Summer 2013 Youth Programs in the Arts:
Young Actors

Grades 2–8

Typical Day

Explore and develop your creative potential in acting, and immerse yourself in the exciting world of theatre. Experiment with the building blocks of performance through daily classes in improvisation, monologues, and scenes in rehearsals that culminate in a final performance. Voice and movement warm-ups and voice-over acting are also a part of the exploration. Experience the importance of collaboration and ensemble work in the preparation of a performance. Working with members of the Young Actors faculty, learn fundamental acting techniques, styles, and skills. Script choices are made from age-appropriate youth theatre repertoire. Young Actors from previous summers are welcome—all new material will be used.

To broaden skills and exposure to the arts, Young Actors can be combined with Young Video Game Creators and Animators (new!), Young App Creators and Designers (new!), Creating Comic Books, Young Architects , Youth Musical Theatre, Young Writers, Young Bards, Young Filmmakers, Creative Vocal Lab, and/or Choral Conservatory to make for a well-rounded summer experience.

Session I: July 1–12
Monday–Friday, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
$1,115 for the first registration
$1,000 for the second registration in the family, Purchase College employees and alumni, and early registrations (received by May 3, 2013)

About the Instructors

Denise Bessette (lead instructor) returns this summer as director of the theatre program. She is the cofounder and artistic producer of Hudson Stage Company, Westchester County’s premier professional theatre in residence at Pace University. An actor for more than 30 years, she has been seen on TV, in film, Off Broadway, regionally, and most recently in “The Pursuit of Happiness” with Hudson Stage.

Jane Beller (acting instructor) is a New York–based actress and former casting director who has lived and worked in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Paris. She studied with many teachers and loves teaching their techniques. She can currently be heard on many radio, promo, and TV commercials. She will soon be directing a short film for Karma Films.

Updated Dec. 17, 2012