Goodspeed Kids Company Fall Virtual Education Programs

EAST HADDAM - Next month marks the fall semester launch of the popular Goodspeed Musicals’ Kids Company, a robust performing arts education and training program for students 7 years of age and older. Aspiring young performers are invited to register for our Virtual Ensembles or Private Studio taught over Zoom. From September through December youth and teen artists will thrive in our Kids Company’s small group Ensembles as well as Private Studio offerings, both taught by a trio of exceptional teaching artists. Participants will have the opportunity to hone their skills in voice, acting or dance and receive individualized feedback from our faculty in a supportive environment.

“We have been so encouraged by the growth of our Kids Company students over the last year,” shared Goodspeed’s Education Director Erin Coffey. “Themed units have kept us on our toes by diving into new material regularly while also providing a framework for our faculty to teach students about musical theatre history, shows they may never have heard of, and even prominent creatives – composers, directors, choreographers, among others.” Coffey continued, “Kids Company Ensembles are so much more than technique classes; they immerse students in musical theatre and give them a launching pad to develop their artistry and discover what they are most passionate about.”

Also available this fall as an enhancement for educator’s seeking opportunities to incorporate the arts into their classrooms, Goodspeed is excited to offer an engaging online version of their popular Goodspeed Classroom exclusively for K-12 schools. Goodspeed Classroom offers arts-based curriculum and workshops surrounding a recent Goodspeed production - which students will access virtually – and that are specifically designed for a remote performing arts learning experience.

ABOUT THE PROGRAMS

Kids Company ENSEMBLES -- youth and teen students participate in weekly classes focused on acting, vocal performance, and dance. With a different theme every 3 weeks, young performers will discover new musicals, composers, and choreographers; explore different styles of performance; and strengthen their skills as artists.

Kids Company PRIVATE STUDIO -- for students who prefer a private learning environment. Students will train with Goodspeed Teaching Artists one-on-one and at their own pace. Weekly lessons are available for coaching in acting, vocal performance, or dance in 30- or 45-minute increments, depending on the student’s age and previous experience.

The 14-week Kids Company semester will culminate in an informal showcase for family, friends, and the Goodspeed community.

Tuition: Ages 7-18. Ensembles: $350 per student. Private Studio: $500 per student (30 minutes weekly) or $725 per student (45 minutes weekly). The fall semester will run September 13 – December 17, 2021.

GOODSPEED CLASSROOM Goodspeed believes in the value and impact of the arts in education and community building, and we are thrilled to make our Goodspeed Classroom available virtually to K-12 schools. Whether you choose one of our Show Packages or opt for a Customized Show Experience, your student group will enjoy arts based activities, workshops, and discussions surrounding a recent Goodspeed production and specifically designed for a remote performing arts learning experience. Your group will receive access to view an archival video of a Goodspeed production, while our slate of workshops and activities pull back the curtain on the inner workings of live theatre.
Recommended for middle school and up. Show Packages: $750. Customized Show Experience: $1,500. Available now through the end of the school year.

For more information on all of Goodspeed’s Education programs please visit goodspeed.org

Goodspeed Musicals has achieved international acclaim and is the first theatre in the nation to receive two Tony Awards for outstanding achievement in musical theatre. Under the leadership of Donna Lynn Hilton, Artistic Director and David B. Byrd, Managing Director, Goodspeed Musicals is dedicated to the celebration, development and advancement of musical theatre.

Goodspeed creates powerful, world-class productions of enlightening new and established works to entertain and inspire audiences. From Goodspeed, 21 musicals have gone to Broadway (including Man of La Mancha, Annie and Holiday Inn) and more than 90 new musicals have been launched. Goodspeed’s Festival of New Musicals and the Johnny Mercer Writers Grove are distinguished cornerstones of the organization that highlight its commitment to nurture the talents of new and established artists and support the creative process. Goodspeed also maintains The Scherer Library of Musical Theatre and The Max Showalter Center for Education in Musical Theatre. Goodspeed gratefully acknowledges the support of United Airlines, the official airline of Goodspeed Musicals; the official audio sponsor Sennheiser; and official auto sponsor Hoffman Audi. The organization is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts.