Summer Program 2010
The Ensemble Theatre's Young Performers Program Presented by Marathon Oil


Session Two: July 12–August 7, 2010

The Ensemble Theatre Young Performers Present...

Kid Zero

August 6, 2010, 6:00PM
August 7, 2010, 11:00AM

Ticket Sales for performances — $10.00

When young Zero wanders off alone, little does she suspect that her disappearance will trigger citywide chaos. "Nobody knows positive from negative!" wails professor Al Gebra, as officers Plus and Minus search in vain for the missing digit. Author Ifa Bayeza's wordplay brims with fun, and the performers share the exuberance as they gambol through the show's many distinctive characters, slapstick chases, Harvey Mason's original songs (Amira Sabbagh's solo as rappin' Little X got a spontaneous ovation), and a dream vision of the great goddess ZenFinity. But beneath the scholarly high jinks of this kids' show lies the tale of a lonely child, derided as a "nothing," coming to discover her own value.

The Young Performers Program (YPP) is for young people ages (7–17) wanting to explore their creative and artistic talents. Since 1983, more than 3,000 Houston area youth, including some who are now professionals on Broadway, film and television, have participated in this exciting program, which combines the study of theatre, dance, music, arts education, technical, creative dramatics and performance.

The program offers an introductory overview of the arts through theatre, dance and music motivating youth to use theatre as a means to explore and inspire.

Classes are held Monday through Friday 8:00 am–4:00 pm. Extended day is available from 7:30 am–6:00 pm. Each four-week session culminates in a production that encompasses all of the taught disciplines.

Download the Summer application now.

Call or email Teresa White, Artistic Associate for more information: 713-807-4309

New Session for (ages 3-5) Pre-K and Kindergarten: August 16 - 20, 2010 --10:00AM- Noon

"Wonderful World of Make Believe"

The program involves movement, sounds, rhythms, and music. This one-week session is designed to help develop the children's motor skills, and encourage them to explore, reflect, imitate, and understand the world around them through performing arts techniques.

Young Performers Classes Offered

Theatre Performance
Introduces students to role playing, creative exercises, improvisation, physical movement, breathing, vocal warm-ups, various aspects that go into a theatrical production and other basic performance techniques.

Theatre Theory
Explores acting styles through historical information, critical thinking, character analysis, monologue and scene execution.

Dance
Introduces breathing techniques, coordination and motor skills, balance, muscle tone, stretching and awareness of others working in an ensemble setting, dance terminology in various disciplines (ballet, hip hop, contemporary, African and jazz), and body position on stage.

Music
Strengthens diction and breathing techniques and their relation to music composition, vocal performance and instrumentation. Students will also learn how music influences the mood and action in a play.

Past Shows Performed by our Young Performers
• I Thought You Knew
• The Wiz
• A Broadway Revue
• Back 'N The Day
• Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit
• Dreamgirls
• The Emperor's New Clothes
• Nzinga & The Festival of Gifts
• Through the Eye of a Child
• How to Eat Like a Child
• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
• Cala Cinderella

Here are some of the Young Performers who have gone on to make a name for themselves:
Troy Cleveland — Little Giants, Fallen with Denzel Washington
Wayne Bell — National & Regional Television commercials
Dequina Moore — Broadway, Little Shop of Horrors
Tanisha Eanes — (Lynn) All My Children
Ashley Davis — (Tamar) recording artist, Grammy Nominee
Robyn Troup — American Idol, Grammy Awards Performer

Spring Break Session 2010
March 15-19, 2010

Registration Begins: September 1, 2009

Attention Parents — Looking for positive, healthy, safe and fun activities for your young person (7–17) to do during spring break? Well, be a part of The Ensemble Theatre Young Performers spring break out session.

This spring break out session is a break from the norm… a break from school… a break from studying… and a break into the stimulating and exciting world of the performing arts through visual interpretation!!!

This spring break out session will focus on experiencing the various facets of the arts; we will take two (2) field trips to view different art venues at their finest. This week is packed full of fun and excitement. Classes are held Monday through Friday 8:00 am–4:00 pm. Extended day is available. At the end of the week the young performers will present their artistic interpretation of information gained from the field trips.

Classes are taught by professional actors and educators who have worked with The Ensemble Theatre and other professional organizations in the Houston area.

Download the Spring application now.

For more information contact:
Teresa White
Artistic Associate/Young Performer’s Director
713-807-4309
twhite@ensemblehouston.com