STAAR Theatre is gearing up for its fall 2023 STAAR Studio performing arts educational series, which will offer songwriting, ballet, tap, theater dance, voice technique and choir.
“Offering a regular season of classes for adults, youth and children is a priority for STAAR,” said Tammy Pierchoski, Executive Director of STAAR Theatre at Antoinette Hall. “Classes we have offered in the past have been very popular, so we expect great interest in those we have planned.”
Pierchoski emphasized that class participants do not have to have any prior experience in music, dance or songwriting.
“Our instructors are professionals in their disciplines, and they are prepared to guide and inspire student in a relaxing atmosphere,” Pierchoski said, adding that class sizes are small to ensure personalized attention.
Dance Classes
Drama Classes
Music Classes
For multi class and sibling discounts on performing arts classes only, use the following codes online:
fall23multi
fall23sibling
In a six-week session, dance instructor and longtime STAAR choreographer and director Mary Ann Trimble will offer one-hour Beginner Tap, Ballet and Intermediate Tap for adults during the day on Mondays, while two separate 90-minute Theater Dance Combo classes for children ages 8-11 and youth ages 12-18 will be held on Saturday mornings.
Sandy Slayton-Mavrotheris will provide six weeks of instruction for those desiring to learn more about theatrical performance.
“Sandy has decades of experience in all aspects of theater from choreography to directing to acting,” Pierchoski noted. “She’s directed numerous plays at STAAR and has been the choreographer for many of our productions. She’s even starred in a few herself.”
Slayton’s class will be an excellent introduction to theater for aspiring thespians as well as a great refresher for those who hope to get back on the stage after a hiatus, according to Pierchoski.
Holly Aldridge has brought her theatrical and musical direction expertise to STAAR for numerous productions over the last decade.
“Holly is has spent 25 years as a public-school music and drama teacher,” said Pierchoski. “STAAR Studio class members will be extremely lucky to have this caliber of vocal instruction.”
She will conduct classes on Tuesday evenings for students age 16 through adult in both Voice Technique and Choir. Two separate Saturday morning Voice Technique classes will provide instruction for children ages 8-12 and youth ages 12-18.
“In a small group atmosphere, participants in Voice classes will learn proper singing and breathing techniques,” Aldridge explained. “Adult Choir participants will focus on using correct choral techniques to sing together. Songs will be chosen to fit the group. Possible styles to include choral/classical, folk, traditional, show tunes, a cappella…the choices are endless!”
Aldridge’s six-week, one-hour sessions will culminate in a mini recital on the last day of class.
Classes will be held at STAAR Studio, known to Giles Countians as the old Abernathy Hardware building, located at 111 North First Street on the Pulaski Courthouse Square. Register for classes at staarthetre.org.
