SUMMER THEATRE CONSERVATORY ENROLLING NOW THROUGH JUNE 1st AT DREAMCATCHER

(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- DREAMCATCHER REPERTORY THEATRE, professional Theatre in Residence at the Baird Center in South Orange, is beginning enrollment for its Summer Theatre Conservatory, to be offered from July 1 through July 29, 2011.  Students in this varied program will take classes in subjects like acting technique, improv, voice, and dance and will have the opportunity to create and put on a show!  The program is open to actors aged 10 to 13 and 14 to 17.  Classes are held Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm (with a special performance July 29 at 7:30 pm) at Dreamcatcher's home at the Baird Center, 5 Mead Street in South Orange.

The STC is a fun way for students to explore their interest and deepen their skills in the performing arts during their summer vacation.  Participants can tailor the program to suit their preferences and their family's schedule, attending the Conservatory for one, two, three or all four weeks.  Professionals in their field teach all classes, and students receive individual attention, constructive feedback, and the support needed to achieve their personal goals.

Week 1, the Actors' Workshop (July 1 – 8 with no class on the 4th), provides a strong foundation in the building blocks of acting:  vocal and physical preparation, Acting Technique, Improvisation and Scene Study.  Week 2, the Musical Theatre Workshop (July 11 – 15), will include classes in Acting Technique as well as in Musical Theatre dance and singing, with the chance to put all three skills together each day.  Weeks 3 and 4, Dreamcatcher Junior (July 18 – 29), will be a combination of skill-building and rehearsal, as the students put together their own show under the guidance of a professional direction staff.  Past shows have included a modern adaptation of a Shakespearean tale called THE HAMLET PROJECT; a brand-new musical review of John Farrell's songs for kids called TOUCH THE SKY, and a review of Shel Silverstein's poetry and music entitled HIPPOPOTAMUS SANDWICH.  Students from last summer's Summer Theatre Conservatory commented:  "You are the most fun teachers ever!" and "I think this camp is a great camp!"

The cost of the program is $250 for one week, $450 for two weeks, $635 for three weeks, and $800 for all four weeks, with limited scholarships available.  Discounts are provided for South Orange residents and those who register before April 15.  Admission is on a first come, first served basis until the program is filled or until the deadline of June 1, and applications for the Summer Theatre Conservatory and more information on the program may be obtained by calling Dreamcatcher's business office at 973-378-7754, ext. 2228, emailing info@dreamcatcherrep.org or may be downloaded at www.dreamcatcherrep.org.