JAPP Background

 

The Junior Art Park Players (JAPP) 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: REACTION (top performing group) and COMPANY (focuses strictly on intensifying and bettering the craft of Stage Acting); 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, Margo Staley, Justin Golden, Ryan Baker

 

Vocal Performance Instructors: Eva Piper and Susan Mele

 

Private Vocal Instructor*: Cortney Costallis

 

Dance & Choreography Instructors: Ryan Baker

 

Technical Theatre Instructor: Joe Piper

 

Modeling Instructors: Susan Mele

 

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

 

 

JAPP Registration Information

 

Junior Art Park Players Theatre Academy offers a versatile selection of talent-expanding, confidence-building classes and workshops throughout the year! With an average 200 students each semester, we would like to welcome you to our theatre family, and have you join us for a fun-filled season of ACTING, SINGING, and DANCING. There are NO REGISTRATION FEES, so it’s never too late to sign up!

 

Musical Theatre Class Sessions:

$75/semester ($50 each additional child)

 

JAPP Acting Company:

$75/semester

 

JAPP Modeling Class Sessions:

$75/semester

 

Private Voice, Dance, and Acting Classes:

Train w/ qualified instructors upon request.

$15/half-hour. $25/hour.

Technical Theatre Training is also available

Call 281-478-7288 for assistance on enrolling or for more information regarding classes. You can also send an email to artparkplayers@deerparktx.org

JAPP 2009-2010 Schedule

 

JUNIOR ART PARK PLAYERS offers many opportunities to shine in our greatest season to date! Class Sessions train your children in Musical Theatre and all aspects of the stage, leading up to two major JAPP productions and additional Revues and Fundraisers throughout the year.

-Fall Semester begins September 14, 2009.

-Spring Semester begins January 11, 2010.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE FOR 2010 FALL DRAMA CLASSES

Monday
4:30 – 6:30--------------*MUSICAL PERFORMING/DANCE GROUP & REACTION

Tuesday
4:30 – 5:30--------------6-7 Year Olds – Musical/Acting Theatre Classes
5:30 – 6:30--------------8-9 Year Olds - Musical/Acting Theatre Classes
                                10-17 Year Olds – “A Class Act” Modeling Class
Wednesday
4:30 – 5:30--------------10 Year Olds - Musical/Acting Theatre Classes
5:30 – 6:30--------------11-12 Year Olds -Musical/Acting Theatre Classes
                                 6-9 Year Olds – “A Class Act” Modeling Class

Thursday
4:30 – 5:30--------------4-5 Year Olds – Musical/Acting Theatre Classes
                                 Teen - Acting Class
5:30 – 6:30--------------Teen - Musical Theatre Class

If you have any questions regarding the above classes, please contact Susan Mele at 281-478-7288.

*Reaction is our JAPP top performing group, recently showcased on Carnival Cruise Lines’ Ecstasy Ship and performances around the state; 12 and up

 

**Company is our JAPP Acting Company that focuses strictly on intensifying and bettering the craft of Stage Acting; 12 and up

 

 

More JAPP Information

 

Theatrical training for children has been a part of Art Park Players, Deer Park ’s own Community Theatre, since 1981. A musical theatre school and a dramatic school are offered to youth ranging from ages 4-18. This innovative award winning youth company performs at the minimum 5 shows year around – they even have the opportunity to audition for musical performing groups that travel. These performing groups have traveled to such places as Los Angeles , Florida , London , Pigeon Forge, New York and have even performed in Branson, on Disney’s Big Red Boat and most recently on Carnival Cruise Line’s Ecstasy Ship.

The students are taught various theatrical skills such as 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, how to get an agent, modeling and participate in many class activities as well as having the opportunity to perform in the adult productions. 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. These classes will by taught according to the age and the ability of the students.

 

The theatre school is under the direction of Art Park Player Artistic/Managing Director, Susan Mele who has been involved with the community theatre since 1981 and is assisted by long-time Junior Art Park Player Margo Staley, Ryan Baker, Justin Golden and Joe Piper. Susan has enlisted a group of talented people in and outside the community with various backgrounds and who specialize in acting, singing, dancing and technical theatre.