Young Performers Program

Attention Parents — In response to COVID-19 and our desire to continue to offer education and enrichment to our youth this summer, we have transitioned to online classes to continuously cultivate creative minds.

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

Summer Online Sessions

June 15 - August 7, 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