Christine Drayer has been hired to teach Music Theater this autumn for The Performance Classroom, The Theater Project’s education program.
Ms. Drayer holds a BFA degree from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. As a professional actress she has performed Off-Broadway and in regional houses, including the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, where she worked with that troupe’s award-winning Artistic Director, Emily Mann. Other notables Ms. Drayer has collaborated with include Broadway Musical legend Elaine Stritch.
Seven years ago, Ms. Drayer discovered that working with children is her “second great passion.” She has taught students ranging from Kindergarten to 12th Grade, specializing in musicals. Her directing credits include HOW THE GRINCH STOLE THE HOLIDAYS for a Queens public school’s mainstage, FAIRY TALES SET TO MUSIC for Staten Island’s Sundog Theatre Company, and a FIFTIES SOCK-HOP for the Arts in Education organization, Inside Broadway.
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The Music Theater class will develop kids’ confidence in their vocal abilities, especially the skill of singing in public. Emphasis will be placed on the spirit of collaboration among peers, and an appreciation for the sheer joy of performing. Honing these talents and attitudes will last a lifetime, even in those who don’t plan professional careers. Above all, the students will have a ton of fun!
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Music Theatre will enroll kids from all 8 levels, and will meet in two sessions on Wednesdays, 4:00 pm to 5:15 (grades 1-3), and 5:15 to 6:30 pm (grades 3-5). The class runs for 12 straight weeks, September 12, 19, October 3, 10, 17, 24, November 7, 14, 28 and December 5, 12, and 19.
The fee is $295, with a $25 discount offered to those who enroll friends or siblings.
A companion course in Improv will also be offered. This class will utilize theater games and various other exercises to tap kids’ natural imagination and creativity. They will build their skills through mastering short-form improvisations, culminating in a performance for an audience at the end of the term. The children will learn to think fast and, like their patrons, laugh a lot!
Improv is aimed at grades 6 through 8 (with experienced 5th graders added at the instructor’s discretion), and will be held on 12 consecutive Fridays from 4 pm to 5, specifically September 7, 14, 28, October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, 16, 30 and December 7. The fee is $220, and is subject to the same referral discount as Music Theatre.
Popular instructor Lulu French will once again teach this class. Ms. French is a graduate of New York’s American Musical and Dramatic Academy and has performed improvisational comedy at various venues throughout New York City. She has trained with many improv luminaries including Amy Poehler (Saturday Night Live and Parks & Recreation), Todd Stashwick (The Riches and Heroes), and other Second City alumni. TV credits include Yearbook:1983 on the Discovery Times Channel and various roles on Late Night with Conan O’Brien.
Classes will be held at the Burgdorff Center for the Performing Arts, 10 Durand Road, in Maplewood. Go to www.thetheaterproject.org for further information.
