All New Programming for 2023-24
Here are some of the exciting changes you can expect to see this season:
Live Performances held JANUARY 18-20, 2024 AT UALBANY!
PRESENTING OUR FALL MUSICAL... MATILDA JR!
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International
CHECK OUT OUR MATILDA JR. SNEAK PEEK VIDEO HERE!
Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the "revolting children" who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson.
Matilda has astonishing wit, intelligence... and special powers! She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils' saving grace!
"TAKE 2" Musical Theatre Performance Academies
3-hour classes for AGES 8-18 held weekly in »
Guilderland (Mon), Clifton Park (Tue), Colonie (Wed), Loudonville (Thu), Delmar (Fri)
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International
CHECK OUT OUR MATILDA JR. SNEAK PEEK VIDEO HERE!
Rebellion is nigh in Matilda JR., a gleefully witty ode to the the anarchy of childhood and the power of imagination! This story of a girl who dreams of a better life and the children she inspires will have audiences rooting for the "revolting children" who are out to teach the grown-ups a lesson.
Matilda has astonishing wit, intelligence... and special powers! She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly loveable Miss Honey. Matilda's school life isn't completely smooth sailing, however – the school's mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts, and could be the school pupils' saving grace!
"TAKE 2" Musical Theatre Performance Academies
3-hour classes for AGES 8-18 held weekly in »
Guilderland (Mon), Clifton Park (Tue), Colonie (Wed), Loudonville (Thu), Delmar (Fri)
"AUDITIONS"
In Drama Kids...everyone is a STAR!
The first day of the new session, serves as an informal, getting-to-know you "mock audition." Don't be nervous!!! If this is your first time with Drama Kids, we have some good news...this will be the easiest audition you'll ever do! :) Better still, we spend time teaching you the tips to nail ANY audition! Students will audition through a variety of improv exercises and perform a short scene from the show. We are mainly looking for PROJECTION & a CONFIDENT stage presence. We will make this as stress-free on your child as possible in true "Drama Kids style" where the kids' comfort level, willingness, and emotional safety remains our #1 concern!
The first day of the new session, serves as an informal, getting-to-know you "mock audition." Don't be nervous!!! If this is your first time with Drama Kids, we have some good news...this will be the easiest audition you'll ever do! :) Better still, we spend time teaching you the tips to nail ANY audition! Students will audition through a variety of improv exercises and perform a short scene from the show. We are mainly looking for PROJECTION & a CONFIDENT stage presence. We will make this as stress-free on your child as possible in true "Drama Kids style" where the kids' comfort level, willingness, and emotional safety remains our #1 concern!
Casting
Most locations do NOT have class the 2nd week of class because your directors will be CASTING our show! We firmly believe that EVERY part is important. We will spend the next class reading and/or singing through the show and getting kids excited about the part they have been cast. Please help us encourage all students by reinforcing the concept that there are NO small parts, and that every actor is crucial to the show!
Home "Work"
Practice makes proud performers!
Practicing at home is a must. Each student will receive a printed script for additional practice at home. Our Teen Acting Academy students are expected to bring their script back and forth to class each week. Our younger Creative Dramatics students do not have to bring their script to class; they are primarily used for practice at home. And don't worry...we will be emailing you an additional copy should their script go missing.
We have all scripts, music files (both vocal & accompaniment tracks) & rehearsal videos available in our GOOGLE DRIVE STUDENT FOLDER. Please download the music and have your child listen to it and sing along as often as possible; in the car, in the shower, via Alexa, wear headphones throughout the day, etc.
How often should I practice?
Believe it or not, it doesn't take much time! We highly recommend 5-10 minutes every day...tops! The key is doing a small amount EVERY day. Cramming it in right before class (or right before the performance - ahhhhh!) won't do you any good. The best way to ingrain it in your long-term memory is to rehearse daily. But again, it doesn't take much! I recommend making it a part of your daily routine: eating breakfast, right before bed, in the car, during study halls...or even in the bathroom! ;)
Practicing at home is a must. Each student will receive a printed script for additional practice at home. Our Teen Acting Academy students are expected to bring their script back and forth to class each week. Our younger Creative Dramatics students do not have to bring their script to class; they are primarily used for practice at home. And don't worry...we will be emailing you an additional copy should their script go missing.
We have all scripts, music files (both vocal & accompaniment tracks) & rehearsal videos available in our GOOGLE DRIVE STUDENT FOLDER. Please download the music and have your child listen to it and sing along as often as possible; in the car, in the shower, via Alexa, wear headphones throughout the day, etc.
How often should I practice?
Believe it or not, it doesn't take much time! We highly recommend 5-10 minutes every day...tops! The key is doing a small amount EVERY day. Cramming it in right before class (or right before the performance - ahhhhh!) won't do you any good. The best way to ingrain it in your long-term memory is to rehearse daily. But again, it doesn't take much! I recommend making it a part of your daily routine: eating breakfast, right before bed, in the car, during study halls...or even in the bathroom! ;)
Costumes
Express yourself!
We encourage our Drama Kids to bring their character alive with their own personal touch! That being said, please do not go to any great expense for this costume. Their performance is what will make them shine onstage - not the costume! All Drama Kids costumes should cost little to no money to make. Old clothing/Halloween costumes, thrift stores, dollar stores and party stores are great places to check out. Or reach out to your Facebook friends! You'd be surprised how many are happy to loan or give away old costumes.
Drama Kids does provide the props and main signature pieces and whatever else we can for each child's costume. Your child's teacher will also have specific details on what we have on hand. More details & costume suggestions will be provided further on in the session, so keep an eye on your inbox!
We encourage our Drama Kids to bring their character alive with their own personal touch! That being said, please do not go to any great expense for this costume. Their performance is what will make them shine onstage - not the costume! All Drama Kids costumes should cost little to no money to make. Old clothing/Halloween costumes, thrift stores, dollar stores and party stores are great places to check out. Or reach out to your Facebook friends! You'd be surprised how many are happy to loan or give away old costumes.
Drama Kids does provide the props and main signature pieces and whatever else we can for each child's costume. Your child's teacher will also have specific details on what we have on hand. More details & costume suggestions will be provided further on in the session, so keep an eye on your inbox!
So many opportunities await in an oasis of theatrical magic!
TESTIMONIALS
"As a youth sports coach for over 20 years, I admire the staff of Drama Kids’ desire to deliver an experience that builds confidence, supports growth and tailors the goals of the program to each individual student’s current abilities and interests. Drama Kids provides a unique opportunity for students to learn how to think on their feet, get comfortable speaking in front of a crowd and to have fun doing it in a comfortable environment.
As the mother of a student fortunate enough to intern for a younger class, I had a front row seat to the advance planning of classes, the hours put into creating the activities, movies and Spring show and the efforts to bring out the very best in each individual student. It is a place where children and young adults can learn, grow, be themselves and make friends. As the program has grown over the years, opportunities have been added, giving my daughter, as an example, the opportunity to try her hand at co-writing a screenplay, which she had always wanted to do and now wants to do more of. There are so many transferable skills and places to go in the theater world; Drama Kids helps to get its students where they want to be." ~Melissa, Clifton Park parent
As the mother of a student fortunate enough to intern for a younger class, I had a front row seat to the advance planning of classes, the hours put into creating the activities, movies and Spring show and the efforts to bring out the very best in each individual student. It is a place where children and young adults can learn, grow, be themselves and make friends. As the program has grown over the years, opportunities have been added, giving my daughter, as an example, the opportunity to try her hand at co-writing a screenplay, which she had always wanted to do and now wants to do more of. There are so many transferable skills and places to go in the theater world; Drama Kids helps to get its students where they want to be." ~Melissa, Clifton Park parent
"I think I can speak for all of us when I say that the work you are doing has inspired us greatly. You know how shy I was when I was younger, I never imagined I would be able to do half the things I do now. I never really thought that having the ability to get up and perform on a stage would translate into more real-world scenarios, but I was wrong. You taught me confidence in a way that was fun, and helped me find my passion and an amazing group of friends. I feel like I belong somewhere.
Honestly, Drama Kids was a way better gift than anything else I could have gotten for my 5th birthday, and I am so blessed to have you in my life." ~Gianna, Delmar DKI graduate
Honestly, Drama Kids was a way better gift than anything else I could have gotten for my 5th birthday, and I am so blessed to have you in my life." ~Gianna, Delmar DKI graduate
I cannot thank you all enough for everything you’ve done for my daughter. Drama Kids has truly saved her. For us, it isn’t just an acting class. It is truly the one place where my daughter can be herself and feel absolutely accepted for it. Every single week, after every single class, she is happy. For 6 years! You’ve all taught her so much about herself, and let her learn to thrive. You have provided her a time to forget her problems and just have fun. Every week.
I am beyond grateful for all of you and the way you treat her. But I’m also forever grateful for what the program offers her. Instead of learning one role for one play all year long, she is able to learn various life skills throughout the year, in addition to being able to film a video and be in a play. Her skills at improv are amazing. Every skill she learns with you guys is important; creating, working with a group and carrying out an idea are just a few of the life skills she’s learning.
Everyone who sees her act would never know what a tough time she has outside of drama. Way too self-conscience, it amazes me how she can be extremely self-assured and comfortable on stage. Anyone watching her would never know that outside of class she’s often crippled by her anxiety. Drama Kids truly allows her to shine and to feel proud of herself.
I am thrilled that she will get the chance to expand this to two hours a week next year. The chance to have regular drama classes, in addition to the film and play, is a dream come true for her. We’ve often wished she could take classes on multiple nights.
Thank you. Not just for all you’ve done, but also for giving her more time with you in the future. I am honestly unsure of where she would be in life without having found Drama Kids. Thank you for helping to instill confidence in her and to help her to become a better person. ~Amy, Clifton Park parent
I am beyond grateful for all of you and the way you treat her. But I’m also forever grateful for what the program offers her. Instead of learning one role for one play all year long, she is able to learn various life skills throughout the year, in addition to being able to film a video and be in a play. Her skills at improv are amazing. Every skill she learns with you guys is important; creating, working with a group and carrying out an idea are just a few of the life skills she’s learning.
Everyone who sees her act would never know what a tough time she has outside of drama. Way too self-conscience, it amazes me how she can be extremely self-assured and comfortable on stage. Anyone watching her would never know that outside of class she’s often crippled by her anxiety. Drama Kids truly allows her to shine and to feel proud of herself.
I am thrilled that she will get the chance to expand this to two hours a week next year. The chance to have regular drama classes, in addition to the film and play, is a dream come true for her. We’ve often wished she could take classes on multiple nights.
Thank you. Not just for all you’ve done, but also for giving her more time with you in the future. I am honestly unsure of where she would be in life without having found Drama Kids. Thank you for helping to instill confidence in her and to help her to become a better person. ~Amy, Clifton Park parent