Clear Space Theatre fall classes start Sept. 12

Clear Space Theatre’s Fall Arts Institute offers a wide range of classes with something for everyone from preschoolers to retirees.

For the youngest, there’s the new Babies on Broadway.

This 10-week class, led by Nancy Curry, meets from 10 to 10:45 a.m., starting Saturday, Sept. 14. It culminates with a performance Saturday, Nov. 16. The program introduces children ages 4-6 to the stage, giving them a chance to sing, dance, recite poems and enact short scenes from popular movies and Broadway shows. They’ll even get crafty, making a costume piece or prop for their show.

For children in kindergarten through eighth grade, Clear Space’s popular Broadway Bound is back. Classes meet from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 17, and culminate with a free performance at 5:30, Tuesday, Nov. 19. Each week, students grouped by age and ability level experience a multidisciplinary approach to training as they rotate through 30-minute classes in performance preparation, acting, dance and vocal technique. Broadway Bound instructors are Melanie Bradley, Drew Colegrove and Autumn Schneider.

Open by audition only, Spotlight on Young Performers is designed for advanced young performers who have completed the Broadway Bound program. Led by instructors David Button, Melanie Bradley and Shondelle Graulich, classes meet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays. Students gain experience in the full rehearsal process, learning to put together a production and work as an ensemble. The fall 2019 term concludes with two evening and two matinee performances of a fully staged production of “James and the Giant Peach” Friday to Sunday, Nov. 8 to 10.

Adult learners can enroll in Master Class Acting Workshops. Classes meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Sundays, Oct. 20 to Nov. 10, and are open to anyone, no prior acting experience required. Instructors include Mary Caligiure for session 1: Playback Theatre; David Button for session 2: How to Audition for Musical Theatre; and Autumn Schneider for Session 3: Learn Choreography to Chicago’s “All that Jazz.” For session 4 class details and instructors, go to www.clearspacetheatre.org in mid-September.

For adults age 50 and older, Clear Space’s popular Broadway Legends: Musical Theatre returns for another season. Classes meet from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Wednesdays, from Sept. 18 to Nov. 20. Students will learn the score to “Mamma Mia!” including such classics as “Dancing Queen,” “Super Trouper,” “SOS,” “Mamma Mia!” and “The Winner Takes it All.” The season concludes with a public performance at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 20. Designed to focus on the joys of performing, students are not required to memorize the music or learn complex staging. Class instructors are David Button and Melanie Bradley.

For scholarship information for the arts institute and registration for Babies on Broadway, Broadway Bound, Master Class Acting Workshops and Broadway Legends, go to www.clearspacetheatre.org or call 302-227-2270.