Senin, 21 Agustus 2017

Performing Arts Tours of California - Perfect for Drama Students

If you are looking for the perfect way to inspire your drama students during your next school trip, a performing arts tour of California could be the ideal solution.

Educational tours to San Francisco and Los Angeles are a brilliant way to give budding young actors a taste of the American theatre experience. And with so many places to visit, you are sure to enjoy a school trip packed with culture and excitement in two of America's most cosmopolitan and fascinating cities.

Your journey begins in San Francisco, where you will have a chance to get acquainted with the city firsthand. After a four-hour city tour, you can enjoy a guided visit to the infamous island prison of Alcatraz.

In the evening, you'll be able to enjoy an exhilarating performance of a stage production such as Grease or Wicked before you return to your hotel and prepare to make your way to Los Angeles.

LA - particularly Hollywood - is recognised as the meeting place for some of the world's top acting talent and is the heart of the world's film industry.

This is the perfect place for budding thespians to perfect their craft during their travels - a one-day workshop with some of the state's leading tutors provides the ideal setting to build confidence and skills, as well as offering a unique insight into the world of American theatre.

Your students may also find inspiration in visits to landmarks such as the Kodak Theatre and the architecturally stunning Walt Disney Concert Hall, which is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.

Of course, you will also want to plan your leisure time so that your group takes in plenty of LA's top sights - why not spend a day on the rides at Universal Studios, be part of a TV studio audience or pay a visit to the world-famous Hollywood Bowl?

There is no better way to see the west coast of California with a student group than by combining education with travel. This region has plenty to offer drama students and could set the scene for one of the most memorable school trips your pupils will ever experience. Start planning your San Francisco and LA adventure today.


Kamis, 03 Agustus 2017

The Top Schools For Creative and Performing Arts in the US

Most public schools and high schools in the United States are traditionally based with a curriculum that will prepare you for college. There are other schools, however, that focus one specialty such as creative and performing arts. This article will look into three such schools located in Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia. They have traditional classes as well as classes to enhance on the artistic talents of their students. SPCA in Cincinnati has been highlighted with a reality television series on MTV giving others a glimpse into what a school like this is like showing singers sitting at a piano with a piano lamp or piano lamps shining down on them as they prepare to perform in an all school talent show, for example.

The first school is the one mentioned above called SPCA which stands for the School of Performing and Creative Arts located in downtown Cincinnati. It is the oldest public arts school in the nation and the enrollment has increased by 60% over the past year after the airing of the show "Taking the Stage" showed what the school is all about on MTV. The show is like a real life Fame exploring the lives of different students pursuing their dreams of being a professional dancer, rapper or songwriter. A brand new facility and building will be opened for this public school for next year to house the 988 students in grades 4-12. Academics are as good as the arts here being noted as a Blue ribbon School in the past.

Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts has the mission to nurture all of the creative talents of their students while also giving them a solid college prep academic curriculum. The arts that are offered here are creative writing, dance, drama, instrumental music, vocal music and visual arts. In order to be accepted to CAPA you must have good grades from your previous school and go through an audition in the art area you want to major in. The famous singing group, Boyz II Men, all are alumni of the Philadelphia Arts school.

The Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts School started in 1979 with just over 30 students and have grown throughout the years to now have students in grades 6-12 at the school studying a variety of arts programs. In 2003-2004, they moved into a new facility that has a large auditorium, a theatre, an art gallery, a television studio and spacious rehearsal areas for all of the various arts to practice in. This new building makes this school a step above many of the others in the area and because of that, the competition to be admitted to this school is very difficult.

There are over 350 arts schools in America, but just a handful of them have been nationally recognized for being some of the best including the ones described in this article. Kids are becoming more interested in arts schools today and the "Taking the Stage" show will only increase that interest.


Senin, 24 Juli 2017

Choosing The Best Performing Arts Programs: Circle in the Square

Have you heard of the Circle in the Square? The school has ties to the Circle in the Square Theatre, which is located in Manhattan, New York (USA). Circle in the Square is a not-for-profit theater school. It's also the only accredited school with a direct relationship to a Broadway theater.

The Circle in the Square Theatre School was launched in 1961. That's the year that Theodore Mann founded it. Mann is a both the producer and director of the school, and was the co-founder of the Circle in the Square Theatre. Interestingly, people often attribute the theater's creation in 1951, to the birth of off-Broadway theatre. Since Mann founded the school, it has grown from 15 students, to approximately 200 pupils. The Circle in the Square has been located at Paramount Plaza, since 1971.

Here are some of the key features of the theatre school:

1. Alumni
The Circle in the Square program has produced several notable alumni, including:

Kevin Bacon: Footloose (1984), JFK (1991), A Few Good Men (1992), Mystic River (2003)

Philip Seymour Hoffman: Scent of a Woman (1992), Boogie Nights(1997), Magnolia(1999), Capote(2005), Charlie Wilson's War(2007), Doubt (2008)

Benicio del Toro: The Usual Suspects (1995), Traffic (2000), 21 Grams (2003), Che (2008)

2. Tradition
The Circle of the Square has existed since 1961. With a history spanning about five decades, the school is perfect for students looking for a well-established theatre school. It's what makes the Circle of the Square School a better option than other theatre schools that have been in existence for years rather than decades. Like the Circle of the Square Theatre, the school's tradition makes it one of the premiere schools throughout the United States.

3. Uniqueness
While there are several Broadway theatres in New York City, the Circle in the Square Theatre School is the only accredited school that's linked to one. That makes it unique from all other performing arts schools located in New York City. While other theatres may share some characteristics with Circle in the Square, this single feature sets it apart from the competition.

4. Convenience
The Circle in the Square Theatre School offers a two-year program in Professional Acting Workshop. The length of the program is perfect for those who want to receive a quality acting education, without spending four years to earn a bachelor's degree. It's also ideal for those who want to supplement a bachelor's degree that they've already earned.

5. Curriculum
Yet another feature of the school is that it provides a quality, balanced curriculum. Students must take classes ranging from Acting Technique to Dance for Actors, and from Physical Acting to Shakespearean Scene Study. Such classes ensure that students of the school receive a complete, balanced education in theatre and acting. Students can also attend seminars with various professionals in the industry, including actors, directors, and playwrights.

If you want to choose well-rounded (pun intended) performing arts school, then consider the Circle in the Square. It's definitely one of the oldest and most respected acting schools in the entire USA.


Jumat, 07 Juli 2017

Performing Arts Schools Hit High Notes With NYC Songstress

Attention "American Idol" wannabes: It's time to come out of the shower and into the spotlight. Though musical talent alone won't guarantee successful singing careers, the proper education from performing arts schools provide the opportunity to make your unique voice heard.

Warming Up

For many performing artists, choosing singing degrees over more traditional pursuits is the only way to be true to themselves and their calling. That was certainly the case for Sunita Puleo, 29, who holds a bachelor's degree in music with a concentration in vocal performance from American University (Washington, D.C.).

"[Vocal performance] was more of a challenge to my whole being than my government major, which I dropped," explains the New York City native. "Singing involves my brain, but also my heart, body, and soul. It's very physical and emotional work to interpret a song well."

And, performing arts schools offer plenty of hands-on experience, which is critical to gain the practice necessary for perfection. "There were lots of opportunities to be in musicals, concerts, and recitals," says Puleo of her degree program. "Tons of coaching was readily available."

Singing Her Own Song

With a degree under her belt, Puleo continues to sing, teach voice lessons, and direct children's musicals, and she recently released a CD of original songs. Though she's always been a singer, singing schools propelled her to a professional level.

"My classical and jazz vocal training enabled me to sing folk and pop music with better tone and in a healthy way that preserved my voice," she explains. "I can often use a wider range of notes and styles because of my training."

Making Beautiful Music

For those pursuing singing degrees, Puleo recommends researching the technique taught at the singing schools that interest you. "Make sure it will not end up hurting or straining your voice," she cautions.

Once accepted into performing arts schools, Puleo advises taking as much real-world coursework as possible. "Double-major if you can, or get a master's degree in something complementary, like music production or marketing," she counsels. "You can come out with an awesome voice, but if you don't know how to market your talent or team with others who do, no one will hear it."

To launch successful singing careers, Puleo underscores the importance of well-rounded musicianship. "I've met many instrumentalists who refuse to work with singers because we're known for not knowing or caring about things like keys, time signatures, improvisation, and style," she says. "Love music, not just singing."


Kamis, 29 Juni 2017

Performing Arts Professional - How to Find the Best Education

Performing arts activities like ballet and other forms of dance can be a very rewarding hobby. For many, dance classes are a way to keep in shape while doing something they truly love. Fortunately, there are some who are so artistically inclined that they are lucky enough to be able to make a career out of their favorite past time. If you think the dance is something you would like to pursue in a professional manner, here are some great tips to help you find a terrific school to cultivate your talents and land you the job of your dream.

Choose an Academic Track

If you are considering taking up dance as a course of study there are two different tracks you can follow to reach your ultimate goal.

    Bachelor of the Arts: If your sure you would like to study the performing arts but aren't sure where you would like that to take you, a Bachelor of the Arts would be the best track for you. Bachelor of the arts degrees offer you a wide variety of liberal arts study that can prepare you for graduate performing art studies or other courses of study should you change your mind.
    Bachelor of Fine Arts: If you are positive about your career intentions you may want to consider a BFA. A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is more focused on the performing arts and will prepare you for a career directly related to performance.

Research Schools

There are different schools that specialize is specific areas of study. Larger Universities will often offer a program in the arts but not have a school that specializes in your interest area. If your sure that you want to study something like dance, you should consider looking for conservatories or performing arts schools to pursue your professional dreams.

As part of your school research it is also important to visit the schools you may want to attend. When you visit these schools make it a point to check out the facilities that are of particular interest to you. For example, dancers should make it a point to look at studios, rehearsal space, and performance theaters.

Determine Requirements

Each school has different requirements so before you apply you need to check and double check those of the programs you are interested. Make a note of all deadlines, application fees, and portfolios or audition requirements. If your are applying to a performing arts school it is highly likely that you will need a portfolio or audition to be sure to have one prepared well in advance.

Get Feed Back

Sure your parents think you are terrific at what you do, and the audience may give you a standing ovation with ever performance but before you apply to schools it may be beneficial to get some professional feedback. This is particularly helpful when putting together your audition. Ask you teachers and instructors for some critical feedback. If you have the time, money, or ambition, it is also extremely beneficial for your to get criticism from the true professionals. This means you may have to travel to the bigger cities (if you don't leave there already) and set up appointments with performers from well known dance companies or with instructors as Conservatories or Performing arts Universities.



Sabtu, 10 Juni 2017

The Numerous Benefits of Performing Arts Schools for Children and Young People

Perhaps you view Performing Arts Schools as places where they create the singing and dancing stars of tomorrow. Well that's part if the story for sure, but they also deliver a wealth of other tangible benefits that stimulate mind and body.

It's becoming increasingly recognized that there are numerous educational and social paybacks to taking part in musical, dancing and singing that can benefit youngsters of either gender and all age groups.

In 2007, researchers at the University of Maryland found that activities such as music and acting had a positive impact on children's emotional development and behaviour. Whereas kids who did not participate in these types of activities had lower self-esteem and were more found to be socially-immature. Indeed ongoing research proves that performing arts activities play a key role in cognitive, motor, language and social emotional development.

Dancing has always been considered a great all round exercise for improving muscle strength, balance and co-ordination and reducing obesity. But now the psychological benefits to the child's development such as improved critical thinking skills and problem solving are increasingly being acknowledged too.

Allowing children to express 'feeling' through the power of song and dance is a proven way of helping young people manage their emotions and not be confused or frightened by them. Children who take part are more likely to be tolerant of others and more open to diversity. They are also likely to be more self-disciplined than their non-performing peers.

The performing arts provide a wealth of benefits both mental and physical to youngsters of either gender. If your child currently shows an interest in dancing or singing, then why not contact your local performing arts venue and see what classes are available for that particular age group. Many schools offer 'taster' sessions where youngsters can come along and see what it's all about and often try out the activities for themselves.

Acting and drama courses provide a great foundation for the potential performers of tomorrow. Drama also offers a platform for self-fulfilment and emotional stability, promoting diligence, self-confidence and calmness. As well as developing these 'performance' attributes, you are more likely to find that youngsters who take part in these kinds of activities perform better than average academically too.

These courses have so much to offer a young budding performer in terms of artistic and academic potential, why not see for yourself what your local performing arts school has to offer.