SSPA Education Programs
Classes for All Ages
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Sierra School of Performing Arts offers classes in acting, voice and dance for children and adults. For the latest updates, subscribe to our newsletter, or join us on Facebook. To see answers to frequently asked questions about our classes, click here. Financial assistance is available for all classes. Click here to download the application form.
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2021-2022 Class Schedule
Our newest classes:
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We are combining Music and Movement: An Introduction to Musical Theater and Little Sprouts Adventures in Creative Drama:
This class will delve into moving, rhythm and acting out story with music and without - all through games and exercises that ignite the imagination. The sooner children learn to freely express themselves through body and voice, the more natural the transition into performance later on. Age 5-9 Saturdays starting October 2 | 11:00 - 11:45am $150 for 8 weeks | Drop-ins $20 per class Click or tap here to register A parent or responsible adult must be on premises during first class or by request. Partner Dancing for adults and teens Grab a partner or come solo and have some fun learning to partner dance. Taught by Michelle Michelsen, this no pressure class will be an introduction to the partner dances you will most likely encounter in musical theater such as waltz, polka or tap. Class participants will get to choose which dances they want to learn. No experience necessary! Age 15 to adult We will offer this one again in the spring Click or tap here to register |
Musical Theater Scenes - taught by Broadway pro Adam Cates!
In this series, students will encounter material from a variety of contemporary and classic musicals. The focus will be on character development, acting technique, building a scene into musical expression, staging and choreography, vocal interpretation, and research of the piece and its historical contexts. We will meet once per week in two hour sessions. In the first hour, we will gather as a group for table work, discussion, technique, and presentation, In the second hour, students will split off to work in pairs or trios on their own specific scenes with music. Each pair/trio will rotate through working with the director to stage individual scenes, music coaching with the musical director, or rehearsing their material with one another. Each group will then present their scene to the entire class so all participants can further explore and discuss the material. Final presentations will be filmed to share with family and friends virtually. Age 15 and up (Adults encouraged; if you're under 15, email us and ask!) We will offer this class in the spring. Time TBD AND . . we would like to start an adult acting class. Please email us if you would be interested! |
Acting ClassesSocial distancing and mask mandates will be followed for safety in all sessions and when appropriate.
Little Sprouts! Adventures in Creative Drama
Does your child love to act and pretend? Harnessing that wonderful world of imagination can be a powerful tool for building skills in many essential developmental areas. In this fun class, your child will practice social skills, concentration, and problem solving while diving into games designed to encourage exploration and imagination. Children will express themselves through performance, music, movement, and acting out stories, familiar and new. The kiddos may have the opportunity to perform for parents on the last day of class, depending on COVID restrictions at the time. Age 5-8 See above for combined class details $150 for 8 weeks | Drop-ins $20 per class - first two weeks only Click or tap here to register A parent or responsible adult must be on premises during first class or by request. |
Musical Theater Classes, Workshops, and More
These classes are designed for musical theater performers who want to improve on their dancing, acting, and/or singing. Each will prepare students to ace their auditions and be more comfortable performing in musical theater productions. Three formats to choose from! We highly encourage taking one or all of the classes or workshops to prepare for college or local theater auditions.
Broadway Triple Threat - Part 1: Voice and Performance
For singers who want to act and actors who want to sing, or anybody who wants to try, this class will focus on the fundamentals of vocal technique, ear training, stage presence - plus everything it takes to perform a song in character on stage. You will not only strengthen your voice but gain confidence to sing in front of a small audience, while presenting the song from the character’s point of view. You may choose to work on solo or group singing, from pop/musical to standard Broadway style, with backing track, piano accompaniment or a capella. You'll receive individual as well as group coaching in voice and “acting the song.” A final performance showcase will be captured on film to give students a chance to present their work to friends and family. You will wear masks except when performing on stage. Please come prepared to the first class with a song you’d like to sing. Age 10 and up (you’ll be grouped by age) We will offer this class in the spring Click or tap here to register |
These classes will also be back in the spring:
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Acting Fundamentals: Acting for Teens
This class will introduce the basics of acting and performance with a focus on character development, team-building and improving confidence. The class will feature a variety of acting games and exercises, voice and body work, and improvisation. Students will work on monologues and scenes, while they enhance their imagination as it relates to character, and get to the heart of great acting. The 8-week class will culminate in a presentation of improvisation, monologues or scenes. Age 12-16 (or by consent of instructor) Check back in the spring for dates and times $150 for 8 weeks | Drop-ins $20 per class - first week only |
Triple Threat Weekend Intensive Series
Voice, Dance and Acting for Musical Theater Our Triple Threat Intensive is designed for musical theater performers who want to improve their dancing, singing and overall performance, in just three weekend classes! Maybe you are good at one of the “threats” but want to try the other two! On three consecutive Saturdays we will cover the basics: you will learn and perform choreography, sing and perform a musical theater song, and finally, act and perform a short monologue in character. You will learn what your strengths and weaknesses are and how to improve on all three. Plus, you’ll have so much fun! This is a great way to try it out or to get back in performance shape for when theaters open again! Age 11 and up (if you are younger, email us to ask if you can take the class) (Check back for next session schedule) $125 for 3-week series |
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COVID-19 statement:
We take every precaution when holding our classes in-person. Students must wear face masks to and during class. Students may be permitted to remove masks on occasion when they can be physically distant from others. Our instructors will wear masks and keep students physically distant. Our large studio allows plenty of room for students to spread out and class size will be limited to allow all students to have their own space. All surfaces will be sanitized periodically, and touching or sharing surfaces will be minimal or discouraged at all times. If there are new public health restrictions imposed when classes are underway, we will postpone classes or go online as is appropriate. If you have specific questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. Send an email to: info (at) sierraschoolofperformingarts.org, or call us at 775-852-7740. Notes on our classes
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Our classes are not only fun, but they develop skills you will need as a human. Take a theater class and you can:
-Become a better listener
-Conquer fear
-Spark creativity
-Meet new people
-Become a better problem solver
-Gain confidence
-Say yes to more in life
-Learn to think fast
-Become a better public speaker
-Get out of your comfort zone in a safe environment
-Learn to work as a team
-Get out of the house, get off the screens, and have fun!
Have fun while you learn!
The benefits of training in the arts go far beyond developing theater skills. Research demonstrates that the arts are vital to a well-rounded education. They promote critical thinking, enhance spatial and temporal perception, foster positive social skills, and provide powerful motivation for students to excel in school. Such education calls for students to process information verbally, aurally, and kinesthetically—so that every child can succeed in the classroom and in life. Theater especially captures all of the above skills and learning styles in one art form! And it’s fun! We encourage you to consider giving your child the golden opportunity to develop confidence and social skills by signing them up for one of our classes or encouraging them to participate in a camp or one of our plays!
If you have questions, send an email to: info (at) sierraschoolofperformingarts.org, or call Sierra School of Performing Arts, 775-852-7740.
