Dragonfly Arts offering Theater Classes

DragonFly Performing Arts announces a new array of theater arts classes, available now to area students, both young and old.

DragonFly Performing Arts in Cairo, which is now offering youngsters a Circus Arts course, today is also announcing spring classes in a host of other theatrical skills instruction for those from 8 to 80 looking to ham it up in front of an audience, or apply their new skills on back stage crafts.

Under the guidance of Artistic Director Rita K. Carver, DragonFly presents an instrument for artistic expression and human understanding for students and audiences alike.

"The classes we offer have consistently attracted eager and enthusiastic groups of students,” Ms Carver said, adding, “They show wonderful progress, and many continue to re-enroll as they perfect and improve their skills. We have been very fortunate that our own students have effectively applied their new-found experience and knowledge in many of DragonFly's on-going theatrical productions."

 The circus comes to town with the CIRCUS ARTS class, where youths from 8 to 12 can learn juggling, basic tumbling, falls, and slapstick techniques. They even get to design your own personal clown makeup.

 For those interested in created theatrical scenery, there’s SCENE STUDY, an opportunity to develop an intensive focus on scene work. One scene per two students will be dissected and analyzed. 

One cannot fully appreciate theater without some knowledge of SHAKESPEARE. This course introduces students to the themes and language of Shakespeare's anthology.  There will be an in-depth study of scenes from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" that helps students to understand the historical significance of the play while relating the script to current trends.  Here’s an opportunity to understand the timelessness of Shakespeare and his relevance to modern audiences.

To complete the picture, DragonFly also has courses in STAGE MANAGEMENT and DIRECTING, two key off-stage roles that are essential to creating a successful theatrical production.  Students learn what is required of a stage manager, what is needed to prepare for rehearsals, how to organize a play book and how to call a show. Hands on experience with a DragonFly production is part of the program. Would be directors learn how to break down a script to see what is required, define character development, and prepare for auditions. 

For more information, fees, class schedules and a registration form contact DragonFly Performing arts at PO Box 1224, Cairo, NY 12413, 518-947-6306 or check out their web site at http://www.dragonflyperformingarts.com/  Deadline for registration is March 1, 2011.