Movement, music, and ‘magination! Houston’s Tony Award® Winning Theatre now offers something for even the smallest of performers. Kiddos ages two to four years old and their caregivers are led through fun and stimulating sessions designed to support cognitive and sensory development and to nurture the adult/child relationship. Led by Resident Acting Company Member Melissa Pritchett and Master Teaching Artist Bradley Dean White, our highly experienced (and totally awesome) team has adapted the Alley’s lauded Play Makers program for a new age group!

Interested in being notified when classes are available? Email chaneyt@alleytheatre.org. 

LED BY CHRIS HUTCHISON, RESIDENT ACTING COMPANY

There’s a reason why Suzuki is one of the most popular movement-based training methods for actors! Created by Japanese Director Tadashi Suzuki, this method strengthens an actor’s awareness to their center and their connection to the physical space. Known for creating dynamic and strong performers, Suzuki increases focus, stage presence, and vocal resonance. Additionally, Alley Resident Acting Company Member Chris Hutchison integrates the Laban Method - exploring ways in which this work is carried into an actor’s everyday practice. Chris studied Suzuki extensively with Robyn Hunt and Steve Pearson, who received their training from Suzuki himself .

Prerequisites: This class is designed for professional performers who are new to the Suzuki Method, or are looking for a refresher. It is very physical in nature, so please let us know of any injuries before registering!

To book 3 classes for $400, email cathyb@alleytheatre.org.

LED BY DAVID RAINEY, RESIDENT ACTING COMPANY

How does an actor use their body as an entry point to a complex character? This movement-based masterclass, led by Alley Resident Acting Company member David Rainey, utilizes mask work and detailed physical exploration to open the path to multifaceted and compelling characters. Having received top honors from The Juilliard School, David utilizes his vast training to provide students with an unparalleled introduction to physicality!

Prerequisites: This class is designed for professional performers of all types.

To book 3 classes for $400, email cathyb@alleytheatre.org.

APPROACHING THE CHARACTER USING THE MUSICAL THEATRE TOOLBOX

LED BY DYLAN GODWIN & MELISSA PRITCHETT, RESIDENT ACTING COMPANY

Great acting can make or break a musical, but too often training for musical theatre neglects a strong focus on acting. But have no fear – Melissa Pritchett and Dylan Godwin are here! Our resident Musical Theatre experts utilize song as monologue - offering new tools and a leg up for musical theatre performers who are looking to take their work to the next level. Additionally, Dylan and Melissa aim to create and explore realistic, deeply felt characters using movement and music as a springboard.

Prerequisites: This class is designed for professional performers who feel comfortable with singing and performing in Musical Theatre.

To book 3 classes for $400, email cathyb@alleytheatre.org.

LED BY TODD WAITE, RESIDENT ACTING COMPANY

The voice is an essential tool for the actor, yet it is complex and ever-changing. Resident Company Member Todd Waite guides actors through vocal techniques and exercises designed to not only sharpen breath and articulation, but also magnify and illuminate text. The heart of any story lies in the script, so actors will explore ways to apply vocal technique organically - creating a partnership between the internal and external. This class also touches on techniques around vocal safety and longevity – and is directly applicable to scene work, text analysis, and other classes.

Prerequisites: This class is designed for professional performers with a basic understanding of vocal technique for the stage.

To book 3 classes for $400, email cathyb@alleytheatre.org.

LED BY TODD WAITE, RESIDENT ACTING COMPANY

William Shakespeare continues to be the most produced playwright in the USA. However, performing his work is considered the Olympics of Acting. No matter your experience level with Shakespeare, Alley Resident Acting Company Member Todd Waite leads actors through the nuts and bolts of mastering Shakespeare’s poetry!

Prerequisites: This class is designed for professional performers, but extensive experience with Shakespeare is not required.

To book 3 classes for $400, email cathyb@alleytheatre.org.

LED BY BRANDON WEINBRENNER, ASSOCIATE PRODUCER & CASTING DIRECTOR

From selection to preparation to correspondence to first-impressions, the craft of auditioning is a multi-tiered skill. The Alley’s Associate Producer & Casting Director Brandon Weinbrenner will cover all the bases of how to put your best foot forward when auditioning. This two-day clinic is for the actor who wants to earn the role. Participants should expect to examine not only their monologues but also who they are and what they represent.

Prerequisites: This class is designed for professional performers of all types.

Script Analysis: Uncovering Intention

LED BY ELIZABETH BUNCH, RESIDENT ACTING COMPANY

While the script is the playwright’s blueprint, it’s up to the actor and director to build the metaphorical house. Through careful examination of text, Alley Resident Company Member Elizabeth Bunch helps theatre makers ask questions to find the intention and action in any scene. Through a clear yet in-depth analysis, participants will find specific tactics that will lead to clear storytelling and nuanced character.

Prerequisites: This class is designed for professional theatre makers of any field.

To book 3 classes for $400, email cathyb@alleytheatre.org.

FUNDAMENTALS OF ACTING FOR TEENS: LEVEL 2

SATURDAYS, 10:00AM - 12:30PM, MARCH 28 - MAY 16

This intermediate acting class explores the techniques that are essential to the actor’s craft. Students work with the Alley’s Master Teaching Artists - including members of the Resident Acting Company!

In this eight-week course, students will explore these acting essentials: 

- Tactics and objectives
- Realism and truth
- Connection and ensemble
- Scene work and script analysis

Eligibility & Prerequisites: This class is designed for students age 15-18 who have completed Alley Conservatory, or a Fundamentals of Acting class at the Alley, their school, or another approved organization. You will be contacted to confirm eligibility after registration. In the event the student is determined ineligible, a refund will be granted. If you are concerned, feel free to email chaneyt@alleytheatre.org in advance of registering. 

Location: Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave., Houston TX 77002

One-week camp for current kindergarteners and first graders! Kids join their peers for a full rotation of group activities designed to help even the most timid child find the confidence to step onto the stage.

This camp will be held in Houston at the Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave, Houston TX 77002

Price Range is based on extended care options:

Camp Only (9:00 am - 3:00 pm): $325
with AM Extended Care only (8:00 am – 9:00 am): $350
with PM Extended Care only (3:00 pm – 5:00 pm): $355
with Both AM and PM (8-9am and 3-5pm): $375

For more information, visit PLAY MAKERS.

One-week camp for current second and third graders! Kids join their peers for a full rotation of group activities designed to help even the most timid child find the confidence to step onto the stage.

This camp will be held in Houston at the Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave, Houston TX 77002

Price Range is based on extended care options:

Camp Only (9:00 am - 3:00 pm): $325
with AM Extended Care only (8:00 am – 9:00 am): $350
with PM Extended Care only (3:00 pm – 5:00 pm): $355
with Both AM and PM (8-9am and 3-5pm): $375

For more information, visit PLAY MAKERS.

One-week camp for current fourth and fifth graders! Kids join their peers for a full rotation of group activities designed to help even the most timid child find the confidence to step onto the stage.

This camp will be held in Houston at the Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave, Houston TX 77002

Price Range is based on extended care options:

Camp Only (9:00 am - 3:00 pm): $325
with AM Extended Care only (8:00 am – 9:00 am): $350
with PM Extended Care only (3:00 pm – 5:00 pm): $355
with Both AM and PM (8-9am and 3-5pm): $375

For more information, visit PLAY MAKERS.

Whether you want to join Alley Conservatory or need to prepare for college auditions, Alley Conservatory Prep Camp is for you. Together with other talented middle and high school artists, you will create and polish captivating audition material in preparation for Alley Conservatory and other upcoming opportunities. Refine your skills with a week of intensive training in acting, voice, movement and audition preparation. Conservatory Prep culminates in a performance of your monologue for friends and family, which also serves as your audition for the Alley Summer Conservatory.

NO AUDITION REQUIRED

Dates: March 16 - 20, 2020
Hours: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm 
This camp will be held in Houston at the Alley Theatre, 615 Texas Ave, Houston TX 77002
Cost: $350
Extended care is provided on-site for Alley Play Makers. If you are interested in learning more or getting information about limited need-based scholarships, contact Elena Valladolid-Rivera at elenavr@alleytheatre.org for more information.