Acting in Mask

Do you want to be able to create a character truthfully from the outside in? Do you want to be more physically clear and articulate as a performer? There is no better training tool for the actor than working in a mask! Working with full-face character masks, students will begin to embody the personality and physicality of the mask and will learn to make every move and thought of the character crystal clear.

Leader: Joel Sugerman

Guitar

Ever wonder if you’ve got what it takes to be a rock star? Maybe you just want to entertain your friends and you’re looking for the right way to do it. The guitar just may be what you’re looking for. Why not spend your Arts Day checking out the most versatile instrument of the modern era of music? In an hour and a half you’ll learn how to tune and play this iconic instrument. The road to being the next Dave Matthews – or at least the most popular guest at the bonfire – starts on Arts Day!

Leader: Doug Thompson

Hand-to-Hand Stage Combat Workshop

Christina Johnston (who has been directing and choreographing for over 20 years, and holds a black belt in Aikido) will teach fundamental maneuvers of stage combat with a major emphasis on safety. This workshop will include instruction in the art of unarmed hand-to-hand stage fighting and basic stage combat choreography, and will focus on punches, slaps, and kicks. Additionally, tumbling with an emphasis on showing how this relates to falls and throws, coupled with chokes and hair pulls.  Students should come in comfortable clothes that allow freedom of movement.

Leader: Christina Johnston

Hip Hop

In this fun, high energy class students will learn the basics of hip hop technique. Along with technique we will create our own hip hop dances. There may even be a dance battle! Come and join the fun! :)

Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in.

Leader: Kira Szalma

Kira Szalma taught dance at NHS this winter as the teacher of our co-curricular dance program. Having danced since she was 11 years old, Kira is a recent graduate of Plymouth State University. Kira has worked with numerous professional choreographers such as Amy Marshall and Chad Levy of Amy Marshall Dance Company, Charmaine Wells of Refractions Dance Collective, and many others. Kira is a hardworking and energetic individual with a passion for dance. She is looking forward to spreading the joy of dance to the more NHS students! Happy Dancing!

Juggle!

Juggling is a kind of magic. And the key to all magic is that what the audience sees is different from what the magician (or juggler) is actually doing. In this workshop we will break down the three ball cascade pattern of juggling. Over the course of the workshop you will progress from throwing one ball back and forth between your hands to juggling three objects (and maybe even trying out some simple tricks). You will probably learn enough about juggling to teach your friends—or you can keep the secrets of juggling to yourself.

Leader: Paul Rightmyer and Justin Freeman
 

Pitch Perfect! (Sing Along)

This is an open sing along for all students regardless of experience.  We will be singing songs from Taylor Swift to Rhianna!  This workshop needs students with great attitudes and a willingness to take a risk and have fun.

We will culminate each session with a laid back traveling performance.  It will give an opportunity for students who have never performed the opportunity to do so in a relaxed environment.

Leaders:  Kyle Masterson with  Jill, Starr, and Adam

Spoken Word

With an emphasis on performance based poetry, students will focus on the aesthetics and word-play within poetry. We will watch various videos of high school poetry slam contestants, as well as famous poetry slam greats. Various prompts will be introduced to the group to help provide participants with focus, themes, perspective, goals, and topics. The conclusion of this session will require participants to participate in a poetry slam, and finalists will be selected by the group and guest judges.

Bring an iPad or pencil & paper.

Leader: Luke Tobin

The Internal Martial Arts of China: From Principles to Practical Self-Defense

The Internal Martial Arts of China: From Principles to Practical Self-Defense

In the West, martial arts are primarily understood as methods of violence--but could there be a deeper, more holistic value embedded in traditional martial practices? Are such traditional arts still valid for modern day self-defense? Everyone, especially beginners, is invited to explore these questions through discussion and plenty of hands-on learning in this two-part workshop:

•    The morning session will focus on familiarizing ourselves with the essential mechanics and philosophies of two traditional Chinese martial arts--the meditative Taijiquan (Tai Chi) and the deceptive Baguazhang.

•    The afternoon session will mainly consist of simple and practical self-defense techniques distilled from the arts introduced in the morning session.

Both workshops involve only gentle movements that most people should find easy and comfortable to perform. It's important to wear loose fitting clothes, comfortable clothes and flat shoes (no heels/boots please). Bare feet are welcome. It is recommended, but not necessary, to attend both sessions.

Verse, Rhythm, and Performance

In hopes of performing our poems in front of a small audience during our lunch break, participants will have the opportunity to blend their poems with rhythm, rhyme, background beats, and focus on performance and delivery. We will start the session with some short inspirational videos focused on poetry slams, rap battles, and modern day lyrical geniuses. Various prompts will be offered in order to inspire and help students create their own topics, themes, ideas, and delivery. Each student will be given a certain beat, time frame, and be expected to perform/deliver their rhythmic verses by the end of the workshop.

Bring an iPad or pencil & paper.

Leader: Luke Tobin

World Drumming

This course will explore indigenous African rhythms and their use in everyday life. No music reading is required, but you must be a good listener. This is an ensemble format. Drums will be provided, or you can bring your own.

Jared has had the opportunity to perform with some great artists such as Stan Trujillo, (saxman for the Woody Herman and Stan Kenton Orchestras), Steve Rucker (drummer with the Bee Gees), Randy Roos (Club D'Elf), Shawn Monteiro, Kimberly Dahme (bassist for Boston) Tony Sarno (Blood Sweat and Tears, The Thunderhawks, Peter Tork), Al Hospers (Buddy Rich Big Band, Blood Sweat and Tears), Barry Mitterhoff (Hot Tuna, Silk City) as well as many other fine musicians. His main love is jazz and improvisational music, but will absolutely play any music that has power, meaning, and most of all...soul. He is a proud endorser of Silverfox Drumsticks and Grover Pro Percussion.

Leader: Jared Steer

Wrapping and Strapping in Sports Medicine

You will have an opportunity to lean basic wrapping and taping techniques used in every day sports. You will learn how to tape ankles, knee's, shoulder's and elbows for treatment and prevention of sports injuries. You will also learn how to apply a basic ace bandage needed for support or to prevent swelling. The new K-Tape concept will also be demonstrated.

Leader: Adam Tyson

Zhumba!

This dance class will be a cardio workout!  
 Zhumba combines steps from hip hop, salsa, merengue, and other Latin dances in a high intensity dance workout.

No experience necessary. Wear your work-out clothes and shoes.

Leader:  Trish Tryon

Trish Tryon is a full time Trainer and Instructor at Laconia Athletic and Swim Club in Laconia NH. She is certified in Les Mills Body Step and Body Pump, among other things, and is a Zhumba specialist.