To contact us:

PO Box 80892

Springfield, MA 01138

Phone: 413-739-1983

Fax: 413-746-3776

E-mail: steve@dramastudio.org

Pro Teen—New DS Program for Valley Teens

 

Pro Teen is a new performance program for teens in the Greater Springfield.   

 

An initial series of four ProTeen events will take place at the Drama Studio during the late-spring and summer.  Each evening will consist of performances by area teens, followed by a general discussion by performers and audience members with opportunity for individual feedback.  The Drama Studio is an intimate black-box theatre seating 75 and no mikes are necessary. Refreshments and social time will follow the performances. 

 

ProTeen will be launched with a Comedy Improv Night on Saturday, May 17 at 7:30PM.  Improv troupes are very active at the college and regional level and are becoming popular at the high school level.  Area teen improv groups are invited to join SHimprov from South Hadley HS, Funktionlust from Northampton HS and Strawberry Police from the Drama Studio to present sketches in either short form or long form.   

 

ProTeen is designed to bring artistic teens together throughout the region to share their creative ideas and to get feedback about their work.   The program will focus on teens who share an interest in the spoken or sung word and will provide a series of opportunities for them to gather together to celebrate their accomplishments. 

 

Other events planned are:

 

Cabaret Night, Saturday, June 14, at 7:30PM.   Theatre songs with live piano accompaniment.   Songs can range from the golden age of theatre song (approximately 1920-1970) to songs from contemporary shows.  Singers need to call the Studio (413) 739-1983 by June 1 to arrange a meeting with accompanist Steve Hays.  Each singer may present up to five minutes of song (1-2 songs).   A featured performer will be Sonja Funk, local song stylist and voice teacher. 

 

Spoken Word Night Saturday July 12, at 7:30PM.  Teen poets in the Valley will perform their works on stage.  Interested teens should register by July 1 and be prepared with at least 10 minutes of performed work.   Featured poet will be local poet Shariff Butler. 

 

Video Night, Saturday, September 20, at 7:30PM.  Teen videographers in the Valley will present their work. Interested teens should submit selections in DVD format by August 15 of the works they would like to show.    Selections should be no longer than 10 minutes.   Send DVDs to Drama Studio, PO Box 80892, Springfield, MA 01138.   Featured videographer will be Steve Cary, a member of the Drama Studio faculty.

 

Teens who are interest in participating in the program should contact ProTeen Coordinator Amy Sackman at the Drama Studio (413) 519-2391.   Due to the Studio’s limited seating capacity, teens who wish to attend the events need to make reservations by calling the Studio (413) 739-1983.  Admission is free.  For additional information about the Drama Studio, visit the Studio’s website at www.dramastudio.org.

 

ProTeen is presented in part by a grant from the Community Foundation of Western MA.  Now in its 21st season, the Drama Studio offers the area’s only conservatory-style acting training program and currently serves 250 acting students.  In addition, it serves another 3000 elementary students through its touring program to Springfield Elementary schools.