Press release from Count Basie Theatre
A wide variety of instructional programs and workshop — including classes aimed at pre-school children, members of the Latino community, and students with Autism Spectrum Disorder — are available now, as the Count Basie Theatre Performing Arts Academy announces the opening of registrations for its fall 2016 semester, which begins on September 26 and concludes in December.
Private, one-on-one lessons, adult classes in public speaking, acting and voiceovers will also be held during the fall semester, in addition to classes in musical theatre, acting for the stage, TV and film. Young musicians can explore Rock and Jazz through courses offered with Basie partner programs Rockit! and Jazz Arts Project. In addition to the popular returning programs, several new Academy offerings will be on the schedule:
LAUGHING WITH ME, developed for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, promotes the development of both listening and collaboration ability, with the goal of boosting self-confidence, teamwork and communications skills, and creating a feeling of camaraderie.
INTRODUCTION TO AUDIO ENGINEERING is one of the Academy’s first-ever tech classes, offering students the opportunity to learn about audio engineering at Retromedia Sound Studios, located directly across the street from the Basie.
MANDA’S MUSIC’s MUSIC TOGETHER™ PROGRAM also joins the Basie Academy this fall. Its mixed-age classes are perfect for parents and newborns, infants, toddlers and preschoolers up through age 5. MUSIC TOGETHER™ develops musical skills and nurtures creativity, self-expression, and confidence while supporting social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development.
New York’s CALPULLI MEXICAN DANCE COMPANY returns this fall, offering our local Hispanic community members an opportunity to collaborate and learn traditional Mexican dance. Children and adult classes are held on Saturdays, with a suggested donation of $10 per student.
TVTALENT3 joins the Academy to further its work in the field of commercial acting. The unique, New York City-based program comes to Red Bank to offer students courses in audition prep, copy analyzation and making a connection with the camera, as well as a class for beginner actors. Participation in the TVTALENT3 classes will also serve as an audition for the Academy’s commercial agents showcase in December.
TEEN CREATIVE CABARET… FOR A CAUSE is an audition-based workshop for singing and acting dynamos to form a full troupe, with performance opportunities at the Basie as well as events at area social service organizations and senior residences, allowing students to gain community service hours.
The Academy’s fall production of ANNIE Jr. is an audition-based, 10-week session promoting the art of performing in an ensemble, from choreography to creating dynamic characters. Students will perform a junior version of the Broadway classic Annie at the conclusion of the semester.
The Performing Arts Academy will also offer one-day workshops in Latin ballroom dancing (Friday September 17), Swing Dance (Friday September 30), Creating Your Own Superhero (Saturday October 6), Halloween Happenings (Saturday October 27), Hop On Pop… The Dr. Suess Workshop (Saturday November 12), Kids Prov improv (Saturday November 19) and Winnie The Pooh… And Tigger Too (Saturday December 10).
Discounts are available for Count Basie Theatre members, as well as for multi-course, sibling and early-bird registrations. Additional information on discounts, plus the entire fall semester and online registration can be found at theBASIE.org/education or by calling (732)224-8778 x125.
