Half Moon Theatre School of the Arts is currently holding registration for its fall classes. The school offer students in the Hudson Valley the opportunity to study acting and musical theatre performance with Broadway professionals from the critically acclaimed Half Moon Theatre Company.
“Involvement in the arts is so important for kids because it helps with math, reading, cognitive ability, critical thinking, and verbal skills, as well as improving motivation, concentration, confidence, and teamwork,” said HMT School Director and Musical Theatre instructor Denise Summerford, who has appeared on Broadway in such shows as the Rosie O’Donnell/Boy George musical Taboo, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Saturday Night Fever, and Grease, and recently received a Drama Desk Award for her work in the hit a cappella musical In Transit.
“Half Moon Theatre School of the Arts is different than any other theatre school in the area because all of our teachers have performed on Broadway and in National Tours, as well as in film and television,” she said. “Our instructors are still in the business with important connections to talent agents and casting directors. Our program puts an emphasis on the process of creating theatre and not just the end result.”
“My children have been students of the school since it opened,” said HMT parent Beth Caswell Canevari. “Denise and John are wonderful with the students. Their expertise and passion for the performing arts provides the students with the perfect atmosphere for both learning and having fun. I'm so glad they have shared their knowledge and love of theater with the youth of our community!”
Fall offerings include Creative Drama for children in grades K-2, musical theatre performance for students in grades 4-8, acting performance for students in grades 3-8, an adult acting workshop, as well as private coaching and college audition preparation opportunities.
“The classes are designed to teach each student the process, discipline and fun of developing a strong, creative theatre piece,” said HMT School of the Arts co-director and acting instructor John Summerford, who has performed in New York City and across the country in numerous productions including Twelfth Night (Orsino), Dinner with Friends (Tom), Company (National Tour), Godspell (Jesus), Sweeney Todd (Sweeney), and Radio City Christmas Spectacular. “Each of these pieces is created by the School Faculty with the goal of including each student and encouraging them to grow. We offer a professional environment where the students are treated as fellow artists.”
The Fall 2014 session runs September 13 – November 22 with a Showcase Day for all students on Sunday, November 23. Students may register for class online at http://halfmoontheatre.org/school-of-the-arts/class-schedule-and-registration/
