TEACHERS: Download the study guide to Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
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Teeny Tiny Players
Pre-K thru 1st grade (8 weeks)
Thursdays, 5:30-6:30 for eight weeks starting Mar. 22. Tuition: $80 non-members, $65 members.
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin
Farmer Brown has a problem. His cows like to type. All day long he hears Click, clack, moo. Click, clack, moo. Click, clack, moo. But Farmer Brown’s problems REALLY begin when his cows start leaving him notes... Come join the fun as the Teeny Tiny Players bring this book about a bunch of literate cows to life on stage! The last class will be a share-day for family and friends.
Peanut Butter Players
2-3 grade (8 weeks)
Mondays, 5:15-6:45 for eight weeks starting Mar. 19. Tuition: $80 non-members, $65 members.
Stephanie’s Ponytail by Robert Munsch and Michael Martchenko
A little girl who is determined to strike a blow for nonconformity manages to arrive at school every day with a hairdo more outrageous than the day before. And each time, the cast of copycats grows and grows — until the day she threatens to shave her head! Have a great time bringing this Munsch classic to life on stage.
After School Players
4-5 grade (10 weeks)
Tuesdays, 4:30-6:30 for ten weeks starting Mar. 10. Tuition: $95 non-members, $80 members.
Through playing games and creating sketches you will learn the basic rules for comedy improvisation. Improvisation is considered to be a skill necessary for actors to improve their craft. Students will have the opportunity to work with Braxton Hunt, who has been a member of Laughing Matters, Jr. for two years and recently joined Laughing Matters. The class will end with a showcase for friends and family!
Take Two Players
6-7 grade (10 weeks)
Tuesdays, 4:30-6:30 for ten weeks starting Mar. 20. Tuition: $95 non-members, $80 members.
Use the fun and impulsive play of improvisation to create lively characters and over-the-top scenes. Students will learn the rules of comedy improvisation from Dorianne Rees, coach for TCTA’s teen improvisation troupe, Laughing Matters, Jr. and TCTA Education Director Jennifer Van Bruggen. The class will culminate in a performance for family and friends.
Prime Time Players
8-11 grade (10 weeks)
Wednesdays, 4:30-6:30 for ten weeks starting Mar. 21. Tuition: $95 non-members, $80 members.
Learn how to be positive, take risks, and focus on the people you’re working with. You’ll learn about timing, story structure and building character using comedy improvisation. Dorianne Rees, coach for TCTA’s teen Improvisation Troupe, Laughing Matters Jr. will assist in instructing the class, which will end with an improvisation showcase for family and friends.
The Civic Players
Ages 17 + (8 weeks)
Mondays, 5:30-6:45 for eight weeks starting Mar. 19. Tuition: $100 non-members, $85 members.
Improvisation is considered to be the basis for solid actor training. Techniques of listening, clarity, confidence and performing instinctively and spontaneously are considered important skills for actors to develop. Get ready to have fun and learn new improvisation games from Laughing Matters member Dorianne Rees. The class will culminate in a performance for family and friends.
Teachers
Jennifer Van Bruggen has been TCTA’s Education Director for over 9 years. She has directed over 40 productions here and at other theatres throughout the state. At TCTA, she has performed on the mainstage and studio stages. She holds a BA in Theatre from Sterling College and an MA in theatre from KU where she taught improvisation.
Braxton Hunt is a theatre student at Washburn University. He has been a member of Laughing Matters, Jr. for two years and most recently performed in Peter Pan and A Christmas Carol on the TCTA mainstage. He assisted with improvisation classes during the spring of 2011. Braxton just joined Laughing Matters this year.
Dorianne Rees has been a member of TCT’s improvisational comedy troupe for over 10 years. She leads TCTA’s newest improvisation troupe, Laughing Matters, Jr., which is comprised of youth aged 14 – 19 and performs family friendly comedy. Dorianne has been teaching with the academy for three years. She is a Renna Hunter award winner and has performed in main-stage, studio and TYA productions.
For questions regarding registration, scholarships, or schedules, contact the TCTA Box Office.
For questions regarding class activities, contact Education Director Jennifer Van Bruggen.
