How many students are in a workshop?
There are a maximum of 15 students in most sessions; everyone
participates in every class.
Who takes the workshops?
Students in the workshops come from a wide range of experience
including those who are just starting out as well as actors
looking to improve their skills. Many students take the
workshops just for fun!
Do I need experience to participate?
No experience necessary! Our open enrollment policy
allows anyone to enter our programs regardless of previous
experience. Our instructors specialize in challenging and
developing students no matter what level they are at when they
enter. Participants “learn by doing” not only from the
instructor but also from each other.
Where are the classes, rehearsals and
performances?
All classes and rehearsals are located at Pheasant Run Resort
unless otherwise specified. Classes, rehearsals and
performances take place at various locations throughout the
resort, and occasionally change location during the session.
Once registered, you will receive an email a few days before the
start of the class session with location information including a
resort map, among other things. If the class changes
location, you will also receive an email notification. The Youth Ensemble seasonal musical
always performs on the Mainstage.
What is the class environment?
The class environment is positive and professional. No one is
harshly critiqued. It is assumed that anyone who takes the class
is serious about improving their skills and will be working
hard. Practical feedback is given about progress and ways to
improve. Positive reinforcement is used.
How much preparation do I need to do
outside of class?
It is essential that you have time to rehearse on your own
outside of class. Class and rehearsal time should be used for
working with other actors, blocking, choreography and developing
your character; not to learn lines. Memorization should take
place at home.
What is expected of me as a student?
Each class covers a set amount of material. It is important to
come to every class and to keep up with the work.
Participants are expected to prepare fully, to be reliable
rehearsal partners and to be attentive to and respectful of
each others' work in class.
What is the deadline for enrollments?
Although we do not have a specific deadline, we strongly
encourage you to enroll as soon as possible to avoid
disappointment. Class sizes are limited and fill up quickly.
Are scholarships available?
Scholarships are available for families in need. Applicants must
provide proof of financial need, and the potential student is
required to write an accompanying letter detailing why they are
deserving of a scholarship. All applications are kept in strict
confidence. If a scholarship is awarded, parents/participants
will be asked to donate 1 hour per week during the given session
and the student will be asked to write weekly for the NFT blog
during the class or rehearsal period. Students are eligible for
a scholarship once per year.
Click here for the application.
What is the difference between Technique and Performance
classes?
TECHNIQUE classes are meant to
teach and strengthen specific performing skills. For instance,
in an Acting Technique class participants work on character development
and scene study to help each student become a better actor. A
technique class is about learning particular skills rather than
preparing for a performance. Popular
TV shows and films are often used. The resulting showcase
is an opportunity to demonstrate to family and friends what was
learned during the week.
PERFORMANCE
classes are more about the experience of preparing for a show.
Focus is not solely on specific skills, but on the overall
understanding of what it takes to put on a performance.
Due to time restraints in classes, participants perform certain scenes and songs
rather than a full-length show.
Students often share roles. There are usually a few roles that
are very popular. By sharing, more students are able to
experience
the role they are interested in performing. Additionally, class
members learn from each other when observing another student
portraying the same role.
YOUTH ENSEMBLE is an audition-only
group of the best and the brightest talent in the area.
Although Youth Ensemble is also educational in nature, roles are
not shared, and are not equal in size (although we do
have all participants on the stage as much as possible). Our
TECHNIQUE and PERFORMANCE classes prepare individuals to
audition and perform in our Youth Ensemble.
What do I need to do for an audition?
In PERFORMANCE classes, everyone gets a part! Roles are
assigned during the first rehearsal. For these classes,
auditions consist of reading
in character from the script. Musicals require singing a short
song, preferably a show tune. Casting is based on ability and
audition technique. While everyone gets
a part, not all roles are equal in size. We challenge each
student to fulfill their potential, but do not want to put a
participant in a situation they are not ready to handle. If a
students does not get the part they wanted, we encourage them to take our
advantage of our TECHNIQUE classes to improve skills. We insure
each individual has an equal opportunity. What is done with that
opportunity is up to each student.
The YOUTH ENSEMBLE has different requirements. Youth Ensemble is
an exclusive, audition-only program for the best and the
brightest young talent. This is quality theatre by and for young
people.
Participants are responsible for memorizing lines, music and
choreography, and learn the craft of theater through the process
of preparing for live performances.
Youth Ensemble musicals are produced, directed and performed
on the Mainstage in the same manner as our professional theatre
productions.
Auditions for Youth Ensemble productions will be posted on our
website at the Audition Page
-
Bring a headshot and a resume
-
Dance training is helpful, but not necessary; all will
be taught a dance routine
-
Prepare a 1-minute monologue
-
Prepare 16 bars of a song that best displays your
talent
-
Bring sheet music; an accompanist will be provided
-
You may be asked to do a cold reading from the script
Dancing and singing are not required for plays.
How are Youth Ensemble roles
cast?
Not everyone that auditions for Youth Ensemble will be cast.
Casting will be determined based on ability, training,
experience and audition technique. If you have never
performed in one of our Youth Ensemble shows, or did not get
the part you wanted, we encourage you to take advantage of
one of our
Performing Arts Academy classes such as Singing
Technique, Choreography or Improv. These classes will
prepare you for future auditions and improve your chances of
landing the part of your dreams!
Can I audit the class?
Everyone is welcome to audit one class. Contact us to
arrange an audit. Better yet, come to see our FREE
showcases.
What do I wear to class?
Dress comfortably in casual clothes. Ladies: please avoid
skirts and dresses and heels as these can inhibit movement.
Sneakers or casual shoes are fine. We ask that you do not
wear flip flops or open toes shoes for safety reasons, plus they are very
difficult to dance in! Dance, Movement and Fight classes
require clothing that stretches. Jazz shoes or ballet shoes
can be worn but are not required. Always bring a sweater or
sweatshirt.
What should I bring to class?
Always bring a personal bottle of water labeled with the
student's name in a plastic
container. Students typically take a short break halfway
through the class. Kids are encouraged to bring a snack
(grapes, carrots, fruit snacks, Goldfish, popcorn--please,
nothing crumbly, messy or sticky) but must clean up
after themselves. Bottled water and snacks are available at
Thieves' Market on Bourbon Street. We also ask that students
old enough to write
bring paper and an pen or pencil for notes.
For students in a camp or all-day workshop, please also bring a
bag lunch, several drinks and snacks. Lunch may also be
purchases at the Terrace Cafe in the resort. There is always
adult supervision during lunch hours.
Can I stay with my child during
class?
We ask that parents do not stay in the classroom. The
students find this distracting. Each session ends with a
performance or showcase that parents, families and friends are
encouraged to attend.
What if my child doesn't like the
class?
We know how kids react sometimes when they are first exposed
to something new. We suggest that you talk to the teacher to
get feedback and/or to help your child to feel more at ease.
If your child is still feeling uncomfortable, we will do our
best to find a new fit. Please note: Once registration is
processed, no refunds will be issued for any reason unless
the class is cancelled by NFT.
Can I take pictures and video
tape the performances?
Parents are welcome to take photos and videotape showcases
and performance classes. Photos and videotaping of Youth
Ensemble shows are strictly prohibited due to copyright
laws.
Do I need to buy tickets for
showcases and performances?
There is no charge for showcases and performances for
classes. We do suggest a $5 donation per person to fund NFT
scholarships for underprivileged children in the area.
Youth Ensemble performances are treated as any other
professional show at Noble Fool Theatricals. Tickets can be
purchases at the Pheasant Run Box Office, or by calling
630-584-6342. Tickets are also available through
Ticketmaster.
Parties of 10 or more, please contact
Maggie Cross at 630-524-5071 or
mcross@pheasantrun.com.
Be sure to visit our
Policy Page for more
information.
Call 630-364-0550 or email
education@noblefool.org
with additional questions.
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