Theatre Classes and Performances


A view from the Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance stage
Have you been to the land of make-believe? Many Island children have. They are the lucky ones who have taken classes after school at the Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance (MST&DA). And if you are lucky, you have seen them shine in plays, musicals and dance shows.

Hundreds of children have taken classes and participated in performances each year. Some have gone on to the Broadway and off-Broadway stage and to television. Many have become skilled stage managers and lighting technicians as a result of backstage work. All students take with them a love for the performance arts and a set of lifelong friends.

Spring 2008 Classes

The Main Street Theatre is proud to offer a wide variety of classes for children of all ages. This year the following will be offered:


Creative Drama
Ages: K - 2nd grades
Taught By: Debra Orenstein
    Develop creative abilities in a fun, non-competitive environment with pantomime, improv and imaginative story-work.


Children's Theatre
Ages: 3rd - 7th grades
Taught By: Carla Steckman
   

Learn fundamentals of drama including character development & stage direction in a fun & supportive environment. We will focus on understanding the components of scenes (who, where, why) through improvisation and scripted work.

Fall 2007 Schedule:

  • 3rd and 4th grade class: Tuesdays, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
  • 5th-7th grade class: Tuesdays 6:00 - 7:15 p.m.
  • 5th-7th grade class: Thursdays 5:45 - 7:15 p.m.
    (Please note, due to high enrollment the 5th-7th grade class has been split into two groups. Please double-check which class you are in before heading to the theatre)



    • Ned Dishman and Greg Goodman in Into the Woods
    Classical Theatre Workshop
    Ages: 8th - 12th grades
    Taught By: Sean Hagerty
        Collaborative exploration of greatest writers & ages of theatre – Shakespeare to Restoration Comedy, French Farce & more. Explore scenes, characters and acting challenges.


    Teen Acting
    Ages: 8th - 12th grade
    Taught By: Sofia Landon Geier
       

    Create-a-Character through improvs! Focus on sense memory exercises & storytelling. Scene Study – students pair up to work on scenes together. End-of-term Showcase.

    Fall 2007 Schedule:

  • 10th - 12th Grade: Mondays, 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. (Sense Memory & Intuitive, Impulsive Exploration of text)
  • 8th - 9th Grade: Thursdays, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. (Create-a-Character thru Storytelling & work with props)



    • Ground Control Crew
    Ages: 7th Grade +
    Taught By: Sofia Landon Geier     and Guest Experts
        Learn the basics of sets, props, costumes, lights, sound and how to “run” a show. Become eligible for spring season show assignments!




    Some of the cast of 2006's Damn Yankees
    Stand Up Comedy
    Ages: 8th Grade - Adult
    Taught By: Sofia Landon Geier
       

    Learn comedy techniques & how to be comfortable being you on-stage. Deliver your own stand-up monologue at end-of- term Comedy Showcase.

    Fall 2007 Schedule:

  • Tuesdays, 8:00 - 9:00 p.m.

    • Acting
    Ages: 18+
    Taught By: Sofia Landon Geier
        No experience required; study improvisation techniques; read a monologue or scene at conclusion of each class.