March Beginners OnStage News feature:
Welcome to all our students - especially those new to the Children’s Performing Company of Australia (CPCA). We have an exciting program in store for you!
For those of you who don’t know, ‘beginners on stage’ is the term which the Stage Manager uses to prepare performers for their first appearance on stage. This stand-by call informs the cast that the audience is seated and are waiting expectantly for the show to start. House lights are down. Take a deep breath. Then you’re on!
The curriculum for 2009 is the result of the growth and development of the Beginners program, which is now a seperate division within the CPCA. This program provides a valuable learning experience across dance, drama and singing.
The program this year includes:
- Integrated learning objectives across the disciplines
- Focus on confidence building, cooperation and learning new skills in the Performing Arts
The general aims of the Beginners OnStage program are:
- To increase self-confidence and self-expression
- To work co-operatively and respectfully
- To understand the on-stage and off-stage rules and conventions of the theatre
- To improve concentration
There are now three levels to the Beginners OnStage hierarchy. Students are placed into class groups according to age and ability. The curriculum and repertoire is designed accordingly for each group.
The focus of learning for this semester will include;
- Singing: basic posture and breathing, finding the beat, projection, dynamics.
- Dance: moving to the beat, basic steps, building control and coordination.
- Drama: being seen and heard on stage, working together, and learning lines.
Rehearsals involve practical and playful activities, listening and observing tasks, fundamental performance techniques, and opportunity for practice performances.
Highlights of semester one rehearsals include using percussion instruments, a take-home rehearsal CD for students to practice to, and of course working toward our June concert — “Do You Believe in Magic?” which is themed towards all things magical!
Performance week will be from June 21st at the Union Theatre in Parkville. Students will be involved in presenting a range of “magical” musical items in song and dance, as well as a short play. The concert is fully costumed, with amazing sets and lighting and is not to be missed! Stay tuned for exact dates for your child’s group to be announced very soon.
In the meantime, we hope you enjoy some photo’s from the Beginners OnStage 2008 end of year performance season!
To read the full version of the March Beginners OnStage News, please click here.
