Children’s Theatre at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and Combat Workshops by Heritage Theatre

Children’s Theatre at GRCT:

Fun times are coming to the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre this month:

JUNIE B. JONES: JINGLE BELLS & BATMAN SMELLS

April 18-27, 2014
Children’s Musical

Adapted by Allison Gregory
Based on the book series by Barbara Park

Celebrate the holidays all year long! First grader Junie B. Jones is having a tough Christmas – when she draws a name for Secret Santa it ends up being her enemy! Junie B. will steal your heart, and brighten your spirits in this laugh-out-loud production.

For more information or to order your tickets, go to the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre website.

For older kids – or the kid in you!  Combat Workshops by Heritage Theatre:

When:
Saturday April 12 (ages college thru adult)
Saturday April 26 (ages high school thru college)

Where:
Aquinas College Theatre Annex

Schedule:
8:45-9:00 Check in
9:00-9:15 Introductions. Break up into groups.
9:15-12:15 Sessions A and/or B, including a 15 minute break
12:15-1:00 Lunch
1:00-4:00 Sessions A and/or B, including a 15 minute break
4:00-4:30 Final thoughts and full group discussion 

Session A – Use the Force… of words! 
Guest Instructor: Katherine Mayberry, Pigeon Creek Shakespeare Company
This session introduces participants to the verbal and vocal elements of storytelling, including such topics as the language and style of Shakespearean verse, particularly in its use of iambic pentameter. We will apply these principals to the text of Ian Doescher’s Star Wars: Verily A New Hope, exploring both the use of traditionally Shakespearean themes and how to create the sounds and rhythm needed to bring characters like R2D2 and Chewbacca to life. This session will conclude with useful and practical advice for audition techniques for classical plays, including cold readings, improvised scene movement, and taking risks.

Session B – Fighting with the Force and Character Movement
Lead Instructor: Matt McKay 
This session focuses on the physical elements of storytelling, teaching some very basic concepts of stage combat (partnering and eye contact, casting energy, targeting) and using it to create fantastical light saber battles. We will also explore character movement and its impact on a character’s ability to sit, stand, and walk as well as experience how character movement impacts other elements of the character’s life, like gestures, speaking, and powers of perception.

Cost for this 1-day workshop: $20 per participant, includes a pizza lunch.

More information can be found on the Heritage Theatre website.