The class will meet for 1 1/2 hours a week for 6 weeks with one day at a recording studio an a full-day video shoot after the last class. 

Optional live performance info below.

10-up is a huge age range for this first class, if I feel that there are enough kids, I may divide the kids into groups either by experience, age, or other criteria after the first class.

Time line: 

1. Parents sign up performers for the class online, and pay the registration fee. 
2. I'll distribute music and lyrics to performers 1 week prior to the start of class (or earlier), so the performers will be able to start practicing, thus allowing us to do this in only six classes.

• 3/23 Week 1:  Performers come to the first class vary familiar with the song.  We practice the song together, and I do a basic dance class, so I know what the performers can do, how fast they learn, and how challenging I can make the dance routine.
• 3/30 Week 2:  Performers come to class with the song memorized.  I teach the dance, so they'll have it to practice between classes. 

 

 
 
 

The performers bring two or three outfits which allow movement and that they would like to wear for the video.  I'll decide which works the best.  I bet that all the performers will have something that will work already in their closets. 
Think fun pop group for this first song. 

• No small patterns. 
• Avoid stripes. 
• Solid colors are best. 
• Avoid bright reds. 
• No words or logos. 
• Appropriate for the Disney channel.
• 4/6 Week 3:  We practice the song and dance, while wearing the outfits/costumes for the video, to make sure they work with while dancing.
• 4/13 Week 4:  Review the dance.
• 4/20 Week 5:  We polish the song and dance.
• 4/27 Week 6:  Shoot practice.  To familiarize performers with terminology and what to expect during the location shots.  Performers come dressed to shoot the music video. 
• 4/28 or 4/29 Performers come dressed to shoot the music video.  The shoot will require multiple locations and multiple performances of the song.  Plan for an all day shoot, especially since this will be the first time most of the kids will have done anything like this. 
• TBA - One day at a studio to record the audio track for the video.  To be scheduled.

I'm using an original pop/rock song for this project. This allows me to have the synchronization, distribution, copy, and performance rights. 

I'm intentionally keeping the class short and cost low, to make it more accessible.

It will take at least a couple of weeks for me to edit the video.  It will be premiered at the Dougherty Arts Theatre.

I've separate the video cost from the class cost to keep the class more affordable.  Videos may be ordered at the premiere for $10 plus tax.

I'll do the Music Video Class again with another song and possibly another musical genre.  The performers who participate in this video will be given a chance to register first before opening the next class to new students.

There are also two more optional performances this semester.

Parents are always welcome (even encouraged) to stay during class. 

I've found that having non participating siblings and friends in the classroom isn't advantageous to the performers. 

Parents' Contract will include:

Performers' Release Form
Emergency Contact Form
Release of Liability Form. 

Performers' Contract will include an acknowledgment of the following participant expectations.

The class is fun, but it is a class for kids who want to WORK together on a project to achieve a particular goal. 

Participant Expectations: 

1. Work hard during class.  Our dance room is air-conditioned, but dance is hot, sweaty, and exhausting.
2. Stay on task for the whole rehearsal. 
3. Practice on your own between rehearsals. 
4. Be prepared and on time for each rehearsal.
5. We are going to be doing a lot in a short amount of time, so attending ALL rehearsals is mandatory.  (Except when you're sick.  If you're sick, please stay home, get well, and schedule a makeup class.)
6. Sing, dance, and try new things.
7. No past experience is necessary, but strong motivation and desire is required.

Past: 

To read my partial theatre resume go to: http://easytheatre.com/engela.html. 

To get an overview of another project I've done with local homeschoolers, view the History of Our 18-month Youth Project.

Yes, and they'll be wonderful.  That is 9 hours of class time. 
This class is for performers who practice between rehearsals. 

Yes, if they choose they may also perform their dance number at the video première, if they attend the May 11 & May 18 rehearsals 10:30 – 3:00 p.m. at Northwest Rec. and the dress rehearsal and performance at the Dougherty Arts Theatre.

If they chose the above, they may also choose to perform at the Texas Youth Theatre Festival we are attending June 1-4, 2006.

There is also a Live Theatre Musical Performance class that starts January 19, that I recommend taking.

Yes.  They may be ordered at the wrap party.

For this class all performers must be excited about doing both. 

I'm a true believer in "Don't try to make a student  fit the class, but find a class that fits the student." 

There will  be other opportunities for you child in the future. 

Yes.  If your child needs a class that provides a more relaxed learning environment, with lots of class repetition.  There will be a stage movement class offered on Tuesdays in Austin during the Spring '06 semester.

And here is a link to some of the other classes we offer.