THE MEDIA THEATRE'S JACK FROST PHOTOS...AND SHOW SCHEDULE...PLUS VISIT WITH SANTA!

It's time for the holidays which means "Jack Frost Saves Christmas" is on stage at The Media Theatre. This one hour upbeat and heartfelt show for youth of all ages is all about the boy who can't seem to do anything right because everything he touches turns to ice! Soon, however, friendship and the art of giving get everyone in on the act for a wonderful holiday.

Media Theatre New School student Michael Wells as Jack Frost

"Jack Frost Saves Christmas" was Matt and Tina Jo Wallace with music by Scott Bradley, a previous resident music director for The Media Theatre. Songs include "Countdown to Christmas", "Frost", and "Gifts Are For Giving".

The production features a cast of the theatre's professionally trained acting, dance, and New School students along with three guest adult actors: Roger Ricker as Mr. Holly, the town's eccentric theatre director; Tim Haney as Polar Bear; and Henry O' Neill as Santa Claus. Three New School students are featured: Michael Wells portrays Jack Frost with Hannah Murphy as Elizabeth, who befriends him, and Gigi Furlan plays the role of Mom. 

Tim Haney as Polar Bear, Cassidy Else as Rabbit, Michael Wells as Jack Frost, and Ben Pedersen as Penguin

Music Direction is by Patrick Murphy. The colorful costumes are by Patricia Garrubbo and Carol Sorensen with assistance from Casey Feeley and Nicole Trotter. The show includes audience participation and an opportunity for children to be on stage during the "Rompin' Reindeer" dance.

Roger Ricker as Mr. Holly with Wells as Jack Frost

The show plays Saturdays at 11am and Sundays at Noon now through January 1. On Saturday December 5, 12, and 19 children attending the show will be able to meet Santa Claus upstairs in the theatre's Crystal Room starting at 10:30am. Photos may be taken with Santa Claus and a few of the actors from the show on each of the three Saturdays.

Hanna Murphy as Elizabeth and Gigi Furlan as Mom notice "Frost" on the windowpane

There is one special Tuesday evening show at 7pm December 8. 

The "Jack Frost" Chistmastown Citizens cast

To purchase tickets call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. It's just $12 for children and $15 for adults to enjoy this special holiday themed treat.

Carter Weiss as Raccoon with the other animals and Jack 

PHOTOS BY CHRIS FURLAN

MEDIA THEATRE RECEIVES 44 NOMINATIONS FOR 2015 BROADWAY WORLD AWARDS!

After winning a total of 36 Broadway World Awards the past three years combined, including Best Theatre Company of Philadelphia three years in a row, The Media Theatre received a total of 44 nominations for "Best of Philadelphia Theatre 2015".  The nominations include Best Musical, Best Play, and two nominations in the category of Best Director for Jesse Cline, the theatre's artistic director. 

The voting is open to the theatre community locally, nationally, and internationally as well as to the general public. To vote, visit broadwayworld.com/philadelphia. Voting takes place through Dec. 31 with winners announced in January by Broadway World.

Nominations have been announced worldwide by the esteemed online theatrical media outlet Broadway World, which gives an up-to-date daily journal of the latest theatrical productions, happenings, and events from Broadway to London's West End. 

The Media Theatre is nominated alongside other professional theatres in the Philadelphia region including The Walnut Street Theatre.

In an ironic twist, as Media is known for producing musicals, its critically acclaimed production of the classic play "The Miracle Worker" this past February received the most nominations for the company with a total of 11.

Another critically acclaimed production at Media, "Les Miserables", received 9 nominations as did the Andrea McArdle starring vehicle "Hello Dolly". The recent "Gypsy" was awarded 8 nominations, and the theatre's regional professional premiere of "Ghost: The Musical" was given 4.

Three special events were nominated in the appropriate Event category. The category honors those one-night or 'off season' shows or concerts outside of a theatre's regular season. Media received nominations for the "Summer Club ALS Benefit", "The Who's Tommy", and the annual "Roger Ricker & Friends Concert".

Here are the nominations received by The Media Theatre:

Best Musical: "Gypsy", "Hello Dolly", "Les Miserables"

Best Play: "The Miracle Worker"

Best Director of a Musical: Jesse Cline, "Les Miserables"; Dann Dunn, "Hello Dolly"

Best Director of a Play: Jesse Cline, "The Miracle Worker"

Best Actor in A Musical: Kelly Briggs as Herbie in "Gypsy"; Patrick Ludt as Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables"; John Smitherman as Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables" (Both played the role); Zack Krajnyack as Sam in "Ghost"

Best Actor in A Play: Andrew Criss as Captain Keller in "The Miracle Worker"

Best Actress in A Musical: Krissy Fraelich as Mama Rose in "Gypsy"; Anna Giordano as Molly in "Ghost"; Andrea McArdle as Dolly in "Hello Dolly"

Best Actress in A Play: Jennie Eisenhower as Annie Sullivan in  "The Miracle Worker"; Lexi Gwynn as Helen Keller in "The Miracle Worker" 

Supporting Actor in A Musical: Kelly Briggs as Thenardier in "Les Miserables"; Kelly Briggs as Horace in "Hello Dolly"; JP Dunphy as Subway Ghost in "Ghost"; Patrick Ludt as Cornelius in "Hello Dolly"; Cameron Scott Slusser as Barnaby in "Hello Dolly; Sean Thompson as Enjolras in "Les Miserables"

Supporting Actress in A Musical: Anna Giordano as Louise in "Gypsy"

Supporting Actor in A Play: Alex Kryger as James in "The Miracle Worker"; Nicholas Saverine as Doctor in "The Miracle Worker"

Supporting Actress in A Play: Jennie Eisenhower as Annie Sullivan in "The Miracle Worker" (nominated in both lead and supporting category for this role); Hillary Parker as Mrs. Keller in "The Miracle Worker" 

Best Ensemble cast of A Musical: "Gypsy", "Hello Dolly", "Les Miserables"

Best Ensemble cast of A Play: "The Miracle Worker"

Best Choreography: Dann Dunn, "Gypsy"; Dann Dunn, "Hello Dolly" 

Best Music Direction: Christopher Ertelt, "Les Miserables"

Best Costumes: "Les Miserables"; Katie Yamaguchi, "Gypsy"; Katie Yamaguchi, "Hello Dolly"

Best Lighting Design: Troy Martin O' Shia, "Gypsy"

Best Sound Design: Carl Park, "Ghost: The Musical" 

Best Set Design: Matthew Miller, "The Miracle Worker"

Best Special Event: "Jeff Coon's Summer Club ALS Benefit", "Roger Ricker & Friends Concert", "The Who's Tommy".

To vote for The Media Theatre, visit the Broadway World Awards here: VOTE NOW!

'BILLY ELLIOT: THE MUSICAL' FIRST LOOK PHOTOS

The Media Theatre has the region's professional premiere of the 10-time Tony winning "Billy Elliot: The Musical" now through January 3. Elton John's score enhances the story based on the film of the young boy in a Welsh mining town who wants to do ballet rather than boxing. It all takes place during a miner's strike in the '80's, so Billy's enthusiasm to dance is not quite getting through to his family or the town although a dance instructor sees the gift within.

A truly inspirational story for the holidays, "Billy Elliot" features two boys in the title role. After an extensive search, the two boys who were chosen were both from the Philadelphia region. Gunar Daniels of West Chester and Brandon Ranalli of Media, both 13 years old, share the role.

Here are first look photos from the production, taken by Laura Briglia Photography.
For tickets, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

Brandon Ranalli as Billy Elliot

Gunar Daniels as Billy Elliot

Susan Wefel as Grandma

Kelly Briggs as George with the Boys

Anne Connors as Mrs. Wilkinson with the Ballet Girls

MORE PICS FROM 'GYPSY' AT THE MEDIA THEATRE...IT'S ON THRU NOV. 1

The iconic musical "Gypsy" is on stage at The Media Theatre through November 1. Philadelphia's Krissy Fraelich, a Springfield resident, plays Mama Rose who is the ultimate stage mother, doing everything she can to push her daughters to stardom. From the time of vaudeville's heyday to it's end, Mama Rose wants nothing more than celebrity and fame to find its way to siblings June and Louise. Based on the true story of famed stripper Gypsy Rose Lee, "Gypsy" never goes out of style due to its resonating core. 

The score is legendary, with songs including "Let Me Entertain You", "Everything's Coming Up Roses" and "Rose's Turn" that have become synonymous with music theatre. The lyrics, written by Stephen Sondheim in his younger years, are filled with irony while the music by Jule Styne represents the brassy, sassy style rarely heard in contemporary theatre. 

Enjoy the photos and get tickets to the show by calling 610-891-0100 or visiting mediatheatre.org. "Gypsy" has Wednesday performances at 2pm and 7:30, Thursdays at 7:30, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm now through November 1. 

Photos by Laura Briglia.

Krissy Fraelich as Mama Rose

Mama Rose finds a Newsboy (Zachary Divito)  for her show 

Dainty June (Taylor Elise Rector)
performs with the Farmboys (Glenn Britton, Avery Sobszak, Kyle Segarra, and JD Triolo)

Louise (Anna Giordano) and Tulsa (Avery Sobszak) kick up their heels

Herbie (Kelly Briggs) learns more about Mama Rose (Krissy Fraelich) 

It's not vaudeville anymore....Mama Rose (Fraelich) with Tessi Tura (Jennie Eisenhower), Cigar (Jim Conte), and Louise (Anna Giordano)

Cassidy Else as Young Louise with Ava Briglia as Baby June during the opening of "Gypsy".
With them are Holden Dubach, Hanna Murphy, Alexsa McKeown, Aiden Fox, and Bridget Henry. 

MEDIA THEATRE ANNOUNCES CAST OF 'JACK FROST SAVES CHRISTMAS'

The Media Theatre's holiday children's show is right around the corner. "Jack Frost Saves Christmas" returns to the stage after first being produced here five years ago. It plays every weekend November 21 to January 3, Saturdays at 11am and Sundays at Noon. 

The rollicking, merry, and heartfelt musical is all about a boy who is unique because everything he touches turns to ice. Jack Frost appears out of a snow bank and meets four humorous animals: a rabbit, a polar bear, a penguin, and a raccoon. 

Realizing he is different, they take him to Christmastown where he meets Elizabeth, a girl who befriends him, as well as the theatre director Mr. Holly who thinks Jack is in town to perform in the holiday show! Hijinks ensue, temperatures soar, and the holiday is in jeopardy until friendship saves the day.

With Book and Lyrics by Matt Wallace and Tina Jo Wallace and Music by Scott Bradley (who was once The Media Theatre's resident music director) "Jack Frost Saves Christmas" is a fun holiday show for everyone ages 4 and up. 

The cast is made up of The Media Theatre's New School students, Media Theatre professional actors and educators, and an ensemble from its acting and dance classes. For tickets, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

The "Jack Frost Saves Christmas" cast is:

Jack Frost.......Michael Wells
Elizabeth.........Hanna Murphy
Elizabeth's Mom...Gigi Furlan

Rabbit.............Cassidy Else
Penguin.........Ben Pedersen
Raccoon........Carter Weiss
Polar Bear.....Tim Haney

Story Tellers....Emma Fox, Lauren Poltrock, Mary Kate Vink
News Vendors...Holden Dubach, Sean O' Neill

Mr. Holly.......Roger Ricker
Anna..............Alexsa McKeown
Michael.........Zachary Divito

Father Winter/ Santa.....Henry O' Neill

Townspeople....Yazmin Ahmed, Kayla Blackstock, Noelle Longenberger, Sean O' Neill, Bridget McTear, Danny Pedersen, Samantha Sweeney, Maxwell Talbot, Madison Vassilakopoulos

Understudies:
Jack Frost....Ben Pedersen
Elizabeth......Noelle Longenberger
Mom..............Kayla Blackstock
Rabbit...........Lauren Poltrock
Penguin.......Sean O' Neill
Polar Bear/ Michael....Holden Dubach
Raccoon/ Anna......Yazmin Ahmed
Mr. Holly/ Father Winter/ Santa....Tim Haney

THE MEDIA THEATRE -PHOTOS FROM 'TALE OF BEAUTY AND THE BEAST'

There's a Beauty on stage at The Media Theatre each weekend through November 1. It's the "Tale of Beauty and The Beast" Saturdays at 11am and Sundays at Noon, featuring a cast of professional adult actors as well as student actors.

This original version of the story features songs such as "Could You Possibly Be My Friend?" and "Fables and Fairytales" as well as humorous characters like Greedo and Graspo the two brothers-in-law of The Beauty who will do everything they can to achieve riches.

Swarthmore's Jacob Mergott, 16, plays the dual role of The Prince/ The Beast, with Molly Sorensen, 14, of Malvern as The Beauty. Both did very well in The Media Theatre's summer "Vocalist" contests with Mergott making it to the final round in 2015 and  Sorensen winning the competition in 2014. 

An Old Woman (Roger Ricker) casts a spell on The Prince and, later, on the entire audience as volunteers are invited onto the stage to help out.

Enjoy the photos, and get tickets to the show by visiting mediatheatre.org or calling 610-891-0100. The show is suitable for ages 5 and up and is one hour in length. Photos by Chris Furlan. 

Molly Sorensen as The Beauty

Jacob Mergott as The Prince

Roger Ricker as The Old Woman

Lars Halldin as Graspo with Michael Wells as Greedo

Tim Haney, center, as The Clock with Sarah Shoumer as a Masterpiece Painting and Molly Sorensen as Beauty

The Beast (Mergott) with his Magic Looking Glass (Violet Wiley and Caileigh Crane)

Emily Smith as Marguerite and Brianna Jaffe as Isabel, the sisters of Beauty (Photo by Monica Crane)

The Beast (Jacob Mergott) with his paintings (Sarah Shoumer, Mary Kate Vink) and Madame Rondeau (Veronica Garrubbo) --Photo by Monica Crane

MEDIA THEATRE ANNOUNCES 'BILLY ELLIOT' CAST

The Media Theatre has the Philadelphia region's professional premiere of the 10-time Tony winning Broadway show "Billy Elliot: The Musical". Based on the film about the boy who, during a miner's strike in the 1980's, wants to become a ballet dancer rather than the boxer his father has set his sights on, the musical features a score by Elton John.

"Billy Elliot: The Musical" became an instant hit on both London's West End and Broadway due to its incredible choreography which is mostly performed by the young actor portraying Billy. A show based on the template of old-fashioned 'book' musicals while leaping into a new genre of entertainment it encapsulates the unique qualities which each of us have within us, thereby focusing on individuality and self-expression. As The New York Times said, 'Billy Elliot is not a dance musical. It's about why we need dance.'

With a sub-plot regarding a miner's strike in a small town and the life values which go along with it, sometimes which deeply contrast with the goals of life one has when art is a main ingredient to one's make-up, "Billy Elliot: The Musical" reaches beyond dance as it reminds us all that sometimes life is not just about what is in front of us but what it is we are able to achieve.

The production at The Media Theatre will be directed by Geoffrey Goldberg. It plays November 18, 2015 to January 3, 2016 during the holiday season.

The role of Billy Elliot will be shared by Media's Brandon Rannalli and West Chester's Gunar Daniels. Both boys were chosen after an extensive East Coast search in which the production company had two days of auditions in New York City. 

Mrs. Wilkinson, the ballet teacher, will be played by Anne Connors. Billy's Dad is Zach Wobensmith, with the role of his brother Tony being brought to the stage by Garrison Carpenter.

Billy's friend Michael is double cast with Nathan Esser and JD Triolo, with the saucy sassy role of Grandma being played by Delaware County's Susan Wefel. Mr. Braithwaite is Steven Ciapanna, with Kelly Briggs as George.

Elisa Matthews has the plum role of Billy's Dead Mum, while the role of his friend Debbie is double cast with two Media Theatre students: Allie Buchanan and Anna Grace Rosenthal. Big Davey is Rusty Flounders.

Rachel Beiswenger, Kaitlin Davis, JP Dunphy, Jake Glassman, Topher Layton, Patrick Ludt, Kimberly Maxson, Mark Schenfish, Carl Nathaniel Smith, and Kristi Smith make up the Ensemble. 

The Ballet Girls are Larissa Culbertson, Jolie Jaffe, Anais Lee, Mirabelle Lee, Brooke McCarthy, Kennedy Ndiaye, and Kristianna Ranalli. Aiden Fox is the small boy. Josh Atkinson is Posh Boy and Tall Boy. 

For tickets, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

FIRST LOOK....NEW PHOTOS FROM 'GYPSY' AT THE MEDIA THEATRE

The classic musical "Gypsy" is at The Media Theatre now through November 1. Philly's own Broadway actress Krissy Fraelich, a Springfield resident in Delaware County, portrays the iconic role of Mama Rose who will stop at nothing to insure that her daughter becomes a 'star'.

Faced with the final days of Vaudeville, the musical-based on a true story-takes us on the journey from the time her daughters are very young to their adult lives in which Rose pushes her oldest daughter onto the stage in a burlesque house.

The Jule Styne/ Stephen Sondheim score is one of music theatre's most brilliant, including the legendary songs "Let Me Entertain You", "Everything's Coming Up Roses", and "Rose's Turn".  The book is by Arthur Laurents.

Enjoy the photos, and see the show at The Media Theatre! It's the region's only professional production. Photography by Laura Briglia of Media. Call 610-891-0100 for tickets or visit mediatheatre.org

Krissy Fraelich as Mama Rose

Taylor Elise Rector as Dainty June with Anna Giordano as Louise

The Newsboys (Zachary Divito, Josh Atkinson, and Ben Pedersen) with Baby June (center: Ava Briglia) and Young Louise (to the left of June: Cassidy Else)

Krissy Fraelich as Mama Rose

Anna Giordano as Louise

The Farmboys: JD Triolo, Avery Sobszak, Glenn Britton, and Kyle Segarra with Dainty June (Taylor Elise Rector), Herbie (Kelly Briggs), Mr. Goldstone (Roger Ricker), and Mama Rose (Krissy Fraelich)

Mama Rose with her talented group of children: (left to right) Tim Woodward, Zachary Divito, Sean O' Neill, Amia Shavaun, and Potria Murphy with the dog Chowsie

Anna Giordano (Louise), Kelly Briggs (Herbie), and Krissy Fraelich (Mama Rose)

MEDIA THEATRE'S NEW SCHOOL THEATRE STUDY PROGRAM OFFERS NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR TEENS

The Media Theatre's New School is entering its fifth year during the 2015-16 Season.

A prestigious 'by invitation or audition only' theatre study program for two age groups, The New School focuses on the truth of performance: Who is the actor and how does the actor approach the scene, monologue, or song? 

Based within the Sanford Meisner technique, which is defined with the statement "Acting is living as truthfully as one can under an imaginary circumstance", The New School focuses on two aspects of music theatre (Acting and Vocal Music) for the younger age group on Mondays during the 4:30-6:30pm class beginning September 28. 

Media Theatre's Artistic Director Jesse Cline, who instructs and leads The New School, a conservatory-style approach to theatre education which is completely separate from the theatre's Acting Classes. 

The Teens (ages 12 and up) will not have a class structured in the same way. They will, instead, form a Youth Ensemble Performance Troupe which will meet every Thursday from 4:30-6:30pm starting October 1.

The New School Teens will differ from any other class at The Media Theatre in the following ways:

1) They will focus on one act plays and musicals, to be performed at the theatre and also as a traveling acting company in the region at special events, schools, or corporate gatherings. 

2) Jesse Cline, Artistic Director for The Media Theatre, will instruct and direct the New School Teens.This is the only class Cline teaches at The Media Theatre, aside from private lessons. It is exclusive.

3) Chris Ertelt, resident music director for the theatre, will offer his knowledge regarding the songs and/ or scores they will work on. He will also accompany each participant during rehearsal and performance.

4) The New School Teens will meet on stage at The Media Theatre. This gives the participants a true theatrical atmosphere upon which to build a solid base of education and rehearsal. 

5) Special guest directors and actors will meet with The New School Teens on occasion in exclusive Master Classes. Guests may include but are not limited to Barrymore Award winning actress Jennie Eisenhower, "Billy Elliot" director Geoffrey Goldberg, and professional actors from our Broadway Series. Only New School Teens will be offered these Master Classes as part of their training.

6) The New School Teens will be invited to tech and/ or dress rehearsals for the Broadway Series. They will gain firsthand knowledge and insight to a director's vision as it is being created and will have opportunities to chat with the director, designers, and actors. No other class at The Media Theatre will be given this opportunity.

7) The New School Teens, on a date appropriate for The Media Theatre staff, Artistic Director Jesse Cline, and parents of the group, will travel to NYC by train on a weekend morning to see a Broadway show. (This will be an extra cost for show ticket, lunch, etc) They will discuss the show with Cline and possibly other special guests who travel with the Teens.

We look forward to a very special 2015-16 New School season. 

There is still space available! Email Roger at rer764@gmail.com to set up an audition or interview with Jesse Cline. (Previous New School students may not have to audition or interview) 

MEDIA THEATRE ANNOUNCES CAST FOR 'TALE OF BEAUTY AND THE BEAST'

The Media Theatre's 2015-16 Children's Series begins the weekend of September 26 with "Tale of Beauty and The Beast". The show plays through November 1.

This new musical version of the classic story blends humor with plenty of heart as we learn that greed and selfishness create misfortune, while love conquers all. 

With a cast of Media Theatre students and professional adult actors, the one hour show is the perfect treat for ages 4 and up. Showtimes are Saturdays at 11am and Sundays at Noon.

Jacob Mergott, who wowed audiences this past summer in "The Vocalist" contest with his powerful pop-tenor vocals, will play the role of The Prince/ The Beast. He's from Wallingford and is 16 years old. This will be his debut in a production at The Media Theatre.

Molly Sorensen will play the role of The Beauty. She's 15 and is from Malvern. She had audiences applauding with enthusiasm this past winter when she played the title role in "Snow White" and is the 2014 "Vocalist Junior" winner.

Media Theatre veteran actor Roger Ricker will add humor and mystery to the show as The Old Woman who casts a spell, while Tim Haney will act his age as a singing Grandfather Clock. 

The complete cast is:

PRINCE/ BEAST…JACOB MERGOTT

THE BEAUTY….....MOLLY SORENSEN

OLD WOMAN..........ROGER RICKER

MADAME RONDEAU, THE WIDOW...VERONICA GARRUBBO

HER DAUGHTERS:

ISABEL....BRIANNA JAFFE

MARGUERITE....EMILY SMITH

GREEDO, ISABEL'S HUSBAND...MICHAEL WELLS

GRASPO, MARGUERITE'S HUSBAND...LARS HALLDIN

MAGIC LOOKING GLASS.....(Two-faced) VIOLET WILEY, CAILEIGH CRANE

THE CLOCK.....TIM HANEY

MASTERPIECE PAINTINGS…MARY KATE VINK, SARAH SHOUMER

MOVING CHAIR….SCOTT BRADBURY

FIRST PRINCESS.....JILLIAN DONOHUE

SECOND PRINCESS....MARY LAYNE

CAPTAIN.........................HENRY O' NEILL

LOUISE THE MAID….ROYA WOLCOTT

HELEN HOUSEKEEPER….HANNAH BRADY

ENSEMBLE: AIDAN CRANE, GIGI FURLAN, ALEXANDRA SHOUMER, MAXWELL TALBOT, MADISON VASSILAKOPOULOS, BRYNN WASHBOURNE

For tickets to "Tale of Beauty and The Beast" call 610-891-0100 or visit www.mediatheatre.org. There are group rates available and also two Friday morning shows for school groups on October 2 and 23. 

Understudies:
The Prince/ The Beast...Michael Wells
The Beauty......................Veronica Garrubbo
Madame Rondeau..........Emily Smith
Marguerite........................Gigi Furlan
Isabel.................................Gigi Furlan
The Captain......................Terry Stein
Greedo/ Graspo...............Terry Stein
The Clock.........................Henry O' Neill
Old Woman......................Jillian Donohue
Looking Glass.................Alexandra Shoumer
Paintings..........................Brynn Washbourne
Moving Chair...................Will Draper
Maid and Housekeeper...Madison Vassilakopoulos

FALL SEMESTER OF ACTING CLASSES BEGINS AT MEDIA THEATRE WEEKEND OF SEPT. 12

Acting classes start up again the weekend of September 12 at The Media Theatre. The Fall semester presents a variety of classes for children, teens, and adults.  

The classes offer professional training for those just beginning or wishing to further their education. Instruction is based on The Meisner Technique which follows the basic structure that ‘Acting is living as truthfully as one can under an imaginary circumstance.’ 

Within this curriculum there is no ‘character’ or pretense and actors are placed in an environment which allows them to be who they are, building self-awareness and self-esteem within their own unique personality. The idea of ‘copying’ someone else’s performance is pushed aside as actors create from within themselves to fulfill the required role they may be asked to portray.

The Media Theatre will continue to offer three levels separate levels for children. The popular Children’s Class, for ages 6 and up, will meet on Saturday mornings at 9am beginning September 12 and continuing for ten weeks. This one-hour weekly course is primarily for ages 6 to 9 who are just starting out or who have less stage experience than others in their age group. It features exercises for building basic speaking skills on stage (volume, diction), learning stage directions, and developing self-esteem. Fun improvisational style exercises are also utilized to build the concept that acting requires team work on occasion.

Students of The Media Theatre enjoy class.
Pictured are Jaydin Knight, Jolie Jaffe,
Holden Dubach, Carter Weiss, Katheryn Cooper, and Sean O' Neill.
Sophia Leone and Mary Kate Vink photo bomb in the back. 

Level Two for Children will meet Tuesdays at 4:30 beginning September 15. This 10-week one-hour course is appropriate for children ages 8 to 11, or for those who have some onstage experience. The focus is primarily on  group or scene work to strengthen acting skills. Theatre exercises are also implemented to enhance stage focus and discipline. 

Younger children, aged 4, 5, and 6 get into the act with the Introduction to Theatre Class on Tuesdays at 3:30 beginning September 15. The one hour weekly course is specifically designed for the youngest age group that has an interest in performing. The young children will learn by ‘Acting Out’ by 'talking to' a stuffed animal in which the topic of real conversation is approached. They may also be asked to act as if they are ‘walking in the rain or snow’ or to ‘show us how you deal with a pet dog or cat’. The class will instill within the students that being who they are is important and following instructions will be a major focus. Imagination is a major ingredient of the Introduction to Theatre Class.

The Teen Acting Class will continue on Sundays at 6pm starting September 13. This eight-week 90-minute class is ideal for ages 12 and up. Each student is given one-on-one instruction within a group environment.  Focus is on stage skills, following direction, scripted scene work with partners, and monologues. Improvisational Scene Work is also explored, and becomes a major part of the focus as the weeks progress, enhancing the ability to 'react quickly as you would without over-analyzing'.

The Adult Class will meet Sundays at 7:30. This eight-week 90-minute class is designed for the adult (18 and up) who wishes to explore acting for the first time or who wants to strengthen their stage skills. Scene study with partners and monologues are the focus. The class also enhances those whose careers involve any type of public speaking.

For those who have been students in the classes, The Media Theatre reminds participants that each semester, while based on similar structure, is completely different as classes are built to reflect the personalities of each student within the group setting. Therefore, for example, if a child repeats the Saturday morning class or any of the classes offered, it is never exactly the same. Students are also dealt with and instructed within their own personal level. 

Jesse Cline, the Artistic Director for The Media Theatre, will continue to instruct and oversee the next semester of The New School, The Media Theatre's conservatory-style music theatre.

There are changes to The New School for the 2015-16 Season, including focusing purely on Acting and Vocal Music for the younger age group (meeting Mondays starting Sept. 28 from 4:30-6:30). The teens of The New School will meet Thursdays during the same two hour time slot focusing on one-act plays or musicals which they will perform at the theatre and locally as a traveling youth ensemble. To join the New School, which is completely separate from the aforementioned weekly acting classes, please email or call for an interview and/ or audition. 

The Children's, Teen, and Adult Acting Classes require no audition or interview. Roger Ricker, a stage veteran of over 85 productions and concerts at The Media Theatre, instructs the Children and Teen Classes. Tim Haney, who has been with the theatre since 1997, instructs the Adult Class.

The Media Theatre also has several dance classes to choose from, which are ongoing. Purchase a Dance Card for $120 (good for 10 classes) and choose from Tap 1, Tap 2, Ballet for Youth, Adult Ballet Class, Contemporary Indian Dance, and Creative Movement for pre-school. Please call for information.

To register for the Acting Classes, please call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. Email rer764@gmail.com with specific questions or request information.