Our Workshops ** Information for each workshop is below**
Dance for Broadway
These theatre dance workshops will cover a range of shows from “Guys and Dolls” to “A Chorus Line” to “Bye Bye Birdie, "Addams Family and "Curtains." The workshop will consist of a full warm-up, isolations of the body parts most emphasized in the choreographers’ style, as well as the period from the show. Show choreography will be given, broken down and then performed. Q&A will also be covered.
Ballet/Fosse Jazz/Country Line Dancing
Heather will be introducing a selection of powerfully effective visualizations for Ballet mastery, featured in her Grunt If You Understand Method. You will leave class with something to take home with you! She will also teach a Fosse Jazz class. Ms. Wilson dissected the Fosse style during her performances of the original Fosse choreography in Pippin, and the lead in “Ponytail Girl” in Sweet Charity and will pass along a sampling of Fosse’s renowned style in this nuanced jazz class. Lastly, don’t miss the Country Dance class, where she will introduce you to the Two Step, Texas Two Step, Sixteen Step, and other Country classics!
Bollywood
This Bollywood workshop will be a showcase of the diversity of this style. Bollywood dance is a multi-form style, a fusion of traditional Indian folk, hip-hop, jazz, funk, and theatrical Bollywood styles. This workshop will allow the students to learn a Bollywood dance segment as a take-home. They will learn specific movements typically used in a Bollywood dance. It will be an energetic and fun session. The workshop is suitable for beginners/intermediates. It is a whole-body workout on a rhythm that will bring joy. This will be a fun, dynamic, and colorful experience for the students to explore the dance form of Indian culture.
Screenwriting a Short Film
Get an introduction to formatting, creating interesting dialogue, act structure, and sequencing events in film writing. Students will then create a short script using what they have learned.
Film Editing
Get an introduction into editing software such as Premiere Pro, and a tutorial on the program's tools and layouts. Students will be assigned to create a 30-60 second film on their phones demonstrating their utilization of the editing software.
Experimental Filmmaking
Get an introduction into using film and video as an experimental art form, teaching students about common rules of filmmaking and how breaking these rules can create an experimental film, encouraging students to apply unconventional techniques for their projects. Students will be tasked to create a 1-minute film using what they have learned.
Festival Nominated Film Screening
A discussion will follow each video production. No registration required. All film enthusiasts are welcome to attend.
Photo Lighting
Study different messages and moods that various lighting techniques can communicate. Students will be guided through the execution of two different lighting scenarios. Through these two exercises, I will instruct the students on how different lighting techniques are tools they can use to communicate their artistic ideas and storytelling motives.Â
Portraiture
In this workshop, I will review some examples of classic portraiture and explain the intention behind each piece. I will then go over some simple posing and guide them through some freeform candid expressions. This workshop focuses on interpersonal relationships while also adhering to the aesthetics of classic portraiture.
Advanced Camera Settings
Are you smarter than your camera? In this workshop we will address the students’ goals and interest in photography while teaching how to get the most out of every setting on the camera to further your storytelling skills. With this workshop, I intend to utilize the full advantage of manual mode while applying the student’s growing knowledge to real life professional situations.
Instrumental Jam Session
Are you ready to dive into the exciting world of musical improvisation? In this workshop, we will explore the key elements that are the essence of improvised performance. We'll start with rhythm - the backbone of any great improvisation - and show you how to create non-pitch-focused improvisations. Then, we will explore some small musical cells to create simple melodies and explore chord progressions for groovy harmonic improvisation. For the truly adventurous, we'll even explore non-musical extended techniques that will take your improv game to the next level. This will lead us into a group jam session for a great time! Let’s see how far your creativity can take you!
Classical Guitar Masterclass
Tailored for guitar players eager to delve into the rich tradition of classical guitar playing! These sessions are designed to provide a comprehensive exploration of essential techniques and musical concepts, from left-hand and right-hand technique to posture, melodic phrasing, and beyond. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect to discover and refine throughout this enriching experience: Whether you're drawn to the elegance of Baroque compositions, the passion of Romantic masterpieces, or the innovation of contemporary works, this Masterclass offers a transformative experience that will deepen your understanding, refine your skills, and ignite your passion for classical guitar music.
Left & Right-Hand Techniques & Etudes
Delve into the intricate mechanics of classical guitar technique, honing your left-hand finger placement, dexterity, and control, while refining your right-hand fingerpicking or classical guitar-specific techniques such as rest-stroke and free-stroke. Learn how to produce a rich, resonant tone and execute passages with precision and clarity. Study etudes specifically designed to target and develop key aspects of classical guitar technique. Through focused practice and guided instruction, refine your skills and overcome technical challenges with confidence.
Guitar Posture and Ergonomics
Explore the importance of proper posture and ergonomics in classical guitar playing, laying the foundation for effortless performance and injury prevention. Through guided instruction, discover how to maintain optimal alignment and relaxation, allowing you to achieve greater fluidity and expressiveness in your playing.
Performance Preparation and Melodic Phrasing
Receive invaluable guidance on performance preparation strategies, including stage presence, memorization techniques, and effective rehearsal methods. Learn how to approach performances with poise, confidence, and a deep connection to the music, ensuring memorable and impactful presentations. Embark on a journey of musical expression as you explore the art of melodic phrasing in the classical guitar repertoire. Study the nuances of dynamics, articulation, and musical interpretation, learning how to shape phrases with sensitivity and artistry to convey emotion and depth.
Bucket Brigade Drum & Rhythm Funshop
Everyone will play drums in this exciting Funshop! This class is appropriate for the aspiring drummer or for participants with no prior drumming experience. Participants will learn basic sticking techniques that will enable them to tap into their natural ability to play the snare drum, (bucket). They will build their confidence while saying and playing powerful rhythms! Several drum corps rudiments will be introduced while students have fun drumming. Participants will improvise and create exciting rhythms culminating in a BUCKET BRIGADE JAM!
Extreme Poem Makeover
        In this workshop, you will try a complete redo of your poem, choosing from a menu of options (for example, write it from someone else's point of view, write it backwards, use a different form, etc.). The point is not to make a better poem, but to give you new insight into your poem and the choices that are available to you as a writer.Â
Requirements: Bring one of your own poems. Bring a pen and paper, or some other way to write.
Home as a State of Mind
Join us for captivating masterclass workshop event as she explores the profound connection between home and mindset. Discover how our physical and emotional surroundings shape our state of mind through engaging discussions and interactive writing exercises. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the depths of our homes and minds, unlocking new perspectives and insights. Grab your favorite pen and notebook and get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and creative expression.
Monologues - Where do I begin?
During this workshop we will all work on a monologue. We will discuss what to do when you get a monologue - where to begin, how to create the environment, discuss the character's objective, and how to find beats in the monologue. This workshop will be helpful to students who are planning on continuing their career in theatre and preparing for college auditions.
Improvisation in Theatre
This workshop will cover all the ways improvisation can influence, effect, and expand your approach to all things theatre based. We will begin with a warm-up and some games, then go into three specific improv exercises and why they are so important. We will cover objective, physicality, and timing. All levels of experience are welcome!
Scene Study
Students will work on breaking down a scene, character development, changes, beats, objective, connection, anything, and everything that goes along with it. We will talk about all the questions you need to answer when working on a scene and then apply those answers to the scene itself, by listening and connecting with their scene partner. Experience in theatre is not a requirement but is helpful for this workshop.
Mime
Amaze and impress your friends by making things out of thin air that aren't really there but appear as if they are! This lively and fun class will give students a basic understanding of “acting without words”. The workshop will include a brief history of mime, followed by physical warm-ups, fundamentals of pantomime and mime, attitudes, action gestures, object identification, illusionary techniques, and storytelling. This will be an active, participatory workshop, so dress comfortably and come prepared to move and have fun. The physicality and movement skills emphasized will enhance the work of the actor, mime, dancer, and movement artist.
Figure Drawing
Students will learn to draw the human figure from a live model using charcoal and newsprint paper. This class will explore proportions, volume, shading, and gesture drawing.
Empty Bowls Ceramics
This workshop engages students in a social awareness project while hand building pottery bowls. The empty bowl is a powerful symbol used to represent the existence of hunger and those among us in need. The completed bowls will be sold at the JBJ Soul kitchen, Holiday Express, and other nonprofit organizations to raise funds for local families.
Funny Faces- Caricature Art
Boardwalk fun in the classrooms. Learn how to exaggerate, distort, and twist the face, to create funny portraits of celebrities, family, and friends.
Special Effects Makeup-Cut/Scar
In this demonstration we will go over the basics of creating a realistic wound using makeup with items that can be found at home and in most craft stores. I will show you how to achieve the looks with two different techniques, one using cotton and latex and the other using a quick setting silicone, as well as give advice on alternatives.
Special Effects Makeup-Infection
This demonstration will focus on the illusions achievable with the use of body paints. In it we will go over the creation of an early infection zombie using a variety of paints to achieve an overall nasty undead look. You’ll learn how to create convincing bumps, bruises, boils, and veins using cream, water and alcohol-based paints.
Special Effects Makeup-Burns
In this demonstration we will go over the basics of making a convincing burn makeup using items that can be found at home or in a costume shop. We will look at the use of various materials and techniques to achieve different levels of skin boiling burns from sunburns to blisters to Freddy Kruger level third degree burns.
Jewelry Making
Wrap, rivet, melt, engrave, stamp, enamel, etch, anodize, patina and the list goes on. The only limit is your imagination, and that has no limits!
Origami
Origami is a fun, creative, surprising, and challenging craft. Test your listening, fine motor, sequencing, and spatial perception skills. Come join the FOLD and expand your artistic horizons while experiencing the magic of turning paper into an amazing work of art.
Medals of Honor
Join us as we use a variety of collage materials to create your own personalized medal celebrating you. This workshop will combine visualization and artmaking to connect you to that empowered place within you. Take home your medal as a visual reminder to anchor you in this truth. Due to the nature of this workshop the doors will close at the start. You must be on time if you wish to participate.
Pre-Performance Singing Routines
What you do before you sing, while waiting to perform, matters. Learn how to create your own, personalized, effective pre-performance routine that goes way beyond a basic singing warm-up so that you can perform at your best when it matters most like in high pressure auditions and performing situations.
Maintaining Vocal Health
Explore different keys to staying vocally healthy and fit, from diet and practice regimens to vocal recovery strategies.
Whole Body Instrument
Captivating, powerful, and healthy singing involves so much more than just our throats! Discover how to develop flexibility, resonance, and strength throughout your body to produce a beautiful, freer voice.
College Audition Prep
Get ready for your next chapter! Explore the process of searching and auditioning for collegiate music programs, from repertoire to entrance exams.
Voice Over Work in the 21st Century
A look into the opportunities that the Voiceover industry provides. Presenting some info on the technologies that have created new avenues in Voiceover work as well as some of the areas that might be negatively affected. There will be a chance to read and perform commercial copy and discuss what companies might expect from an actor.
Planetarium
Start by viewing the Milky-Way galaxy, go through the solar system and learn facts about each planet. View the night sky as it appears that night, get up close and personal and view stars, planets, and constellations. You will learn how the constellations came together and how they look filled in.
Culinary Arts, Pizza Making Workshop
Hey pizza lovers and future chefs! Are you ready to turn your love for pizza into a delicious art form? Join us for the ultimate Pizza Making Workshop designed exclusively for teens! Whether you're a culinary newbie or a foodie fanatic, this workshop is your ticket to becoming a pizza pro!
Blacksmithing
Techniques of blacksmithing and knife making will be demonstrated.
Henna for Everyone
Come and explore the beauty of henna and walk away with your own henna design created by our workshop artist.
Coloring Station
Stop by our coloring station and add to our community mural!
Circus Balancing Acts and Juggling
TCS Will offer balancing and juggling interactive workshops for participants. Globe walking, stilts, unicycles, tightwire, ball, ring and club juggling and diabolos will all be offered.
Open Mic
Share your work with other aspiring artists at the 2024 NJ State Teen Arts Festival. Â Performer, practice your act in an informal and creative atmosphere. All genres are welcome, poets, singer-songwriters, instrumental students, vocalists, and dancers, solo and group performers! Sign up early in Cafeteria A in College Center to get your chance to showcase your art!