Students are offered a broad range of courses in Theater Arts: improvisation, the scene, story theater, design and lighting, technical theater, make-up and costuming. A full-scale musical production, a one act play, and an advanced one act play, under professional direction, provide students with experience in auditions, rehearsals and performances.
Professional musicians provide group instruction for all levels of ability. Showtune, Jazz, Blues, Rock, Classical and Choral ensembles are offered. Group instruction is provided on guitar, Instrumentalists and vocalists are encouraged to perform at noontime programs.
Art / Media Creative Arts at Park
Provides a stimulating atmosphere in which to develop skills in fine arts. The studio, staffed by working artists, will be set up for painting, ceramics, weaving, soapstone carving and printmaking. Film-making provides the opportunity for students to learn how to produce and act in a film. Animated films are offered, as are video projects. Young photographers learn composition and techniques and have a well-equipped darkroom in which to process black and white film under the direction of experienced professionals.
Writing / Oak Tree Times
Our writing department offers creative writing classes as well as the opportunity of creating a play in class with a professional writer. Our own Oak Tree Times newspaper lures would-be poets, news reporters, columnists, feature writers and cartoonists. Editors will produce and distribute this paper daily.
Recording
Instructions in recording techniques and use of equipment such as synthesizers and computers are features of this department.
Dance
Boys and girls may study Afro-Carribean, improvisation, hip hop, jazz, modern, tap and composition. Courses are taught by a professional staff and include technical training and the creation of a dance. A dance concert of the choreography created for each course will be featured at the Arts Festival. Dance is also integrated into the poetry-in-motion class, the musical, one act, doo-wop and showtune workshops.
Computers
Classes for beginners as well as advanced students.
Gymnastics
From basic floorwork to rhythmic gymnastics, beginners to advanced students are coached in this popular department. Boys and girls find this an opportunity to develop agility, strength, flexibility and coordination. A gymnastics show with all participating will be performed at the Arts Festival.
Athletics
Athletics at Creative Arts at Park are entirely optional. They are relaxed, yet carefully supervised. Multi-age classes emphasize personal development, fun and good sportsmanship. General sports may be chosen as a course and includes such games as Kickball, Capture the Flag, Soccer, and Basketball. Red Cross instructional swim classes are taught in our on-campus, olympic size, heated swimming pool. Free swim is available daily for those not in swim classes. Fencing, Karate and Tennis are also offered.
Counselor-in-Training Program
This is for high school Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors (16-18 years) who intern under the close supervision of our professional staff.
Arts Festival
On the last day of the five week session, a variety of the performing and visual arts created during that session are produced in an Arts Festival to which the public is invited. Art and photography demonstrations will be featured as well as performances of gymnastics, dance, theater, instrumental ensembles, staged musical showtunes, karate and music. The Arts Festival culminates in an original musical theater production with all the artistic elements produced and performed by students under professional direction.
