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All of our Youth Classes for Fall of 2020
MOVEMENT: Using Nature to Shape the Body
7-12 years old | Oct 29-Dec 17 | THUR |
5:00pm-6:00pm | 7 weeks
*no class on Nov 26
via Zoom (Zoom link will be sent via email once order is confirmed)
AZ Time
Inspired by Lecoq, a well-known physical theatre teacher and actor, we will explore how to create characters through movement by exploring the four natural elements – air, earth, water and fire – paying attention to the element's weight, tempo and rhythm to create characters.
Meet the Teaching Artist:
Sarah Tan (she/her) is a artist educator and professional born and raised in Singapore. She has a BA in Theatre Arts and concentration in Education Studies from Carleton College, and recently graduated from Arizona State University with her MFA in Theatre for Youth and Community. As a scholar practitioner, Sarah has chosen to focus on the intersection of social media and creativity in the form of performance, specifically with young people. Learn more about Sarah’s work at www.sarahtanhy.com.
BY REGISTERING FOR A CLASS YOU ARE AGREEING TO ABIDE BY THE POLICIES CONTAINED WITHIN THE STUDENT HANDBOOK.
COMEDY: Sketch Writing for Pre-teens
10-13 years old | Oct 25-Dec 20 | SUN
10:00am-11:00am | 8 weeks
*no class on Nov 29
via Zoom (Zoom link will be sent via email once order is confirmed)
AZ Time
This eight week course for pre-teens covers the basics of writing sketch comedy. We will learn different types of sketches such as monologues, blackouts, relationship scenes, group scenes and more! The focus will be on writing during class time followed by feedback and rewrites. There will be a very minimal amount of out of class work. We are focused on creating a fun, welcoming, and safe space where students feel comfortable to work collaboratively and openly. The eight weeks will conclude with a mock writers' room followed by a sketch performance on Zoom open to family and friends to showcase the work the students have done. We can't wait to start writing with you!
Students will need a way to write either on a computer or on paper (Word, Google Doc, Notebook, etc)
Meet the Teaching Artists:
Phoebe Kozinets (she/her) is originally from Phoenix, Arizona, is now located in Chicago working as a writer, actress, improvisor, and teaching artist. She has trained at the Annoyance and studied sketch writing and improv in The Second City's Conservatory, as well as at many theatres in Phoenix and Chicago. She is a part of RECESS, the outreach ensemble at the Playground Theatre, and she preforms and teaches all around the city. Phoebe loves writing, preforming, and teaching more than anything and can't wait to see you in the virtual classroom!
Daniel Frasco (he/him) is an actor, writer, and improviser in Phoenix, Arizona. He is a cast member and instructor at NCT: Phoenix and a teaching artist at Childsplay Theatre Company. Daniel has studied improv and sketch through The Second City's Conservatory and online sketch program. Daniel is always to excited to share theatre and writing with others and is so happy to be working with Laughing Pig Theatre.
BY REGISTERING FOR A CLASS YOU ARE AGREEING TO ABIDE BY THE POLICIES CONTAINED WITHIN THE STUDENT HANDBOOK.
ACTING: The Dynamic Performer: Creating Stand-out Characters
12-18 years old | Oct 26-Dec 14
MON | 8 weeks | 5:00pm-6:00pm
via Zoom (Zoom link will be sent via email once order is confirmed)
AZ Time
Every student has to prepare & memorize 2 pieces in advance. Either 2 Full Songs, 2 Two-Minute-Long Monologues, or 1 of each (If choosing songs you must find a karaoke track. Youtube links are fine). Please email us the selected pieces before the first day of class: taylor@laughingpigtheatre.org
What makes the difference between an average performance and one that you never forget? How can you connect with characters that come from a different background than your own? Why are some actors able to display their emotions so honestly while others struggle to even discover the empathy? With “The Dynamic Performer,” all students will be fully engaged with each performer as we deconstruct the material, characters, and emotions. Rooted in honesty, we will turn “theatre” into reality, finding ways to connect and empathize with our character and their situation. From there we work together to develop bold choices and layered emotions that highlight both comedic and dramatic songs or monologues. In an industry that is over saturated with artists, my goal is to push you to accept nothing less than extraordinary. And when theatres open again, you will be ready to nail those auditions, win those awards, and steal the show. By the end of this 8 week course you will have the tools you need to not only create stand out performances but also the thought processes to emotionally connect with stories unlike your own.
Meet the Teaching Artist:
SETH TUCKER (he/him) is a proud Latinx, local performer, director, writer, producer, as well as member of Actor's Equity Association and the LGBTQ+ community. He has performed Off Broadway, on National Tours, and throughout the Valley. When the pandemic hit, Seth was starring as Jacob in La Cage Aux Folles and was directing/choreographing The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, both with Arizona Broadway Theatre. Born and raised in Arizona, Seth double majored in Business Marketing and Music Theatre at ASU. Favorite past roles include: La Cage Aux Folles (Jacob, ABT), I Am My Own Wife (Charlotte et al., BLK BOX PHX), Parade (Leo Frank, Arizona Regional Theatre & Mesa Outback Theatre, AriZoni Nomination), The 25th Annual Putnam…(Leaf Coneybear, Phoenix Theatre, AriZoni Award & Encore Awards Winner), Lucky Stiff (Harry, ABT), Sunday In the Park with George (George, ASU), Santaland Diaries (David, ABT & FUSE Productions), Cabaret (Emcee, FUSE), Pageant (Miss West Coast, ABT & Off-Broadway, Original Cast Recording), and Into The Woods (The Baker, Quisisana). Author: Our Kiki: A Gay Farce, The Unusual Engagement of Chester Pringle and You're It! Web series’, “Acting Up” (ISN Best Actor Nom.) and “Tucker Talks.” Director: “Dating In Retrograde”(NYC Winter Film Awards best series finalist), Our Kiki: A Gay Farce (NY Intntl. Fringe), The Mitten (HVTI), As Bees In Honey Drown (ART), [title of show], Isolation Project (Limelight), Young Frankenstein (AYT, National Youth Award Nomination: Director), Altar Boyz and Pageant (ABT). Past recipient: 1st Place NATS (Music Theatre, College two time winner), Herberger Young Artists Award (Winner in Singing, Placed in Acting), Louise Lincoln Kerr Music Endowment, ASU Arts' Special Talent Award, Barbara V. Long Opera Scholarship, Tempe Top Ten Teens, and AriZoni Theatre Award Scholarship. He is currently teaching private lessons over Zoom and working on various digital concerts and shows. More info: www.SethATucker.com
QUOTES FROM REVIEWS ABOUT SETH TUCKER
“Tucker shifts, as well, seamlessly, into the voices of over thirty characters…that affect Charlotte's life. All told, Tucker's two-hour performance amounts to a tour de force.” - BroadwayWorld
“Tucker seamlessly and successfully inhabits everyone who becomes a part of the story. “ - Valley Screen and Stage
“Tucker casts a spell that is quite extraordinary…” - Valley Screen and Stage
"Is a comedic gem” - Talkin' Broadway
"Absolutely perfect” - In A Director's Viewpoint
"Is hilarious” - Gay City News
"Seth Tucker will break your heart” - Cherry and Spoon
"Seth Tucker stole the show and stole my heart” - Bravo Indianapolis
"The night's biggest laughs” - Broadwayetcetera
"Delivers the show’s most undeniably, laugh-out-loud, funniest moment of the year” - Valley Screen and Stage
"Seth has the expressive face and comic timing of Lucille Ball in her prime” - Theatremania
"Is a showstopper” - Examiner
"Is adorable" - Indy Theatre Habit
"Is a delight" - NorthJersey.com
"Seth Tucker is a kooky riot” - Paul Wontorek, Broadway.com
"My favorite performance of the night’ - Stage Write
“Standout" - Broadway.com
"Congratulations on bringing this production to its most entertaining and professional heights” - In A Director's Viewpoint
"I'm eager to see what Seth Tucker does next” -Queer New York
BY REGISTERING FOR A CLASS YOU ARE AGREEING TO ABIDE BY THE POLICIES CONTAINED WITHIN THE STUDENT HANDBOOK.
ACTING: Audition 101 for Beginners
12-18 years old | Oct 27-Dec 1 | TUES
6 weeks | 6:30pm-7:30pm
via Zoom (Zoom link will be sent via email once order is confirmed)
AZ Time
This class will go over the basics of the art of auditioning. We will go over on what to do in a basic stand alone audition, to season generals. We will also go over on how to select audition pieces and prepare yourself mentally and physically for an audition. The class will assist in clarifying the difference between community, semi-professional and professional theatres in Arizona. We will also be doing mock auditions and give feedback to know what to expect for the real thing.
Meet the Teaching Artist:
Alejandra Luna (she/her) is an actor and director who obtained her BFA in Acting at Western Michigan University. After graduating she moved back to Arizona in January of 2019. She has performed in several productions in the valley, most rencetly in Fade with Teatro Bravo but the show was postponed due to COVID. During quarantine she has directed several virtual shows with different virtual theatre companies and She is currently a core ensemble member for Teatro Bravo.
BY REGISTERING FOR A CLASS YOU ARE AGREEING TO ABIDE BY THE POLICIES CONTAINED WITHIN THE STUDENT HANDBOOK.
COMEDY: Sketch Writing for Teens
14-18 years old | Oct 25-Dec 20 | SUN
11:30am-12:30pm | 8 weeks
*no class on Nov 29
via Zoom (Zoom link will be sent via email once order is confirmed)
AZ Time
This eight week course for teens covers the basics of writing sketch comedy. We will learn different types of sketches such as monologues, blackouts, relationship scenes, group scenes and more! The focus will be on writing during class time followed by feedback and rewrites. There will be a very minimal amount of out of class work. We are focused on creating a fun, welcoming, and safe space where students feel comfortable to work collaboratively and openly. The eight weeks will conclude with a mock writers' room followed by a sketch performance on Zoom open to family and friends to showcase the work the students have done. We can't wait to start writing with you!
Students will need a way to write either on a computer or on paper (Word, Google Doc, Notebook, etc)
Meet the Teaching Artists:
Phoebe Kozinets (she/her) is originally from Phoenix, Arizona, is now located in Chicago working as a writer, actress, improvisor, and teaching artist. She has trained at the Annoyance and studied sketch writing and improv in The Second City's Conservatory, as well as at many theatres in Phoenix and Chicago. She is a part of RECESS, the outreach ensemble at the Playground Theatre, and she preforms and teaches all around the city. Phoebe loves writing, preforming, and teaching more than anything and can't wait to see you in the virtual classroom!
Daniel Frasco (he/him) is an actor, writer, and improviser in Phoenix, Arizona. He is a cast member and instructor at NCT: Phoenix and a teaching artist at Childsplay Theatre Company. Daniel has studied improv and sketch through The Second City's Conservatory and online sketch program. Daniel is always to excited to share theatre and writing with others and is so happy to be working with Laughing Pig Theatre.
BY REGISTERING FOR A CLASS YOU ARE AGREEING TO ABIDE BY THE POLICIES CONTAINED WITHIN THE STUDENT HANDBOOK.
THEATRE SPECIALTIES: Our Side of the Story
13-18 years old | Oct 30-Dec 18 | FRI
7 weeks | 4:00pm-5:00pm |
*no class on Nov 27
via Zoom (Zoom link will be sent via email once order is confirmed)
AZ Time
In this 7-week class, young people will work together to devise a short performance about their take on the current political climate. Building on a topic of their choosing, students with explore creative collaboration through the screen, and use various tools to generate original material (as an individual and group) to create a short performance.
Meet the Teaching Artist:
Sarah Tan (she/her) is a artist educator and professional born and raised in Singapore. She has a BA in Theatre Arts and concentration in Education Studies from Carleton College, and recently graduated from Arizona State University with her MFA in Theatre for Youth and Community. As a scholar practitioner, Sarah has chosen to focus on the intersection of social media and creativity in the form of performance, specifically with young people. Learn more about Sarah’s work at www.sarahtanhy.com.
BY REGISTERING FOR A CLASS YOU ARE AGREEING TO ABIDE BY THE POLICIES CONTAINED WITHIN THE STUDENT HANDBOOK.
THEATRE SPECIALTIES: Storybook Theatre
5-9 years old | Oct 27-Dec 15 | TUES
5:00pm-6:00pm | 8 weeks
via Zoom (Zoom link will be sent via email once order is confirmed)
AZ Time
Supply Fees $15 (free shipping if in the Phoenix metropolitan area, select shipping costs if outside of Phoenix metro)
Students will need to provide scissors and markers
Join a teaching artist every week to explore a piece of children's literature through a craft and a guided drama activity.
Meet the Teaching Artist:
Hannah Ensign (they/them) is an educator, director, actor, and storyteller based in the Washington DC metro area. Hannah was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. They have a BFA in theatre performance from the University of Utah and have worked as a teaching artist for Youth Theatre at the U, Lexington Children’s Theatre, and Olney Theatre Center. Directing credits include Pinkalicious (Salt Lake Acting Company), The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 (The Grand Theatre), The Value (University of Utah New Play workshop). Hannah is a cofounder of Nutshell Theatre Company, based in the DC Metro Area and most recently co-adapted and co-directed a virtual version of Hamlet titled Frailty, Thy Name for the 2020 Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival.
BY REGISTERING FOR A CLASS YOU ARE AGREEING TO ABIDE BY THE POLICIES CONTAINED WITHIN THE STUDENT HANDBOOK.
THEATRE SPECIALTIES: Puppetry
7-12 years old | Oct 28-Dec 9 | WED
5:00pm-6:00pm | 6 weeks
Teaching Artist: Hannah Ensign
*no class on Nov 25
via Zoom (Zoom link will be sent via email once order is confirmed)
AZ Time
Supply Fee $15 (free shipping to the Phoenix metro area, shipping costs may apply elsewhere)
Students will need to provide scissors and markers
Make a sock puppet and participate in a guided devising process with a teaching artist. Write and perform a puppet show with your peers.
Meet the Teaching Artist:
Hannah Ensign (they/them) is an educator, director, actor, and storyteller based in the Washington DC metro area. Hannah was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. They have a BFA in theatre performance from the University of Utah and have worked as a teaching artist for Youth Theatre at the U, Lexington Children’s Theatre, and Olney Theatre Center. Directing credits include Pinkalicious (Salt Lake Acting Company), The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 (The Grand Theatre), The Value (University of Utah New Play workshop). Hannah is a cofounder of Nutshell Theatre Company, based in the DC Metro Area and most recently co-adapted and co-directed a virtual version of Hamlet titled Frailty, Thy Name for the 2020 Great Salt Lake Fringe Festival.
BY REGISTERING FOR A CLASS YOU ARE AGREEING TO ABIDE BY THE POLICIES CONTAINED WITHIN THE STUDENT HANDBOOK.
Our Youth Teaching Artists. Click on their photos to view their classes and bios.
Teaching Artist Sarah Tan (she/her)
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Teaching Artist Hannah Ensign (they/them)
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Teaching Artist Seth Tucker (he/him)
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Teaching Artist Alejandra Luna (she/her)
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