MasterClassHistory

EDUCATION: Course Guide

Master Classes

Previous Workshops

Character Approaches: Physical and Vocal

with Lara Teeter, Head of Musical Theatre at

Webster University Conservatory of Theatre Arts

Electrify your character choices as Tony Award nominee Lara Teeter teaches you the essence of interpreting character and translating those specific characteristics into your body. Known as one of the American theatre's most physically versatile performers, Lara will use two of his most famous roles as the basis for study. Dance combinations and character exercises from the roles of Bert from Mary Poppins and The Scarecrow from The Wizard of Oz will be explored in this fun, fascinating and insightful workshop.

Then in the following class, Lara will shift the focus to the text as he explores with students various angles to approaching character within monologue and song. The goal of the workshop will be helping find the authentic you within distinct characters. Please bring a prepared song or monologue as pieces will be explored in class.

These two challenging classes with a noted professional performer and educator are perfect for any dancer, actor, choreographer or director in training!

The Audition Experience

with Michael Halling

Everyone knows the audition experience itself can be nerve wracking and stressful, but what can you do both before and after an audition to reduce the stress? That is the focus of this unique master class taught by the talented and experienced Michael Halling. Years of auditioning have led to personal tips on how best to prepare, what mindset to have going in and also, how to learn from your audition experience and channel that energy into preparing for the next auditioning opportunity. So join us in this class for high school and college aged performers as we turn the tables and focus not so much on the audition itself but the pre and post experience!

Big Band Tap

with Matthew Schneider

Get your toes tappin' in this class taught by professional dancer, Matthew Schneider. For students with at least some previous tap experience, Big Band Tap will use the hoppin' sounds of 1930's and 1940's Big Band artists like Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong, and will focus on tap technique with the goal of producing stronger, clearer sounds. Class will include a warm up, technical review, across the floor combinations, and ear training. A short piece of original tap choreography in the stylistic tradition known as "flash" will also be taught. Please join us to improve your tap technique while enjoying the sounds of the Big Band Era in this unique dance workshop!

Making It In Musical Theatre

with Chris Jones and Jenna Coker-Jones

Join us at the STAGES Performing Arts Academy as the stars of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR REAMCOAT, Chris Jones and Jenna Coker-Jones, discuss their varied career experiences and get you ready for that next big audition. You will have the opportunity to learn about the business of show business while enjoying the unique opportunity to work on your audition technique with material from FAME, the upcoming major motion picture, and the hottest musical in the country—the Tony Award winning show THE JERSEY BOYS. Come to STAGES for this sensational educational workshop with nationally known performers right here in Chesterfield!

Jenna was in the original off-Broadway cast of FAME and Christopher was Frankie Valli in the 1st National tour of JERSEY BOYS!

Putting It All Together

with Lisa Campbell Albert

In “Putting It All Together”, with STAGES ST. LOUIS music director Lisa Campbell-Albert, students will learn how and why composers create the music to make lyrics into dramatic moments. So learn how to improve your singing performance skills not only by understanding the text, but by taking your cue from the composer’s musical creation. An unique approach sure to be helpful in your future auditions and performances!

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