PRESCHOOL DIVISION 

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Broadway Babies (ages 4-5) is a fun, upbeat class open to our youngest performers who love singing, dancing, acting, and the spotlight! 

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STUDIO DIVISION 

 

Primary Musical Theatre is for beginning 5-7 year olds with new to musical theater or dance. Does your child love to perform? Singing, dancing, acting...this class has it all. Children will learn basic choreography and to memorize lines and music. Students will work on two scenes throughout the year, with an accompanying song and dance- one in the Fall and one in the Spring. These scenes will each be performed for family members at Barriskill.

 

Musical Theatre 1  A more in-depth look at musical theatre to include staging, blocking, vocals, and choreography. Students will have a brief voice lesson, taught by Dr. Emily, during each class. Students will showcase their acting in an in-studio performance at the end of each semester. In addition, they will be a part of the Studio Division Musical Theatre Performance at Duke in both the Fall and the Spring. Performances at Duke are purely singing and dancing. All acting will be performed separately at Barriskill.

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Musical Theatre 2 students are expected to have completed at least 1 recent year of MTR and be placed by an instructor. Placement is dependent upon several factors, such as age, ability, and experience. It is expected that students in this level can fully memorize lines without needing to be prompted, as well as retain choreography and song lyrics. Each class includes 30 minutes of vocals and 1 hour of choreography and acting. Students will showcase their acting in an in-studio performance at the end of each semester. In addition, they will be a part of the Studio Division Musical Theatre Performance at Duke in both the Fall and the Spring. Performances at Duke are purely singing and dancing. All acting will be performed separately at Barriskill. Another dance class (MTR technique, jazz, or ballet) is not required, but strongly encouraged to support dancers in their MTR classes.

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Musical Theatre 3 students are expected to have completed at least 2 recent years of MTR and/or be placed by an instructor. Placement is dependent upon several factors, such as age, ability, and experience. It is expected that students in this level are capable of staying focused for the full 1.5 hours of instruction and can easily transition between the vocal, acting, and dancing portions of class. Each class includes 30 minutes of vocals and 1 hour of choreography and acting. Students will showcase their acting in an in-studio performance at the end of each semester. In addition, they will be a part of the Studio Division Musical Theatre Performance at Duke in both the Fall and the Spring. Performances at Duke are purely singing and dancing. All acting will be performed separately at Barriskill. Another dance class (MTR technique, jazz, or ballet) is not required, but strongly encouraged to support dancers in their MTR classes.

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Musical Theatre 4 students require teacher recommendation. This class focuses on vocals, choreography, and character development in separate segments. Students are expected to come prepared to class, with lines memorized, and ready to focus. Level 4 students are given more material to memorize, making weekly class attendance even more important. Each class includes 30 minutes of vocals and 1 hour of choreography and acting. Students will showcase their acting in an in-studio performance at the end of each semester. In addition, they will be a part of the Studio Division Musical Theatre Performance at Duke in both the Fall and the Spring. Performances at Duke are purely singing and dancing. All acting will be performed separately at Barriskill. Another dance class (MTR technique, jazz, or ballet) is required.

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Musical Theatre 5 students require teacher recommendation. This class focuses on vocals, choreography, and character development in separate segments. Students are expected to come prepared to class, with lines memorized, and ready to focus. It is expected that students have a strong foundation in the basics of dance, can apply the instructor's notes on their acting performance, and are establishing healthy vocal techniques. Each class includes 30 minutes of vocals and 1 hour of choreography and acting. MTR 5 will perform a scene at the end of the Fall semester at Barriskill. They will also participate in the Fall Studio Division Musical Theatre Performance at Duke in December. Unlike MTR 4, level 5 students are promoted to the lead roles in the Spring Studio Division Musical Theatre Performance at Duke. All auditions will take place during class time. Another dance class (MTR technique, jazz, or ballet) is required.

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CONSERVATORY DIVISION: (by invitation only)

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Musical Theatre 6 (Conservatory Apprentices) students require teacher recommendation. This class focuses on vocals, choreography, and character development in separate segments. Students are expected to come prepared to class, with lines memorized, and ready to focus. Class time each week is treated as a rehearsal, rather than a typical "class". Students must spend time out of class practicing, as rehearsals move at a quick pace. It is expected that students have a strong foundation in the basics of dance, can apply the instructor's notes on their acting performance, and have established healthy vocal techniques. MTR 6 will perform as the leads in the Fall Studio Division Musical Theatre Performance at Duke in December. Level 6 students are then promoted to the Conservatory Division Musical Theatre Performance in the Spring, at Duke. All auditions will take place during class time. It is expected that students will spend 2 years in MTR 6. Another dance class (MTR technique, jazz, or ballet) is required.

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Conservatory Musical Theatre 7 requires teacher placement to register. Students perform in the conservatory division fall and spring productions at Duke. They will work on choreography, vocals, and acting technique as they rehearse for the upcoming show. Students will follow a more rigorous format with 3 hour rehearsals on Tuesdays and additional rehearsals as needed. They will work towards combining all three elements: dancing, acting, & singing, into a full-scale production. Students are required to take a ballet and/or jazz class and are strongly encouraged to take acting classes and vocal lessons as well as additional dance classes in order to perfect their craft.

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Conservatory Musical Theatre 8 requires teacher placement to register. Students perform in the conservatory division fall and spring productions at Duke. They will work on choreography, vocals, and acting technique as they rehearse for the upcoming show.  Students follow a more rigorous format with 3 hour rehearsals on Tuesdays and an additional 1.25 hour class on Wednesdays. Occasional weekend rehearsals will also be scheduled. Students will work towards combining all three elements: dancing, acting, & singing, into one flawless performance. Students are required to take a ballet and/or jazz class and are strongly encouraged to take acting classes and vocal lessons as well as additional dance classes in order to become a true triple threat.

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Pre-Professional Musical Theatre requires teacher placement to register. Pre-professional is our highest level for our strongest and most dedicated students in the program. Recommended for the serious performer. Students follow a more rigorous format with 3 hour rehearsals on Tuesdays and an additional 1.25 hour class on Wednesdays. Occasional weekend rehearsals will also be scheduled. Students will work on mastery of all three elements necessary to be a true triple threat. Students are required to take a ballet and/or jazz class and are strongly encouraged to take acting classes and vocal lessons as well as additional dance classes. 

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TEEN/TWEEN DIVISION

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Musical Theatre Dance Technique (ages 9+ or MTR 4+) For performers who want to strengthen foundational dance skills essential for musical theatre.  Students will focus on jazz and ballet techniques to improve versatility and elevate stage presence. Emphasis is placed on strength training, coordination, musicality and performance quality to help dancers execute choreography with confidence and precision. 

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Teen Musical Theatre (ages 12+) A class for teens who are new to musical theatre or looking to build confidence in singing, dancing, and acting.  Classes will focus on foundational skills such as vocal expression, movement, and basic choreography while fostering creativity and confidence.  Students will gain experience working as an ensemble and developing stage presence in our Fall and Spring musical theatre productions. Another dance class (MTR technique, jazz, or ballet) is required.