A fun and fast-paced introductory level musical theatre class for teens! Students will develop three disciplines of Musical Theatre through engaging repertoire from classical, contemporary and Disney musicals. They will explore music (breathing, diction, rhythm, musicality), dance (balance, coordination, proprioception, expression and self control), and acting (characterization, physicality, expressiveness, and memorization), and how they come together to form a musical, executing repertoire with performance etiquette. At the end of the semester they will demonstrate scenes, songs, and dances to show their growth and get a chance to perform for their family and friends! Musical Theatre Performance is a good fit for students interested in developing performance skills and repertoire and growing as a performer in a musical theatre environment.

Tuesdays 8:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: GCPA Faculty
Spring Conclusion: Formal On-Stage Demonstration

 

Ages 10-18. The Broadway stage meets the concert stage! This community-focused vocal performance class centers on contemporary music such as pop, rock and indie, while also exploring how these genres have impacted contemporary musical theatre. Learn essential vocal technique and expanded skills such as microphone best practices, vocal improvisation, and how to effectively interpret and connect with lyrics. This class also covers vocal health and endurance to ensure your voice stays strong during performances. Our supportive environment encourages experimentation and personal expression, allowing you to discover your unique sound to some of your favorite songs.

Thursdays 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Instructor: GCPA Faculty
Spring Conclusion: Formal On-Stage Demonstration

 

Musical theatre dance explorations

This is the perfect class for older beginners wanting to improve their dance skills for musical theatre performance at their own pace. Learn the essential concepts, terminology, and steps that form the backbone of dance in musicasl. In the beginning levels, our Musical Theatre Dance classes focus on core concepts, terminology and steps used in musical theatre jazz as well as developing base technique in alignment, placement and preparation for larger steps. Throughout all musical theatre dance classes, students will develop the ability to tell complex and engaging stories through dance.

Thursdays 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Instructor: GCPA Faculty
Spring Conclusion: Class Observation

musical theatre dance FOUNDATIONS

In the beginning levels, our Musical Theatre Dance classes focus on core concepts, terminology and steps used in musical theatre jazz as well as developing base technique in alignment, placement and preparation for larger steps. In the intermediate levels, students will place a larger focus on style from a variety of musical theatre choreographic styles: classic, golden age, and contemporary genres. They will begin to develop increased balance and flexibility, as well as turns, leaps, jumps and kicks. Throughout all musical theatre dance classes, students will develop the ability to tell complex and engaging stories through dance.

Foundations classes cover essential skills taught in Levels 1-4 at an accelerated pace with age appropriate content.

Wednesdays 8:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: GCPA Faculty
Spring Conclusion: Class Observation

Level 5

Learn the essential concepts, terminology, and steps that form the backbone of musical theatre performance. In the beginning levels, our Musical Theatre Dance classes focus on core concepts, terminology and steps used in musical theatre jazz as well as developing base technique in alignment, placement and preparation for larger steps. Throughout all musical theatre dance classes, students will develop the ability to tell complex and engaging stories through dance.

To qualify for this class, students must complete Musical Theatre Dance Level 3/4, Musical Theatre Dance Foundations or a comparable class or receive instructor / admin approval.

Wednesdays 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Instructor: GCPA Faculty
Spring Conclusion: Class Observation

level 6

Learn the essential concepts, terminology, and steps that form the backbone of musical theatre performance. In the intermediate levels, students will place a larger focus on style from a variety of musical theatre choreographic styles: classic, golden age, and contemporary genres. They will begin to develop increased balance and flexibility, as well as turns, leaps, jumps and kicks. Throughout all musical theatre dance classes, students will develop the ability to tell complex and engaging stories through dance.

To qualify for this class, students must complete Seniors Musical Theatre Dance Level 5 or a comparable class or receive instructor / admin approval.

Wednesdays 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Instructor: GCPA Faculty
Spring Conclusion: Class Observation

Advanced

Develop skill and artistry within the essential concepts, terminology, and steps that form the backbone of musical theatre performance. In the intermediate levels, students will place a larger focus on style from a variety of musical theatre choreographic styles: classic, golden age, and contemporary genres. They will begin to develop increased balance and flexibility, as well as turns, leaps, jumps and kicks. Throughout all musical theatre dance classes, students will develop the ability to tell complex and engaging stories through dance.

To qualify for this class, students must complete Seniors Musical Theatre Dance Level 6 or a comparable class or receive instructor / admin approval.

Wednesdays 8:00pm - 9:30pm
Instructor: GCPA Faculty
Spring Conclusion: Class Observation

 

BALLET STRETCH

This class is designed to help dancers get a solid warm up or cool down before or after other dance classes, with a focus on flexibility and technique to maximize training time. The first half of the class is a structured cool down for dancers wanting to properly stretch and condition at the end of the night. The second half of class is a warmup with dynamic stretches and emphasis on good technique to help dancers prepare to head into their next class ready to go. It’s the perfect complement to regular dance training, helping students learn best practices for warmups and cool downs to make the most of what their body can do. Students ending dance at 7pm will stay until 7:30 for a cool down. Students going in to dance at 8pm will arrive at 7:30 for a warmup.

Mondays 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Instructor: GCPA Faculty
Spring Conclusion: Class Observation

BALLET FOUNDATIONS

GCPA Ballet offers the ideal class for theater performers and older beginners seeking to build a strong foundation in ballet. This class teaches fundamental ballet techniques, including precise terminology, classic positions, and the integration of musicality in performance. Develop your performance skills, explore ballet as a form of expression in your dance repertoire and achieve poise and confidence on and off the stage.

Foundations classes cover essential skills taught in Levels 1-4 at an accelerated pace with age appropriate content.

Tuesdays 8:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: GCPA Faculty
Spring Conclusion: Class Observation

Level 5

GCPA Ballet offers the ideal class for theater performers seeking to build a strong foundation in ballet. This class teaches fundamental ballet techniques, including precise terminology, classic positions, and the integration of musicality in performance. Develop your performance skills, explore ballet as a form of expression in your dance repertoire and achieve poise and confidence on and off the stage. 

To qualify for this class, students must complete Ballet Level 3/4, Ballet Foundations or a comparable class or receive instructor / admin approval.

Mondays 8:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: GCPA Faculty
Spring Conclusion: Class Observation

Level 6

This intermediate level Ballet class builds upon fundamental ballet techniques, advancing into more complex combinations, challenging positions, and a nuanced understanding of musicality in performance. Perfect for those who already have a basic grounding in ballet and are eager to enhance their technical skills and deepen their expression through ballet. 

To qualify for this class, students must complete Seniors Ballet Level 5 or a comparable class or receive instructor / admin approval.

Mondays 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Instructor: GCPA Faculty
Spring Conclusion: Class Observation

Advanced

This comprehensive advanced class is for ballet dancers striving to elevate their ballet technique to professional levels. Delve deep into sophisticated ballet methodologies, expand on precise terminology, tackle advanced positions, explore complex sequences and choreography, and focus on developing a heightened sense of poise and stage presence. You'll notice the growth as you transform technical skill into captivating performances!

To qualify for this class, students must complete Seniors Ballet Level 6 or a comparable class or receive instructor / admin approval.

Mondays 8:00pm - 9:30pm
Instructor: GCPA Faculty
Spring Conclusion: Class Observation

 

TAP FOUNDATIONS

Begin your tap journey with GCPA! Our tap program is leveled through the progression of musical theatre tap vocabulary, steps, and presentation. Through warm ups, students will learn to articulate the feet in basic rhythms and patterns. Progression and combinations will teach basic tap steps that are common in the musical theatre tap vocabulary with a strong focus on body position and posture.

Foundations classes cover essential skills taught in Levels 1-4 at an accelerated pace with age appropriate content.

SECTION 1
Wednesdays 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Instructor: GCPA Faculty
Spring Conclusion: Class Observation

SECTION 2
Thursdays 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Instructor: GCPA Faculty
Spring Conclusion: Class Observation

Level 5/6

This class furthers the training of intermediate tappers that hope to excel into more advanced levels. Our tap program is leveled through the progression of musical theatre tap vocabulary, steps, and presentation. Through warm ups, students will learn to articulate the feet in intermediate-advanced rhythms and patterns. Progression and combinations will teach tap steps that are common in the musical theatre and rhythm tap vocabulary with a strong focus on body position, posture, and expression.

To qualify for this class, students must complete Tap Level 3/4, Tap Foundations or a comparable class or receive instructor / admin approval.

Wednesdays 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Instructor: GCPA Faculty
Spring Conclusion: Class Observation

Advanced

This class is the culmination of GCPA's tap program. Through warm ups, students will learn to articulate the feet in advanced rhythms and patterns. Progression and combinations will teach tap steps that are common in the musical theatre and rhythm tap vocabulary with a strong focus on body position, posture, expression, musicality, and storytelling. This class will also place an emphasis on combination retention, helping students to learn to pick up complex tap combinations quickly without sacrificing precision and style.

To qualify for this class, students must complete Seniors Tap Level 6 or a comparable class or receive instructor / admin approval.

Wednesdays 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Instructor: GCPA Faculty
Spring Conclusion: Class Observation

 

Ages 10-18. This dynamic class explores the rich history and diverse styles of jazz dance, from the sultry sophistication of Bob Fosse’s choreography to the expressive modern movements of Martha Graham, all while emphasizing the theatricality and storytelling that defines musical theatre. Students will delve into the iconic jazz techniques and performance styles seen in Broadway classics like Chicago, West Side Story, and A Chorus Line, while also studying the high-energy precision of the Rockettes and the fluidity of contemporary jazz. Through a combination of technical exercises, performance-based choreography, and creative exploration, students will develop a deeper understanding of how jazz dance connects to the emotional storytelling of the stage. By the end of the course, dancers will hone their technique, enhance their stage presence, and learn how to bring characters and stories to life through the dynamic language of jazz.

Tuesdays 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Instructor: GCPA Faculty
Spring Conclusion: Informal Studio Demonstration

 

modern FOUNDATIONS

Get ready to unleash your creativity and dive into a world of dynamic movement and self-expression! This class is perfect for older beginners looking to build a strong dance foundation while discovering your own unique style. Through the lens of Horton Technique, you'll explore powerful, fluid movements that focus on both strength and flexibility, all while honing body awareness and alignment. With a mix of artistic expression and technical skill, you'll develop your movement vocabulary and boost your confidence, all while having fun and making it your own!

Foundations classes cover essential skills taught in Levels 1-4 at an accelerated pace with age appropriate content.

Mondays 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Instructor: GCPA Faculty
Spring Conclusion: Class Observation

Level 5/6

Refine your technique and push the boundaries of your movement! Building on your foundational skills, you'll dive deeper into the Horton Technique while exploring more complex choreography and dynamic movement patterns. This class challenges you to fuse strength, flexibility, and creativity, helping you develop a stronger sense of artistic expression and physicality. Expect to refine your body awareness, expand your movement vocabulary, and take your dance to the next level with more intricate sequences and exciting challenges.

To qualify for this class, students must complete Modern Foundations or a comparable class or receive instructor / admin approval.

Mondays 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Instructor: GCPA Faculty
Spring Conclusion: Class Observation

 
 

Leaps and turns are some of the most exciting technical elements in dance! In this class, students will hone and expand their skills, focusing on leaps and turns from both Jazz and Ballet techniques. A structured warm up will focus on technique (working through lateral and bi-lateral stretch, lunges, Pliés, center barre, and stretching). Students will approach skills on a step by step basis, starting with the preperation, attacking the step and landing. In center, students will work through pirouettes, stationary jumps, progressions across the floor, and more. Additionally, this class features an individualized focus on skills to meet students of all levels Intermediate and above.

Mondays 8:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: GCPA Faculty
Spring Conclusion: Class Observation

 

acting FOUNDATIONS

Get ready to step into the spotlight! Whether you dream of taking the stage or simply want to boost your confidence and public speaking skills, this class promises an engaging journey through the art of performance. Learn how to bring characters to life, dive into script and scene analysis, and use your voice and body to express emotions and tell impactful stories. Acting Foundations will give you fundamental tools to grow as an actor, a public speaker and a connected cast member.

Foundations classes cover essential skills taught in Levels 1-4 at an accelerated pace with age appropriate content.

Mondays 8:00pm - 9:00pm
Instructor: GCPA Faculty
Spring Conclusion: Class Observation

level 5

Continue your journey through the art of performance. Acting is more than just memorizing lines. It is using the knowledge we have about human psyche and behavior to make words on a page come to life. In this class, students will expand on their learning of how to dissect a script and understand the importance of specific vocal and physical choices in the telling of a story.

Some class content is rated R for this class section.

To qualify for this class, students must complete Acting Level 3/4, Acting Foundations or a comparable class or receive instructor / admin approval.

Wednesdays 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Instructor: Paul Pagano
Spring Conclusion: Class Observation

level 5/6

Continue your journey through the art of performance. Acting is more than just memorizing lines. It is using the knowledge we have about human psyche and behavior to make words on a page come to life. In this class, students will expand on their learning of how to dissect a script and understand the importance of specific vocal and physical choices in the telling of a story.

Some class content is rated PG-13.

To qualify for this class, students must complete Acting Level 3/4, Acting Foundations or a comparable class or receive instructor / admin approval.

Wednesdays 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Instructor: GCPA Faculty
Spring Conclusion: Class Observation

level 6

This class is an Intermediate / Advanced continuation of GCPA's custom Acting track. Acting is more than just memorizing lines. It is using the knowledge we have about human psyche and behavior to make words on a page come to life. In this class, students will further deepen their learning of how to dissect a script and understand the importance of specific vocal and physical choices in the telling of a story.

Some class content is rated R.

To qualify for this class, students must complete Seniors Acting Level 5 or a comparable class or receive instructor / admin approval.

Wednesdays 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Instructor: Paul Pagano
Spring Conclusion: Class Observation

Advanced

Deep dive into acting technique at the advanced level to become an intuitive, wholistic and dynamic performer. Acting is more than just memorizing lines. It is using the knowledge we have about human psyche and behavior to make words on a page come to life. In this class, students continue script dissection and individualized vocal and physical work toward telling the most authentic and impactful story.

Some class content is rated R.

To qualify for this class, students must complete Seniors Acting Level 6 or a comparable class or receive instructor / admin approval.

SECTION 1
Wednesdays 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Instructor: Paul Pagano
Spring Conclusion: Class Observation

SECTION 2
Wednesdays 8:00pm - 9:30pm
Instructor: Paul Pagano
Spring Conclusion: Class Observation

 

improv OPEN LEVEL

Step into the spontaneous and exhilarating world of improvisational theater! This class is designed to unlock your creativity and boost your confidence through fun, interactive exercises and games that teach the fundamentals of scriptless acting. This class provides a supportive learning environment where anything can happen, and often does! Bring your enthusiasm and get ready to think on your feet!

Wednesdays 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Instructor: GCPA Faculty
Spring Conclusion: Class Observation

INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED

Designed for experienced improvisors and skilled actors, Advanced Improv brings challenging exercises and sophisticated games that promote quick thinking, nuanced character development, and complex storytelling. This class is ideal for those seeking to enhance their stage presence, sharpen their comedic timing, and collaborate at a higher level with fellow improvisers. Transform spontaneous ideas into unforgettable performances! 

To qualify for this class, students must complete Juniors/Tweens Improv Level 3/4, Seniors Improv Foundations or a comparable class or receive instructor / admin approval.

Wednesdays 8:00pm - 9:30pm
Instructor: GCPA Faculty
Spring Conclusion: Formal On-Stage Demonstration

 
 

Formalized by Anne Bogart, Viewpoints is a philosophy that focuses on the natural principles of movement, time, and space. It is a technique for training performers, building ensemble, and creating movement for the stage. This class will follow Bogart's design in exploring how our bodies inhabit and move through space. By the end of the class, actors will have a heightened sense of awareness of self, others, and our natural instincts. This class will be taught by GCPA founder and Executive Director, Paul Pagano, who trained in this technique under Anne Bogart herself.

ADVANCED / invited ONLY

This is a full year course. Students must register for both semesters.

Saturdays 3:30pm - 5:00pm*
Instructor: Paul Pagano
Spring Conclusion: None