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(Nov. 4, 2011)
Gold Coast Theatre Conservatory will perform the comedy “Science Schmience” on December 10 and 11 at 1:00 p.m. at The Discovery Center for Science and Technology at 43 West Thousand Oaks Blvd. The play was rewritten and produced specifically for The Discovery Center and will be performed within the exhibits; a first for both The Conservatory and the Center.
The cast of eight remarkable young people range in age from 5 to 17 and are from the Conejo Valley. Using the lessons and techniques they learn in their Saturday conservatory class – including comedy and stage combat – they have been responsible for shaping this original work: taking us through the scientific process from identifying a problem, forming an hypothesis and drawing the conclusion. “Science Schmience” is a comedy by television producer/writer Sherry Coben (creator of “Kate And Allie”), and directed by Stephanie Wilson.
Tickets are $10 and are available at the door only. For information, call 805/427-5314 or visit www.goldcoasttheatreconservatory.com and on Facebook.
ABOUT THE CONSERVATORY: “The Saturday classes are the cornerstone of The Conservatory,” says Billy Parish, Curriculum Director and teacher. “Each Saturday we break our morning up into three sessions to work on playwriting, monologues, theatre history and scene study.”
The Fall Session will culminate in a performance for parents and friends that will include monologues from different times in theatre history: Ancient Greece to present day. Each monologue is introduced by another student, who gives a brief insight into that theatre era and what was happening in the world to influence the art. The presentation will also include short original scenes written and performed by the students, plus scenes by published playwrights. Classes encourage the student to develop critical thinking skills which translates to higher test scores, greater interview abilities and strong self-confidence. What has always set The Conservatory apart is its specially-commissioned new works for schoolchildren; infusing History, Science, Government and Classic Literature into the arts.
Founding Artistic Direction, Stephanie Wilson has taught theatre to people of all ages since 1980. She has produced and directed for The Olympic Arts Festival, Cabrillo Music Theatre and Young Artists Ensemble. Also a playwright, her original productions have been showcased at the Mark Taper Forum and Covent Gardens in London. Instructor and Curriculum Director Billy Parish is a graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts, The National Theater Institute, the Moscow Art Theater, and holds a bachelor in Theater from Occidental College. He holds an advanced certificate with high recommendation from the British Society of Fight Directors.
COMING IN JANUARY! Beginning in January, The Conservatory will also offer classes designed specifically for highly-functioning young people with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. Working with teachers who are credentialed in special needs and with theatre professionals, this course has been crafted to encourage students to write, create and perform in a safe environment. The project grew out of the success of Autism, The Musical, and other similar programs. Classes will be held Tuesdays from 4:00 – 5:30. Wilson has been teaching and working with highly-functioning young people with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome since 1994. Associate Director, Shannon Nicole Feiman found her passion for working with this material while directing the play “Inside Out Upside Down.” For more information on this program or to be a sponsor, please call 805/427-5314.
The Conservatory Spring Sessions begins its Saturday classes for young people in grades three through twelve, starting January 21, 2012. Classes are held from 9:00 until noon, and students are expected to attend all classes. The cost for the fifteen-week Spring Session is $350 per student. Some financial assistance is available. Junior Conservatory, for students in grades K-2 begins on January 28, with classes from 9:00 to 10:00 am. The cost for the Junior Conservatory Spring Session is $200.
The Spring Production Lab will perform a non-musical, published play to be announced. Production Lab, by audition only, rehearses Mondays from 3:30 – 6:30, with some additional rehearsals the week prior to performances. Students in production lab must also be enrolled in the Theatre Conservatory. The fee for Production Lab is $180.
For information, call 805/427-5314 or visit www.goldcoasttheatreconservatory.com, or visit Facebook.