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For two weeks twenty-two students from all walks
of life gathered at Milwaukee Repertory Theater for a Summer Theater
Conservatory (STC). Participants came from all over the state of
Wisconsin as well as other states to join us for this program. Students
of all ages worked in tandem studying Shakespeare under the guidance
of Resident Company Members Lee E. Ernst and Deborah Staples. In
a short two weeks, students dived into vigorous training in character
development, movement, vocal production, Shakespeare text and scansion,
culminating in a Showcase performance of scenes and monologues.
In the past, STC was a program merely for high school students.
The material studied is accessible for any age group and we decided
this year to expand the program to include college students and
theater educators. Students and teachers both enhanced their skills
as performers through this class and teachers are able to bring
some of the lessons back to their own high school and college courses.
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The
Rep has maintained a partnership with Ten Chimneys and University
of Wisconsin – Parkside during STC. Students spent a day
at Ten Chimneys, the home of Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, where
they toured the estate in the morning and engaged in scene study
in the afternoon. This is the third year we brought STC participants
to Ten Chimneys. It is an inspiring place for students to learn
and grow as theater artists. UW-Parkside
Theater Department arranged a summer internship for STC students
to receive college credit for their participation.
The
new format for STC this summer, provided us with a dynamic group
that worked side by side, “cheek by jowl”, to discover
and learn about acting and Shakespeare. Each student brought
something different to the table which, in turn, enhanced the
program even more. It was thrilling for the students to
work with professional actors that each of them have seen on
stage at The Rep or American Players Theater. We
are so happy to have offered this unique and exciting program
to aspiring actors and educators.
"This
was one of the best educational experiences I have ever had.
(And at my age, I've had many.) Deb and Lee created
a very professional working atmosphere but also made the class
a great deal of fun. I was very impressed with the fact that
they treated teenagers as if they were professional actors.
Not surprisingly, the kids responded likeprofessionals. And
watching their growth was a delight."
– Teacher Participant from STC 2009
"I didn’t
know going into this how professional everyone would be and how
I would be treated as a real actor.
I liked being treated as an adult and not as
a teenager."
- Student Participant from STC 2009

If
you are interested in joining us for Summer Theater Conservatory 2010 please
contact:
Jenny
Kostreva, Education Director, 414-290-5370 or jkostreva@milwaukeerep.com
Rebecca
Witt, Education Coordinator, 414-290-5393 or rwitt@milwaukeerep.com
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