is designed for students who will make a year-long commitment to each and every class.
In the first phase half of the year-long program (September-December), students participate in a rotation of separate classes in each discipline of Jazz Dance, Vocal Ensemble/Group Singing, and Acting Improvisation. During the first few dance classes, there will be an evaluation for ability and then everyone will be placed in either Beginner/Elementary or Advanced dance classes at the sole discretion of the teachers:
- — Jazz strives to achieve competence in movement, use of communicative possibilities in dance, correctness of posture and performance of all movements. Technical competence is based upon wide tempo range, strength, endurance and flexibility associated with a developed sense of movement designed to produce a variety of emotions. Traditional Broadway Musical Theatre styles are taught, in the likeness of works from choreographers like Bob Fosse (Pajama Game, Pippin, All That Jazz), Jerome Robbins (West Side Story, The King and I, Gypsy), Gower Champion (Bye Bye Birdie, Hello Dolly, 42nd Street) to name a few.
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— Improve teaches the power of observation and risk taking, while freeing the creative impulse and developing a body of work that students will apply to their actor’s process. As the level progresses, Scene Study enhances basic acting techniques, with further focus on actioning and integrating text analysis skills, relationship, character development and personal actor’s process in rehearsal and performance. Voice work will focus on breath and voice for stage. Students apply physical techniques in connection to articulation and increased ability to communicate emotions through text sources to the audience.
- — Vocal instruction teaches a basic healthy singing technique based on principles of breath, support, placement and vocal health. Elements of style particular to musical theatre and pop repertoire are added, such as healthy mixing (AKA belting). Students are taught how to identify and train the muscle systems that control the vocal folds in order to develop a healthy instrument. Breathing, posture, vowel production and diction are addressed.. Ensemble singing is a communal process that gives the singer the opportunity to participate in an activity that involves them artistically, builds community, enhances their skills, and results in an artistic product of great beauty.
- — In December, students present a scene and a song in front of an audition panel of industry experts. Students receive individual feedback that will help them improve their audition technique.
The second phase of the program (January – May/June) integrates all training to date through the development of a cabaret-style show to be presented to the publicand a selection to be showcased at the Year-End Showcase.Students participate in the creative process while challenging their boundaries, thereby fully embracing the artistic process with the understanding that they experience what they contribute. Emphasis is placed on initiative, professionalism, and process.
DRESS CODE – Pre-College
Proper attire is required for every class.Students who are not properly attired will not be allowed to participate.
GIRLS: Black bodysuit or tank top and black jazz pants. NO JEANS.
BOYS: Black T-shirt and black track pants, with no stripes or logos. NO JEANS.
ALL: Large/baggy T-shirts and pants MUST NOT be worn. No jewelry. Long hair must be tied back.
SHOES (ALL): Black jazz shoes (MANDATORY!) (NO RUNNING SHOES, STREETSHOES). Female students will also be required to have black character shoes as well as their black jazz shoes.
Click on the PDF below for a list of dancewear stores in the GTA.
OTHER REQUIRED MATERIALS– Pre-College
A three-ring binder to hold music and scene handouts.
Special Events
Open House (Dec. 11, 2011)
Parents are invited to attend the annual Open House which features an informal in-house presentation during regular class time to demonstrate what the students have been working on. More information will follow closer to the date.
Pre-College Cabaret
The Triple Threat Pre-College class (Grades 10-12) puts on a presentation of their year-end cabaret for the public. Attendance at rehearsals during tech week is mandatory and at the performances. More information will follow closer to the date.
The Triple Threat Pre-College class (Grades 10-12) also puts on a special presentation of their year-end cabaret just for just for the Triple Threat Division students, usually followed by a pizza party. On the day of this show, regular classes will be held. More information will follow closer to the date.
Year-End Showcase
Each year ends in June with a thrilling showcase featuring performances by students in all the Triple Threat Classes.
All students MUST be available for the Year End Showcase Showcase dress rehearsal on May 31, 5-8:45 p.m.. Please plan accordingly. Details will follow at a later date.
The Year End Showcase takes place on Sunday, June 3 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., i.e., there are two identical shows on the same day.
Year End Showcase tickets for the show will go on sale through Ticketmaster on April 25. Due to fire regulations, all people entering the theatre must have a ticket. No babes in arms please. All students will have the opportunity to watch the dress rehearsal, therefore it is not necessary to purchase tickets for your performing child (they will remain backstage during the show).
The Year End Showcase is professionally filmed and DVDs are available for purchase. An order form will be sent home with each student in April. Please note: this is a service we provide so that there is comfort for all patrons to watch the show free from obstruction by parents videotaping. No recording devices of any kind will be permitted in the theatre. Randolph Academy has permission from each parent to film and take photos of the students, but audience members do not have permission.
Costumefittings for Year-End Showcase costumes will take place at the beginning of December. When the costumes arrive in the spring, you will be invoiced. Every effort is made to keep the costs of the costumes down. Not all children will have costumes made for them. Many will be asked to bring items from home. No refunds for costumes after January 15, 2011.
Download the Pre-College 2011-2012 Calendar
