The Human Race Theatre Company Offers Winter/Spring Theatre Classes for Adults and Kids

This March and April, The Human Race Theatre Company is offering three theatre classes for Dayton-area adults, and two classes for young girls. The classes run 4 to 8 weeks and are taught by professionals in the theatre industry, including three Human Race Resident Artists. All classes take place at The Human Race’s Philips Creativity Center at 116 North Jefferson Street in downtown Dayton.

CLASSES FOR ADULTS

Acting Basics
Human Race Resident Artist Kay Bosse teaches the craft of acting and auditioning in a safe and non-threatening atmosphere. Students will explore the vocabulary and techniques essential to understanding the world of the actor, and discover how to build a realistic and original character and the secrets to analyzing a script. Personal attention will also be focused on individual interests and exploration of media trends. This six-session class runs Mondays, March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 and April 7, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. The class fee is $150.00.

Playwrighting – Level II

Playwright Michael M. London continues the instruction begun in this winter’s Playwrighting ­– Level I course. While still looking closely at the dramatic structure of a story, students will also focus attention on other aspects of storytelling and the building of a play. There will be a lot of writing, a lot of thinking, some mutual support from other playwrights, a fair amount of laughing, some tasty food at breaks, and a general atmosphere of fun and learning. Each playwright will have a goal of completing a one-act play that will be presented in a public reading. Playwrights will have the opportunity to hear their work read aloud by actors and prepared by directors. Prerequisite: Playwrighting – Level I or permission from the instructor. This eight-session class runs Saturdays, March 8, 15, 22 and 29 and April 5, 12, 19 and 26, 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.The class fee is $200.00.

Reading Music

Learning to read music has been compared to learning a new language, very daunting for many. However, if you can count to seven, you may find this process easier than you thought. Assigning seven tones of the scale to the numbers 1 through 7 allows for easier recognition of notes, intervals, chords and even keys. Lead by Human Race Resident Artist Scott Stoney, this course is designed to get would-be singers started on the road to reading music and hearing pitches. A bit of homework will be given from week to week. This five-session class runs Saturdays, March 29 and April 5, 12, 19 and 26, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. The class fee is $120.00.

CLASS FOR GIRLS

Becoming Annie

Human Race Resident Artist Katie Pees leads this month-long adventure in musical theatre where girls ages 8 – 12 work on vocal coachings, dance techniques and character development using songs and choreography from the Broadway hit Annie. Aspiring actresses will be ready to sing their favorite songs and dance like a star to “It’s a Hard Knock Life”, “Tomorrow” and “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile.” There will be a sharing session on the last day of class. This four-session class runs Saturdays, March 1, 8, 15 and 22, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The class fee is $110.00.

Becoming Cinderella

Almost every young girl has a magical wish to become Cinderella and now they get to try on that glass slipper! Guided by professional actress and music educator Kandis Wean, students learn the gorgeous song melodies and lyrics of Rogers and Hammerstein’s current Broadway musical, Cinderella. Girls will kick up their feet with dance choreography that brings the enchantment to life as they strive to be a believable princess on stage. Students will perform a short show for parents and guests on the last day of class. This five-session class runs Saturdays, April 5, 12, 19, 26 and May 3, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The class fee is $110.00.

Registration is required one week prior to the first class date and can be made through The Human Race Theatre Company’s website – www.humanracetheatre.org.

For more information on classes and scholarship opportunities for children, interested students and parents may contact Education Director Marilyn Klaben at (937) 461-3823 ext. 3132 or[email protected].

The Human Race Theatre Company was founded in 1986 and moved into the Metropolitan Arts Center in 1991, taking up residence at the 212-seat Loft Theatre. In addition to the Eichelberger Loft Season, The Human Race produces for the Victoria Theatre’s Broadway Series, the Musical Theatre Workshop series, and special event programming. The Human Race, under the direction of Producing Artistic Director Kevin Moore, also maintains education and outreach programs for children, teens and adults, as well as artist residencies in area schools, The Muse Machine In-School Tour, and summer youth programs. Human Race organizational support is provided by Culture Works, the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District, the Shubert Foundation, the Erma R. Catterton Trust Fund, the Jesse & Caryl Philips Foundation Fund for the Development of New Works, the Virginia W. Kettering Foundation and the Ohio Arts Council, which helped fund this organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The 2013-2014 season sponsor is the Jack W. and Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation of the Dayton Foundation, with additional support from Jim and Enid Goubeaux, KeyBank, the Sam Levin Foundation, Premier Health, Heidelberg Distributing Company and Morris Home Furnishings.