a master's degree in educational theater from New York University in New York City and is currently on the faculty at the Chicago Academy for the Arts.
Class sizes are limited. All applicants must pay the full amount to hold their position. Last year's classes were held at maximum capacity, so reserve a spot as soon as possible.
Any questions about the programs can be directed to Suzanne Lattimer, the Wagon Wheel Theatre, either by phone at 574-267-8041 or by email at beckie@wagonwheeltheatre.com
