Theatre at SSPA is far from run-of-the-mill; grounded in the natural pursuit of play, our theatre classes build the skills, discipline and confidence that will not only support a student on stage, but in life in general. From ensemble building to the creative demands of improvisation, even the most timid students of theatre leave our classes having found their voice.
We offer leveled classes in Drama and Improvisation to students ages 4 – 17. In addition, we offer Performance classes throughout the year that culminate in a staged production, from musical theatre shows to comedic or dramatic work. In Spindrift’s leveled classes, students work toward discipline specific benchmarks which will develop skills applicable in all of the arts as well as life.
Intro To Theatre
This class is offered for Ages 4-7. It it the perfect introduction course for understanding the craft of Theatre.
Begin the Journey with basic theatre knowledge, stage directions, blocking and more. Mostly done through theatre games that give a fundamental base for future understanding and training. A focus on creativity, imagination and expression is found here!
Drama 1/2
Perfect for beginners and intermediate students, these classes focus on developing core theatre skills of volume, diction, oral communication, text analysis, scene work, theatre history/appreciation, body language, and expression of mood. This is the perfect opportunity to grow your skills to prepare you for any theatre production All skills learned in this class can be applied to public speaking & promote social/ emotional health.
Drama 3/4
These are a good fit for more mature beginners as well as advanced students. These classes focus on developing theatre skills of text analysis, scene work, action/intention work, creative problem solving, professional habit building, theatre history/appreciation, theatrical technique and control. For the students who wish to take a deeper dive and pursue more challenging roles.
Improvisation
Having some of the most fun you’ll ever have in a theatre, we will work on active listening, body language, self expression, confidence, social/emotional awareness, body language, comedic communication & team building.
Play Writing & Analysis ages TEEN 13-17
Create, write and perform your own play that you’ve made with your friends! We will develop skills in building a character, critical analysis, understanding historical and cultural context, and theatre traditions. We will endeavor to reimagine style, genre, form, and conventions as you write your own drama/theatre piece.
Audition Intensive ages 10-17
For those looking to find their first monologue or to polish and refine one of their favorites. We will provide in-depth coaching, assistance in material selection, theatrical tips and tricks as well as a deep dive into core skills such as: rules of comedy, body language, combating nerves, cold reading, and vocal variation. This is a fun way to learn and refine vital skills so you’re ready for any audition!
Physical Acting ages 10-17
We will get up on our feet and explore the words of stage combat, mask work, rules of comedy, posture, timing, movement, mime, stillness, advanced breathing techniques and developing physical attributes of a character. All actors are physical actors, and your body is your greatest tool.
YOUNG THESPIANS THEATRE ages 9-12
Dragon’s Lair
AUDITION DATE: Friday, August 25th 5pm-7:30pm at Spindrift. SIGN UP GENIUS HERE. Enrollment and audition required. Class meets on Thursdays 4:30-5:30. Additional Tech rehearsals Sunday – Thursday 10/29-11/2. Performances 11/3 @ 6pm, 11/4 @ 2pm & 6pm.
Step onto the set of “Dragon’s Lair,” a reality television show where fairytale entrepreneurs pitch their new ideas and products to the richest and most powerful business investors in all the land. The Dragons, named for their ruthless business practices, include Rumpelstiltskin, a gold-obsessed goblin who spun his way to riches; Evil Queen, inventor of Magic Mirror and dungeon torture devices; Fairy Godmother, a lifestyle guru and magical matchmaker; and notorious outlaw philanthropist Robin Hood. If the Dragons hear a great idea, they’re ready to invest, using their own gold. But, if no one is interested, those who have failed to make a deal will be taken to meet a real fire-breathing dragon, Azriel the Tormentor. He’s a vicious beast who is chained up in his monstrous pit, waiting to offer his own fiery brand of business advice. Whose idea will get an investment? Whose dreams will go up in flames? In the “Dragon’s Lair” it’s either fly … or fry. With a running time of just over an hour and a large, extremely flexible cast, this comedy is a satire of the popular reality television show “Shark Tank,” set in the world of fairytales. The production features lots of fun parts to perform and versatile humor to entertain children and adults alike.
Play Production “Drop Dead, Juliet” ages 13+
AUDITION DATE: Saturday, August 26th 10am-2pm at Spindrift. SIGN UP GENIUS HERE. Enrollment and audition required. Class meets Fridays from 5:00 to 6:30 pm. Additional tech rehearsals: Sund-Thurs 11/27-11/30. Performances 12/1 @ 6pm, 12/2 @ 2pm & 6pm.
“Play Production is our mainstage theatrical production showcasing the theatre classes we offer at Spindrift. This program is for performers looking to combine their comedic, dramatic, improv and physical theatre skills into a fully designed non-musical mainstage production. Performers will have elaborate set designs, costumes and scenery to create a professional quality production. Whether you are an experienced young performer who wants more theatrical training or are new to the stage, this exciting theatre program will challenge and inspire you. This class is 1.5 hours each week. This class requires both enrollment and audition. All students enrolled will be cast but still required to sign up for auditions. Students must be available for all tech rehearsals and performances.
–Juliet has had enough! Enough with the poison, enough with the stabbing, and especially enough with the dying. She wants a new story and she wants it now.
More parts for girls! More romance! Less death! Romeo and Juliet will never be the same. Or will it? Not everyone’s so keen on the changes. And why is Romeo sneaking off with Rosaline? This show is both challenging material and, very, very funny. This material takes a skilled performer to play the ribald humor and sarcasm.
