Fundamentals

PYT's Fundamentals classes help young performers discover how their bodies and voices bring comedic or dramatic situations to life. Engaging the imagination is at the heart of every PYT experience, and our Fundamentals classes allow students to unlock their unique, theatrical creativity.

Playmakers (Ages 3-4/Preschool
Friday: 4:30-5:30pm
Instructors: Jill Dunn & Hannah Votta Coleman
Saturday: 9:00-10:00am
Instructors: Hannah Votta Coleman & Kim Patterson

The young artist in your family will find inspiration as they respond to literature through creative drama activities, movement, and music. Nursery rhymes, storybooks, and a multitude of props and costumes will inspire your young artist to create characters and explore amazing worlds. Children will perform in an end-of-the-year showcase (PYT Performs!), as well as informal "sharings" throughout the year.

Enrich this experience with ARTSPARK! or add our PRE-BALLET class.

Kinderplay (Ages 4-5/Pre-K-Kindergarten)
Friday: 4:30-5:30pm
Instructors: Jill Dunn & Hannah Votta Coleman
Saturday: 9:00-10:00am
Instructors: Hannah Votta Coleman & Kim Patterson

Munchkins, monsters, mermaids, and dinosaurs spark your young explorer's imagination as they enter the storybook worlds of fantasy and adventure. Physical and vocal skills develop through role-playing, while creativity and self-expression are nurtured through improvisations. Children will perform in an end-of-the-year showcase (PYT Performs!), as well as informal "sharings" throughout the year.

Enrich this experience with ARTSPARK! or add our PRE-BALLET or BEGINNING BALLET class.

First Stage (Grades 1 - 2) Tuesdays: 4:30 - 6:30pmInstructors: Jill Dunn & Hannah Votta Coleman Jump into the joys of storytelling through dramatic play in a creative environment in First Stage. Working with their classmate, young performers explore imaginary worlds, while developing basic skills in character development, movement, and voice. Using theatrical techniques, students will explore stage presence, basic dance techniques, and body coordination. A weekly dance class is an essential part of developing technique, musicality and expressiveness- add INTRO TO JAZZ/TAP,BEGINNING BALLET or BALLET I.
Second Stage (Grades 2 - 3) Thursdays: 4:30 - 6:30pm Instructors: Jill Dunn & Gary Minyard The spotlight shines on the body, the voice, and the imagination in Second Stage. Artistic energy will be focused on the exploration of dramatic structure and new creative movement techniques. Together, the young performers continue to develop language skills, unique characters, balance, coordination, and stage presence. A weekly dance class is an essential part of developing technique, musicality and expressiveness- add JAZZ/TAP I and/or BALLET I.
Third Stage (Grades 3 - 4) Thursdays: 4:30 - 6:30pm Instructors: Jill Dunn & Gary Minyard Tapping into the excitement of theatre games, creative drama, and music. Third Stage takes students on a high-octane tour through the world of performing arts. In groups, students will devise short scenes suggested by literature and art using the body as an essential tool. Their journey continues with vocal training, movement techniques, and improvisation. A weekly dance class is an essential part of developing technique, musicality and expressiveness- add JAZZ/TAP I, HIP-HOP I and/or BALLET I. The voice is a vital tool for a performer and proper training in singing is important- add PRIVATE or SEMI-PRIVATE VOICE LESSONS.
Fourth Stage (Grades 4 - 5) Tuesdays: 4:30 - 6:30pm Instructors: Jill Dunn & Hannah Votta Coleman Fourth Stage is our most advanced Fundamentals Class with an emphasis on complex movement and acting techniques. Students will be introduced to script analysis using familiar stories, plays, and musicals. Improvisation will also be key as the class works together to discover how the imagination inspires acting choices.. A weekly dance class is an essential part of developing technique, musicality and expressiveness- add JAZZ/TAP I, HIP-HOP I and/or BALLET I. The voice is a vital tool for a performer and proper training in singing is important- add PRIVATE or SEMI-PRIVATE VOICE LESSONS.

Imagination (Grades 1 - 3) Saturdays: 11:00 - 1:00pm Instructors: Hannah Votta Coleman & Kim Patterson A Saturday morning favorite, students become enamored with the world of the performing arts. Through theatre games, creative drama, movement, voice and dance, confidence and creativity emerge. Students work together to create scenes based on themes and ideas suggested by literature. Enrich this experience with ARTSPARK! A weekly dance class is an essential part of developing technique, musicality and expressiveness- add INTRO TO JAZZ/TAP, JAZZ/TAP I, BEGINNING BALLET or BALLET I.
Imagination Plus (Grades 4 - 6) Saturdays 11:00 - 1:00pm Instructors: Hannah Votta Coleman & Kim Patterson Imagination Plus unlocks the artist inside every student. Students have the opportunity to work with scripted materials, including scenes from PYT's Mainstage season, as well as other favorites. Improvisation, creative movement, dance, and vocal exercises will help develop stage presence and confidence. Enrich this experience with ARTSPARK! A weekly dance class is an essential part of developing technique, musicality and expressiveness- add JAZZ/TAP I, HIP-HOP I and/or BALLET I. The voice is a vital tool for a performer and proper training in singing is important- add PRIVATE or SEMI-PRIVATE VOICE LESSONS.
ArtSpark! Saturdays 10:00-11:00am Instructor: Hannah Votta Coleman Through drawing, painting, and other creative media, your growing artist's imagination will flourish and thrive. This hands-on visual arts class will be an adventure as students create backdrops, puppets, props, sets, and other pieces- transforming literature to art. This is the perfect addition to your child's IMAGINATION or IMATINATION PLUS class!

School of Performing Arts

Pennsylvania Youth Theatre