Morpheus Theatre’s Gilbert and Sullivan Junior Theatre School returns for it’s third season of professional instruction for youth ages 9 to 14! Join us as we mount a full-scale production of The Pirates or Penzance. Over the six months of instruction participants will recreate the much beloved operetta while acquiring and perfecting vocal and performance techniques with Instructors Michelle Brandenburg and Naomi Williams, while having a ridiculous amount of fun along the way!
With catlike tread...no, no, more like: with joyful proclamation and patter, we proudly announce: The pirates are coming! The pirates are coming! A favourite of Gilbert and Sullivan enthusiasts, The Pirates of Penzance is a wonderful romp through such favourites as “Oh, Better Far to Live and Die”, “How Beautifully Blue the Sky” and of course, “I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General”. Directed by Tim Elliott and Mike Johnson, this clever classic tells the story of Frederick, who is freed from his apprenticeship to a rather merry gang of pirates on the occasion of his 21st birthday. When he meets Mabel, he falls head over heels in love only to have his happy hopes dashed by the discovery that he is only five years old, since he was born February 29th in a leap year. All kinds of tomfoolery unfurls as we meet the colourful cast of characters and watch poor Frederick grapple with the bonds of love, duty and a most convenient paradox.
Classes begin October 19, 2013 and run Saturday mornings from 10am to 11:30am.
Space is limited so register early!
The course is a performance based process. The participants will take the stage for one night only in the Victor Mitchell Theatre at The Pumphouse Theatre to perform for their family and friends. They will work on a full set with lights, sounds, and costumes.
All children will receive professional training in singing, dancing and acting as well as study the process and experience all of the performing
elements involved in a live theatre production.
Initially the children will be working as a single group while we develop
basic skills in all of the performance elements. Once we move into the
casting and rehearsal phase they will be split up according to their roles
in the show. All of the children will receive a role in the piece (roles
will be assigned by the instructors, and will be geared towards each child's
skill level and what will benefit their development as a performer the most.)
Students enrolled in the program will learn the basics in choral singing, such as tuning, breath management, proper formation of vowels, good diction, posture and facial expression through vocal warmups, exercises, and homework. The basics of musical sight reading will be taught, listening skills will be honed, and singing in harmony will be introduced. Students will gain confidence and aptitude in their singing. The fun, humour and drama of Gilbert and Sullivan is a great way for youth to be introduced to classical music. Group vocal lessons encourage teamwork and friendship, in a low stress environment! All students will also have the opportunity to try their hand at solo singing, if they so wish, and the learning environment created will be positive and constructive.
DATE: Starting Saturday, October 19th, 10:00 - 11:30 every Saturday.
COST: $350 - Discounts for families with multiple students.
(Payment plans are available - please call 403-246-2999)
WHERE: Morpheus Rehearsal Centre, Parkdale Community Centre
Register online now!
Or call our office at (403) 246-2999.
No classes over winter break or holiday long weekends.
Michelle Brandenburg (Acting & Theatre School Coordinator)
Michelle Brandenburg is a professional theatre artist living in the West Bragg Creek area. She is an Artistic Associate with Morpheus Theatre and has been working in the Calgary Arts community for the past 10 years. Over the last while her focus has moved towards cultivation of the performing arts in young audiences and she is thrilled to be sharing her passion for theatre with the students of G&S Junior. In her capacity as a performer, educator and writer, she has had the privilege of touring Calgary Schools, promoting Early Literacy through theatre. She has directed various plays and large scale musicals, performed alongside brilliant actors, and led a variety of workshops and weekly classes. She also has the privilege of organizing Calgary’s only festival for emerging professional artists.
Naomi Williams (Music)
Born and Raised in Regina, SK, and bitten by the music bug there, she moved to Ontario at 18 to pursue a music degree in Voice Performance. After university, she taught voice and piano for three years in Guelph, ON. Naomi moved to Calgary in mid-2007, and has since performed lead roles with Morpheus Theatre, Front Row Centre, and Cappucino Musical Theatre. She is a member of the Calgary Opera Chorus, and the lead singer of classic rock cover band Blacklight Jack. She also teaches voice lessons privately.