Voice Classes 
Dance Classes Acting Classes
Download the Stage Right 2007-2008 School Brochure here.
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School for the Performing Arts
Our school has classes in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Acting, Voice and Musical Theatre for kids aged 4-18. The classes are taught by professionals in the field and we seek to expedite a child’s artistic education by putting them on stage quickly in order to learn through doing.
What’s New to the Class Schedule?
National Accreditation
A new year of classes is upon us and exciting changes are coming. This year, Stage Right will be gaining national accreditation as a theatre school. This means that the progression of advancement in class levels will be stricter and more exact to show responsible, educative techniques. This will also give students a chance to better understand what skills they have acquired and where to set their goals.
New Key Classes
Aside from a number of time changes and the addition of a full slate of private voice classes for both boys and girls, we are adding a few new key classes to our curriculum:
Class Requirements and Levels
The changes in our requirements and levels are based on nationally accepted Theatre curriculums, and are designed to matriculate students through their course of study in a thorough manner. Class levels are viewed as taking place through the course of a year. This means a student starting in one level stays with that class for the full year and the class advances as a whole. It is rare that level jumping can happen mid year, as all levels are always moving forward. New students joining mid-year will either be placed in a new class or may test into a level if there aren’t enough students to make a new class.
Continuing Improvement
We’re really excited about the changes in store for the coming year, as they are sure to improve what we feel is already the best program and staff in the area, and will also give Stage Right students a leg up on the competition.
Voice Classes
Voice Voice 1,2,3
In Voice 1 & 2 students learn the basics of breathing, tonality and support, as well as learning songs from all styles of music. In Voice 3, students concentrate on musical theatre pieces as well as building their repertoire for future auditions and polishing vocal production.
Private Voice
This class is offered by Dr. Ben Brinkley. Students interested must meet with the instructors criteria. Please call Stage Right for costs and availability.
Dance Classes
Jazz Jazz 1, 2 and Advanced
Beginners learn terminology, counting and across the floor and center combinations. Technique is highly stressed. In Jazz 2, students are introduced to different styles of choreography, from hip-hop to musical theatre. In the advanced level, the students learn to work at a faster pace as well as intensifying the level of warm-ups and across the floor combinations. Instructors test students into the proper level.
Movement for Actors
This is a class for non-dancers that concentrates on styles and becoming comfortable with movement. This is a great class for actors who want to free up their physical instincts on stage as well as getting them prepared for basic dance auditions. This class will also work on partnering, lifts and using the body to effectively tell a story and inhabit a character.
Tap Tap 1,2,3,4
In 1 & 2, students learn basic terminology, how to count, the basics of tap and proper technique. In 3 & 4, students explore the different styles of tap, work on more advanced combinations and across the floor exercises and learn full numbers from influential tap choreographers.
Ballet Ballet 1, 2 and Pointe
As taught by former professional ballerina Heidi Hunter ballet is a necessary class for any child interested in the technique, art and understanding of all dance forms. Ballet 1 concentrates on barre work, terminology, how to keep your body healthy as a dancer and always proper technique. In Ballet 2, barre and across the floor work become more complex and pieces from popular ballets are worked on in class. Pointe class is offered for those that meet the instructor’s criteria.
Acting Classes
Acting 1, 2 and Advanced
In the beginner levels, students learn the basics of theatre Terminology, as well as, understanding the basic precepts of acting. All instruction is based in the Meisner method and focuses on the reality of doing, text analysis and character study. All student levels also explore creative play through improv warm-ups and work on monologues and scenes. In the advanced level, students take part in the Pittsburgh Public Theatre’s Shakespeare monologue contest as well as working on long form scenes and monologues that are worked on with the intent of doing a public performance of their work at the end of the year.
Musical Theatre Workshop
Held on Saturday afternoons, this is one of the most important classes a beginning or experienced student can take. Run as a rehearsal, the class concentrates on either a single show or composer and rehearses a performance that is held at the end of the semester. Students get to use the skills they learn in core classes in a practical way – on their feet!
Imagination Workshop
As taught by Renata Marino, Imagination Workshop is a chance for our youngest students to receive their first training in theatre. Students play theatre games, learn the basics of singing and take part in a live performance at the end of each 8-week session. Students learn how a show is put together and how to be part of an ensemble. This is the perfect starting point for anyone interested in being on stage. Students are encouraged to stretch their imaginations, create characters, learn how to express themselves musically and dramatically and by doing so increase their confidence. Many of our finest students have started here. Past shows have been: Annie, Beauty and the Beast, Music Man and The Wizard of Oz.