Villagers Theatre

About

Excellence in art changes lives; empowered young people create artistic excellence.

Story

The Villagers Theatre Saturday theater experience offers 4th thru 8th graders the opportunity to work, rehearse and create together as a performance ensemble. Performers will meet each Saturday, and four Wednesday evenings for some, to explore the many facets of theater—acting, music, dance and theater production—as they prepare for a musical performance on the Main Stage at the Villagers. Students will study proper stage etiquette, technique and develop a basic understanding of theater as a creative collaboration both on stage and behind the scenes.

Past productions include: OZ!, A Christmas Carol, Grease: School Edition, ABC’s of Broadway: A Musical Revue, Cinderella, Bye Bye Birdie Jr., Once On This Island Jr., Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Beauty and the Beast, Guys and Dolls, Seussical Jr, All Shook Up, Annie, Footloose!, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr., Thoroughly Modern Millie and Disney's Shrek the Musical!

Over the course of the 10-week program, students will gain an understanding of this creative art form and develop a strong sense of appreciation for all aspects of musical theater while rehearsing for the production. In addition, students will develop a basic theater repertoire by exploring other musicals and will practice audition techniques to prepare them for future opportunities.

Our program includes:

ACTING — Students will explore drama through creative dramatics, theatre games, basic script analysis and direction as well as study the craft of performing in musical theater through participating in this cast.

DANCE — Movement and rhythm are necessary tools for every performer in a musical. Students will utilize these tools through dance and movement and will be taught proper techniques to warm up their bodies and prepare physically for performance.

MUSIC – While working with the Musical Director, students will learn proper warm up and singing techniques and develop basic musicality. Students will practice memorization, harmonization and develop a basic understanding of musical terms.

PRODUCTION ARTS — Introduction to the technical aspects of theatre including make-up, props, costuming, set design, construction, lighting, and sound will give each performer an understanding of the total theater experience. Not only will the students perform in the show, but they will also help the production team design and create some of the props and scenic aspects needed for this production.

PERFORMANCE — Students and families will participate in this musical theater experience on the Villagers’ Main Stage. HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2 will be performed on Friday and Saturday evenings, May 2 & 3rd, at 8:00PM and Saturday and Sunday afternoons, May 3rd & 4th at 2:00PM. Tickets for this production are $10; all seats are reserved.

Over the course of the 10-week program, students will gain an understanding of this creative art form and develop a strong sense of appreciation for all aspects of musical theater while rehearsing for the production. In addition, students will develop a basic theater repertoire by exploring other musicals and will practice audition techniques to prepare them for future opportunities.

STAFF:

Executive Producer – Donna Kimberlin
Program Director – Corey Rubel
Musical Director – Francois Suhr
Choreographer – Jillian Kimberlin
Asst. Producer/Stage Manager – Jaime Moritz
Asst. Musical Director – Ben Michael
Asst. Stage Manager / Director – Jack Tomy

Mission

Our mission is to provide a nurturing and challenging educational environment through the completion of a musical production. We strive to provide a high-quality and diverse experience in all areas of the performing arts. In this light, it is our goal to foster an appreciation, understanding, and love of the performing arts with a clear intent to touch the heart, engage the mind, and transform lives by creating extraordinary theater experiences for the young people in ourprogram.