Theater Explorers

According to a recent article in The New York Times (“Grown-Up Theater Kids Run the World”), kids who are exposed to and involved in theater build the take-charge skills that can lead to success in just about any situation.

This class is perfect for students who want to explore the many aspects of theater. Students will delve into acting, movement, improvisation, musical theater, and even costume and set design — all while strengthening leadership and communication skills through games, scenes, songs, and a variety of creative activities.

Study with the one and only Dr. Susan Speidel, creator of the prestigious Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Awards, and recipient of the NJ Governor’s Award for Theater Education!

AGES: 8 – 11
DATES: Wednesdays, Sept. 27 – Jan. 24
(no classes: 11/22, 12/27)
TIME: 5:15pm – 6:15pm
PRICE: $395
LOCATION: Elefante Music – 1790 Springfield Ave, New Providence

MEET THE INSTRUCTOR

SUSIE SPEIDEL

Dr. Susan Speidel appeared in the off-Broadway revue Olio, A Modern Vaudeville and in The Student Prince and Jesus Christ Superstar at Paper Mill Playhouse, in addition to playing leading roles at many other regional theaters.

She has directed more than 50 high school productions, as well as numerous shows at Surflight Theater, Chatham Playhouse, and Plays-In-The-Park in Edison.

She has sung with the Seattle and Portland Symphonies, the Key West Symphonic Pops, and the Orchestra of St. Peter’s by the Sea, as well as performing her cabaret show in NYC clubs, at Tennessee Williams Theater in Key West, and at the legendary Odette’s in New Hope.

She served for 20 years as the Director of Education for Paper Mill Playhouse, where she founded the Adopt-A-School Project, the Rising Star Awards, and the Summer Musical Theater Conservatory. She has taught acting and theater management at Kean University and Seton Hall. Dr. Speidel holds a B.A. in English and Theater from Montclair State, an M.A. in Theater Administration from New York University, an M.A. in Liberal Studies from Kean University, and earned her Doctorate at Drew University. She also studied at HB Studios and the Globe Theater in London. She is a recipient of the NJ Governor’s Award for Excellence in Theatre Education, received the New Jersey Theatre Alliance’s Applause Award in 2000 and 2007, and was recently inducted in the NJACT Hall of Fame for her contributions to arts education in New Jersey.