Oregon Coast Council for the Arts announces an exciting new 9-week musical theatre course for adults and teens (ages 15+) happening this fall at the Newport Performing Arts Center. PerformanceLab: Acting Through Song will take place on Wednesday evenings, from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm, starting September 11, 2024.

Beginners and seasoned performers alike are invited to unlock the power of compelling storytelling through song in this dynamic musical theatre course. The goal is to help performers (and would-be performers) build and sharpen the presentation of a song as it arises from the scene and the life of the charter, working on assigned musical theatre songs and scenes supported by a live accompanist. Participants will work to balance vocal delivery and sound production with the effort to bring truth and specificity, both to the song and the character.

The course will be led by Jason Holland and Milo Graamans. Holland, a seasoned musical director, serves as OCCA’s Executive Director and recently helmed the Red Octopus Theatre Company/OCCA co-production of Fiddler on the Roof. Graamans – a well-respected local musician, actor, and director – served as music director for Fiddler on the Roof and also directs OCCA’s summer Shakespeare Camp. Holland will lead the course, with Graamans providing live accompaniment and thoughtful guidance.

The cost of the 9-week program is just $45 per student, and classes run September 11 – November 13 (no class on October 9) at Newport Performing Arts Center (777 W Olive Street). Class size is limited to allow for focused instruction. To learn more or register now, visit coastarts.org/events/act-song