Grades K - 2
Once upon a time, far far away, in a magical land known as West Hartford, there was a winter class offered in which young performers expressed their creativity and imagination by revisiting timeless stories of fantasy and adventure! Oh wait...that's actually in the very near future! In addition to building on storytelling and performance skills through exercises, games, and skits, students will continue to foster and build empathy by finding their own unique connection to these characters, learning what makes them tick. How did Cinderella feel when she lost her slipper on the steps of the palace? What made Jack decide to climb that beanstalk? What if these stories ended differently from the way we are used to? Students will participate in energetic, varied exercises including fairy tale improvisation, character creation, miming, tableau, and so much more! At the conclusion of the course, students will present their own spin on these stories, complete with costumes and props! Can't wait to see what unique, revamped perspective your child contributes to these classics? We can't wait, either! Enroll today and be amazed when you witness your child's magical ideas come to life in their own happily ever after!
Thursdays | 4:00 - 4:45 pm | January 9 - April 3, 2025
Maximum Class Size: 12
Cost: $220 | $185 for JCC members
Grades 3 - 8
Step into the world of movies, TV shows, and theatre with this engaging and interactive class designed just for young performers! Dive into your favorite scenes and discover the enchanting art of acting through playful activities that ignite creativity and imagination. Through stimulating games and improvisational exercises, you’ll learn simple techniques to understand characters’ emotions and actions, bringing them to life with bold and thoughtful choices. Participants will have the unique opportunity to write, direct, and act in their very own scenes, using costumes and props to enhance their storytelling experience. As the course progresses, you'll explore key acting concepts using your Actor's Toolbox while honing vital communication and critical thinking skills. By the end, you'll perform both familiar and original scenes, brimming with newly found confidence and creativity. This is a nurturing environment where imagination knows no bounds—perfect for self-expression and discovering the wonders of theatre! Come, let your creative potential shine, and make memorable performances in a fun and supportive setting!
Thursdays | 5:00 - 6:00 pm | January 9 - April 3, 2025
Maximum Class Size: 15
Cost: $220 | $185 for JCC members
Classes are held at the Mandell JCC of Greater Hartford.
335 Bloomfield Avenue,
West Hartford
SHANNEN HOFHEIMER is thrilled to be on the educational staff of Playhouse Theatre Academy! She graduated from The Hartt School of Music with a B.M. in Vocal Performance, and served as the Director of Theatre at The Ethel Walker School in Simsbury for 8 years until she departed to make her Off-Broadway debut this past summer in WINESDAY: THE WINE TASTING MUSICAL at The Jerry Orbach Theatre. She has toured nationally, performing stage adaptations of classic literary works for school groups with Chamber Theatre Productions, and also starred alongside Marie Osmond in THE SOUND OF MUSIC, which toured with NETworks productions in Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, and Korea. Shannen has performed at The Milton Theatre in ANYTHING GOES, as well as with Playhouse on Park in their production of A CHARLES DICKENS CHRISTMAS. She has also had the privilege of teaching various summer theatre classes with PTA for the past two years.
Additionally, Shannen teaches private voice and acting lessons to students of all ages. Students have received callbacks for Goodspeed Opera House, performed in mainstage productions at Hartford Stage, received full scholarships to NYU Steinhardt's Vocal Performance program, and have advanced to final round callbacks for the prestigious opera program at Juilliard. For news about Shannen's upcoming performances and educational endeavors, you can find her on Instagram (@shannenraevocals), or visit her website www.shannenhofheimer.com