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Applause Academy Summer Theater Program to Debut at Friedman Middle School

TAUNTON, MA: Applause Academy, a brand-new theater appreciation program for children aged 8 to 14, invites all star-struck actors, dancers, designers and writers to learn about the craft of live theater this summer at Friedman Middle School.  The award-winning artistic and technical staff behind the successful Friedman Drama Club productions has designed a highly-creative, non-competitive program that teaches what goes on both on-stage and backstage during a show.

Sessions will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, June 23-Aug. 28, yet students can sign up for two days, one week, several weeks, or the entire summer. Topics will change daily and include all aspects of acting such as speaking and moving onstage, creating a character, reading lines and improvisation. The importance of costumes, or how to design a set or run a box office will be discussed through fun games and creative exercises. Kids will get up and move as they learn how to dance and use movement to portray character; or come up with plots and dialogue as they write their own scripts.

Heidi Stipetic, Applause Academy artistic director, said the idea for the program grew out of her many years putting on shows with the enthusiastic and creative Friedman Drama Club students.

“I have been amazed at how the Friedman kids throw themselves whole-heartedly into their work, whether as an actor or a member of the stage crew,” she said. “In the area, there are plenty of summer day programs for kids interested in sports. Here’s one that taps into that strong desire to learn more about theater, to sing and dance and just be creative and have fun.”

Ms. Stipetic, a graduate of New York University’s school of drama, holds professional performing credits at Walt Disney World, Sea World, the SAK Theater Company and national commercials. She is joined on the Applause Academy faculty by Scott Stipetic, professional lighting designer with credits in Las Vegas, Disney and Universal Studios; Karen White, a professional writer, dance instructor and choreographer with extensive credits in musical theater; and Holly Roderick, with more than 18 years experience in the entertainment/hospitality industry.

The program is open to all students age 8 to 14 from throughout Taunton or any neighboring community, no previous theater experience necessary. All classes will be held at Friedman Middle School, 500 Norton Ave. Early drop-off at 7:30 a.m. is available. For more information or to register for Applause Academy, visit www.applauseacademyma.com or call 508-828-8942.