TAP Camp 2010
ACTING

I have more confidence and believe in my ability as an actor more than ever before.
-Darry Herron (Age 16) Camper '08

PREVIOUS FACULTY

David Valdes, Acting & Auditioning
David Gallagher & Aaron Moten, Improvisation & Voice/Movement
Heather Huggins, Voice/Movement
Kirk German, Theatre Past & Present
Jill Lieberknight, Film Acting

PHILOSOPHY

Acting majors at TAP camp are challenged on a daily basis through rigorous class work and rehearsal methods. As campers come from a variety of schools or programs, the faculty assesses each student, utilizing his or her personal foundation as a starting point ensuring the most potential growth in each individual camper.

Acting majors are divided into two groups based on age, experience and skill level. The campers are immersed in daily classes in the mornings that cover acting, improvisation, voice/movement and more. As TAP camp strives to train the “complete artist,” campers are assigned to classes in voice and dance in the afternoons. Additionally all campers rehearse sections of the final showcase together once daily. In the evenings, acting majors work with a director and a team of assistants as they create original pieces of the showcase and rehearse scenes and monologues from contemporary plays. The acting majors also have the privilege of performing in the student films. Additional film acting classes are instructed so that acting majors are comfortable on camera.

CURRICULUM

The TAP acting classes are process-oriented emphasizing technique, styles, and methods. Students develop awareness about themselves and their relationship with others and the world around them as actors. Students are introduced to the essential skills of acting from improvisation to character development to text analysis and performance. Concentration is on the preparation of developing characters through script analysis, preparation and performance. Students will be expected to participate in monologue and scene work so that they may establish short and long term goals for themselves. Emphasis will be placed on taking creative risks and finding truth in performance. In addition to gaining knowledge of the actor’s process, these acting classes help students expand self-awareness, foster self-confidence, and place trust in others.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

ACTING

Focus on text analysis, sensory work, actions and truthful behavior within a scene or monologue. A variety of acting methods will be examined through the study of contemporary plays. Techniques for approaching the craft of acting are explored through exercises, group discussions, scene study, and self-assessments.

IMPROVISATION

Develop techniques of improvisation, which can be used in character exploration. Learn to think on your feet, make bold choices and practice creative collaboration with fellow performers.

THEATRE PAST AND PRESENT

Through lecture and discussion, explore theatre history as it relates to current trends in theatrical performance.

AUDITIONING

Examine techniques for more effective auditions including presentation, preparation and follow through.

VOICE/MOVEMENT

Strengthen vocal and physical skills through release of tension, posture, vocal exercises and muscle extension. Examine various techniques for body/voice training to expand your physical and vocal capabilities.

FILM ACTING

Use scenes from films to explore techniques for acting on camera.

SPECIALS

Acting Majors have the opportunity to take make-up classes. Beginners take the basics while more advanced students learn old age and scarring methods. Guest artists may be brought in for special topics such as Stage Combat, Shakespeare, Suzuki, Viewpoints, etc.

REHEARSALS

Rehearsals are conducted in the evenings. During the first week, campers read scenes and monologues and take classes in film acting to prepare for film shoots during week two. The Director of Acting chooses monologues and scenes for the acting majors and rehearsals begin during week two. Rehearsals are divided into time slots so that each scene or monologue is individually coached multiple times over the course of a week. On the third week of camp, we assemble the showcase combining majors and creating a cohesive showcase. Acting majors may have the opportunity to perform in dances or songs as well.

SHOWCASE

In the past, acting majors have engaged in writing workshops, creating original pices for the showcase based on the theme. Scenes and monologues have been performed from many contemporary playwrights, including Tony Kushner, Steven Dietz, Larry Shue, Margaret Edson, Kenneth Lonergan, Neil Simon and Lee Blessing.

Suggested Packing List

Placement Auditions Info Sheet

 

 

TAP 2010

BOARDING CAMPS

Senior Camp

Ages 13-18 or Entering grades 8-12
Dates June 6 - 27
General Tuition $2475
Filmmaking $2675
$500 deposit

Advanced Camp
(Video Submission Required)

Ages 15-18 or Entering grades 11-12

Senior Advanced
Dates June 6 - July 2
Tuition $2875
$500 deposit

Week-Long Advanced
DatesJune 27 - July 2
Tuition $575
$100 deposit

Junior Camp

Session 1 Beg - Int
Ages 9-12 or entering grades 3-7
Dates June 13-19
Tuition $1075
$200 Deposit

Session 2 Int - Adv
Ages 9-13 or entering grades 4-8
Dates June 20-26
Tuition $1075
$200 Deposit

MEALS
Three meals a day are provided starting with dinner on check-in days and ending with lunch on check-out days.

DAY CAMPS

Youth Art Camp

Ages 5-10
Dates June 7-11
Half Days 9am-12pm or 1pm-4pm $175
Full Days (ages 7-10 only) 9am-4pm $275
$100 Deposit

Ceramics Camp

Ages 12-17
Dates June 7-11
9am-12pm $175
$100 Deposit

Youth Musical Theatre Camp

Ages 5-10
Dates June 7-11
Half Days 1pm-4pm $175
Full Days (ages 7 and up) 9am-4pm $325
$100 Deposit

MEALS
Lunch is provided each day for Full Day Campers and on Friday for ALL Musical Theatre Camp Participants.