27 Haziran 2012 Çarşamba

NGB's Landon Harris takes bronze at WBC

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Landon Harris at the World Ballet Competition

Congratulations to NGB New Artist Landon Harris for winning the Bronze Medal in the pre-professional division at 2012 World Ballet Competition!“Whenever I get on stage, whether it’s a show or a competition, I always think about it as a performance. So as long as I feel good about what I’ve done, the medal doesn’t matter. It’s a perk,” said Harris.
The competition was held May 29 - June 3 in Orlando.Harris, 14, joined Next Generation Ballet early this spring. He recently received notice for his role as the jester in Swan Lake.This summer, he’ll be filming a movie in New York, and before heading to London to train with the Royal Ballet.Writer/director Anthony Giunta noticed Harris when he was in the touring production of Billy Elliot last year. Giunta called him and asked him to audition for his independent film Contest, about teen bullying.“I’ve tried to give him different experiences because I knew he’d have to decide by the time he was 15 if dance was what he wanted to do,” said Harris’ mom Bev. “Why not try different things before you make that decision. That’s why we’re doing this film.”However, since joining the Patel Conservatory’s full-time ballet program as an NGB New Artist, Harris says his goal is to be a principal dancer with a ballet company.At the Conservatory, “It’s been amazing, I get a lot more hands-on attention since I’m there all day. Having different teachers, we get different aspects of training. It’s been a really positive experience,” said Harris.Part of what he enjoys about the program is the opportunity to work in professional productions, such as Swan Lake.“It’s a great experience to actually get on stage and do the shows that you’ll be doing as a professional. It helps prepare you for whatever’s coming up,” he said.

Patel Conservatory receives accreditation!

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The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center is excited to announce that we have officially been granted accreditation!
“Accreditation is such a great accomplishment for the entire organization,” said Wendy Leigh, vice president of education at the Straz Center. “It confirms all the great work that we’ve done over eight years and points us brightly towards the future.”Being an accredited school means that students have the opportunity to receive school credit for classes taken at the Conservatory, if the student’s school agrees.To become accredited, the Patel Conservatory underwent an extensive two-year evaluation and review process. The process involved dozens of people associated with the Conservatory, such as parents, board members, students, teachers and community members, working closely together. We are proud that the Conservatory more than surpassed all of the stringent qualifications.The Patel Conservatory is the only performing arts school in the Tampa Bay area to receive accreditation.Accreditation was received by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI), an accreditation division of AdvancED. Hillsborough County Public Schools, Palm Beach County Public Schools and Miami-Dade City County Public Schools also are accredited by SACS CASI.“Our accreditation gives students more alternatives and opportunities to expand their horizons. This distinction will open new doors for all of us and will continue to keep us on an ongoing rigorous path of continuous improvement, keeping us at the top of our game,” said Leigh.Thank you to all the wonderful faculty, staff and community members who helped us achieve this distinguished status.

Dancer from Panama joins us for NGB summer intensive

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The Next Generation Ballet (NGB) summer intensive started this week, and we’re thrilled to be hosting students from around the country and around the globe, including Cristel Alvarado of Panama City, Panama.
Cristel Alvarado, 15, of Panama, joins
us this week for the NGB summer
intensive.
As a classical ballerina who hopes to make dance her living, Cristel has been exploring her options for serious ballet training.“We’re constantly looking at competitions and looking at where the students come from,” said Cristel’s father Pete Garcia.“When we saw that Next Generation Ballet was really starting to make a mark, we wanted to look at it,” he said.A native of the Tampa area, Garcia owns an adventure company that brought him around the world. In 1997, he moved to Panama City to help develop high end excursions for a new resort. There, he met his wife Nelly and decided to stay.Their only daughter Cristel started dancing at age seven. She soon realized that dance was her calling. The following year, she began studying with Maitre Amparo Brito, of the Cuban National Ballet.Cristel has performed with the National Ballet of Panama and with the Laura Alonso Ballet in Havana, Cuba, and she’s a three time gold medal winner at Panama’s Danza Activa competitions.In 2011, Cristel began training at the Laura Alonso Ballet School in Havana, where early this year, she was selected as one of only seven classical dancers to perform privately for Fidel and Raul Castro.But traveling to Cuba for training is costly, said Garcia, who plays the role of dance dad.Nelly works for Boskalis, a Dutch Dredging and Marine Company that does work on the Panama Canal. Since he owns his company (Panama Pete Adventures), Pete has more flexibility with his schedule.“I’m the one who travels with my daughter, and runs out to the store when we accidentally got ‘theatrical pink’ tights and need ‘ballet pink’,” he laughed.In researching the best places for 15-year-old Cristel to continue ballet, Garcia’s search brought him back to his hometown.At a competition in Panama they met dancer Katherine Gazda, from Canada, who attended the NGB summer intensive in Tampa last year.“When we saw what the Patel Conservatory did for Katherine in two weeks...we thought we need to be there,” said Garcia.“Our child has never been to America, and here we are, back in my hometown. We’re just overjoyed,” said Garcia, a former wrestler for East Bay High School and wrestling coach for Jesuit High School. He’s looking forward to re-connecting with former wrestling teammates while in Tampa.Staying with his mom in Ruskin, he and Cristel practice speaking English on their commute to the Conservatory.If all works out, he’s thinking of making the move to Tampa so Cristel can train full-time with NGB.“We know she wants this as her career,” said Garcia. “Just the whole vibe of the Straz Center on the river. We feel like this is Cristel’s future.”

Added performance of Normal, the Musical

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We’re pleased to announce that we’ve added an extra performance of Normal, the Musical this Friday, June 29 at 4 p.m.Watching rehearsals this week, it’s hard to believe that this whole show came together in under three weeks!From the choreography to the live accompaniment, this fun, exciting rock musical will not only have you moving to the music, it will also touch your heart.The show tells the story of one family’s journey as they deal with the daughter’s eating disorder, but more than that, it’s the story of today’s family. It’s hard not to be moved because the characters are just so relatable to parents and teens of today’s society.Take advantage of this opportunity to sit back and see life from an outside perspective. It’ll grab you, make you dance, sing and think of all that there is to be grateful for... like having just a normal day.Accompanied by our music students in the summer Pit Orchestra camp, the show features Maggie Mularz as Kayla, Jamie Jones as Robert, Hannah Rashbaum as Polly and Lucy Gutierrez as Rebecca.Normal, the Musical will be in the Shimberg Theater at the Straz Center this weekend. Show times are Fri., June 29 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sat., June 30 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.Tickets are $8 through June 28, and $12 on June 29 and 30. Click here for more info.

25 Haziran 2012 Pazartesi

NGB's Landon Harris takes bronze at WBC

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Landon Harris at the World Ballet Competition

Congratulations to NGB New Artist Landon Harris for winning the Bronze Medal in the pre-professional division at 2012 World Ballet Competition!“Whenever I get on stage, whether it’s a show or a competition, I always think about it as a performance. So as long as I feel good about what I’ve done, the medal doesn’t matter. It’s a perk,” said Harris.
The competition was held May 29 - June 3 in Orlando.Harris, 14, joined Next Generation Ballet early this spring. He recently received notice for his role as the jester in Swan Lake.This summer, he’ll be filming a movie in New York, and before heading to London to train with the Royal Ballet.Writer/director Anthony Giunta noticed Harris when he was in the touring production of Billy Elliot last year. Giunta called him and asked him to audition for his independent film Contest, about teen bullying.“I’ve tried to give him different experiences because I knew he’d have to decide by the time he was 15 if dance was what he wanted to do,” said Harris’ mom Bev. “Why not try different things before you make that decision. That’s why we’re doing this film.”However, since joining the Patel Conservatory’s full-time ballet program as an NGB New Artist, Harris says his goal is to be a principal dancer with a ballet company.At the Conservatory, “It’s been amazing, I get a lot more hands-on attention since I’m there all day. Having different teachers, we get different aspects of training. It’s been a really positive experience,” said Harris.Part of what he enjoys about the program is the opportunity to work in professional productions, such as Swan Lake.“It’s a great experience to actually get on stage and do the shows that you’ll be doing as a professional. It helps prepare you for whatever’s coming up,” he said.

24 Haziran 2012 Pazar

Local students vie for the national Jimmy Awards in NYC

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by Tina James, Education Programs Coordinator for the Patel Conservatory
Samantha Schinder-Behen and Joshua Grosso represent
the Straz Center at the National High School Musical
Theater Awards this week in New York City.
During the Florida State Thespian Festival in March, the Straz Center awarded the Broadway Star of the Future award to Samantha Schinder-Behen of Howard W. Blake School of the Arts and Jordan Rodnizki of Countryside High School. Those students would go on to represent the Straz Center at the National High School Musical Theater Awards in NYC.Since March a few things have changed. Jordan will not be joining Samantha in New York due to a prior commitment, and Joshua Grosso from American Heritage will be taking his place. Yesterday was day one of Sam and Joshua’s seven day adventure in NYC. Over the next couple of days I’ll provide you with an inside look into the daily schedule and events happening with our Broadway Star of the Future awardees. So lets begin!I meet Sam bright and early at Tampa International Airport. 8:45am to be exact! Based on our experience this morning in the airport, I can tell this week will be full of interesting encounters. Once our flight landed in NYC, we meet up with Joshua and we are officially on the “Road to the Jimmy’s”!
Sam being interviewed by PBS, which is producing a
documentary about high school musical performers.
Here is a quick snap shot of yesterday's schedule:
  • 3:00pm-5:30pm – Check-in
  • 6:00pm-7pm – Welcome Reception & Dinner
  • 7:00pm-10:30pm – Group Assignments & Rehearsal
As you can see, Sam and Joshua hit the ground running! 
Check back for more updates...write with you soon!
- Tina James(As the Education Programs Coordinator for the Patel Conservatory, Tina oversees the Conservatory’s Community Partnership program as well as all community-based programs involving Broadway Family Nights, Family First Night, National High School Musical Theater Awards as well as National Broadway League initiatives.)

Day Two in NYC for the National Jimmy Awards

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by Tina James, Education Programs Coordinator for the Patel ConservatoryRoad to the Jimmy Awards – Day 2
I think the proper place to begin today is where we left off yesterday. When we gathered for the Welcome Reception & Dinner at Tisch School of the Arts at NYU, I can tell that both Sam and Joshua were excited but nervous. They have no idea what is in store for them over the next couple of days. It’s one thing to see the schedule on paper, but to actually live it is something different.
During the reception we meet over 58 other students representing 29 programs across the U.S. Each program, similar to ours, has one female actress and one male actor representing their programs. To get a full list of all the nominees you can visit http://nhsmta.com/pages/2012-jimmy-awards-nominees.At this point you’re probably wondering, What are the National High School Musical Awards and how do these students get here? Throughout the year, thousands of high school students across the country participate in a regional awards program or competition that highlights the excellence of students in musical theater. For us, this program is the Florida State Thespian Festival. Although this festival and other regional awards programs have been presented by theaters in select cities, there has never been a program that connected these local programs to each other or to the professional theater industry.In June 2009, the National High School Musical Theater Awards became the first program to present a national award, the Jimmy™ Award, for the "Best Performance by an Actor" and "Best Performance by an Actress." Winners are selected from a group of student performers representing participating theaters that are members of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, Consortium of Eastern Regional Theaters, Theatre Communications Group or the Broadway League. The Jimmy™ Award is named after James M. Nederlander. “Jimmy” is the Chairman of the Nederlander Producing Company. Some would consider Jimmy the patriarch of theater. He has produced innumerable Broadway plays and musicals, winning 11 Tony® Awards, and has presented operas, ballets, concerts and artists ranging from Nureyev to Sinatra to Billy Joel to U2. Nine of his theatres are on Broadway and the balance in Detroit, Los Angeles, San Diego, Tucson, Durham, Chicago and London. For more information on James “Jimmy” Nederlander and his many projects and theaters you can visit http://www.nederlander.com.Now that we’ve got some of the history out of the way…let’s get on with today. Today’s schedule will be just as packed a yesterday. One of the highlights will be attending the Tony Award Winning Broadway performance of Nice Work If You Can Get It.  The cast includes Matthew Broderick and Kelli O’Hara (http://niceworkonbroadway.com).We’ll check in with you later!Today’s schedule:
  • 8:00am-8:30am – Breakfast
  • 8:30am-8:45am – Warm-up/Review Opening and Finale Vocals
  • 8:45am-10:15am – Stage Opening Number
  • 10:15am-12:15pm – Rehearsal/Solo Coaching
  • 12:15pm-1:00pm – Lunch
  • 1:00pm-4:15pm – Medleys/Solo Coaching/Review
  • 5:30-6:30pm – Pre-Show Dinner at Sardi’s
  • 7:00pm-10:35pm – Broadway Show – Nice Work If You Can Get It (Imperial Theatre); Talkback immediately following the show
  • 10:45pm – Group Photo in Times Square
(As the Education Programs Coordinator for the Patel Conservatory, Tina oversees the Conservatory’s Community Partnership program as well as all community-based programs involving Broadway Family Nights, Family First Night, National High School Musical Theater Awards as well as National Broadway League initiatives.) 

20 Haziran 2012 Çarşamba

NGB's Landon Harris takes bronze at WBC

To contact us Click HERE

Landon Harris at the World Ballet Competition

Congratulations to NGB New Artist Landon Harris for winning the Bronze Medal in the pre-professional division at 2012 World Ballet Competition!“Whenever I get on stage, whether it’s a show or a competition, I always think about it as a performance. So as long as I feel good about what I’ve done, the medal doesn’t matter. It’s a perk,” said Harris.
The competition was held May 29 - June 3 in Orlando.Harris, 14, joined Next Generation Ballet early this spring. He recently received notice for his role as the jester in Swan Lake.This summer, he’ll be filming a movie in New York, and before heading to London to train with the Royal Ballet.Writer/director Anthony Giunta noticed Harris when he was in the touring production of Billy Elliot last year. Giunta called him and asked him to audition for his independent film Contest, about teen bullying.“I’ve tried to give him different experiences because I knew he’d have to decide by the time he was 15 if dance was what he wanted to do,” said Harris’ mom Bev. “Why not try different things before you make that decision. That’s why we’re doing this film.”However, since joining the Patel Conservatory’s full-time ballet program as an NGB New Artist, Harris says his goal is to be a principal dancer with a ballet company.At the Conservatory, “It’s been amazing, I get a lot more hands-on attention since I’m there all day. Having different teachers, we get different aspects of training. It’s been a really positive experience,” said Harris.Part of what he enjoys about the program is the opportunity to work in professional productions, such as Swan Lake.“It’s a great experience to actually get on stage and do the shows that you’ll be doing as a professional. It helps prepare you for whatever’s coming up,” he said.

19 Haziran 2012 Salı

NGB's Landon Harris takes bronze at WBC

To contact us Click HERE

Landon Harris at the World Ballet Competition

Congratulations to NGB New Artist Landon Harris for winning the Bronze Medal in the pre-professional division at 2012 World Ballet Competition!“Whenever I get on stage, whether it’s a show or a competition, I always think about it as a performance. So as long as I feel good about what I’ve done, the medal doesn’t matter. It’s a perk,” said Harris.
The competition was held May 29 - June 3 in Orlando.Harris, 14, joined Next Generation Ballet early this spring. He recently received notice for his role as the jester in Swan Lake.This summer, he’ll be filming a movie in New York, and before heading to London to train with the Royal Ballet.Writer/director Anthony Giunta noticed Harris when he was in the touring production of Billy Elliot last year. Giunta called him and asked him to audition for his independent film Contest, about teen bullying.“I’ve tried to give him different experiences because I knew he’d have to decide by the time he was 15 if dance was what he wanted to do,” said Harris’ mom Bev. “Why not try different things before you make that decision. That’s why we’re doing this film.”However, since joining the Patel Conservatory’s full-time ballet program as an NGB New Artist, Harris says his goal is to be a principal dancer with a ballet company.At the Conservatory, “It’s been amazing, I get a lot more hands-on attention since I’m there all day. Having different teachers, we get different aspects of training. It’s been a really positive experience,” said Harris.Part of what he enjoys about the program is the opportunity to work in professional productions, such as Swan Lake.“It’s a great experience to actually get on stage and do the shows that you’ll be doing as a professional. It helps prepare you for whatever’s coming up,” he said.

Emilia Sargent in Streetcar Named Desire

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Want to see one of our instructors in action?
Patel Conservatory theater instructor Emilia Sargent appears this weekend as Blanche in Tampa Repertory Theatre’s production of A Streetcar Named Desire.Sargent, who has been recognized as a Best of the Bay Critic's Choice Actress, directed the Patel Conservatory’s Seussical the Musical and Once Upon a Mattress.She’ll soon be directing this summer’s Beauty and the Beast, Jr. as part of the Patel Conservatory Youth Theater program.Don’t miss Sargent as Blanche DuBois in the Tennessee Williams classic. The production runs through June 24, 2012 at Studio Theatre on the Ybor City campus of Hillsborough Community College.For more information, visit tamparep.org.

18 Haziran 2012 Pazartesi

Piano students compete at state convention

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Congratulations to the Pfingsten family who have three children going to the state 2012 Florida Federation of Music Clubs Junior Convention this weekend.
Patel Conservatory piano students Abigale, 13, John, 12, and Samuel Pfingsten, 8, participated in the district auditions of the National Federation of Music Clubs in Tampa in February. All received superior ratings from judges on their performances in all categories (piano solo, piano duet and piano concerto), which qualified them to move on to the state convention.“I’m so proud to hear the judge’s feedback on how well they played,” said their piano instructor John Hernandez.Abigale and John have been taking private lessons with Hernandez at the Conservatory for nearly three years, and Samuel began lessons six months ago.Abigale performed solo pieces by Mary Leaf and Albert Pieczonka, of which the judges commented she had “fantastic technique,” said Hernandez. She also played a Mozart concerto.John, who won last year's Tampa's Got Talent, performed solo pieces by Claudette Hudelson and Sergei Prokofiev, which, according one judge's comments, were "masterfully played." He also performed a concerto by Haydn“A concerto has a lot of demands, technically and musically...The judges were impressed by the maturity level of their playing for their age,” said Hernandez. Samuel Pfingsten performed solo pieces by Rebecca Lewis and Judy E. Wells.“Sam is very controlled for his age,” said Hernandez. “The kids work really hard, that really helps. And it motivates me as a teacher.”Abigale and John also performed a duet by M. Mier and O. Respighi. This weekend, Hernandez will be accompanying them on their concertos.


"One of the good things about moving on is that they will get to perform with the best students from around the state," said Hernandez.Best wishes to these students as they compete at the state competition this weekend, May 4 and 5, 2012 at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville!

NGB dancers succeed at YAGP finals

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Congratulations to Next Generation Ballet dancers who competed in the finals of the Youth America Grand Prix competition in New York City last week!
Hannah Bettes
Hannah Bettes was awarded the Gold Medal in the Senior Division for Women!Olivia Gusti, Gabrielle Beach, Kemper Cassada were also finalists in their divisions, and 
Landon Harris and Hannah Stanford were semi-finalists.Kemper Cassada, Hannah Stanford and Gabrielle Beach were awarded scholarships to the Royal Ballet School in London.Katherine Grones was awarded a scholarship to the Princess Grace Academy in Monoco; and Olivia Gusti was awarded a scholarship to the Dresden Ballet Academy.We’re so proud of all our students for participating in this prestigious competition alongside top dancers from around the world!Congratulations to these students for their exceptional hard work!
Don't miss your chance to see the beautiful Next Generation Ballet dancers in the exquisite Swan Lake on May 12, 2012.
NGB dancers at the YAGP Gala following the competition.

Youth orchestra performs original composition

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The Patel Conservatory Youth Orchestra (PCYO) spring concert boasts some exciting additions this year!With guest performances, original music and unique elements, this Sunday’s concert is sure to a be a great event for the whole family.The Patel Conservatory Chamber Orchestra will premiere an original work, Miniature London Symphony by Night, written exclusively for PCCO by Martin Gaughan, a London-based composer.The piece was commissioned as part of conductor Stephen Brown’s mission to perform contemporary music by living composers.In a previous blog, Brown said, “We live in a developing world. The youth of today should contribute to that development by playing music written in their time...There are few youth orchestras that have that kind of focus.”Patel Conservatory Rock School band Wasted Youth will make a guest appearance, performing rock classics arranged for this concert.The concert will also feature accomplished vocal students Marty Gallinari, Gabie Barnes and Lucas Coura; and piano instructor Joshua Sawicki will perform a concerto by Ellen Swilich.Don’t miss this combination of both modern music and the classics!The concert is this Sun., May 8, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. in Ferguson Hall. Click here for tickets.

Theater students perform at Joshua House fundraiser

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By Audrey Siegler, Patel Conservatory Theater InstructorSome Patel Conservatory theater students had a great time in Neverland last weekend.
In February, the Conservatory was approached to provide entertainment for the Friends of Joshua House Fundraiser held on Saturday, April 28th at the Bale’s Mansion in Davis Island, once owned by the Steinbrenner family. The fundraiser committee was interested in having several students provide ambiance and help create the mood for their Neverland themed event. I have always been an advocate for the work that Joshua House does, so I thought this would be a great opportunity for our students to get involved to support a great cause. With some help from Tina James, our education programs coordinator, and theater faculty Ami Sallee and Matt Belovpavlovich, we began to work towards this goal.
After finalizing the details and visiting the home, Matt and I reached out to some of our most well-rounded students with this unique performance opportunity. The response was amazing! Everyone jumped at the opportunity! Who wouldn’t want to dress up in a Neverland character and play for an evening at a mansion?Twenty-one students were selected and met for one rehearsal where they were fitted for their lost boy/girl costumes and worked in small groups of mixed age levels to create appropriate structured improvs. With a little coaching from Matt and I, and a lot of support from each other, the students created great bits of entertainment for the event.
The night of the event started off a little rainy, but soon cleared up. The kids had a blast and the guests really enjoyed their presence.

NGB's Landon Harris takes bronze at WBC

To contact us Click HERE

Landon Harris at the World Ballet Competition

Congratulations to NGB New Artist Landon Harris for winning the Bronze Medal in the pre-professional division at 2012 World Ballet Competition!“Whenever I get on stage, whether it’s a show or a competition, I always think about it as a performance. So as long as I feel good about what I’ve done, the medal doesn’t matter. It’s a perk,” said Harris.
The competition was held May 29 - June 3 in Orlando.Harris, 14, joined Next Generation Ballet early this spring. He recently received notice for his role as the jester in Swan Lake.This summer, he’ll be filming a movie in New York, and before heading to London to train with the Royal Ballet.Writer/director Anthony Giunta noticed Harris when he was in the touring production of Billy Elliot last year. Giunta called him and asked him to audition for his independent film Contest, about teen bullying.“I’ve tried to give him different experiences because I knew he’d have to decide by the time he was 15 if dance was what he wanted to do,” said Harris’ mom Bev. “Why not try different things before you make that decision. That’s why we’re doing this film.”However, since joining the Patel Conservatory’s full-time ballet program as an NGB New Artist, Harris says his goal is to be a principal dancer with a ballet company.At the Conservatory, “It’s been amazing, I get a lot more hands-on attention since I’m there all day. Having different teachers, we get different aspects of training. It’s been a really positive experience,” said Harris.Part of what he enjoys about the program is the opportunity to work in professional productions, such as Swan Lake.“It’s a great experience to actually get on stage and do the shows that you’ll be doing as a professional. It helps prepare you for whatever’s coming up,” he said.

17 Haziran 2012 Pazar

Summer acting classes for adults

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This summer, theater pros and beginning actors alike can sharpen their skills in a fun, creative environment with our adult acting classes.
Taught by professionals in the industry, the Patel Conservatory in Tampa offers acting classes designed to accommodate your busy lifestyle.Adult Acting
Kerry Glamsch
Theater instructor Kerry Glamsch returns this summer to teach the adult acting class on Tuesday nights. The class will focus on Meisner technique, which includes repetition exercises, vocal warm ups, and basic script analysis to help develop truthfulness in acting.“The class has a wide variety of students, with diverse backgrounds and experience levels,” said Glamsch.Glamsch directed our youth theater’s successful production of Our Town last summer, and this past year’s adult acting class. He also teaches acting classes at the University of Tampa, and script analysis at the University of South Florida.“The adult acting class is geared toward any level actor,” said Glamsch. “Each person operates on their own level and has the opportunity to explore their creativity in a safe environment.”On-Camera Acting
Eugenie Bondurant
Eugenie Bondurant also explores Meisner technique this summer as it applies to performing in front of the camera in the On-Camera acting class on Thursdays. The class focuses on improvisation and character development.Bondurant has been teaching our On-Camera classes since the Conservatory opened six years ago. This summer, she’s also teaching the youth camp How to Make a Short Film.Beginning Adult ActingVeteran Shakespearean actor Giles Davies brings his vast knowledge of the stage to the beginning adult acting class on Wednesdays.Davies will introduce classic theater exercises to help beginning students learn various acting techniques.Davies will also be directing our youth theater summer production of A Midsummer Night’s DreamStand-up Comedy
ranney helps get you in touch
with your inner comedian!
Get in touch with your funny bone with our stand-up comedy class for adults. Actors and performers, this is a great way to hone your comedic skills and delivery.Popular comedian Ranney Lawrence, "ranney," will guide students through a series of improvisation and writing exercises that will help develop their own unique style of comedy. Participants will have the opportunity to craft their own personal comedic routines.For more information about our classes for adults, including in dance, music and theater, please visit our website at patelconservatory.org or call 813-222-1002.

Heartfelt thank you to Melissa Stafford

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Melissa Stafford receives a going away gift from the ballet department
at the 2012 Spotlight Awards.
Congratulations to Patel Conservatory Youth Ballet ballet principal Melissa Stafford.Melissa was recently appointed department chair at Peabody Dance, a division of John Hopkins University, in Baltimore, MD.Melissa joined the Conservatory six years ago, before there was a formal ballet program here. We had about 80 students taking an assortment of dance classes from preschool to hip hop and ballet.Along with Peter Stark, Melissa helped establish our formal ballet curriculum for students to grow with the program, and our dance department grew exponentially.“Now we have more than 300 students in the ballet program...We surpassed our projections every year,” said Melissa.
More than being an exceptional administrator and dance instructor, she's been a friend.
“The students and the parents and staff [of the Patel Conservatory] have become our surrogate family,” said Melissa.


"Melissa has been a wonderful mentor to me," said dance administrative supervisor Ashley Hilton. "I am so grateful to have worked with her the past six years.  She will be missed and I wish her nothing but the best in her new position."


Prior to coming to the Conservatory, Melissa taught for five years at Peabody. Similar to the Conservatory, Peabody’s dance program is growing, and they have a boys’ program taking off due to a new scholarship fund.
Though Melissa will miss the Conservatory, she’s happy to be moving closer to her family and her husband’s. “Baltimore is very centrally located for us,” she said.Melissa was married last fall to Justin Nurin, a classical trumpet player and sailing instructor from Annapolis, whom she met at Peabody when she taught there. Nurin was a graduate student studying music performance.With her move, she’ll be closer to her husband’s family in Annapolis and just a couple of  hours from brother and sister Abi and brother Jonathan Stafford, both of whom are principal dancers with the New York City Ballet.“It was a hard decision to leave, having put my heart into establishing this program,” said Stafford. However, “I feel confident in leaving because I know that the program has grown to a point that we have good people in place. I’m glad to know that the kids are going to continue getting excellent training.”We thank Melissa for her years of service and everything that she’s helped accomplish here at the Conservatory. And, though she will be missed, we wish her all the best in her new position!