Musical theater classes at Easy Street

Staff report

youngstown

Easy Street Productions will again hold its annual Little Rascals musical theater summer workshops, headed by Maureen Collins, co-founder of the theater company.

The program has been expanded this year, with new workshops on singing, acting and dancing. There will be three workshops, one each month.

The first will be June 14-24 at Ursuline High School auditorium, 750 Wick Ave.

There will be separate classes for ages 4-5, 6-8 and 9-teens. Each will meet two days a week.

Two classes are being offered for each age group but space is limited. The cost is $50, payable by check or charge by phone. For more information or to get registration forms, call Easy Street at 330-743-8555 or email easystreetshows@aol.com.

Participants can range from beginners to advanced. The classes are designed to build a child’s self-confidence.

“I always try to make each one have a different focus for the kids who have attended in the past and keep coming back,” said Collins. “For instance, my last workshop focused on auditioning — choosing the right song, projecting and confidence.”

The June workshops are geared toward beginners, said Collins.

Dates have not yet been set for the July and August workshops, but they will be more in-depth and touch on blocking, choreography, costumes, hair and makeup.

There will even be an “On Camera” workshop for children interested in breaking into television commercials. “As you may know, all of the Sheely’s Furniture Kids are former Rascals,” said Collins, referring to the popular commercials that air in the Mahoning Valley.