CLASSES + WORKSHOPS

The Houston Family Arts Center (HFAC) announces a full range of acting and dancing classes for July 2009. All classes will be taught at new HFAC Rehearsal Studio located at 10760 Grant Road, Houston, TX 77070. “We have had numerous requests from the community to add classes to our summer offerings,” said Teri Clark, HFAC Artistic Director. She continued, “We’re pleased to offer a full spectrum of classes taught by professional actors and teachers.”

The dates, times, descriptions, and costs of each class follow:

June 22 – July 27
Ages 8-12: AESOP’S FABLES
Mondays. June 22 – July 27 (no class July 20), from 3:00 – 5:00PM
Directed by Joshua Clark
Students will work on a collection of fables, employing memorization, improvisation, vocal inflections and projection, and storytelling. Concludes in free parent/family performance at 5:00 pm on July 27th. Cost: $100 Limit 10

June 29 – July 3
Ages 10 - Adult: INTRO TO STAGE COMBAT/SPECIAL EFFECTS MAKEUP
Mon-Fri, 10:00 – 12:00
Taught by Ilich Guardiola and Josh Clark
Learn techniques to make fights or even just a slap look realistic on stage while also learning the principles that keep everyone safe. Top it off with special effects makeup and look like you’ve been in a fight after all! Cost: $120 (includes materials)

Ages 13-Adult: ADVANCED STAGE COMBAT
Mon-Fri, 12:00 – 2:00
Taught by Ilich Guardiola
This class builds on previous stage combat experience, incorporating more difficult factors into the fight, including weapons. Cost: $100

Ages 13-Adult: DANCE LIFTS
Mon-Fri, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Taught by Beth Chrisman and Stephen Bedede
Learn the fundamentals of lifting and being lifted safely, and perform a large variety of fun dance lifts and dips with a partner. Concludes with performance showcase. Height/weight guidelines for safety. Previous dance experience required.
Cost: $75/individual student or $100 per couple

July 6-10
Ages 5-10: FRACTURED FAIRY TALES
Monday – Friday 9:30am – 12:30 pm
Taught by Josh Clark and Brendis O’Sullivan
Children act out fun twists on the original stories. Have fun with "Jack and the Giant Sunflower," "The Emperor's New Hair," "Aladdin and the Magic Pickle Jar." Ends with parent performance showcase. Cost: $150

Ages 7-10: INTRO TO MUSICAL THEATRE
Monday – Friday, 12:45 – 1:45 pm
Taught by Monica Bradley
Spend one week working on a couple musical numbers, complete with choreography! Performance showcase on final day. Cost: $50

Ages 10-Adult: MUSICAL THEATRE TAP
Monday – Friday 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Taught by Monica Bradley
For men and women, and experienced students 10 and up, class is designed as a refresher combined with additional instruction. Brush up on the most commonly needed tap steps. Cost: $65

Ages 13-Adult: SHAKESPEARE SCENES AND MONOLOGUES
Mon– Fri 1:00 – 4:00 pm
Taught by Jonathan Foster
A class designed to build appreciation for and understanding of the works of Shakespeare, with an emphasis on reading and interpretation. Final performance opportunity. Cost: $150

July 13-17
Ages 13-Adult: PREPARING FOR THEATRE DANCE AUDITIONS
Monday – Friday 10:00 – 11:00 am
Taught by Monica Bradley
Learn the most frequently used musical theatre dance steps and terminology and put your best foot forward at your next dance audition. Cost: $65

Ages 13-Adult: FIVE DAYS OF FOSSE!
Monday – Friday 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Taught by Monica Bradley
A one-week intensive study of Fosse's dance style, resulting in a showcase performance on the final day. Cost: $100

Ages 13-Adult: CONDITIONING FOR DANCERS
Monday – Friday 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Taught by Monica Bradley
One-week of intensive conditioning especially designed for the moderate to experienced dancer. Cost: $65

July 27-31
Girls, Ages 5-8: PRINCESS CAMP
Monday - Friday, 12:00 noon - 3:00 pm
Taught by Amy Henderson and Beth Chrisman
You too can be a princess! Learn musical theatre princess songs, simple choreography, and lessons on poise and etiquette. Each day includes a tea party luncheon and a simple craft project. Limited to 10. Cost: $195 (includes lunch all five days)

The best way to sign up for classes is on the HFAC website: www.houstonfac.com.

The Houston Family Arts Center is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization established to provide a fun outlet for creative community involvement through the production of high-quality, family-friendly, affordable entertainment. Their core values are: Fun, Integrity, Excellence, Respect, Family, Diversity, Teamwork and Love. HFAC has produced 22 high-quality, family-friendly shows since its inception only three years ago.