Gold Coast Theatre Conservatory is "more than just the acting"

Every year, Aaron’s mom contacts Gold Coast Theatre Conservatory to see when they are holding their fall session. Aaron has attended several sessions with the Conservatory, beginning three summers ago during a Comedy Theater Summer Camp, where he performed in a production of ROOM SERVICE. Since then, the 14 year old has studied nearly every Saturday, from nine until noon, during the school year, with other students in grades 3 – 12.

“I love the experiences, the people, the learning, and the friends that you make,” says Aaron. But he adds, “That’s not all there is.”

Aaron’s mom, Wendy, says Aaron has learned to work on a long term project and toward a collective goal. “He’s learned that it takes a team to create a great performance”

Brother and sister, Aiden who is 14, and Cienna who is 11, have also been studying for several years, Cienna starting as a member of the Junior Conservatory (grades K – 2). “Their overall confidence and their ability to speak in front of an audience have been very useful for so many different situations,” says their mom, Kimberly.

Aiden says he enjoys “the nurturing environment that allows students to have fun participating in the variety of course material and unique works.” Each Saturday, students spend a portion of their morning in a master class where they learn audition technique, comedy, stage combat, movement and voice. The second half of each day is spent on rehearsals.

Aiden’s sister, Cienna, adds “I love the conservatory because the teachers are so open and embracing of us as students and actors. It makes me feel comfortable when acting.”

That is one of the Conservatory’s goals. Most of the students don’t necessarily want to be actors when they grow up, but they like the fun alongside the emphasis on professionalism.

All three students have their favorite master class. Both Cienna and Aaron favor the improvisation class. “Personally, I enjoy the comedy aspect of it,” says Aaron. “There’s a great challenge in making something up without a script. Improv is more difficult than learning a page of a script; it’s learning to make something up!”

Aiden likes stage combat and script writing but adds, “The auditioning master class has taught me how to go into an interview or audition prepared. I know this has been useful so far and expect to use these skills in the future.”

The classes also offer challenges. According to Wendy, “Aaron’s more willing to take himself a little out of his comfort zone and try new things. And he’s learned to tolerate a little criticism.”

Aaron confirms this. “The most difficult part of the class has to be dealing with the constructive criticism; sometimes it’s difficult to understand that not everything is going to be perfect on the first run. Even I fall into this pit hole sometimes!”

Aiden feels that the most difficult part is when another actor isn’t prepared, which keeps him from being fully engaged. And Cienna adds, “The most difficult part about participating is memorizing the script, learning the work and being able to remember everything I have to do when I’m in character.”

But what will these young people take away from this experience? “One thing I’ve learned is not to direct other people because that’s the job of the director,” says Cienna. “This is definitely something I can use in life.”

“It’s more than just the acting,” says Aaron. “It’s more than just that you can always improve how you act and respond to different things; it’s that you’ve got to understand and know yourself first.”

Kimberly feels that these skills have strengthened Aiden and Cienna’s school work presentations and their leadership style when working in groups, and adds “All of these aspects are not only useful in their studies but also will help them excel in life.” .

“Unlike other acting experiences, we’re not expected to engage in “cliché” acts or presentations,” says Aiden. “All of the performances involve all students equally rather than having lead roles with subsequent characters. This allows everyone to participate regardless of skill or experience.”

Wendy adds, “There are no divas at Gold Coast and any kid who is willing to do the work has access to performing.”

“For everyone who thinks about this class, they should know that it isn’t just for the acting, or for the parents, or for the actors; it’s for everyone to learn.” Aaron says that’s why he goes. “Not just to learn and teach, but to grow.”

The Conservatory’s cornerstone Saturday classes start October 3, 2015, and are held at the Four Friends Gallery, 1414 Thousand Oaks Blvd. in Thousand Oaks. At the end of the fall term, the students will present HOLIDAY FAIRE, a feast of original scenes and monologues, at the Hillcrest Center for the Arts, on December 19, 2015.

They’ve been teaching young people since 1994, providing a solid foundation in the basics of theatre. This year, Gold Coast Theatre Conservatory received a grant from the City of Thousand Oaks. Tuition for Saturday Conservatory is $300 per student, with partial scholarships available. For information call 805/427-5314, email GoldCoastTheatre@gmail.com or visit www.goldcoasttheatreconservatory.com.