Contact Us

Classes

The following is a list of classes offered by ARTS Performance Academy. For specific session dates and times, please refer to the most recent APA Schedule.

The Actor's Way
Instructor	David Ralphe
Ages	18+ years (by audition or interview)
Tuition	8 Weeks, $210
Format	One 3-hour class per week
Description	The Actor's Way is a unique eight week workshop designed to deepen an understanding of the actor's craft as well increase the participants' ability to express themselves. The work focuses on individual exploration conducted in a group setting using verbal and non-verbal techniques and scene study. Class size is limited and admission is by interview or audition. Minimum Class Size: 8

Scene Study for Adults
Instructor	James Castle Stevens
Ages	18+ years
Tuition	8 Weeks, $210
Format	One 3-hour class per week
Description	This unique adult scene study class will use challenging scripts from stage and screen. Actors will review basic concepts in breaking down a scene, including place, context, character, intention, objective, transitions, reversal, moral dilemmas, honesty vs. deception, and more. Actors will learn varying techniques to create subtle and powerful performances, as well as terms and etiquette used in stage, film, and television productions. Physical, emotional, and intellectual blocks will be explored and redirected. Strengths will be transformed into emotional tools and repeatable techniques. Each assigned scene will be evaluated by the instructor, and redirected to maximize character development, reinforce the author's intent, and create the most compelling performance possible. The class will culminate in a performance night, where invited guests can enjoy in the fruits of the actors' labor. Minimum Class Size: 10

Acting for Young Adults
Instructor	George Castells or Eric Stein
Ages	13-17 years
Tuition	8 Weeks, $160
Format	One 3-hour class per week
Description	Syllabus: Acting techniques Character work Cold reading Scene study Monologues Improv Voice/Diction Through scene study and monologues, we will explore what's required for the actor to prepare, build a character, and create a role. The actor will learn how to use his/her body and voice to develop proper acting technique. Actors will use various exercises including cold reading and improv to free themselves up and fully create believable characters. Minimum Class Size: 8

Teen Improv Workshop
Instructor	John Dantona
Ages	13-17 years
Tuition	8 Weeks, $160
Format	One 2-hour class per week
Description	Improvisation – the art of thinking and acting on your feet – is a skill that every actor must be able to master. But improvisation is not just for actors. It is for anyone who will ever have to speak in front of a classroom, in front of coworkers, or one-on-one in a job or college interview. In short – improvisation is for EVERYONE! Whether you enjoy laughter or making people laugh; whether you want to be a better actor or a more confident person; whether you want to be more comfortable speaking in front of people or if you just want to have fun…then improvisation is for you! Using theatre games and confidence-building group activities you'll learn how to say "yes" and create comedic and dramatic scenes using your own imagination. You will learn how to trust yourself and your fellow performer. A must-have class for anyone auditioning for television, commercials, movies, and theatre. This class is geared toward the teen performer and is taught by an actor/director with 10 years of teen instruction and directorial credits in his portfolio. Minimum Class Size: 6

Introduction to the Classics
Instructor	Eric Stein
Ages	10-17 years
Tuition	8 Weeks, $140
Format	One 1 1/2-hour class per week
Description	In this active, engaging exploration of the classics we will be on our feet and using our voices, discovering together what made the great ones great, and how modern storytelling finds its foundation in the playwrights and dramatists of ages past. We will use games and activities to explore the structure of storytelling and how it changed—and continues to change—through time. Our exploration will include the western theatrical traditions of the Greeks, Romans, Medieval Europe and the Renaissance, including Italy’s commedia del arte and England’s William Shakespeare. The course will culminate in a performance of a classical scene or monologue by each student. Minimum Class Size: 8

Shakespeare As You'd Like It
Instructor	Eric Stein
Ages	12-18 years
Tuition	8 Weeks, $160
Format	One 2 1/2-hour class per week
Description	We will work together to demystify Shakespeare from the stereotypical upturned hand in the air, faux British accent “Shakespeah” and get at the truth of the Bard: he was a playwright whose brilliant skill with language was made immortal only by a keen awareness of the human condition that was way ahead of his time. It is the latter upon which we will concentrate. Together we will find the humanity, the ordinariness which connects us all and to which we can all relate within Shakespeare’s characters, from paupers and peasants to kings and queens. Through both scene and monologue study, we will bring Shakespeare’s characters to life in a way that is accessible to us, and therefore not only watchable but compelling to an audience. See promo video » Minimum Class Size: 6

Monologue and Scene Study for Teens
Instructor	Dave Newcomer
Ages	13-17 years
Tuition	8 Weeks, $175
Format	One 2 3/4-hour class per week
Description	This class will be built from the philosophy of positive choice-making and acceptance. Work will focus on both group work and individual growth. Exercises to build skills and improvisational games will be used, as well as scene work and/or monologue work. Note: This class is both serious and playful. It is appropriate for those persuing the arts and those who want to build confidence. Minimum Class Size: 10

Young Actor's Monologue and Scene Study
Instructor	Dave Mason
Ages	13-17 years
Tuition	8 Weeks, $185
Format	One 2-hour class per week
Description	Scene study is the basis of actor training. You will use scripts from films and plays. Actors are expected to work with a scene partner outside of class during the week and bring the scene back to class for performance. Improv and monologues are essential learning tools to help actors think on their feet and learn character analysis. Every actor should have at least one dramatic and comedic monologue. In this beginning class, students will work on monologues, exploring the concepts of given circumstances and what it really means to create a character. Students will learn two monologues, comedic and dramatic, that they will be able to use for future auditions and other acting classes. During scene study, students will learn how plays and scenes are structured and learn the necessary tools for bringing the elements of a scene to life. Minimum Class Size: 8

Kids on Camera
Instructor	Phil De Champlain
Ages	8-15 years
Tuition	8 Weeks, $185
Format	One 2 1/2-hour class per week
Description	Acting Classes to professionally prepare yourself for Film & Television. Improve your camera talent and audition opportunities. Auditioning for the camera. Cold-reading for camera Scene breakdown: choosing overall objectives Improvisation exercises to bring out emotions On camera focusing exercises All are taught in a fun and safe atmosphere. Minimum Class Size: 8

Voice Over for Teens
Instructor	Danielle Judovits
Ages	13-17 years
Tuition	8 Weeks, $160
Format	One 2 3/4-hour class per week
Description	This approximately 8-week course is designed to help kids better understand the mystery world that is known as Voice Over. The class will be broken down into three parts: commercial, promo, and animation, while learning how to find their strengths in each. They will learn how different this form of acting is from on-camera and on-stage work and that it is indeed still acting! Minimum Class Size: 8

Vocal Performance and Interpretation for Teens
Instructor	Arlene Kole
Ages	13-19 years
Tuition	8 Weeks, $225
Format	One 3-hour class per week
Description	Every student will perform each week. A second run-through will give the opportunity for one-on-one critique and guidance. Not everyone will get a second run through, but will follow in order for the next class. Each student is called upon to be involved with the guidance and support of the singer on stage. This is an ensemble class. Proper vocal technique and warm-ups will be utilized, but performance and interpretation will be the main focus. Each student should come to the first class with two songs/karaoke that they believe will best represent who they are as a singer. A $5.00 materials fee will be requested. Any questions can be directed to Arlene Kole at (805) 231-5042. Minimum Class Size: 10

Beginning Tap for Teens/Adults
Instructor	Becky Castells
Ages	13+ years
Tuition	8 Weeks, $140
Format	One 1-hour class per week
Description	This addictive class will take the student through all of the basic tap skills, and then build upon those skills to create different combinations of tap sounds and rhythms. Each student will be able to learn at their own pace and comfort level, benefitting former tap students and newbies alike. You won't be able to stop yourself from clickety-clacking under your desk at school or work! Minimum Class Size: 8

Musical Theatre Dance
Instructor	Becky Castells
Ages	13-18 years
Tuition	8 Weeks, $140
Format	One 1-hour class per week
Description	Have the time of your life while learning fun dance numbers from ARTS' resident choreographer, Becky Castells! This class will also teach and reinforce the basic skills and steps common in musical theater dance, so students can gain knowledge and confidence to bring with them on future musical theater dance auditions. Places, everyone!

Ballroom Dance
Instructor	Becky Castells
Ages	18+ years
Tuition	8 Weeks, $175
Format	One 1-hour class per week
Description	Bring a partner or come solo! You'll have a blast either way! Learn how to Tango, Merengue, Cha-Cha, Swing, Jive, and the list goes on. So much fun, you won't even know you're exercising! Minimum Class Size: 8 (4 couples)

Core Strengthening and Toning
Instructor	Becky Castells
Ages	13+ years
Tuition	8 Weeks, $175
Format	One 1-hour class per week
Description	Get in shape with Certified Personal Trainer Becky Castells, of Froggy's Fitness. You will learn a variety of core exercises to tighten your tummy and boost your buns! Whether you're a performer who wants to fine tune your instrument, or a civilian looking to lose a few pounds, you are sure to feel the burn in this fun and functional class! Minimum Class Size: 6

Beginning Tap for Kids
Instructor	Seth Kamenow
Ages	8-12 years
Tuition	8 Weeks, $120
Format	One 1-hour class per week
Description	This class provides an introduction to basic tap movement. It stresses proper techniques pertinent to tap. Aural aspects will include rhythm, emphasis, accent, and tonality. Rhythm will be taught by having the students repeat the rhythm patterns with their feet, hands, or verbally. We will cover the visual aspects that relate specifically to tap dance. We will discuss some of the tap dancers from the past as well as performers on the stage today. Students are required to have a pair of tap shoes (preferably flat, but heels are acceptable), pants (not jeans) that can be moved in, rolled up, and able to see feet, and a tank top or shirt to move in (please no sweatshirts).

Beginning Tap for Teens
Instructor	Seth Kamenow
Ages	13-17 years
Tuition	8 Weeks, $120
Format	One 1-hour class per week
Description	This class provides an introduction to basic tap movement. It stresses proper techniques pertinent to tap. Aural aspects will include rhythm, emphasis, accent, and tonality. Rhythm will be taught by having the students repeat the rhythm patterns with their feet, hands, or verbally. We will cover the visual aspects that relate specifically to tap dance. We will discuss some of the tap dancers from the past as well as performers on the stage today. Students will also have a basic sense of improvisation and partner movement. Students are required to have a pair of tap shoes (preferably flat, but heels are acceptable), pants (not jeans) that can be moved in, rolled up, and able to see feet, and a tank top or shirt to move in (please no sweatshirts).

My Fantasy Princess
Instructors	Joanna Bert, Dawn Notagiacomo
Ages	6-8 years
Tuition	8 Weeks, $160 (includes costume fee)
Format	One 90-minute class per week
Description	Students will select their own princess to personify over the length of each session. This includes selecting a song that their chosen princess sings, and learning simple choreography and movement to enhance their individual performance. The culmination will include a performance in front of fellow students, family members, and chosen guests! Students will also have the chance to be costumed to resemble their chosen princess. Structure of the recital will be a short one act show with a group introduction number and short original scenes in between each individual princess's song. During the first week, students and teacher will get to know each other and play some theatre and improv games to promote a sheltered and safe environment. Students will then be provided with a list of princesses to choose from. We will discuss what makes a princess. Students will participate in "Princess Lessons," learning how a princess walks, moves, and talks. Music will be distributed for group numbers. Week two, students will select their princesse. Individual music and scenes will be distributed accordingly and we will start choreography for group number(s). Weeks 3-7 will consist of learning choreography and blocking of individual scenes/songs and every student will be in each number as a chorus member. We will spend the majority of the class time learning new choreography and the last 10-15 minutes reviewing the previous week's work. Week 8 is recital week! This class will be slightly longer at 90 minutes. The first 20-35 minutes will be spent as a final review and cleaning of numbers, and will allow time for students to change into costumes. This will be followed by a performance and reception afterward. There will also be a $10 materials fee for this class. This class also has very limited enrollment. Minimum Class Size: 5

Imaginarium
Instructor	L.J. Stevens
Ages	3-5 years
Tuition	8 Weeks, $120
Format	One 45-minute class per week
Description	In this class, children are given the opportunity to use their imagination while being in character through different stories, skits, fables, tall-tales, and more. In addition to learning their way around a stage, kids will also learn about facial expressions, casting, auditioning, stage presence, and performance. The class is designed to enhance self esteem and encourages cooperation and interaction with others, ultimately improving communication and listening skills. Week 1 - Getting to know you: intro and imagination games Week 2 - What is it? What else could it be? How would different characters use it (ie. a princess, a soldier, etc)? Week 3 - Introducing the 5 senses Week 4 - Let's work together! Week 5 - Facial expressions to convey emotions Week 6 - Animal pretend Week 7 - Character explorations Week 8 - Preliminary improv games within a structured scene Minimum Class Size: 6

Acting Silly
Instructor	L.J. Stevens
Ages	6-8 years
Tuition	8 Weeks, $140
Format	One 1 1/2-hour class per week
Description	This class will focus on stage vocabulary, movement, character study, scene & monologue work, and improvisation. Theatre & improv games will be used to teach and reinforce lessons. There will be a short presentation at the end of the course. Week 1 - Getting to know you: intro and improv games Week 2 - Around Town: Social observations and surroundings Week 3 - In the Beginning: starting from the feet up Week 4 - Monologue work: Introducing the 5 senses to preliminary monologues Week 5 - Scene work: Who/What/Where/When/Why and working with a partner Week 6 - Digging Deeper: How to listen/inner monologues Week 7 - Fine Tune: Review of monologues and scenes Week 8 - Monologue and Scene Presentations Minimum Class Size: 6

Young Actor's Alley
Instructor	L.J. Stevens
Ages	9-12 years
Tuition	8 Weeks, $140
Format	One 1 3/4-hour class per week
Description	This class will focus on stage vocabulary, movement, character study, scene & monologue work, and improvisation. Theatre & improv games will be used to teach and reinforce lessons. There will be a short presentation at the end of the course. Week 1 - Getting to know you: intro and improv games Week 2 - Around Town: Social observations and surroundings Week 3 - In the Beginning: starting from the feet up Week 4 - Monologue work: Introducing the 5 senses to preliminary monologues Week 5 - Scene work: Who/What/Where/When/Why and working with a partner Week 6 - Digging Deeper: How to listen/inner monologues Week 7 - Fine Tune: Review of monologues and scenes Week 8 - Monologue and Scene Presentations Minimum Class Size: 6

Broadway Kids
Instructor	Alison Rosenblum
Ages	6-8 years
Tuition	8 Weeks, $140
Format	One 1-hour class per week
Description	Broadway Kids will be a fun and informative introduction to musical theatre. The students will get the opportunity to participate in various games and exercises that will boost their confidence and help them to think on their feet. They will learn the basics of musical theatre, including basic singing, dancing, and acting techniques, along with stage directions and terminology. The students will also learn the music and choreography for a show to be put on at the end of the session. Minimum Class Size: 6

Broadway Junior
Instructor	Alison Rosenblum
Ages	9-15 years
Tuition	8 Weeks, $185
Format	One 1 1/2-hour class per week
Description	Broadway Junior will be an exciting opportunity for students to explore all aspects of musical theatre, beginning with the process of auditioning and ending with a final performance. Using well-known Broadway songs, the young performers will have an opportunity to learn songs and choreography, as well as create and explore characters. Each week, the students will learn various techniques to help them audition and to give a strong performance, all while rehearsing for the culminating show. Minimum Class Size: 6

Music & Movement for Toddlers
Instructor	Anna Graves
Ages	18 mos. - 3 years
Tuition	8 Weeks, $120
Format	One 45-minute class per week
Description	You and your child can learn about rhythm, song, and movement as you experience Music and Movement for Toddlers, ages 18 months - 3 years old. These classes build on your child's natural enthusiasm for music and movement. Your child will enjoy social musical activities, and experiment making sounds and songs of their own, as loud as they want! From stretching to classical, twisting to 70s funk, and turning to the hokey pokey, we'll introduce your children to tunes they'll want to dance to all the time. Mommy & Me Classes and Workshops aren't just for Mommies! Daddies are more than welcome to bring their babies and toddlers to experience the world of music and movement, too! Minimum Class Size: 6*

Rhythm & Movement for Toddlers
Instructor	L.J. Stevens
Ages	2-5 years
Tuition	8 Weeks, $120
Format	One 45-minute class per week
Description	Each class will concentrate on taking the children through a rhythmic journey via an eclectic mix of age appropriate music, learning to "feel the beat" & count along. Toddlers will play rhythm instruments (tambourines, claves, maracas, bells, etc.) accompanied by corresponding movement. The class is designed to enhance toddlers' appreciation for music and learn to make connections with basic movement while building counting skills, and associating beat and rhythm with simple instruments. Minimum Class Size: 6

Literature In Action
Instructor	TBD Guest
Ages	14-18 years
Tuition	6-7 Weeks, FREE
Format	Three 3-hour classes per week
Description	Literature in Action is a FREE after school enrichment program for high school aged children who are interested in learning about and performing plays based on classic American Literature (with a little Shakespeare thrown in for good measure). This class meets after school, three times a week and rehearses under the direction of a guest instructor for a period of approximately 6 - 7 weeks, and culminates in four performances on stage at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. Our upcoming production of Thornton Wilder's Our Town is currently accepting applicants for this workshop. If you, or anyone you know, would be interested in participating, please contact Jan Glasband at 805-579-3611 and we will put you on the contact list.