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CONTACT: Steven Box, Marketing Director
(937) 461-3823
steven@humanracetheatre.org

The Human Race’s 2006-2007 Theatre Classes for Children,
Teens and Adults Begin the Week of September 11

(Dayton, OH) – August 17 – The Human Race Theatre Company’s expanded theatre education program begins its 2006-2007 classes during the week of September 11. Once again, offerings include numerous classes for young children, teenagers and adults who are interested in theatre. “Knowing that the performing arts can be a life-long passion,” says Education Director Marilyn Klaben, “we have developed a curriculum that is designed to nurture that enthusiasm from early childhood on into retirement.” This season, The Human Race adds a new set of classes designed specifically with the workplace in mind. “For years, we’ve had inquires from local businesses about courses for their employees,” says Executive Director Kevin Moore. “We’re frequently getting requests from professionals to teach them how to give a successful presentation or how to communicate effectively in the workplace.” To that end, the company has created two BUSINESS TRAINING classes for the winter and spring of 2007.

The Human Race continues its highly successful Saturday ADVENTURES IN THEATRE series of beginning acting classes for both 6 – 8 year olds and 9 – 12 year olds. Instructor Jene Shaw teaches children the fundamentals of performing with playful, entertaining group activities. The first five-week sessions begin September 16.

Courses for teens ages 12 – 15 are focused towards improving performance skills. In each of Katie Pees’ Tuesday afternoon PLAY PRODUCTION classes, teens not only learn new acting techniques, they present a mini-performance for family and friends at the end of each session. The first five-week session begins September 12. Teenagers 15 – 18 years old really gain an advantage with two Thursday evening AUDITION INTENSIVE five-week courses. The September 14 class focuses on auditioning for school musicals while Scott Stoney’s January 11 class provides helpful tips to prepare students on getting into the college theatre program of their dreams.

With the success of last season’s new classes for adults, The Human Race Theatre is creating new ways to engage theatre lovers and aspiring actors. This fall Artistic Director Marsha Hanna gives a rare glimpse behind the scenes of two professional productions with INSIDE THE THEATRE EXPERIENCE. Students get a chance to meet the artists involved in the Loft Series shows Moonlight & Magnolias in October and Big River in December before attending a performance.

On Wednesday evenings, Adults who love the language of William Shakespeare have two chances to “speak the speech.” ACTING SHAKESPEARE uses the Bard’s poems and key scenes from his famous plays to make even the most challenging language accessible to anyone. Rocco Dal Vera teaches the first five-week session starting September 13 and Bruce Cromer instructs the second session starting February 14.

Instructor Carrie-Ellen Zappa returns for her second season with GETTING INTO THE ACT. Beginning Thursday evening, October 26 she puts her adult students in front of the lens with “Acting for the Camera”, supported by Dayton Access Television’s professional staff and studio. Then in her January 9 class “Developing and Performing Original Material”, she guides them in taking their own writings from the page to the stage.

Ms. Zappa also leads the new five-week BUSINESS TRAINING classes designed with the workplace in mind. The February 15 “Acting for the Corporate Professional” uses theatrical techniques to help employees improve their communication skills. The April 12 class “Successful Presentations for the Corporate Professional” provides students with coaching and practice in how to give effective presentations.

In addition to the season’s scheduled theatre classes, the Philips Creativity Center is the setting for BROADWAY BIRTHDAY BASHES on Saturday afternoons. The perfect birthday party for children ages 4 – 8 with the traditional cake and gift bags for the guests, each Bash ends with the children putting on a show for the parents. To reserve a date for a BROADWAY BIRTHDAY BASH, parents can call The Human Race Theatre’s office at (937) 461-3823. One month’s advance notice is required.

Scholarships for children in need of financial assistance are made possible by the generous support of the Rotary Club of Dayton Foundation.

For more information on The Human Race’s education programs, its theatre classes and scholarships, contact Marilyn Klaben at (937) 461-3823. Class descriptions, dates and fees, as well as a downloadable registration form are available online at www.humanracetheatre.org.

The Human Race Theatre Company receives organizational support from Culture Works, Montgomery County and The Shubert Foundation. The Ohio Arts Council helps fund The Human Race Theatre Company with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

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Founded in 1986, The Human Race Theatre Company presents universal themes that explore the human condition and startle us all into a renewed awareness of ourselves. The company moved to the Metropolitan Arts Center in 1991, taking up residence at The Loft, a 219-seat theatre. In addition to the Loft Series (in collaboration with the Victoria Theatre Association) The Human Race produces for the Fifth Third Broadway Series, the Musical Theatre Workshop series, and special event programming. The Human Race, under the direction of Artistic Director Marsha Hanna and Executive Director Kevin Moore, also maintains educational outreach programs for children and adults, guest artists and artist residencies in area schools, The Muse Machine In-School Tour, Youth Summer Stock and The Human Race Conservatory. The new Caryl D. Philips Creativity Center of The Human Race opened in January 2006 to provide a space for extensive theatre education classes and workshops.