Virtual Classes at The Playhouse
Fall 2020 classes are in the planning stages and may be a mix of in-person and virtual. Sign up to receive a class schedule once it is released. Be sure to choose the appropriate Class Information lists.
Here are some examples of virtual classes we offered this summer and the great feedback we received from parents!
Kinley is having a blast! It is really the first time she has been this engaged with a virtual class.
June 8-12, 2020, for Grades K-9
The Color Chronicles
June 8-12
Grades K-1
$50
Session 1: 9:00-9:45 AM daily with instructor, in addition to pre-recorded content and offline activity*
A grownup or older (12+) sibling should be present to assist with technology as needed. Using games, story dramatization and more, we’ll explore books like The Day the Crayons Quit and Frankencrayon that use colors to explore feelings and expressing yourself.
Teaching Artist: Maddie Ripperger
Build it Bigger
June 8-12
Grades 2-3
$55
Session 1: 10:30-11:30 AM daily with instructor, in addition to pre-recorded content and offline activity*
Using the items you find around your house, including recycled materials, we’ll use our creations to create characters and settings, act out stories, play games, and encourage cooperation and wide-eyed imagination.
Teaching Artist: Brett Spahr
Jumanji
June 8-12
Grades 4-6
$60
Session 1: 10:00-11:15 AM daily with instructor, in addition to pre-recorded content and offline activity*
Session 2: 1:30-2:45 PM daily with instructor, in addition to pre-recorded content and offline activity*
Very important: Once a game of Jumanji is started it will not be over until one player reaches the Golden City. Join Peter and Judy (and some lions, monkeys and snakes) on their jungle adventure and design and create digital backdrops and virtual props inspired by the story, all from your home! Rehearse the scenes for a virtual showcase on the last day!
Teaching Artist: Jenna Darsee
*Students should sign up for either Session 1 or Session 2.
Virtual Improv
June 8-12
Grades 7-9
$75
1:30-3:00 PM online with instructor
Join teaching artist Joe Van Haecke (Comedy XPeriment) for an intro to short form improvisation. Work on theatre games and improv exercises, with an emphasis on developing grounded characters and scenes based on relationships. There will be an informal demonstration at the end of the final class to share new skills with parents and family!
Teaching Artist: Joe Van Haecke
June 15-19, 2020, for Grades K-6
Rumble in the Jungle
June 15-19
Grades K-1
$50
Session 1: 9:30-10:15 AM daily with instructor, in addition to pre-recorded content and offline activity
A grownup or older sibling (12+) should be present to assist with technology as needed. Let’s get ready to ruuuumble! Take a walk on the wild side and let your inner animal out to play. We’ll explore the jungle and act out its inhabitants’ stories. Let’s go on an adventure!
Teaching Artist: Robin Fulton
Munchkinland
June 15-19
Grades 2-3
$55
Session 1: 10:30-11:30 AM daily with instructor, in addition to pre-recorded content and offline activity
We all know what happened to Dorothy, but what about the Munchkins? What happened before the house landed on the Wicked Witch? What happens after Dorothy leaves on the Yellow Brick Road? And, what is the Lollipop Guild anyway? Create and tell their stories, from the Munchkins’ point of view.
Teaching Artist: Kim Van Haecke
Performance Academy, June 15-26, 2020, for Grades 4-8
Performance Academy: The Big One-Oh!* Online Edition
June 15-19 and June 22-26
Grades 4-8
9:30 -11:30 AM (not all students will be required for the full two hours each day)
$150
Charley Maplewood has never been one for parties-that would require friends, which he doesn’t have. Well, unless you count his imaginary monster friends. He decides to throw a birthday party for himself, complete with a “house of horrors” theme. Of course, things don’t work out as planned. This 20-minute version based on the beloved children’s novel and hit TYA musical is specifically designed to be rehearsed, produced, and performed on the internet. Students must have a computer for rehearsals and an additional device for playing music or recording work.
Teaching Artist: Meredith Toebben
This class has reached full enrollment and is now closed.
Private Coaching for Grades 5-12
Virtual Private Coaching
Students 5th grade and older may sign up for private 30-minute coaching for $30.00 each with select instructors the weeks of June 8-12 and June 15-19. Time slots are available on a limited basis and must be scheduled through the individual links below. Each coaching may have one or two participants working on a song (solo or duet), monologue or scene. You may sign up for more than one slot. There are a variety of teaching artists and times available. All lessons will use the Zoom platform and will be recorded for the safety and security of students and staff. A parent may be present in the virtual classroom space if you wish. Questions? Call or email Robin Spahr at 515-974-5365 or rspahr@dmplayhouse.com.
The children are both having a very good time. Alhena made a wonderful backdrop yesterday after her class and is looking forward to sharing it this afternoon. We are all so glad you chose to do these online classes. It really has given them a very creative and positive experience, and things to do that they would not have done on their own.
Thank you so much for this amazing experience for Kate and the other kiddos. I was a little skeptical how the online camp would work but the finished product was so fun! She had a great time and I feel like she learned a lot from camp and is excited to continue being part of theater and drama experiences. Thank you for the extra effort you both put in to make virtual camp happen!! Bravo!
Just a quick note to share how great this week has been for Ellie! The team has done a great job. Thank you for thinking outside the box and making this happen! It’s so important for these kids to have opportunities to connect with others.