This dynamic approach to musical theatre training introduces students to the techniques used by professional actors, directors, & choreographers as they create the world of a show!
By exploring staging, song structure, and scene/character development in Oklahoma!, West Side Story, Mathilda, and Mary Poppins – all based on works of literature – students will learn how each musical was adapted and put up on its feet for an audience.
The Wednesday session focuses on iconic choreography, while the Thursday session explores songs and scenes from each show.
Students can take both sessions, for a truly immersive experience, or take only one class to focus on the skills of their choice.
Choreography Class
DATES: Wednesdays September 29 – January 26 (No classes November 24 and December 29)
AGES: 10+
TIME: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
PRICE: $375
Scene & Song Class
DATES: Thursdays September 30 – January 27 (No class November 25, December 23, and December 30)
AGES: 10+
TIME: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
PRICE: $375
MEET THE INSTRUCTORS
DR. SUSAN SPEIDEL appeared in the off-Broadway revue Olio, A Modern Vaudeville and in The Student Prince and Jesus Christ Superstar at Paper Mill Playhouse, in addition to playing leading roles at many other regional theaters.
She has directed more than 50 high school productions, as well as numerous shows at Surflight Theater, Chatham Playhouse, and Plays-In-The-Park in Edison.
She has sung with the Seattle and Portland Symphonies, the Key West Symphonic Pops, and the Orchestra of St. Peter’s by the Sea, as well as performing her cabaret show in NYC clubs, at Tennessee Williams Theater in Key West, and at the legendary Odette’s in New Hope.
She served for 20 years as the Director of Education for Paper Mill Playhouse, where she founded the Adopt-A-School Project, the Rising Star Awards, and the Summer Musical Theater Conservatory. She has taught acting and theater management at Kean University and Seton Hall. Dr. Speidel holds a B.A. in English and Theater from Montclair State, an M.A. in Theater Administration from New York University, an M.A. in Liberal Studies from Kean University, and earned her Doctorate at Drew University. She also studied at HB Studios and the Globe Theater in London. She is a recipient of the NJ Governor’s Award for Excellence in Theatre Education, received the New Jersey Theatre Alliance’s Applause Award in 2000 and 2007, and was recently inducted in the NJACT Hall of Fame for her contributions to arts education in New Jersey.
ERICA LYNN CENCI has over ten years experience teaching musical theater, tap, hip-hop and creative movement for young children.
Erica’s extensive work as a choreographer, has earned her prestigious accolades, including a prestigious nomination for Best Choreography from Paper Mill Playhouse’s Rising Star Awards.
She graduated from Muhlenberg College with a B.A. in Theatre and in English and had the honor of dancing at the Kennedy Center as part of the American College Dance Association.
Erica performed in children’s theatre companies and has completed training programs at Williamstown Theatre Festival and Manhattan School of Music.
Erica has starred in the National Tours of A Chorus Line and Cats, Fiddler on the Roof at the Barrington Stage Company, and 42nd Street at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse. For more, visit ericalynncenci.com.
Upright bass, also called string bass or double bass, is a member of the orchestra family. Just as often, however, it appears in jazz, bluegrass, folk, and other genres. With a large hollow body and 4 thick strings, the tones produced by the upright bass are low and rich. The instrument is capable of long, expressive tones when played with a bow; and short, percussive tones when plucked with the strings. String bass is a dynamic and impressive instrument to play!
The oboe is a woodwind and a member of the double-reed family. It is played by blowing air through the reed, attached at the top of the instrument. The reed consists of two very thin pieces of cane, pressed together with a small opening to allow air to pass through. The sound can be high in pitch, but it has a variety of colorful tones, from bright and piercing to low and mysterious.
