Westhampton Beach - The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center's Nancy and Frederick DeMatteis Arts Education Program is thrilled to announce that its winter session of classes and camps was a smashing success. As the spring session approaches, the Center will continue to offer some of the most innovative performing arts training for all ages and skill levels in a nurturing, positive and safe learning environment, after school and on weekends.

Arts Education Program Director Joanna Ferraro-Levy explains that, "the WHBPAC exists to inspire the community to experience, explore and engage in the arts - and The Nancy and Frederick DeMatteis Arts Education Program for Children is key to reaching that goal." The program offers many different ways to make the performing arts a part of the lives of youngsters. Participation in the performing arts can unleash creative energy, help a youngster to find his or her unique voice, reinforce valuable life skills, and support the development of an appreciation and lifelong love for the arts.

During the spring, youngsters will have the opportunity to explore drama and performance through a variety of musical theatre camps, discover their creativity and ability to develop characters through master-classes and workshops and master the world of theatre through participation in one of the East End's most successful Arts Education programs. Children can sing their hearts out, open the actor's toolbox, and explore all things theatre through the program's new and exciting offerings! The goal is to ignite the creative spirit in young people and spark a love of learning.

2010 Classes
 • Young Actor's Studio - Weekly Classes
The Young Actor's Studio is back and bigger than ever! "YAS" seeks to cultivate a love of theatre and dramatic arts in children of all ages through after-school classes, weekend workshops, and skill based master classes. Taught by professional theatre, music and dance educators and experienced actors, the Studio is designed both for young children developing life skills through the performing arts, and also for youngsters and teens who are interested in pursuing the craft of theatre. Sessions begin in April and run for six weeks and include:

 • Play Parties And Parlor Games
Mondays, April 12 through May 17, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Ages three through five. Fee: $135/per semester. This early childhood fine arts program introduces children to the performing arts and it, at its core, a pre-music reading program. Through the use of multi-cultural folk songs and games, concepts such as matching pitch, improvisation and steady beat are learned and practiced. Individual talents and little creative spirits and nurtured, while at the same time learning social skills through games and stories. (Parents are invited and encouraged to stay and participate).

 • Acting Up
April 12 – May 17
Mondays, April 12 through May 17, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Ages six through eight. Fee: $135/per semester. Once upon a time, not too faraway, a class of children discovered the magic of drama! This dramatic story-telling class focuses on nurturing creativity and self-confidence. Children will participate in a wide variety of theatre games each week that foster a sense of exploration, self-expression and fun!

 • Adventures In Acting
April 13 – May 18
Tuesdays, April 13 through May 18, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ages nine through 11. Fee: $165/per semester. Youngsters will find their inner star and let it shine in this dazzling exploration of all things theatre! Participants will learn how to think on their feet in improvisational games, "speak the speech" of Shakespeare, and best of all, try on the shoes of a host of characters. The class culminates in a thrilling production in front of family and friends on the last day of class.

 • Teen Theatre
April 13 – May 18
Tuesdays, April 13 through May 18, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Ages 12 through 16. Fee: $165/per semester. Learn what it truly means to be an actor in this class that will focus on what makes a scene come alive. Using improvisation, scene study and movement exercises, participants will learn what it means to both build and become a character. Learn a great variety of acting techniques to add to the "acting toolbox." Young performers will show off their newly honed skills in a presentation for family and friends.

 • Cabaret Choir
April 12 – May 17
Mondays, April 12 through May 17, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Ages seven through 16. Fee: $165/per semester. This show-stopping program invites young performers to sing some of Broadway's greatest hits. Children will learn vocal techniques, movement and music reading skills through games and activities that encourage improvisation and teamwork. Youngsters will build a repertoire of songs appropriate for school play auditions, theatre camps, Broadway and commercial ventures.

For more information on the Children's Program, contact Arts Education Program Manager, Julienne Penza, at 631-288-2350, ext. 114, JulienneP@whbpac.org, or go to www.whbpac.org.

To register your child:
 • Call Cheryl Wheeler: 631-288-2350, ext. 102
 • Download Forms: www.whbpac.org
 • Visit: 76 Main Street, Westhampton Beach (Wednesday through Sunday, 12 noon to 6 p.m. and later on show nights).