CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

PYT’s Pre-Professional Acting Classes are designed to lay the foundation for technique-based artistry through a progressive series of exercises, introduction to script analysis, and scene study/monologue work. All exercises are designed to encourage spontaneity; study real human behavior; help the actor become more sensitive, imaginative, responsive, and alive onstage; relax the actor; and bring more freedom to the work. Showcases throughout the year will provide students with ongoing performance opportunities and chances for growth. Our Pre-Professional students will work with professional actor and instructor, Mr. Nathan Costella, in their classes. ***NEW this year! The final Sunday of each month will be MASTER CLASS DAY where students work in class with NYC guest professionals on special topics! This will enhance students’ versatility and exposure to different techniques and perspectives in theater.***

PYT’s Vocal Classes and Private Lessons are designed to provide a solid technical foundation for a student’s developing voice. Exercises help students with breathing, support, posture, tone creation, placement of sound, range, blending between registers to eliminate vocal breaks, endurance, and control. Students will also work with our faculty on coaching musical theater repertory, thereby expanding their ‘book’ of songs. Vocal cabarets throughout the year will provide students with ongoing performance opportunities and chances for growth. Private vocal lessons are recommended for older pre-teens and teens as curriculum can be customized to the student’s developing voice. Group vocal classes are a great option for younger students to develop their fundamentals. Classes and lessons are taught by PYT’s Associate Director and Head Musical Director, Dr. Lauren Barchi, and Musical Director, Mr. Tom Riley.

PYT’s Dance Classes are offered through our sister program, The Dance Loft. We highly recommend that students develop proficiency in ballet, tap, and jazz. Students also have the option of taking classes in lyrical, modern, hip-hop, and acro. Students can expect to improve their flexibility, agility, balance, rhythmic awareness, and ability to pick up choreography quickly—all essential qualities in a well-rounded musical theater actor. Classes are taught by current and retired professional dancers. Students will have the option to participate in The Dance Loft’s annual end-of-year recital to showcase the skills they’ve acquired throughout the year. This will take place on Saturday, June 13th at the Maguire Theater (SUNY Old Westbury).

PYT’s Broadway Babies Class is intended for our future stars! Through imaginative games, improvisation using play, and basic scene work, students will gain an excellent introduction to the art of acting. Students will also begin to develop their voices through foundational vocal work and will gain an understanding of basic dance and movement. This is the perfect class for young students showing an interest in the performing arts! This class will be taught by PYT’s Director (and retired musical theater performer), Ms. Brooke Robyn Dairman. Students will perform at our Spring Cabaret in May!

PYT’s Musicals are full-length productions that provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate the skills they’ve mastered in their technique classes. Directed, musical directed, and choreographed by top pros in the field, students are taught about professional musical theater standards so that those who wish to pursue higher education or a future career in the performing arts are fully prepared. We maintain the highest standards for lighting, sound, scenic design, and all elements of theater that contribute to a beautifully-executed production. Once students have participated in a PYT musical, they are hooked! Our Senior Winter Musical, Little Women, will be directed by Mr. Nathan Costella and musical directed by Dr. Lauren Barchi. Our Youth and Junior Winter Musical, Shrek, will be directed and choreographed by Ms. Brooke Robyn Dairman and musical directed by Mr. Tom Riley. We will announce our Spring shows before the holidays!

***PYT reserves the right to admit younger students of exceptional ability to any class.  
Our staff will make all determinations based upon the focus, maturity, and experience of each individual student.***

Please click here to register. If you have any questions, please email proyouththeatre@gmail.com and a member of our staff will get back to you shortly. Thank you!