Wolf Theatre Academy

At the Wolf Theatre Academy, we set the highest standards for our faculty and students. Our students work with seasoned theatrical professionals who are also versed in the art of theatre education. We emphasize a positive, nurturing style of teaching. Our students grow through encouragement in an environment that supports their development as individuals and as artists.

Age-appropriate programming allows younger children to focus on play, fun, creation and fantasy, while older students learn the skills that will enable them to approach demanding dramatic material with ease. We invite you to lean back in your seats as we dim the house lights and raise the curtain on another season of theatrical magic at the Wolf Theatre Academy.

Class Offerings

Creative Dramatics: creative play for preschoolers and first graders

Beginning Dramatics: beginning drama for grades 1–3

Dramatics Workshop: non-performance drama workshop class for grades 3–6

Audition Workshop: audition workshop class for grades 3–6

Wolf Company Players: intermediate workshop production for grades 6–10

Program Cancellation Policy

All programs are subject to cancellation. If a program is canceled, you will be notified, and your class fee will be refunded in full. Instructions for submitting your form and payment can be found on the registration form at the back of this guide.

Academy Holidays

The timing of this year’s fall Jewish holidays brings extensive breaks for most class schedules. Many classes continue into December. Please read the individual class listings carefully to ensure that you are aware of the dates on which classes will not be held. Please refer to page 20 for a detailed listing of the Mizel Arts and Culture Center fall closures.

Location

Unless otherwise noted, all classes are held in the theatre spaces of the Mizel Arts & Culture Center at the JCC, 350 S. Dahlia St., Denver. To accommodate other productions, the Academy reserves the right to move classes to other locations at the MACC.

Individual Class Cancellations

If a class is canceled due to a teacher’s illness or inclement weather, parents will be notified immediately by phone. If scheduling allows, a make-up class will be offered at the convenience of the teacher and students.

2008 Fall Mainstage Musical

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Featuring Young Artists of the Wolf Theatre Academy
Performance Dates
Thursday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m. – Opening Night
Saturday, Dec. 6, 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7, 2 and 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 13, 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 14, 2 and 7 p.m. – Closing Night
School Performances: Friday, Dec. 5 and Dec. 12, 10 a.m.
Box Office: (303) 316-6360

CREATIVE DRAMATICS

Fabulous Tales From Then and Now

Ages 4–6
Mondays, Sept. 8–Dec. 1, 3:45–4:45 p.m.
(no class Sept. 29 & Oct. 13, 20)
Ehrlich Press Dance Studio
$110
Instructor: Crystal Verdon
Storytelling lies at the heart of all great theatre. Through improvisation, music, movement, art and play, we’ll explore tales of princesses and knights, magic and dragons. Children will expand their creativity as they transform themselves and the world around them with the power of their imaginations. Together we will bring fairytales from all over the world to life!

BEGINNING DRAMATICS

The Bee Play

Grades 1–3
Thursdays, Sept. 11–Nov. 20, 4–5 p.m.
(no class Oct. 9)
Ehrlich Press Dance Studio
$110
Instructor: Kelly McAllister
First there was the Bee Movie and now there is the Bee Play. A bee by the name of Barry B. Benson is having a hard time deciding on a career. As he ventures outside the hive for the first time, he breaks one of the cardinal rules of the bee world and talks to a human, a florist named Vanessa. He is shocked to discover that the humans have been stealing and eating the bees' honey for centuries, and ultimately realizes that his true calling in life is to set the world right by suing the human race for stealing their precious honey. We’ll create the world of the bees and then share our great adventure with parents and friends on the final day of class.

DRAMATICS PERFORMANCE WORKSHOPS

Nim’s Island

Grades 3–6
Mondays, Sept. 8–Dec. 1, 2008 & Jan. 5–March 9, 2009, 5–7 p.m.
(no class Sept. 29 & Oct. 13, 20)
Weekend Rehearsal: Sunday, March 8, 12–6 p.m.
Performance: Monday, March 9, 7 p.m. (following a regular class meeting)
Pluss Theatre
$335/two semesters
Instructor: Crystal Verdon
Come explore this new dramatic adaptation of the hit film Nim's Island. Left alone on a volcanic island (well, except for the elephants, monkeys, birds and turtles) Nim must survive storms and worry (and maybe an erupting volcano!) as she awaits her father's return from a scientific mission. Meanwhile, her father has had a few problems of his own on the boat (darn those storms!) and is trying to get home to her. Nim, in an act of desperation, writes to the only person who can help – the author of her favorite hero books – who happens to be afraid of...well, EVERYTHING. Will she be able to help Nim in time?! It all culminates in a workshop production for friends and family in the Pluss Theatre. Registration for this class will commit young actors to full participation through March 9, 2009.

Harry Potter, Book One

Grades 3–6
Thursdays, Sept. 11–Nov. 20, 2008 & Jan. 8–March 5, 2009, 5:15–7:15 p.m.
(no class Oct. 9)
Weekend Rehearsal: Sunday, March 1, 12–6 p.m.
Performance: Thursday, March 5, 7 p.m. (following a regular class meeting)
Pluss Theatre
$335/two semesters
Instructor: Kelly McAllister
You’ll build your performance technique and strengthen your ensemble skills when you enter the magical world of Harry Potter. In a newly adapted version of the script, this workshop focuses on the highlights of Harry’s first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Follow Harry as you meet Hagrid the giant – the Keeper of Keys and Grounds – and challenge the powers of the evil sorcerer Lord Voldemort. Don’t be a muggle (non-wizard) – join Harry, Hermione, Ron, and all of their friends for a final performance filled with magic and spectacle. It all culminates in a workshop production for friends and family in the Pluss Theatre. Registration for this class will commit young actors to full participation through March 5, 2009.

PRODUCTION AND PERFORMANCE CLASSES

“I wore my coat with golden lining, Bright colors shining, wonderful and new. The world and I, we are still waiting, Still hesitating, any dream will do.” –Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Fall Mainstage Musical Production

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Grades 3–12*
Preliminary auditions: Tuesday, Sept. 23, 5–8 p.m.
Callback audition: Wednesday, Sept. 24, 5–9 p.m.
General Dates: September 28–Dec. 14; Performances Dec. 4–14
Generally Sunday daytime & evening; Monday & Tuesday evenings; some
Wednesday & Thursday evenings (with some exceptions – see below); please
note the Jewish holiday closures
Specific Rehearsal Dates:
Sunday Rehearsals: Sept. 28–Nov. 23; noon–6 p.m.
Monday Rehearsals: Oct. 6, 27 & Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24; 6–9 p.m.
Tuesday Rehearsals: Oct 7, 28 & Nov 4, 25; 6–9 p.m.
Wednesday Rehearsals: Nov. 19; 6–9 p.m.
Thursday Rehearsals: Oct. 23; 6–9 p.m.
Technical Rehearsal: Sunday, Nov. 30; noon–9 p.m.
Dress Rehearsals: Dec. 1, 2, 3; 5–10 p.m.
Performance Dates: December 4–14
OPENING NIGHT: Thursday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7, 2 & 7 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 11, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 13, 8 p.m.
CLOSING: Sunday, December 14, 2 & 7 p.m.
SCHOOL PERFORMANCES (tentative): Friday, Dec. 5 & 12, 10 a.m.
Optional Preview at the JCC Annual Dinner:
Thursday, Nov. 20, 4–7 p.m. (tentative time)
$350 (due after audition and casting)
Director & Choreographer: Nick Sugar

Join one of the best directors in Colorado for a spectacular theatrical experience! Nick Sugar, award winning actor/director returns to the Wolf Theatre Academy to lead a cast of gifted young actors in one of the most popular musicals of all time. Written by the superstar team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, this colossal hit musical has something for everyone. Joseph is a fun and very hip adaptation of the well-known Biblical tale. Joseph, a young man with a knack for having prophetic dreams – and the favorite son in the family – incurs the wrath of his siblings when he is given a magnificent coat of many colors by his doting father. His siblings sell poor Joseph into slavery in Egypt, where his special gifts save the country from famine and eventually secure him a position as the Pharaoh’s right-hand man. In due time, his is reunited with his family. Featuring a melodious, eclectic, contemporary score which is a tongue in cheek blend of calypso, ‘50s rock and roll, country-western, vaudeville and even a French art song, Joseph is a winning, rollicking ensemble show that is ideal family entertainment.

*Parents of children in grades 3-6 should understand that younger members of the cast are likely to be cast in chorus roles.

Auditions & Rehearsals Gudelines

To make an audition appointment, call Lisa or Juliana at (303) 316-6360. If you reach our voicemail, leave your name and phone number, and we will call you back to confirm your audition time. Preliminary auditions will be scheduled in five-minute slots, but please come early and be prepared to stay later. If you are unable to come to the preliminary audition on Tuesday Sept. 23, we will try to schedule an alternate time.

For the preliminary audition, you must prepare a one-minute monologue from any published dramatic source as well as a one-minute selection from a Broadway song. You must bring the accompaniment on a cassette tape/CD or an accompanist and your music. If you have no access to music for your song, you may sing “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music, for which taped musical accompaniment will be provided. A cappella singing will not be permitted.

You may be asked to come to a callback audition on Wednesday, Sept 24. If you are called back, you will need to be present from 5–9 p.m. for script readings and singing and dancing auditions. Please read the rehearsal and performance schedule carefully to determine if you are able to participate. Some scheduling conflicts near the beginning of the rehearsal process can be accommodated, but if you will be out of town for a majority of rehearsals or for any performances, please do not audition. A mandatory technical rehearsal is planned for the Sunday after Thanksgiving. If you will be out of town on that day, please do not audition.

Weekly Schedule – Fall Semester 2008

Monday, Classes Begin Sept. 8
3:45–4:45 p.m.: Fabulous Tales From Then and Now (ages 4–6)
Crystal Verdon, Dance Studio
5–7 p.m.: Nim’s Island (grades 3-6)
Crystal Verdon, Pluss Theatre
Thursday, Classes Begin Sept. 11
4–5 p.m.: A Bee Play (grades 1–3)
Kelly McAllister, Dance Studio
5:15–7:15 p.m.: Harry Potter, Book One (grades 3–6)
Kelly McAllister, Pluss Theatre

For more information call the MACC office at 303-316-6360.