Young Performers Program
The Young Performers Program (YPP) is for young people ages (6–17) who want to explore their creative and artistic talents. Since 1983, more than 3,000 Houston area youth, including some who are now professionals on Broadway, film and television, and a variety of other successful career paths. We combine the study of theatre, dance, music, arts education, technical skill, creative dramatics and performance for a well-rounded educational experience. Four sessions are held throughout the year: Spring Break (one week), two month-long Summer Break sessions, and Winter Break (one week).
The program offers an introductory overview of the arts through theatre, dance and music motivating youth to use theatre as a means to explore and inspire.
Each session culminates in a production that encompasses all of the taught disciplines.
For more information contact:
Teresa White, Artistic Payroll/Contractual Associate
713-807-4309
twhite@ensemblehouston.com
Winter Break Session
December 26 - January 3, 2020
Spring Break Session
March 16-20, 2020
Summer Sessions
Classes are held Monday through Friday 8:00 am–4:00 pm.
Extended day is available from 7:30 am–6:00 pm.
Session I June 1-27, 2020
Session II July 6 - August 1, 2020
Young Performers Classes Overview
Theatre Performance
Introduces students to role playing, creative exercises, improvisation, physical movement, breathing, vocal warm-ups, various aspects that go into a theatrical production and other basic performance techniques.
Theatre Theory
Explores acting styles through historical information, critical thinking, character analysis, monologue and scene execution.
Dance
Introduces breathing techniques, coordination and motor skills, balance, muscle tone, stretching and awareness of others working in an ensemble setting, dance terminology in various disciplines (ballet, hip hop, contemporary, African and jazz), and body position on stage.
Music
Strengthens diction and breathing techniques and their relation to music composition, vocal performance and instrumentation. Students will also learn how music influences the mood and action in a play.
Past Shows Performed by our Young Performers
- I Thought You Knew
- The Wiz
- A Broadway Revue
- Back 'N The Day
- Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit
- Dreamgirls
- The Emperor's New Clothes
- Nzinga & The Festival of Gifts
- Through the Eye of a Child
- How to Eat Like a Child
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- Cala Cinderella
Here are some of the Young Performers who have gone on to make a name for themselves:
Troy Cleveland — Little Giants, Fallen with Denzel Washington
Wayne Bell — National & Regional Television commercials
Dequina Moore — Broadway, Little Shop of Horrors
Tanisha Eanes — (Lynn) All My Children
Ashley Davis — (Tamar) recording artist, Grammy Nominee
Robyn Troup — American Idol, Grammy Awards Performer