PRESCHOOL DIVISION 

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Broadway Babies (ages 4-5) is a fun, upbeat class open to our youngest performers who love singing, dancing, acting, and the spotlight! 

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Primary Musical Theatre is for 6 year olds who are new to musical theater or dance. Does your child love to perform? Singing, dancing, acting...this class has it all. Children will learn basic choreography and to memorize lines and music. Students will work on two scenes throughout the year, with an accompanying song and dance- one in the Fall and one in the Spring. These scenes will each be performed for family members at Barriskill.

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STUDIO DIVISION 

 

Studio Musical Theatre Program (Level 1-Apprentice & Triple Threat Prep) begins at a recreational level and increases in expectation as students progress towards Conservatory level. Our goal is to teach students about the fundamentals of musical theatre, and what it takes to put together a show. Students gain experience as they move up through each level and take on more responsibilities. The ultimate goal for Studio Musical Theatre students is to graduate to the Conservatory Musical Theatre program.

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​Musical Theatre 1  An in-depth look at musical theatre to include staging, blocking, vocals, and choreography. Students will have a brief voice lesson, taught by Dr. Emily, during each class. Students will showcase their acting in an in-studio performance at the end of each semester. In addition, they will be a part of the Studio Division Musical Theatre Performance at Duke in both the Fall and the Spring. Performances at Duke are purely singing and dancing. All acting will be performed separately at Barriskill.

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Musical Theatre 2 students are expected to have completed at least 1 recent year of MTR and be placed by an instructor. Placement is dependent upon several factors, such as age, ability, and experience. It is expected that students in this level can fully memorize lines without needing to be prompted, as well as retain choreography and song lyrics. Each class includes 30 minutes of vocals and 1 hour of choreography and acting. Students will showcase their acting in an in-studio performance at the end of each semester. In addition, they will be a part of the Studio Division Musical Theatre Performance at Duke in both the Fall and the Spring. Performances at Duke are purely singing and dancing. All acting will be performed separately at Barriskill. Another dance class (MTR technique, jazz, or ballet) is not required, but strongly encouraged to support dancers in their MTR classes.

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Musical Theatre 3 students are expected to have completed at least 2 recent years of MTR and/or be placed by an instructor. Placement is dependent upon several factors, such as age, ability, and experience. It is expected that students in this level are capable of staying focused for the full 1.5 hours of instruction and can easily transition between the vocal, acting, and dancing portions of class. Each class includes 30 minutes of vocals and 1 hour of choreography and acting. Students will showcase their acting in an in-studio performance at the end of each semester. In addition, they will be a part of the Studio Division Musical Theatre Performance at Duke in both the Fall and the Spring. Performances at Duke are purely singing and dancing. All acting will be performed separately at Barriskill. Another dance class (MTR technique, jazz, or ballet) is required to support dancers in their MTR classes.

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Musical Theatre 4 requires teacher placement. This class focuses on vocals, choreography, and character development in separate segments. Students are expected to come prepared to class, with lines memorized, and ready to focus. Level 4 students are given more material to memorize, making weekly class attendance even more important. Each class includes 30 minutes of vocals and 1 hour of choreography and acting. Students will showcase their acting in an in-studio performance at the end of each semester. In addition, they will be a part of the Studio Division Musical Theatre Performance at Duke in both the Fall and the Spring. Performances at Duke are purely singing and dancing. All acting will be performed separately at Barriskill. Another dance class (MTR technique, jazz, or ballet) is required.

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Musical Theatre 5 requires teacher placement. This class focuses on vocals, choreography, and character development in separate segments. Students are expected to come prepared to class, with lines memorized, and ready to focus. It is expected that students have a strong foundation in the basics of dance, can apply the instructor's notes on their acting performance, and are establishing healthy vocal techniques. Each class includes 30 minutes of vocals and 1 hour of choreography and acting. MTR 5 will perform a scene at the end of the Fall semester at Barriskill. They will also participate in the Fall Studio Division Musical Theatre Performance at Duke in December. Level 5 students are promoted to the lead roles in the Spring Studio Division Musical Theatre Performance at Duke. All auditions will take place during class time. Another dance class (MTR technique, jazz, or ballet) is required.

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MTR Apprentices requires teacher placement. This class meets twice per week and focuses on vocals, choreography, and character development in separate segments. Students are expected to come prepared to class, with lines memorized, and ready to focus. Class time each week is treated as a rehearsal, rather than a typical "class". Students must spend time out of class practicing, as rehearsals move at a quick pace. It is expected that students have a strong foundation in the basics of dance, can apply the instructor's notes on their acting performance, and have established healthy vocal techniques. MTR Apprentices will perform as the leads in the Fall and Spring Studio Division Musical Theatre Performances at Duke. All auditions will take place during class time. Students may expect to spend 2 years in MTR Apprentice. Another dance class (MTR technique, jazz, or ballet) is required.

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MTR Triple Threat Prep (TTP): This class is adjacent to MTR Apprentice in terms of expectations. This level is designed for graduating MTR 5 students who need more support in one or more areas of musical theatre (acting, vocals, dance), or for brand new students who have the same needs. The goal for MTR TTP students is to become a true “triple threat”, which will prepare them to participate in MTR Apprentice as a potential lead. MTR TTP students spend the fall semester fine tuning their skills, and are then invited to audition alongside the MTR Apprentice students for lead roles in the spring semester. This class will meet twice per week in the spring semester. Another dance class (MTR technique, jazz, or ballet) is required.

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CONSERVATORY DIVISION: (by invitation only)

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Conservatory Musical Theatre (Level 7- PrePro 2) is a pre-professional program. Our goal is to give students a real-life experience from auditions and rehearsals to the stage. This fast-paced program is dedicated to fostering the development of students’ skills in acting, singing, and dancing. Students are expected to have a strong foundation in all three of these skills in order to be promoted to this level. One ballet or jazz class per week is a requirement for Conservatory students. However, they are strongly encouraged to support their skills by taking acting and voice lessons as well- all offered at the studio.

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Students follow a more rigorous format with 3 hour rehearsals on Tuesdays and an additional 1 hour class later in the week. Occasional weekend rehearsals will also be scheduled.

Additional Expectations:

• Preparedness. Choreography, lines, blocking, and songs should all be reviewed prior to each rehearsal.

• Communication. Students are expected to communicate with the director via email, or at an appropriate time during rehearsal. 

• Attendance. Students should be present and punctual. Any absences must be communicated in advance, and students should learn any missed material before the next rehearsal.

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Supplemental Classes:

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Musical Theatre Dance Technique (ages 10+ or MTR 4+) For performers who want to strengthen foundational dance skills essential for musical theatre.  Students will focus on jazz and ballet techniques to improve versatility and elevate stage presence. Emphasis is placed on strength training, coordination, musicality and performance quality to help dancers execute choreography with confidence and precision. 

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Vocal Technique 1: Taught by Dr. Emily (class descriptions coming soon)

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Vocal Technique 2: Taught by Dr. Emily

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Information on Acting Classes can be found HERE.