Junior Art Park Players . . .

The Junior Art Park Players Dramatic and Musical Theatre School was created in 1981, as Sue Fenley Meyers became Artistic and Managing Director of Deer Park’s own Community Theatre. Theatrical training for children has long been a major focus of the Art Park Players. The Junior Art Park Player program has grown from the original 6 students in 1981 to well over 250 today. Training in musical theatre and drama are offered to children and teenagers between the ages of 4-18. This innovative award–winning youth company performs at minimum 5 shows a year. Members of the group are even given the opportunity to audition for one or more of our Premiere Junior Art Park Player Companies: STREET SCENE (our "Oldies" Pop group); SOUL SOUNDS (Christian and Alternative music); THE ROCKIN' COWGIRLS (Country and Western); or our year-round performing JUNIOR ART PARK SINGERS. Our performing groups have traveled to many wonderful places, including Los Angeles, Florida, London, Pigeon Forge and New York.  Audiences from Branson, Missouri to Disney’s Big Red Boat and Carnival Cruise Line’s “Fun Ship” Ecstasy have thrilled to the acting and musical talents of these youngsters.

The course of instruction encompasses virtually every aspect of theatre: acting, enunciation, vocal performance, development of creative imagination, stage direction, facial and vocal expression, choreography, vocal projection, body language, team work, active listening skills, theatre discipline and etiquette, technical theatre, commercial training, public speaking and modeling. Even the “business” side of theatre is touched upon with lessons on such practical tasks as how to select an agent. In addition to classroom activities and performances in and out of class, students also have the opportunity to audition for Art Park Player dinner theatre productions when appropriate roles are called for.  Our goal is not only to teach the students the basics of theatre, but also to help instill in them self esteem and confidence and the joy of performing. Class assignments are made according to the age, experience and ability of each student in order to ensure an environment most conducive to learning and personal growth.

The theatre school is under the direction of Art Park Player Artistic Director, Susan McBee Mele who has been involved with the community theatre since 1981. Susan has enlisted a great group of talented acting, singing, dancing and technical theatre specialists to assist. The staff this semester is as follows:

Musical Theatre and Dramatic Acting School Instructors: Susan Mele, Dawne Wilson, Kathy Manzano, Fred White, Heather Trevino, Scott Manning, Josh Estrada

Assisted by: Margo Staley and Amanda McBee

Vocal Performance Instructors: Eva Piper and Susan Mele

Private Vocal Instructor*: Cortney Castallis

Dance & Choreography Instructors: Shawn Lester, Dana Lester and Alice Miller

Technical Theatre Instructor: Joe Piper

Modeling Instructors: Susan Mele, Maxine Chrisenberry and Sarah Mitchell

*Private voice and piano lessons are available. Appointments can be made by calling 281-478-7288. There are limited slots available.

JR. ART PARK PLAYER NEWS AND SUMMER CLASSES