Market Street Theatre School
 Iowa's only professional theater school
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Summer Program
Alice Cooper said it best  "Schools Out for the Summer!!"  So now what do you do?  You make your parents happy and enroll in classes that expand your cultural knowledge, self awareness and are fun too.  In other words join us in the best summer acting classes available in Iowa.  The sign up sheet is on the registration page.

Our Instructors

Live from New York, it's Mary Beth Easley! Mary Beth has been Directing, doing Outreach and teaching Acting in New York City for over twenty years.  Her private clients have appeared on and off-Broadway, in television and film.  Her work has been featured at Ensemble Studio Theatre, Circle Rep, The Women's Project, Home for Contemporary Theatre and Art, Iowa Summer Rep and La MaMa, Etc. to name a few.  She recently directed Caseload at the Workshop Theater. She co-developed and directed the intercultural chamber opera, Krasang Tree, based on the work of Poet U Sam Oeur, which was premiered at Theatre de la Jeune Lune in Minneapolis.   A recipient of a Revson Directing Fellowship, she has been a faculty member of The Stella Adler Conservatory of Acting, The New American Theatre School, the University of Iowa, and is currently on the faculty of Brooklyn College. This summer she will be directing for Iowa Summer Rep, and teaching at Market Street Theatre School.


Iowa City’s own Broadway Baby, Kristen Behrendt DeGrazia

Kristen spent 5 years performing on Broadway in Les Miserables, Sunset Boulevard, King David and Side Show.  She spent a year touring the country playing Fantine in Les Mis. She has also performed extensively in the Chicago area where she has been a Jeff Award nominee. On television Kristen was a guest star on Sex and the City and has appeared in many commercials. Since moving to Iowa City with her family Kristen has performed frequently at Riverside Theatre and in 3 seasons with Iowa Summer Rep. Kristen has also taught Musical Theatre Performance and various youth drama classes to area children. Kristen holds a B.F.A in Musical Theatre from The U of Michigan.


Acting Classes

Making a Scene but Keeping it Real Scene Study fo Tweenagers
ages 9-12
 Acting is not pretending.  Acting is becoming and above all else, you gotta keep it real.  So how do you make your character believable?  How do you make a scene seem so real? How do you make a rehearsed moment appear to be happening for the first time? How do you make your character's words your own?  Through scripted scenes, and improvisation you'll explore techniques for keeping it real on stage.
Instructor: Mary Beth Easley

June 9-13      9:00 -12:00    $120.00

 

CSI Theatre: Character Study Investigation
ages 13-18
An actor needs to be an adventurous detective, persistent enough to uncover even the most elusive clues to character and bold enough to make strong choices in order to bring that character to life on stage.  In this exciting Character Study Investigation class, students will gain confidence and have fun as they explore contemporary and abstract plays that challenge them to act outside of the box.  The class is great for both beginning and more experienced student actors. 
Instructor: Mary Beth Easley

June 16-20,   9:00-12:00     $120.00

Acting and Music!!! How Cool is That!

Unlocking the Secrets of Auditioning for Plays and Musicals!
ages 13-18

This is a class for anyone who thought of auditioning for a play or musical, or for anyone who has an upcoming audition and wants to be prepared! There is no mystery to the art of Auditioning.  It is simply a skill which requires practice, practice, practice.  In fact it can be fun if you know how to do it.  In this friendly environment, you’ll learn all aspects of the audition process for both plays and musicals. You’ll learn how to select and perform an effective audition monologue, the techniques to handle a “cold reading” from a script, and even navigate their way through a musical piece with ease. Students will leave prepared and able to present themselves as a confident and pleasant professional.  Time will be given to help create an audition package of two songs (one up-tempo, one ballad) and a monologue.  (Limited to 20 students)
Instructors: Mary Beth Easley & Kristen Behrendt de Grazia

June 23-27,      9:00-12:00            $175.00

 
I Want to be a Big Rock Star!!
ages 10 - 14

Cop an attitude and learn what it really takes to be in a band.  You’ll explore rock n’ roll attitude through acting, improvisation and musical performance.  Who knows you maybe so good we’ll cut a demo!  If you want to be in this camp let me know and we’ll put you on the list!  If you’re not on the list you can’t get back stage! Parental warning participation in this class may led to diva like behavior, big hair, and unreasonable demands.  If this should occur don't call us, you're the one who signed them up.

Instructor: Mark Bruckner
June 23 – 27 1:00 – 4:00               $135.00

 

C.A.S.T.  (Creative Arts for Small Thespians)

 

Storybook Drama
ages 3.5 - 6
If you have ever wished you could experience a great children's book from the inside, this is the class for you!  Every day of class we read a different book and explore elements of the story through acting, imagination, and

interactive, multi-sensory props.  Experience the excitement of drama and working as an ensemble while actively enjoying the best in children's literature.
Instructor: Christina Gulick

June 9-13   1:00-2:30`                        $70.00


Stories in Motions
grades 2 - 4

Bring a story to life using movement and imagination.  In this class, we will build storytelling, ensemble, and movement skills while working together to create a unique ensemble piece based on one of our favorite stories. 
Instructor: Christina Gulick

June 16-20   1:00-2:30                        $70.00

 



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