DRAMA CLASSES

To Register: 860-249-7970 | Fax: 860-548-0783

Class Descriptions

DISCOVERY COMPANY (Preschool through Grade 3)
Discovery Company Acting Classes

Pretend Together (ages 3-4, with parent)
Our youngest students have a class designed especially for them! Three and four year olds, accompanied by an adult guest, will develop their oral language skills and flex their creative muscles in a playful atmosphere that will include dress up and creative movement activities.

Dramatic Play (ages 4-5)
Young children will act out what they see in the world around them as they explore different Dramatic Play centers each week. Nursery rhymes, stories, and music will also be incorporated throughout the session. Students will participate in an informal “Share Day” presentation at the end of the session.

Story Theatre 1 (grades K-1)
Emergent readers will use their imaginations and focus their energy while bringing folktales, fables, and fairy tales to life. Movement, music, and storytelling will all be used to make this early theatre experience both exciting and educational. Students will participate in an informal “Share Day” presentation at the end of the session.

Story Theatre 2* (grades K-1)
For students who have already completed Story Theatre 1, this active class continues the learning about the basics of bringing stories to life. Students will participate in an informal “Share Day” presentation at the end of the session.

Story Theatre - Advanced* (grades K-1)
This class is for students who have already participated in at least two sessions of Story Theatre and are eager for new challenges. Additional time is spent exploring the behind-the-scenes aspect of theatre, in addition to developing stories for performance.

Let’s Act 1 (grades 2-3)
Students will explore the world of creative drama through improvisation and storytelling. Original theatre pieces and skits will be created in class. The focus of the Let’s Act experience is on having fun and exploring individual creativity. Join us as we awaken our imaginations! Students will participate in an informal “Share Day” presentation at the end of the session.

Let’s Act 2* (grades 2-3)
For students who have already completed Let’s Act 1, this more advanced class extends young performer’s skills as they create more developed presentations and hone their theatre skills. Students will participate in an informal “Share Day” presentation at the end of the session.

Let’s Act - Advanced (grades 2-3)
This class is especially designed for students who have already participated in at least two sessions of Let's Act classes and are ready to take the next step. Students will be learning more about the responsibilities theatre artists take on when performing, so they may have "homework" between classes, such as memorizing a few lines or bringing in a drawing of a costume idea for a character they are exploring. Students will also be introduced to the basics of the audition process.

Discovery Company Electives

Reader’s Theatre (grades 2-3)
Students will explore the differences between books and plays as they read and enact age-appropriate dramas each week. This class accommodates students of a variety of reading abilities, but students who read at least on a second grade level will get the most from this class. Reader’s Theatre culminates in the performance of a student written script.

YOUTH COMPANY (Grades 4-7)
Youth Company Acting Classes

Youth Acting 1A (grades 4-5)
This class introduces the growing performer to the vocabulary and tools of the actor. Special focus is placed on developing voice and diction, character development, pantomime, body awareness, and beginning improvisation skills. Students will participate in an informal “Share Day” presentation at the end of the session. Please note: Students must complete Youth Acting 1A or 1B to participate in the Youth Company production.

Youth Acting 2A* (grades 4-5)
This more advanced class focuses on monologue development and audition preparation, as well as partnered scene work. Students will be expected to memorize and practice dramatic materials at home in advance of class in preparation for an informal “Share Day” presentation at the end of the session. Please note: Students will be required to complete Youth Acting 2A or 2B before they will be eligible to participate in Youth Company productions.

Youth Acting B (grades 6-7)
This class gives middle school actors the vocabulary and tools of the actor that they need to gain confidence no matter what their previous experience in theatre may be. Special focus is placed on developing voice and diction, character development, pantomime, body awareness, and improvisation skills. Students will also learn about audition preparation and collaborate as an ensemble to develop an informal Share Day presentation for the end of the session. Please note: Students must complete Youth Acting 2A or Youth Acting B before they can participate in a Youth Company Production.

Youth Company Elective Classes

Private Voice Lessons (grades 4+)
Young singers work one-on-one with an experienced voice instructor. Limited slots are available for appointments on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays during the day. Students will be expected to practice at home between lessons. Please note: Private Voice Lessons will be a prerequisite for participation in Musical Theatre Cabaret.

Youth Company Performance Classes*

Youth Company Production*: (grades 4-7)
Students will audition for and be cast in a production while continuing to develop their craft as theatre artists. Play TBA.

TEEN COMPANY (grades 9-12)
Teen Company Acting Classes

Teen Acting (grades 8+)
Hartford Children’s Theatre’s Teen Acting class accommodates beginners and experienced students alike with a series of ensemble building activities and independent projects. Teen Acting students will work each week on a selected short monologue or scene. Participation in an informal “Share Day” presentation completes the session.

Teen Company Electives

Private Voice Lessons (grades 4+)
Young singers work one-on-one with an experienced voice instructor. Limited slots are available for appointments on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays during the day. Students will be expected to practice at home between lessons. Please note: Private Voice Lessons will be a prerequisite for participation in Musical Theatre Cabaret.

Teen Company Performance Classes

Teen Company Production
Students will collaborate to create an original piece of theatre while continuing to develop their craft as performers.