Aurora Academy Programs Study with Working Professionals to Bring Out Your Best Aurora Academy 2010 Fall Class Schedule
Study with Working Professionals to Bring Out Your Best Aurora Academy is the best theatre program for young people in Northeast Georgia. What sets us apart is the fact that our instructors are working professionals with years of experience. In addition to receiving training to be a winner onstage, students will take with them confidence, communication and life skills that will be a valuable part of their bright futures. The Wizard of Oz Ages 6-10 September 30 - November 18 Thursdays 4:30-6:00 pm Class culminates in a performance for friends and family members Talented youngsters will bring this favorite children’s tale to life. This production class will provide students with the valuable on stage experience all while encouraging teamwork, collaborating with peers and instilling a sense of self-confidence. Students will be active participants in creating sets, costumes and props for this whirlwind production. Fall Teen Ensemble Ages 12-17 September 28 – November 16 Tuesdays from 5:00 – 7:00 pm Class culminates in production on the Aurora Theatre Stage Attention Teens: Do you have a burning desire to be on stage? We have just the right class for you. In Aurora Fall Teen Ensemble, students will be lead through a series of exercises to develop material that gives us all a taste of the real-life experiences of today’s teens. Friends and family members are invited to a performance showcase that will be a culmination of the work created by the class. ADULT ACTING CLASSES Adult Acting Adults 18 + October 11 – November 15 Mondays 7:00 - 10:00 pm Class culminates in an audition showcase for Aurora Theatre Producing Artistic Director Anthony Rodriguez It is not too late for you to be on stage, and we have just the class for you. So join us for an exciting new opportunity. In our Aurora Theatre Adult Acting Class, learn the craft and technique of acting used by the professionals. Work on skills like cold readings, monologue delivery and how to succeed in the business of show business, and you learn to audition with confidence. Adult Scene Study & Character Development Adults 18 + October 11th – November 15th, Mondays 7:00 – 10:00 pm Delve deep into the craft of acting in this advance class, intended for students who want to take their technique and skills to the next level. Continuing to use a Stanislavski-based acting approach, students will be given scenes to workshop in class. All Classes Cost: $175 for the session Call 678-226-6222 *$25 Registration Fee for new Aurora Academy Students For more information Susan Reid
Director of Education
678-226-6226
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
2010 Aurora Academy Faculty Ricardo Aponte (Dance Instructor Middle & High School Students) Ricardo is a top professional theater choreographer, as one of the busiest in the region his credits include: Kiss Me, Kate, Annie Get Your Gun, Guys and Dolls, The Dinosaur Musical, Camelot, and Lucky Stiff (Aurora Theatre), Zanna Don’t and The Great American Trailer Park (Actor’s Express), Speech and Debate (Theatre in the Square), Altar Boyz (Horizon Theatre), Valhalla (Essential Theater), Godspell and Little Shop of Horrors* (Suzi nominated-best choreography-Atlanta Lyric Theater). Ricardo was recognized by the Sunday Paper for his Choreography in 2006-2007. Ricardo began his dance training at an early age from academies such as the Atlanta Ballet, Dance Devotion and Dance 101. Ricardo has taught in over 15 schools in GA, Applause For Kids, a musical theater based after school program in Buckhead as well as staging choreography for many high schools in the region Mary Nye Bennett (Lead Teacher Camp Aurora/ Acting Instructor Middle & High School Students -July session only)Mary graduated in 2001 with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre from the University of Mississippi. Her professional career began with Rocky Mountain Reparatory Theatre; Mary spent six summers performing there. In addition to performing, she was a part of their “Youth Theatre Workshop”. Mary started as a choreographer for the workshop teaching kids ages 8-14 the fun of dancing. In 2007 she became the Director of the entire youth Academy ages 8-18. Although she’s performed in over a dozen shows in Colorado her most important role was as teacher and friend to her 120 students. You may recognize Mary from her roles at Aurora Theatre, Darzee in Rikki Tikki Tavi and Carlotta in The Dinosaur Musical. Clay Causey (Voice & Music Instructor Middle & High School) Clay started his theatrical career, while still a voice and piano major at UGA, by performing in 11 musicals with Theatre of the Stars at the Atlanta Civic Center with many of the legendary stars of Hollywood and Broadway. After graduation, he moved to NYC where he enjoyed 19 active years as an actor, singer, pianist and musical director, working in musicals and cabarets. Clay had the good fortune of being chosen for the Broadway company of Snoopy and played Tenpin in a Town Hall revival of Knickerbocker Holiday with the great Richard Kiley. He also played the role of Lane in an Off-B'way mounting of Not in Ernest as well as roles for many regional theatres, repertory companies, and touring productions. Since moving back to his hometown of Atlanta, Clay has been an award-winning Musical Director, conductor, and pianist/keyboardist for more than 30 memorable productions at many local theatres. Clay was Supervisor of Voice Studies and Musical Director at Woodward Academy for 17 years and soon assumes the posts of Choral Director and Musical Director for Theatre at St. Pius X High School in 2010-11. He is currently enjoying his role as pianist for Shrew: the Musical at Georgia Shakespeare. Shane Desmond (Comedy Improvisation Instructor Middle & High School Students) Shane Desmond is a recent transplant from New York City, where he studied improv comedy under Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation, Saturday Night Live) at Manhattan's famed Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. He has appeared on Comedy Central and is an award-winning performer for his work in the NYC Fringe Festival production of Save the Goondocks! (The Goonies Musical) in which he played lovable Sloth Fratelli. He has been teaching children, college students and professionals how to be funny since 2002, though sadly he has only been funny himself since Tuesday. Brooke Hamilton (Shakespeare Acting Instructor Middle & High School Students)Brooke C. Hamilton is excited to join the teaching staff of Aurora Theatre this summer! She comes to the Aurora from Georgia Shakespeare where she worked four years as the education associate and company manager. Other teaching credits include The Alliance Theatre, The Center for Puppetry Arts, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, ART Station, and Imagine It! The Children's Museum of Atlanta. Brooke is also a stage manager, and has previously worked for The Alliance Theatre Collision Project, Actor's Express, The Center for Puppetry Arts and Virgina Stage Company. She looks forward to meeting the campers at Aurora! Megan Hayes (Lead Teacher Camp Aurora)Megan Hayes is the Middle School/Upper School Drama teacher at Holy Innocents' Episcopal School where she directed their Shuler Hensley nominated production of Grease! She has taught at the Alliance Theatre, Jewish Theatre of the South and workshops at the Atlanta International School. She has a BFA in Acting from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. Bethany Anne Lind (Acting Instructor Middle & High School Students - June session only)Bethany Anne Lind is an actor and teaching artist in Atlanta. She has taught with the Alliance Theatre, British Academy of Performing Arts, Kid's Drama Factory, and the Jewish Community Center. As an actor she appeared on Aurora's stage in Buy My House... Please! and The Storytelling Ability of a Boy. She has also been seen on stage at Alliance Theatre, Theatre in the Square, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, Georgia Shakespeare, Synchronicity and others. She looks forward to creating great theatre with students this summer! | 
