Theater Classes

There is and island where rivers run deep!
The Father Ryan Arts Center is offering a wonderful opportunity for students ages 8 to 16 to perform in a live, musical production geared just for them!
In this 18-week rehearsal/performance program, students will work toward the final production of "Once On This Island, Jr.," a Broadway musical retelling of "The Little Mermaid" with a Caribbean feel. It was written by Pittsburgh native Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens ("Seussical the Musical" and "Ragtime") and is full of award-winning musical numbers that will help the children shine! Classes will be split into two age groups (8-10 and 11-16). Then during the last week both groups will come together for rehearsal and preparation for the public performance.

Teen Rehearsal/Performance*
(Ages 11 - 16) Instructor: Mary Chess Randolph and Jameson Corrie
Saturdays 11:30 am – 1:30 pm [Dance Studio 1, second floor] AND
Wednesdays 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm [Dance Studio 1, second floor]

18-week program: January 18 - May 19

Public Production: Sunday, May 20, 2012 (2 pm)

Resident (Zip 15136) $86.40/ 5-monthly payments

Non-resident $115.20/ 5-monthly payments

*This class will meet twice a week Wednesdays 4:30 pm-6:30 pm, AND Saturdays 11 am - 1 pm for 18 weeks. During this time, the students will learn how to give a good audition, projection, music and dance. Students will then audition for the production of “Once On This Island, Jr.” Rehearsals for the production will be held during class.
**Please note: During production week (May 14-19) the students will be required to rehearse 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm Monday through Friday and 9 am – 1 pm on Saturday.

Youth Musical Theater
(Ages 8-10) Instructor: Mary Chess Randolph and Jameson Corrie
Saturdays 9 am - 11 am [Dance Studio 1, second floor]

18-week program: January 18 - May 19

Public Production: Sunday, May 20, 2012 (2 pm)

Resident (Zip 15136) $43.60/ 5-monthly payments

Non-resident $57.60/ 5-monthly payments

This class will meet once a week on Saturdays from 9 am to 11 am for 18 weeks, during which time they will learn how to give a good audition, projection, music and dance followed by auditioning for the production. Rehearsals for the production will be held during class.
**Please note: During production week (May 14-19) the students will be required to rehearse 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm Monday through Friday and 9 am – 1 pm on Saturday.

Teen Acting
(Ages 12 – 16) Instructor: Mary Chess Randolph
Tuesdays 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm [Dance Studio 1, second floor]

12-week program: January 17 - April 10

Resident (Zip 15136) $96/ 12-week program

Non-resident $120/ 12-week program

Ever see a show and think . . . “I could do that!” Thought of auditioning for the class play or musical at your school? Learn the right way to audition, project your voice, improvise with theater games, work on monologues, scenes and character. Catch the theater bug!

Preschool Drama
(Ages 3 – 5) Instructor: Tabitha Cuomo
Saturdays 9 am – 9:45 am [Dance Studio 1, second floor]

Session 1: January 21 - February 25 (6/classes)

Session 2: March 3 - April 14 (6/classes)

Resident (Zip 15136) $48/ per session

Non-resident $60/ per session

Each session is designed to provide students with an introduction to Theatre on the most basic level and to help them to understand how to develop a character through voice, body and costume changes. Children are encouraged to develop their own characters and explore their creative talents. By understanding the differences in characters, children also become more comfortable with exploring the differences in others. This course also allows students to practice reading and writing skills through scripts!

Young School-Age Drama
(Ages 6 – 7) Instructor: Tabitha Cuomo
Saturdays 9:45 am – 10:45 am [Dance Studio 1, second floor]

Session 1: January 21 - February 25 (6/classes)**

Session 2: March 3 - April 14 (6/classes)

Resident (Zip 15136) $48/ per session

Non-resident $60/ per session

Join the fun as we learn theatre games and acting skills that build group cohesion and prepare you for the class play! We'll focus on learning to improvise, how to step into a role and how to speak clearly on stage. Everyone takes part in the class play at the end of the course!