Theatre Programs
Acting: Theatre
Ages 6-8, 9-12, 12-19
GI SS
Students will explore a variety of age-appropriate acting tools and techniques such as the relationship between the physical body and character. Younger students develop imagination, creativity, self-confidence, and empathy in a fun and expressive way. As participants progress, they will apply their techniques to solo and group scripts, improvisations, and devised work. Teen artists will learn to sharpen their instincts to make strong and consistent choices.
Musical Theatre
Ages 6-8, 9-12, 12-19
GI SS
Sing, act, and dance—together! These classes are for the young people who sing in the shower, or in the car, or anywhere else. Students will use Broadway and pop repertoire to learn the fundamentals of musical theatre performance. Dance skills, acting techniques, and speaking/singing skills come together as students develop 1-3 ensemble songs for an in-class performance at the end of each term. As participants progress, they will incorporate harmonies, complex dance steps, and advanced acting techniques to further develop their musical theatre artistry.
*12-19 class only available at GI location
Public Speaking
Ages 9-12
GI SS
Speaking in front of a crowd takes confidence. Communication takes skill. In this class, students will learn about diction, tempo, and stage presence by exploring famous monologues and a variety of theatre exercises. Through these exercises, participants will develop the tools needed to speak with clarity and motivation. Discover the power of your voice and learn to inspire your audience.
Sketch Comedy and Improv
Ages 9-12
GI SS
Improv teaches students valuable skills for life, such as problem solving, team building, and communication. This class is a group experience that allows students of all abilities to express themselves while also developing individual skills in creativity. Participants should be ready to play, explore, and share new ideas.
Stagecraft
Ages 6-8, 9-12, 13-19
GI
Learn the secrets of what goes on behind the scenes; how costumes, scenery, lighting and sound all work together with the actors to tell a story. Using age appropriate exercises, hands-on play and experimentation, students will develop their understanding of the relationship between materials, design principles, story, and collaboration. Older students will also learn some specific techniques in stagecraft using theatrical equipment and materials.
Music Programs
Singing: Group Voice
Ages 6-8, 9-12, 12-19
GI
In small groups of up to four, students get specific coaching on the mechanics of great singing with a qualified voice teacher. Emphasis will be placed on anatomy, breath and release work, singing technique, and basic song interpretation. Students enrolled in intermediate classes require previous voice lessons experience.
Private Voice Lessons
Ages 8+
GI
Working 1-on-1 with highly-trained faculty, students will learn to sing, review the structures and sensations of good singing, good vocal hygiene, basics of music theory, and more. Students will also work on 1 or more solo songs. Some students will be invited to share their work at our year-end Cabaret nights in June. Private singing instruction is the gold standard in learning to sing, and we are thrilled to be offering these classes at Arts Umbrella with our professional artist-instructors.
Film Programs
Acting: Film
Ages 9-12
GI SS
Develop on-camera acting skills through exercises, readings, and improvisation. Young actors build confidence and self-awareness both on- and off-camera. Students also learn how to prepare as an actor and tackle creative projects like how to develop a dynamic character.
Acting: Stage & Screen
Ages 6-8, 9-12
GI SS
This class will explore the differences between how we share stories through stage and screen, both non-verbally and through text. Students will learn to experiment with emotional and physical character portrayals. Young actors will build their self-confidence, and self-awareness, both on- and off-camera through fun acting exercises, readings, and improvisation.
Writing Programs
Writing: Comedy
Ages 9-12, 12-19
GI
Find your funny! Students learn various types of comedy writing, including sketch and stand-up, and study different types of comedy, such as parody, satire, and caricature. Special attention is placed on how to establish premise and how to develop a unique voice in all forms. Participants have daily in-class writing activities and plenty of opportunity to share their work in a supportive environment.
Writing: Stage & Screen
Ages 9-12, 12-19
GI
Discover the world of scriptwriting and learn how to create your own work. Students will explore the difference between writing for theatre and film, with a focus on story and style. Participants will uncover how to open up their creativity through writing and play by crafting their own scenes or monologues to bring their ideas to life on the page.