G&S JR THEATRE SCHOOL:
Professional Theatre Training
for youth aged 9 to 17!
NOTE: The SR class is listed as sold out online, but we have some flexibility, so call us at 403-246-2999!
Program Overview
Morpheus Theatre is pleased to announce that the G&S Junior Theatre School program is returning for it’s 14th Season with PATIENCE.
Junior Class: ages 9 to 12 years
Senior Class: ages 13 to 17 years *Subject to change
All of the maidens in the village are besotted with Reginald Bunthorne, a moody and handsome poet, but he has eyes only for the simple milkmaid, Patience. The problem? Bunthorne’s artistic ways are all just an act to attract women to him–he doesn’t even like poetry! Besides, Patience is in love with her childhood sweetheart, who happens to be a real poet named Archibald Grosvenor, but feels she cannot marry him because he is just too perfect. In the meantime, the serious (and decidedly non-poetic) platoon of Heavy Dragoon Guards that were meant to marry the village maidens find themselves dismayed and perplexed by their sudden loss of prospects.
The program gives youth an opportunity to expand their acting skills and challenge themselves with the lyrics and patter of a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. The Senior class will also include more advanced acting skills and choreography.
Classes run Saturday mornings from 10:00-11:30 beginning in late-September. Classes will include professional instruction in Acting and Voice, and the program will culminate in two youth performances on the set of our mainstage production in the Victor Mitchell Theatre at the Pumphouse Theatre for their family and friends. They will work on a full set with lights, sounds, and costumes.
Initially the students will be working as a single group while we develop basic skills in all elements of theatre performance: blocking, staging, vocal projection, character development, posture, and memorization techniques. Once we move into the casting and rehearsal phase they will be split up according to their roles in the show. All of the students 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 reading music will be taught, listening skills will be honed, and singing in harmony will be introduced. Students will gain confidence and aptitude in their singing, as well as experience the challenge of singing and dancing at the same time! 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 LATE SEPTEMBER 10:00 – 11:30 Saturdays; classes run to noon starting in February.
COST:
$400 for Instruction from Sept – May
Early Bird rate by June 30 save $50. Additional Family members also save $50.
Discounts for multiple members of the same family
(Payment plans are available – please call 403-246-2999)
WHERE: Morpheus Rehearsal Centre, Parkdale Community Centre
Space is limited so register early!
Or call our office at (403) 246-2999.
No classes over winter break or Family Day weekend.
Instructor Bios:
Janos Zeller
(Theatre School Instructor)
Janos has appeared onstage and behind the scenes in over 80 productions since he first entered the Calgary theatre scene back in 2002. An award winning actor, director, producer and set designer, he is an accomplished writer and songsmith and has also stage managed many a production. His experience includes over 13 years on the board of directors of Front Row Centre Players, Calgary’s largest amateur musical theatre company, with over 10 of those years as their Vice President. Janos has been blessed to work with over a dozen different companies in Calgary, including Front Row Centre, Morpheus Theatre, StoryBook Theatre, The Shakespeare Company, Calgary Opera, and most recently with SideNote Theatre. He is very excited to help usher in the next generation of musical theatre lovers by introducing them to the wonderful works of Gilbert & Sullivan!
Réjean Campbell
(Musical Director)
Réjean Campbell is an experienced singer, clinician and award-nominated conductor with a passion for live music and theatre. He is Artistic Director of Blend Vocal, an auditioned women’s choir who focus on popular music. Réjean is also a longtime member of the Calgary Opera chorus, performing in over 20 mainstage operas since 2012. A passionate coach, Réjean loves sharing what he’s learned and helping others achieve their musical goals. He’s worked as a vocal educator at beloved Calgary institutions such as StoryBook Theatre and Mount Royal Conservatory. He teaches private voice lessons at Asylum for Art.
Réjean holds a Bachelor of Music from Queen’s University. His mentors included Member of the Order of Canada Dr. Mark Sirett, Kenneth Kiesler, and Dr. Timothy Schantz. Réjean is an avid skier and hiker and prefers his lobster cold and al fresco.
Ciorstaidh Reid
(Theatre School Instructor)
Ciorstaidh (she/her) is an actor based in Calgary, Alberta. Over the past three years, she has had the pleasure of performing with many talented companies. She is passionate about improv and finding the humour in the mundane. Ciorstaidh has also taught theatre and directed with StoryBook Theatre, and worked as the Dialect Coach for last year’s Gilbert & Sullivan production, McAdo Junior. She is thrilled to join Morpheus G&S Junior as an instructor.