Drama

Director Marta Hazekamp was raised in the theatre by a mother who was a drama teacher. She has acted professionally, locally, and in NYC, and has directed over 35 plays and musicals (she lost count). Marta has had numerous former students go on to professional careers in acting and theatre arts; actors, stage managers, directors, filmmakers, and costumers.

Research shows that kids who are involved in the theatre are not only happier but also...

Excellent public speakers
Have more confidence
Creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Collaboration and teamwork
Adaptability, and
Have higher social awareness, empathy, and healthier self-expression.

Who wouldn't want their child to have these lifelong skills?

Get set up for success and take a drama class!

Drama Class

Weekly drama classes work on the following skills and knowledge:

Theatre terms, definitions, and history
The anatomy of theatre (stage, backstage, tech booth, catwalk, wings, backdrops, etc.)
Public speaking skills: posture, eye contact, using the space, what to do with your body, speaking tempo, and enunciation
On-stage skills: "opening out", not having your back to the audience, balancing the stage, moving on stage and crossing with others, etc.
Acting our characters, body language, re-acting/responding, spacial awareness, using set pieces and props, and more
Improvisational skills
and so much more!

Levels of Drama Classes

Intro to Theatre

For target ages 7-11. One class a week. For beginners or those with no formal training. This level is not required or eligible to do Stagecraft Days. Performs a short play at the end of each session.

Intermediate Drama

For ages 9-13. One class a week. For those with little to no experience or those who have graduated from Intro to Theatre. Actors in this class hold the supporting roles in the shows. This level of drama studies with the Advanced drama class once a week and performs with them, and is also required to participate in the Stage Craft Days in preparation for the performance. (See below for more information about Stagecraft Days). Performs a play at the end of each session.

Advanced Drama

For ages *11-18. Two classes a week. For those with at least two RDMC plays or musicals under their belts AND director's placement. Actors in this class are awarded prominent (lead) roles in the plays. One class is with the intermediate-level drama class (we have a mentor system in place) and one class is without them. Now that the actors have the basics down, we work more diligently on character development, believability, accents and dialects, and professionalism. Additionally, all Advanced Actors are required to participate in the Stagecraft Days. Performs a play at the end of each session.

Stagecraft Days

What is Stage Craft?

Stagecraft is the technical aspect of theatre, film, and video production. It includes constructing and rigging scenery; hanging and focusing lighting; designing and procurement of costumes; make-up; stage management; audio engineering; and the making and procurement of props.

Stagecrafts are an important part of theatre arts and invaluable tools of the trade. All actors at some point will be required to be involved in these aspects of the theatre, not just here, but anywhere in the industry. Not only does it teach you respect for all roles in the theatre, but it also makes you a versatile and valuable member of ANY team.

Stage Crafts are the skills used to:

Build flats, set pieces, and props
Paint Flats, scenery, backdrops, set pieces, and props
Learn how to use tools such as hammers/nails, staple guns, power drills, measuring tapes, box cutters, hot glue, duct/masking tape, and more.
Teach why things are made this way and how to install and use them in the theatre

Maturity & Safety

The reason why only Intermediate and Advanced drama students are invited to learn Stagecrafts is largely in part due to safety precautions. Before being graduated, students must demonstrate maturity and respect in the classroom. They must show that they can be trusted with potentially harmful tools. Intermediate students "earn their stripes" by doing less risky tasks such as taping, gluing, and painting. Once they've earned it, they will be trained on tool safety and the proper use of each tool under adult supervision. Behavior and safety are strictly adhered to. Any tomfoolery will not be allowed and may be subject to immediate and permanent dismissal from the program.

Examples of Past Shows directed by Marta Hazekamp

The Ballad of Gopher Gap
The Song of the Mounties
Lady Pirates of Captain Bree
The Wizard of Oz
A Chorus Line
Chicago (excerpts)
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Lewis & Alice: A Story of Wonderland
Sleeping Beauty
The Importance of Being Ernest
Mary Poppins
The Lion King
Matilda
Annie
The Little Mermaid
A Christmas Carol
A Midsummer Night's Dream

... and many more!

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