INTRODUCTORY PERFORMANCE CLASS OFFERS A TASTE OF THEATER IN MAPLEWOOD

Are your kids pestering you for a class in theater arts, but you don’t want to spring for one if they are not really interested? Here is a free class they can take:

INTRODUCTION TO PERFORMANCE PLAYHOUSE

WHEN: Wednesday March 6, 4 PM
WHERE: Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Durand Road, in Maplewood
TUITION: Free

Kids and their parents will have the opportunity to meet and work with Gail Lou, the award-winning teacher who will lead The Theater Project’s Performance Playhouse Class this spring. The 45-minute introductory session is free to students in grades 1 through 5 whose parents are considering enrolling them in the subsequent six-week class.

During and after the free workshop, Gail Lou and Education Director Dennis DaPrile will be available to meet with parents and answer questions. Parents will be given information about the class, which exposes 1^st – 5th graders to creating musical theater. That class will meet on six Wednesdays from 4:00 PM to 5:15 PM, and culminates in a presentation for friends and family.

Gail Lou (right) is a teaching artist with 20 years experience, and a performer who has appeared in films and on television. Her teaching experience includes exposing children as young as six months to the joys of music, directing children’s choirs and high school musicals. She has been the musical director for Garage Theatre summer camp series in Teaneck since 1999, and teaches music and performance at Dwight Morrow High School in Englewood.

Her recording accolades include Grammy Committee recognition for her independent single, "You Got the Vibe." Gail's children's CD, "7 Good Ways," was selected as a Parents' Choice Approved Award Winner, and two of her songs received highest honors from the John Lennon Songwriting Contest in the Children's category. She is the co-author of Light & Sweet—An American Tea Opera.

All the Performance Classroom activities develop kids’ confidence in themselves while they develop skills and attitudes that go beyond the stage. Whether they go on to Broadway or the board room, these skills will last a lifetime!

Parents can reserve space in the introductory workshop by email: Education@thetheaterproject.org. Go to www.thetheaterproject.org for further information. Education Director Dennis DaPrile is available to answer questions at 973.763.4029.