YOUTH PROGRAMS

Youth Workshops and Camps

A STAR IN THE WORKS

Monday, February 20, 2012 - Sheldon Harnick & Jerry Bock
(Fiddler on the Roof, The Apple Tree)

***The shows listed information may not all be covered in the workshop.

If you love musical theater and want to expand your knowledge and repertoire beyond Hairspray, Legally Blonde and High School Musical, then this is the workshop for you!
Spend the afternoon at the Towle Theater with the Director of Education, Shelley Crosby and music and dance professionals as we explore and learn more about various composers that molded and created many of the classic musicals we love today! Each workshop will consist of:
-presentation and open discussion about the featured composer and their groundbreaking productions,
-singing songs written by these iconic composers
-learning a production number from one of the shows
A performance for parents and family will occur during the last 15 minutes of the workshop.

For Ages 7-18 year old

Cost per single workshop: $25 for Hammond Residents / $30 for Non-Hammond Residents
(10% Multi-class/Student Discount Available)

Snacks will be provided - students should bring refillable water containers and dress in clothing that is easy to move in. No heels or sandals should be worn - no jewelry. Students should bring a sharpened pencil for taking notes.

Class Refund Policy
If a class is canceled due to low enrollment, a full refund will be granted. Refunds, minus a $10 processing fee for class withdrawal, will be allowed only if the class enrollment is greater than the minimum number of registrants and if notification is made seven days prior to the class. No refunds will be made for withdrawal within 48 hours.
Maximum attendance is 20 & Minimum attendance is 7.

For registration or information, please contact 219-937-8780

IMPROV CLASS

Put yourself on stage in a Whose Line is it Anyway type improv class. Learn improv skills which are an important part of being an actor - so take the time to begin exploring those skills and abilities and have a great time doing it!

3 Class Sessions building toward an improv showcase

Ages 12-18

Saturday, June 2 (10am-Noon)
Saturday, June 9 (10am-Noon)
Saturday, June 16 (10am-Noon)
Improv Showcase Saturday, June 23 (8pm)

Cost: $45 for Hammond Residents / $60 for Non-Hammond Residents
Maximum attendance is 20 & Minimum attendance is 7

TAP CLASS

Check back for upcoming classes.

VOCAL/DANCE INTENSIVE WORKSHOP

Check back for upcoming classes.

YOUTH SHAKESPEARE PROGRAM

Towle Theater Youth Shakespeare by the Lake

Check back for future programing.

A.R.T.=Audition Readiness Training

A.R.T. for College is just that. Audition Readiness Training for College will work with you to select, prepare, rehearse and perform your college audition BEFORE your college audition. Whether you are auditioning to be a theatre, music/theatre or music major - ART for College is here to make your dream a reality. You will receive hands-on training with professionals who know how to find, develop and hone your audition piece to show you at your best and to ensure you stand out from the competition. You will also receive training on what to do, how to do it, what to wear (and what not to wear), what to say and what NOT to do and say.

How does the program work?
To begin there is an intensive three-day workshop in August followed by twice monthly one on one sessions throughout the Fall, culminating in two full day sessions to perform your piece to a panel of arts professionals. Their expertise and experience will provide objective and relevant feedback and critiques.

Other unique features of our program include:

Video blogging for all Emerging Artists as they work through the process
A digital copy of your final “audition”
All the written critiques from our panel of professionals.

This is an intensive, personalized program. This Fall, only eight emerging artists will be selected to take this journey.

Are you are ready to take this step?
Check out the TIMELINE, meet the ART STAFF and SUBMIT AN APPLICATION.
We look forward to seeing you soon!

GIRL SCOUT/BOY SCOUT WORKSHOPS

Calling all Girl Scout & Boy Scout Troops looking to achieve badges that are theater related. The Towle Theater is offering 1 ½ hour workshop sessions geared toward your badge earning needs. Please call Shelley at the theater to arrange and schedule your workshop. Schedule one month in advance - based on availability. Badge requirements must be supplied immediately upon booking your workshop date.

Cost: $5 per student (minimum of 20)
Less than 20: $8 per student

Towle Youth Theater Ensemble (TYTE)

The Towle Theater is pleased to announce the continuation of a new program within their ever growing education department - Towle Youth Theater Ensemble (TYTE).

The concept behind TYTE is to offer membership / participation into the Ensemble, not necessarily a role in each show presented. From all of the talent selected to be in TYTE, we will cast the show and from there, technical, administrative, marketing duties, etc. will be assigned as appropriate. The overall goal is to build a team of theater artists and leaders, not just "stars". It is the goal of this new venture to engage a variety of young people into the overall process of creating theater, not just wanting to be in a particular show. The Towle staff believes that this process will bring more value to the participants, to their creative process and ultimately to the productions. Auditions will be held twice per year about 3 months before each production, where new Ensemble members will be accepted to replace those that have opted or aged out of the program. The Towle will be looking to utilize the students with the most talent, drive, dedication and commitment to the Ensemble as a whole.

The Ensemble will produce/present 2 shows per year - 1 musical in the fall and 1 non-musical in the spring.

AUDITIONS
Auditions for Towle Youth Theater Ensemble's 2012 Spring drama: A Heart Divided
February 6th and 7th at 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

Those auditioning will be doing so for membership/participation in Towle Youth Theater Ensemble (TYTE), not necessarily a role in A Heart Divided . From all of the talent selected to be in TYTE we will cast A Heart Divided, assign technical, administrative, marketing duties, etc. as appropriate. The overall goal is to build a team of theatre artists and leaders. We believe our Ensemble structure will bring more value to the participants as well as their creative process and final production quality.

Please prepare a 2 minute dramatic monologue. You may also be asked to read from the script.

Proper audition attire should be worn;
No flip-flops.
Men: no baggy or sloppy shirts or pants.
Women: no shorts or capri's - skirts or dresses are recommended.

Audition Appointments:
We will take audition/interview appointments beginning Monday, January 9th at 10:00 a.m. through Thursday, February 2nd at 5:00 p.m. or until all appointments are filled. Students age 12 - 18 are encouraged to attend. Please do not call before January 9th!

Six appointments per time slot will be available on Monday, February 6th and Tuesday, February 7th at 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm. The show will run March 30, 31 & April 1 and continue April 13, 14 & 15, with a brush-up rehearsal on Thursday, April 12th. We are skipping the weekend of April 6-8 in honor of Easter weekend.

Please call 219-937-8780, with questions, concerns or for more information.

UPCOMING PRODUCTION



A Drama by Cherie Bennett and Jeff Gottesfeld. Adapted from their novel.

The Confederate flag. A historical icon or a racist symbol? This thought-provoking and gripping play sheds new light on a controversy that continues to divide our national heart. When Kate's liberal-minded family moves from New York City's suburbs to a small town outside of Nashville, Kate is convinced her life is over. Redford, Tennessee, is as Southern as it gets—the local diner serves grits and sweet tea, country music rules the airwaves and the Confederate battle flag waves proudly over the courthouse square. Then she meets the handsome and talented Jackson Redford III, scion of the town and embodiment of everything Dixie. Jack shows her the beauty of his Southern roots and Kate begins to appreciate her new home. But a petition to replace the school's Confederate flag insignia gains Kate's support, and soon Kate and Jack—and their families—find themselves pitted against one another in a bitter controversy: not just about the flag, but about what it means to be an American.

March 30-31, April 1, 13-15, 2012
Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm
Sundays at 2pm

T.E.D.'s Summer Theater Camp

Summer of 2012

Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2012
Time: Doors open at 8:30am Auditions start at 9:00am sharp. Please don't be late!
Place: Towle Theater ~ 5205 Hohman Avenue ~ Downtown Hammond

-Auditions: (Everyone will be asked to sing and dance.)
-You don't need to prepare anything for the audition.
-You will be taught a song and dance from the show.
-Dress comfortably and wear tennis shoes-Please don't wear flip-flops or sandals.

Participation guidelines:
-Attendance at all sessions is mandatory; please audition ONLY if you can attend every session
for the whole 3 weeks and for the performances.
-Transportation is to be provided, to and from all sessions, by parent or guardian.
-Camp is open to students 6 - 18 years of age.
-Weekdays beginning Monday, July 9 through Friday, July 27 from 9am - Noon.
-The performances will be July 27 at 7pm & July 28 at 10am & 1pm
Tuition fee is $150 for all students for the camp. Some scholarships are available. Scholarship needs must be requested prior to first day of camp.

Youth Productions

Pickle Chiffon Pie - a musical
Sponsored by TCU

Visit the Pickle Chiffon Pie booking website.

A Towle Theater original adaptation from the Roger Bradfield children's book by the same name. Adapted for the stage by Shelley J Crosby and Jeff Casey with original music by Evan Rea.

There's a beautiful Princess, a King and a Queen, several handsome princes and of course plenty of Pickle Chiffon Pie, but this isn't your typical fairytale - There's no villain, no fighting and no bloodshed! Through this fun interactive musical, students grow to understand the importance of kindness and love and consideration for others, which is THE MOST WONDERFUL THING OF ALL!

Book us at your school. Curriculum supported study guides available. Contact us for booking and show information at picklebooking@towletheater.org or 219-937-8780.

"Columbia school has a 92% poverty rate and most of our student do not get to experience live theater. It was this much more meaningful that the Towle Theater brought live theater to our school. Pickle Chiffon Pie was an amazing age appropriate production that really entertained our students. They were all engaged and thrilled to be an audience for such a wonderful production. Columbia school thanks the Towle for bringing live theater to our kids." Anthony Salinas, Principal - Columbia Elementary School

"I want to tell you that I loved Pickle Chiffon Pie. I teach kindergarten and I'm always looking for positive, fun experiences for my little ones. Pickle Chiffon Pie kept my children interested and excited. It had just the right mixture of visual wonder and musical delight. It was great for all ages, but I really appreciate a production that appeals to small children. Thanks again for the thoroughly enjoying time!"
Melissa Rhodes, Kindergarten Teacher-Lafayette Elementary School

"I was really impressed with your production of Pickle Chiffon Pie. It was very entertaining and the students were interested and attentive!!! Everyone enjoyed the performance. I give it 5 stars."
Heidi Moore, Kindergarten Teacher-Kenwood Elementary School

Robot Mike - a play
Sponsored by Hammond Machine works

Adapted for the stage by Shelley J Crosby and Jeff Casey
Based on a story by David Lee Csicsko & Bob Kopach

Sometimes being a little guy is hard - especially when everyone around you is so tall. Robot Mike tells the story that everyone, no matter what size they are have value and purpose. You can accomplish anything regardless if you are small, medium or very tall.

Premiere Performance - Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 10:30am & 1:00pm

Available for bookings in Fall 2011. Contact us for booking and show information at mikebooking@towletheater.org or 219-937-8780.

Partnerships

Readers Theatre
-Serving over 1000 students at 6 elementary school sites in Hammond
-Culminating Field-trips here at the Towle

Making Memories
-4th year in partnership with SSA
-Serving Hammond, East Chicago, Merrillville, Schererville, Dyer, Portage, Gary and South Haven year around

Breakfast & Books-
Literacy program in collaboration with Food Bank of NWI, Indiana University Northwest & Hammond Public Library to provide a hot, nutritious, healthy breakfast to area children at risk of hunger. Reading, arts and theater components are included in each session.