Tibbits Summer Theatre presents Kids Theatre Workshop at Tibbits Opera House

Workshop June 11-16  * Showcase June 17

Students interested in all things theatre, both on stage AND off are encouraged to attend one or both sessions of the week-long summer workshop that will explore all aspects of theatre.

The ACTING sessions are split into two: A morning session is available to students grades 7-12 while the afternoon session is available to students grades 3-6. Students will hone their acting skills. Through acting games and collaboration exercises students will learn to be comfortable on stage before quickly transferring into ‘rehearsal’ mode to work on the workshop’s performance showcase.

Additionally, the exciting afternoon session for students in grades 7-12 explores TECHNICAL THEATRE and the world of theatrical design. Whether exploring lighting, prop, set, or sound design, the sessions will give a well-rounded, hands-on technical education where students will work on becoming the crew for the performance showcase (when they’re not performing, if they are doing both sessions).

Led by professional actors/technicians/instructors from June 11-16, the workshop culminates with the showcase on June 17 for students to show off their new skills! Along with their instruction, workshop-goers will receive a t-shirt and a ticket to attend a professional Tibbits Summer Theatre production.

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE *locations will vary around the Coldwater area
Sun June 11
•2pm-4pm: All students
•4pm-6pm: TECH students only

Mon June 12-Thurs June 15:
•9am-12pm: ACTING grades 7-12
•1pm-4pm: ACTING grades 3-6; TECHNICAL THEATRE grades 7-12

Fri June 16:
•9am-12pm: All students (Run Thru Rehearsal)
•1pm-4pm: All students (Dress/Tech Rehearsal)

Sat June 17:
•9:45am: All students (Watch Aladdin’s Luck)
•2:30pm: All students report to backstage door wearing showcase shirt
•SHOWCASE at 3pm

Students should register for all workshop sessions by May 26.

One session: $150 regular; $125 Tibbits Member
Both sessions: $250 regular; $200 Tibbits Member  *Parents are responsible for lunch and arrangements between sessions.

SCHOLARSHIP applications for a reduced workshop fee are available by downloading this form HERE. All applications must be returned by May 19.

JUNIORS/SENIORS: Would you like to be considered to be a student assistant for the younger group’s acting session? If so, download an application HERE. All applications must be returned by May 19.

Please help keep our community healthy. If you are ill or experiencing any symptoms, please DO NOT attend a session.

MEET OUR WORKSHOP INSTRUCTORS

Acting Instructor: Chad Tallon

Chad has been a K-12 theatre educator for the last 7 years at Thomas Metcalf School in Illinois. Prior to that, he worked as both an actor and production manager at Redhouse Arts Center in New York and traveled the country in the National Players tour of Taming of the Shrew and Of Mice and Men while also working as an actor at Tibbits over the summer since 2011. He has been in and directed too many shows to count, but loves bringing theatre to people who wouldn’t normally have their eyes opened to it. In his free time he loves to watch all kinds of baseball while also doing some writing. He’s looking forward to another BIGGER and BETTER camp this year and can’t wait to see all the campers in action!

Technical Theatre Instructor: Lexa Walker

Lexa grew up around Ann Arbor learning from and working with her parents in professional theaters all over southeast Michigan. Her father, Dan, had her running light boards by age 2. Her interest and passion grew until she was seeking her own employment in local theatres in high school. Lexa was also a very active participant in her own local theatre summer program. After High school, Lexa went to Michigan Technological University receiving a B.S. degree in Theatre and Entertainment Technologies. Over the past few years, Lexa has worked for various companies building and designing scenery, lighting, properties, and some costumes. Currently, Lexa is the Assistant Technical Director and Scene Shop Manager for Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Most of her time at work is spent training college students on all tech aspects to produce the shows for the university. Lexa is thrilled to return to her roots working with younger students for Tibbits Summer Workshop! Lexa’s passion has always been learning and teaching. Theatre is the perfect place to empower young individuals to shape their own unique experiences. 

Acting Assistant/Choreographer: Dennis Dizon

Dennis is thrilled to be returning to the Tibbits Summer Theatre Workshop this year! Dennis is a fresh New York based actor, after graduating with his BFA in Musical Theatre from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. At Emerson, he was involved in various performance-based projects, including different musicals/plays, choreographing and dancing for Emerson Dance Company, and being featured on Musicians Wanted, a web series for rising singer/songwriters to play their original music. Some of his favorite theatrical credits include: Jack (Into the Woods), Cain (Children of Eden), Doctor (Next to Normal), Man 1 (Songs for a New World), Light of the World (Godspell). He is ecstatic to work with the group of young artists here in Coldwater again, and to be a part of a Summer program that not only fosters artistic development and expression in the next generation of artists, but is also loads of fun! He cannot wait to get started and to see so many new and familiar faces! www.DennisDizon.com

 Acting Assistant: Rachel Sarles

Rachel grew up on the Tibbits stage and is excited to work with a new generation of young performers as they step into this same creative space. She is currently a junior BFA Musical Theatre major at Oakland University. Some of her favorite past roles include Olive Ostrovsky in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Oakland University) and swinging for Rhoda, Mimi, Nancy, and Lisa in A New Brain (Oakland University). Rachel has served as a Music Director and Vocal Coach for Quincy High School’s Drama Society for the past three years, including their most recent production of The Spongebob Musical. She is a strong advocate for theatre in rural communities and is passionate about connecting kids with opportunities in the arts like the ones she was fortunate to find at the Tibbits Opera House as a child.

Technical Theatre Assistant: Tyler Evans

From a very young age, Tyler started acting in drugstore commercials and fell in love with creating art onstage. Through working in summer camps to performing in high school, he has cultivated a passion for performing and teaching others the world of live theatre. Tyler received his Bachelors of Arts at LaGrange College. He’s worked not only as an actor but also as an electrician and carpenter! Some of his favorite shows include Crazy for You, A Few Good Men, Mousetrap, and Ring of Fire. Additionally, Tyler has taught Robotics classes that have allowed children to create, build, and program their very own robots. Tyler is incredibly excited to work with each and everyone one this summer!