In our YouTube, viral video age, many kids aren’t camera shy, and for aspiring performers video technology can enhance their training in numerous ways, giving them instant visual feedback on a monologue or confirmation that they really hit the high notes. It also allows them to share their star turns immediately with friends, family and the world!
Diablo Theatre Company’s Performing Arts Academy is incorporating innovative video technology into its fall musical theater and dance intensive classes, with the idea that it will help young performers, ages 7 to 18, gain ease and confidence being on stage and on camera so that they can blossom into honest and engaging performers and individuals. The Performing Arts Academy is offering two video-enhanced courses this fall, starting Sept. 17.
“Kids can learn so much from watching themselves on camera,” says Brittany Danielle, Diablo Theatre Company’s education coordinator. A well-known Bay Area actress, Danielle was called a “quadruple threat’ by critics for her star turn as actress, singer, dancer and roller skater in Center REPertory Company’s hit 2012 production of Xanadu.
Danielle has designed all new features for the PAA’s classes to adapt to our fast-changing media world. “Kids LOVE seeing themselves in photos and videos,” she says. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched young students tape themselves, making up skits and dances during breaks and posting to YouTube. We live in a virtual-driven world, and they love the gratification of seeing themselves online for all the world to see.”
The videos also will make the weekly theater and dance classes more interactive, with the videos posted daily on Facebook and YouTube so parents can be entertained by what their kids have accomplished in class.
Here are the courses in the Performance Arts Academy’s fall lineup:
- The Back to Basics musical theater classes, on either Monday afternoons or Saturday mornings, help build the foundation of a strong performer with in-depth lessons in acting, singing and dancing. Enrollment is open to ages 7-15. Monday classes are from 4 to 6 p.m., Sept. 17 – Dec. 3; Saturday classes are 9 to 11 a.m. Sept. 22 to Dec. 1. Education Coordinator Brittany Danielle and resident PAA Choreographer Isaiah Tyrelle lead the classes.
- The Spotlight Intensive, “Just Dance,” focuses on dance training with choreographer Isaiah Tyrelle. It introduces students to a new style of movement each week. All dance levels are invited to participate, and Tyrelle will provide individualized attention to each student. Enrollment is open to ages 10 to 18. Classes are Wednesdays 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept 19- Nov. 14.
All PAA classes are held at Diablo Theatre Company’s Firehouse studios at 1948 Oak Park Boulevard in Pleasant Hill. Please visit www.diablotheatre.com for registration details and class information
Meet the Instructors in our first video Performance Arts Academy video installment. Your children are sure to have LOTS of fun!
