There is a new musical and acting studio for thespians — and future thespians, in West Windsor and Plainsboro. Although there have been several venues in West Windsor and Plainsboro for acting lessons, this is the first to focus on musical theater for adults, children, and teens.##M:[more]##
The Dance Corner, home of the West Windsor Plainsboro Dance Company, added the Dance Corner Musical Theater and Acting Academy to its class offerings. The program, under the directorship of Broadway actress-singer and Plainsboro resident Olga Talyn, is to train young talent to achieve excellence in their performing skills.
“The Dance Corner has quadrupled in size and experience has shown us that there is a wealth of talent in the area,” says Roni Wilityer, co-owner of the studio. “It was logical for us to expand at this time to meet the needs of the surrounding communities. By creating the Dance Corner Musical Theater and Acting Academy we will offer quality instruction to students who want to hone their talents for school productions, build confidence, perfect their communication skills, as well as instruct and prepare those who want to pursue a career in the performing arts.”
“We feel Olga Talyn is a great fit for our school,” says Amy DeCesare, co-owner of the studio. “She is a talented 30-year Broadway professional with coaching and directing credits who shares the same philosophy of creating a nurturing environment in which individuals can challenge themselves and evolve.”
An original cast member of Broadway’s “The Phantom of the Opera,” Talyn portrayed Madame Giry in the national Broadway tour. She founded and directed “The First All Children’s Theater” in New York, a company featuring teens who performed in musicals for young audiences created for them by noted Broadway composers. Her career began when she replaced Jane Curtin in “The Proposition,” Boston and New York’s improvisational revue.
“One of the beauties of this program is that it benefits on so many levels,” says Talyn. “Dancers don’t always understand how to tap into the emotional aspects of performance. A dance is a story that needs to be conveyed to the audience. Improvisation and acting classes teach them how to express that story. The same goes with singers. A song is a story to be told and is not just about the beauty of the music or the voice”
Improvisation for the theater, a 12-week class for ages 10 and up, focuses on developing a foundation through communication exercises and theater games. Techniques include how to listen and respond to others and develop scenes. The class, beginning in September, meets in the West Windsor studio on Saturdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m., and culminates in a comedy improvisation performance. The cost is $270.
Musical performance for the theater is for young singers to learn how to select material appropriate for his or her voice and how to understand a lyric. Audition techniques include how to deliver a song without losing vocal technique. An audition is required and the course culminates in a musical performance. (The audition is Sunday, September 14, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Plainsboro Studio. Bring a song and be prepared to sing a cappella. If you cannot make it to the audition, call the studio to set up an audition time). Plainsboro studio, 3 to 5 p.m. The cost is $360.
Advanced monologue and scene study is a 12-week class for ages 12 and up. “The focus will be on how to develop the appropriate monologue for audition purposes and how to work with a partner on truth and communication within a scene,” says Talyn. Classes will be held in the Plainsboro studio on Sundays from 5 to 7 p.m. The cost is $360.
Adult actor’s workshop features improvisational theater exercises along with monologue and scene study. The 12-week program will be held at the West Windsor studio on Fridays, from 8 to 9:30 p.m. The cost is $270.
Guest artists from the world of the Broadway, film, television, and music will present master classes throughout the year.
“I am also excited about our offering adult classes,” says Talyn. “It is not only to those with prior performing experience but to the corporate professional whose confidence, communication, and presentation skills will greatly benefit from our acting and improvisation workshop.”
— Lynn Miller
Open House, The Dance Corner, 335 Princeton-Hightstown Road, West Windsor, and 10 Schalks Crossing Road, Plainsboro, 609-799-9677. www.thedancecorner.org. Introduction for the new “Musical Theater and Acting Academy” presented by Olga Talyn, a Broadway actress from the original Broadway and touring production of “Phantom of the Opera.” While information will be available at both studios, Talyn will do a demonstration at the West Windsor location. Saturday, August 16, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
