Westhampton Beach - The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center's Nancy and Frederick DeMatteis Arts Education Program for Children is thrilled to announce that over 300 youngsters, tots to teens, participated in its eclectic 2009 summer session of classes and camps! As the new season 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 throughout the year.

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.

"Ulysses Nasty" from the Musical Theatre School Vacation Camp production of "Hansel & Gretel" in February.

During the school year, 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.

2009-2010 Classes - Weekly Classes
Young Actor's Studio - 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 October, January and April and run for six weeks and include:

Play Parties And Parlor Games
Fall: October 19 - November 23, Spring: April 12 - May 17
Mondays, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. - Ages three to five, Fee: $135/per semester. This early childhood fine arts program introduces children to the performing arts and 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).

The Children's Festival Choir performance at the WHBPAC's 2009 Visionary Awards Ceremony in June. Photo by Barry Godin

Acting Up
Fall: October 19 – November 23, Winter: January 25 - March 8, Spring: April 12 - May 17
Mondays, 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
Fall: October 20 - November 24, Winter: January 26 - March 9, Spring: April 13 - May 18
Tuesdays, 4 p.m to 5:30 p.m. Ages nine - 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.

Students in the Making Music Program at WHBPAC. Participants had their original compositions performed by noted composer Matthew Greenbaum and violinist Cornelius Duffalo, in a recital on Friday, August 21.

Teen Theatre
Fall: October 20 - November 24, Winter: January 26 - March 9, Spring: April 13 – May 18
Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m to 7 p.m. Ages 12-16, 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
Fall: October 19 - November 23, Spring: April 12 - May 17
Mondays, 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.

Master Classes
Audition Techniques - Saturday, November 7, 10 a..m. to 4 p.m. Ages 11 and up, Fee: $125. What does it take to get the part? Whether it's trying out for a part in the school play, or Broadway, Stage & Screen actress Tanya Tavereau teaches participants how to perfect the techniques needed to land that dream role. This intensive master class will focus on all of the aspects of auditioning for the stage - from headshots and resumes to monologues and cold readings, this class covers it all! Participants should prepare a two-minute monologue and may bring their resume and headshot if they have one.

Playwriting
Saturday, February 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ages 11 and up, Fee: $125. Whether it's telling stories about funny things or sharing interesting stories about family and friends, all of these ideas could be the making of a comedy or drama. Playwright Sandy Biano leads the class and teaches participants how to use words, dialog and action to create scenes that make people laugh or cry; jump or shout; run or hide; all from the very things that happen every day. Participants who have writing they would like to share are encouraged to bring it to class!

Musical Theatre Audition
Saturday, April 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ages 11 and up, Fee: $150. Whether auditioning to join the chorus of the school musical, or training to be a Broadway Belter, this is the class for those who are interested in musical theatre! Conducted by Pat Feiler, who has coached many hopefuls on their journey to the Great White Way, along with working musical theatre actress Kaitlin Mesiano, whose recent credits include "The Wedding Singer," "Company," and "Little Women," this class will focus on audition techniques, repertoire and more. Each participant will experience a realistic audition, complete with individual critiques and the challenge of new unrehearsed material. Participants should come prepared with one up-tempo song and one ballad, sheet music, energy and enthusiasm and leave with the tools to "rock" your next musical audition.

Week-Long Musical Theatre Camps
Develop life skills: creativity, social skills, goal achievement and self-esteem through participation in the performing arts. A team of actors/directors arrives with sets, lights, costumes, props and make-up - auditions are on Monday, and by Friday the cast is performance ready. The rest is magic! Everyday includes a rehearsal of a musical tale, plus classes in acting, improvisation, singing, movement, theatre games and more!

Winter School Vacation Camp
"Jack & The Beanstalk" - February 15 through Feb. 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Performance: February 19, 7 p.m., Tickets: $15
Ages five through 16, Fee: $325. What happens when a young boy plants magic beans in his backyard? In this original musical adaptation of a classic children's fable, this is the beginning of a great adventure! And along the way, Jack and his friends learn a valuable lesson about true happiness! Five-year-olds must be in Kindergarten.

Spring School Vacation Camp
"Sleeping Beauty" - March 29 through April 2, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Performance: April 2, 7 p.m., Tickets: $15. Ages five through 16, Fee: $325. In this original musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale, one simple mistake results in a spell that will keep a princess sleeping for eternity! Five hundred years pass, and Sleeping Beauty wakes to find herself in a rollicking Rock n' Roll dream! Five-year-olds must be in Kindergarten.

Funding for the Nancy and Frederick DeMatteis Arts Education Program for Children "School Day Performance Series" is provided, in part, by The Countess Moira Charitable Foundation, The Michael and Annie Falk Foundation, The Edmond de Rothschild Foundation, Bradley and Rochelle King, Marion and Dr. Daniel Schapiro, New York State Council on the Arts - a state agency, The Town of Southampton, and Capital One Bank.

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 visit the website at www.whbpac.org.