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Musical Theatre Masterclass with Broadway Star Emily Kristen Morris

<Crystal Lake>, IL – October 9, 2024 – Raue Center School For The Arts is thrilled to announce the upcoming Musical Theatre Masterclass featuring New York-based performer Emily Kristen Morris. This exclusive masterclass will be held on December 9, 2024, for ages 14 to adult and on December 10, 2024, for ages 8 to 13.

 

Participants can join the class either as a singer or as an observer. Singers will get an average of 13 minutes of one-on-one coaching, while observers will watch and get to ask questions. 

 

Participants will have the unique opportunity to learn from Emily Kristen Morris, an NYC-based actor, singer, dancer, and certified vocal instructor with an impressive career. She is currently starring as Elsa in Frozen at the Paramount Theatre and has performed across the nation and internationally. Emily was the Elphaba standby on the Broadway national tour of WICKED, and Bea in the Broadway National Tour of SOMETHING ROTTEN. Morris has also performed as a solo vocalist with symphony orchestras worldwide.

 

The masterclass will focus on Broadway-style singing and acting through song, providing valuable insights into musical theatre vocal technique, audition preparation, and how to make a lasting impression in the industry. Singers will receive one-on-one coaching. All participants can take part in a musical theatre-focused group warm-up and a Q&A session with Emily at the end of the class.

 

“We’re thrilled to welcome Emily for our upcoming Musical Theatre Masterclass,” says Raue Center School For The Arts’ Director of Education, Rob Scharlow. “ How exciting that our students will get to share in her passion and expertise right here in the Crystal Lake area. She’ll provide an unforgettable experience that will ignite our students’ creativity and elevate their skills to new heights.”

 

James Mablin, Raue Center’s resident music director, will serve as the accompanist for the masterclass. Participants enrolling as singers must come prepared with a memorized song cut down to audition length (16 – 32 bars) and provide a clean copy of the sheet music for the accompanist.

 

The masterclass welcomes both singers and observers. Observers will be able to watch the coaching sessions and participate in the Q&A session.

 

Tuition for participating singers is $125* (limited availability.) Observer tickets are priced at $55. Become a RaueNOW Family member and get a 25% off classes, workshops, and masterclasses. The masterclass will be held at the Raue Center For The Arts, located at 26 N Williams Street, Crystal Lake, IL.

 

For more information and to reserve your spot, please visit rauecenter.org/education. Questions? email [email protected].

 

Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to learn from a Broadway star and take your musical theatre skills to the next level. Join us for a memorable and enriching Musical Theatre Masterclass with Emily Kristen Morris at the Raue Center.

Classes Featured Theatre

Raue youth create ‘Disturbing Disappearance of St. Nicholas’

By REGINA BELT-DANIELS
November 27, 2023 at 8:02 pm CST

This article originally appeared in the Northwest Herald.

CRYSTAL LAKE – I don’t think I have ever met two such exuberant teachers as Rob Scharlow and Nick Hrutkay. Scharlow is the new director of education at the Raue Center School For The Arts, and Hrutkay is director of its upcoming world premiere of “The Disturbing Disappearance of St. Nicholas,” headed to the stage of the Raue Center For The Arts in Crystal Lake from Dec. 1 to 3.

Scharlow and Hrutkay met at New York’s Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Center, where both were teachers. Scharlow had 17 years’ experience there, and has been friends with Hrutkay for nine. Both believe the arts not only inspire and unleash creativity, but also foster emotional connections, personal growth and confidence. Scharlow’s philosophy – “It’s not what you’re capable of, it’s what you’re capable of becoming” – is evident not only in his 35 years of performing throughout the area, including on the Raue stage, but in his RCSA teaching.

Hrutkay’s philosophy is “not to turn out pros, but better people” and “the ability to listen to others can be taken to any profession.” Both Scharlow and Hrutkay have a realistic and honest approach to arts education; as Scharlow says: “We’re the same basically.”

What’s also exciting is this production is a result of devised theater, or the process of collaboratively creating a new work without a pre-existing script. In this case, the collaborators are 12 RCSA students ranging from ages 7 to 16. Both Scharlow and Hrutkay admit it was an intense process; after starting with three pages of ideas, it took five days to pare down and write “The Disturbing Disappearance of St. Nicholas.”

Hrutkay “jumped in with prompts,” and later pieced the production together. Both Scharlow and Hrutkay were inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Letters From Father Christmas,” a collection of Tolkien’s letters written between 1920 and 1943 to his children. Scharlow was delighted that in the RCSA writing development, no one questioned the existence of Santa or the spirit of Christmas, and all worked diligently and had fun.

“The Disturbing Disappearance of St. Nicholas” will be fully staged in the round and along the lines of a studio black box theater. And thanks to the generosity of Crystal Lake’s Marvin’s Toy Store (Kate McConville told them to “take what you like”), toys will be arranged all around the perimeter of the set. Marketing also involved RCSA students: Caroline Lucas designed the elves T-shirt; Lauren Gassman designed the flyer that, when folded in half, cleverly shows an empty Santa chair; and the play’s poster was designed by Sophia Kuranda.

So, the premise: What would happen if Santa Claus abandoned the North Pole, and a group of elves discovered his famous red suit flung across his chair? “The Disturbing Disappearance of St. Nicholas” promises to be both poignant (there’ll be some “pulling of heartstrings,” according to Hrutkay) and humorous. All the collaborators were adamant that the audience should walk out not knowing for sure what happened – no predictable ending. There’s holiday music, dancing, movement and plenty of hope in dealing with real-life issues, and an exploration into what Santa means.

The RCSA will start new classes in January; the much beloved “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” is scheduled as the spring show. Hrutkay will be headed to Pittsburgh after this production, but under Scharlow’s inspiration and confidence, the RCSA is sure to be a mainstay of the theater community.

• Regina Belt-Daniels is excited to welcome Rob Scharlow back to Illinois, having directed him in productions at the Woodstock Opera House and Raue Center For The Arts. Belt-Daniels, a retired special education teacher, can be found onstage, backstage, or writing theater reviews somewhere anytime.

WHAT: “The Disturbing Disappearance of St. Nicholas”

WHERE: Raue Center For The Arts, 26 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake

WHEN: 7 p.m. Dec. 1; 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 2; 2 p.m. Dec. 3

COST: $25 for adults, $10 for students, $17.50 for RaueNOW members

INFORMATION: 815-356-9212, box [email protected], www.rauecenter.org

Classes Education Masterclass Music Theatre

Raue Center School For The Arts to Host ANNIE Actors and a Grammy Winner for two New Masterclasses!

CRYSTAL LAKE, Ill. – February 24, 2023 – Raue Center School For The Arts continues its new Masterclass Series with two new selections to cap Raue Center’s 2022-23 Season. 

Taught by professional artists from across the country, RCSA masterclasses focus on a variety of disciplines and specialties throughout the year including group instruction, one-on-one coaching, Q&A’s in Auditioning, Acting, Dancing, and more! 

Get an up-close look at the professional musical audition experience on Monday, March 13 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm with “The ANNIE Audition Experience” featuring, guest artists Ellie Rose Pulsifer (Annie) and Harrison Drake (Drake, Daddy Warbucks understudy) from the current National Tour of ANNIE opening soon at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre. 

Guest artists will take participants through the same audition and casting process that the actors themselves went through to get hired for this lavish, exciting production of one of the most popular musicals of all time. Learn a dance combination from the show! Get taken through a professional audition step-by-step!  Find out from ANNIE herself how young artists live on tour! 

On Thursday, May 18th from 6:30-8:30 pm join two-time Grammy-winner Ernie Watts for “A Melodic Approach to Improvisation.” Considered one of the most versatile and prolific saxophone players in music, Watts has been playing professionally for over 50 years. He has been featured on over 500 recordings and became “first call” for all the reed instruments for films, TV, and recordings with pop icons such as Marvin Gaye, Steely Dan, Carole King, Frank Zappa, all the Motown artists, and many others. Watts played for 20 years in Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show band, always exhibiting his unforgettable trademark sound.

This very special masterclass kicks off Raue Center’s Blues Weekend, May 18 – 20. Ernie Watts will discuss how to create musical freedom through discipline and shares stories from his life lived in music for over 60 years and followed by a Q&A. 

Tickets for both masterclasses are $20 ($15 for members) Purchase tickets online at rauecenter.org or via the Box Office at 815.356.9212 or 26 N. Williams Street in downtown Crystal Lake. Learn more at rauecenter.org/education. Made possible by the generous support of the Johnny Carson Foundation and Advance McHenry County. Become a RaueNOW Member and get 30% Off Tickets and early access to upcoming shows. Become a RaueNOW Family Member and save 25% on classes and camps!

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

Classes Education

RAUE CENTER SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS LAUNCHES NEW SEMESTER OF CLASSES

[Crystal Lake, IL] – December 22, 2022 – Raue Center School For The Arts creates a welcoming place where students of all ages can let their creativity soar. RCSA is now offering a new semester of youth classes and adult classes, including new classes in acting for film and TV, Improv, and Stand-up Comedy! RCSA classes are taught by nationally working industry professionals and led by Erick Buckley, newly named Associate Director of Education, and Robin Irwin, Director of Education/Cultural Partnerships – both experienced Broadway theatre actors and teachers with NYU Tisch School for the Arts Accelerated Musical Theatre Program; The New York Film Academy; The Lee Strasberg Theater and Film Institute, and Montclair State University. 


Improv Kids I for grades 5 – 8 runs February 1 – March 15 (Weds 5 to 6 pm) Students learn the same skills as the performers at Second City, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, and SNL, while building confidence and team-building. The class culminates in a demo performance at Class Showcase Night the week after the final class where they will invite you into their heads!  

Adults can get in on the action too with Adult Improv, January 31 – March 14 (Tues 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM, Ages 18+) Using theater games, long- and short-form improv exercises, and the magic of “Yes, and…”, students will explore their imaginations and discover they have no limits. The class will culminate in an evening of Improv demonstration.

Sit Down to Stand-Up (February 15 – April 5  Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM) for Ages 18+ hones the skills that apply to being a better public speaker AND creating a stand-up comedy set. Learn how stories build to a genuine give and take between speaker and audience – whether you’re trying to impress in a presentation or to bring an audience to tears of laughter. The class culminates in an “Open Mic” presentation at Lucy’s Comedy! Taught by special guest teacher John DaCosse, who can be heard most mornings on the Steve Cochran Show on WLS. He has shared the stage with comics Brad Garret, Dave Chapel, George Lopez, Sabastian, Ron White, and Kevin James just to name a few.

Bring the joy of theater to the life of your youngster with Acting I (February 2 – March 16, 2023, Thursdays @ 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM. Grades 2 to 5) The basics of theater from every angle, opening them to experience the magic of being on stage. The final class culminates in a demo where the kids show their new knowledge. 

Learn skills for acting and auditioning on-camera from actors who have appeared on TV shows and movies in Acting for TV and Film I (February 4 – February 25, 2023,* Saturdays @ 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM. Grades 6 to 12) Our instructors teach you the unique skills to prepare your performance for the camera. The class culminates in your own video performance to begin creating your own reel. Instructors Michele Vazquez and James Knight have appeared on prime-time television shows like Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, and Person of Interest as well as national commercial spots. 

 

Broadway Bootcamp (February 1 – March 15, 2023. Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. Grades 5 to 8) combines all the different elements that make up Musical Theater: fully choreographed dance numbers, fully staged musical numbers with featured solos, improvised rehearsal techniques, and scene work. It is a sampling of how a full Broadway-style musical gets put together. The class culminates in a performance at the 2023 Spring Semester Showcase. 

 

Risk. Explore. Create. Classes are enrolling now and the semester begins on January 31, 2023. Visit https://www.rauecenter.org/education/ for more information on enrollment and financial aid. For specific questions regarding enrollment, email [email protected]. 

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

 

More information and tickets are available by visiting www.rauecenter.org or by calling the box office at (815) 356-9212. For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

Classes Education MUSICALS Theatre

Raue Center School For The Arts presents youth production of “Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens Jr.”

Crystal Lake, IL | November 1, 2022 

 

Raue Center School For The Arts is thrilled to announce the cast of RCSA Presents’ upcoming production of “Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens Jr.” Adapted from book #44 of Mary Pope Osborne’s award-winning fantasy adventure series, “Ghost Tale” follows Jack and Annie as they journey back in time to the foggy streets of London to meet Charles Dickens, world famous writer, who has a severe case of writer’s block. Through a series of fateful interactions and situations, Jack and Annie help Mr. Dickens face his inner demons and ultimately write one of the greatest holiday stories of all time! 

 

At the helm of this production are Director of Education & Cultural Partnerships Robin Irwin as Director, Institutional Advancement Associate Billy Seger as Associate Director & Choreographer, and YMTE Instructor Alayna DeVar as Music Director. Recurring RCSA production members Jessica Urban, Savannah Thomas, and Patty Halajin return as Producer, Teaching Assistant, and Costume Designer respectively. Rounding out the production staff are RCSA newcomers Anna Walker (Production Stage Manager), Adam Milne (Assistant Stage Manager), Trevor Dotson (Scenic Designer & Scenic Artist), Emma Linnea (Lighting Designer), and Chris Tumblin (Technical Manager).

 

“The Magic Tree House series is very near and dear to my heart,“ said Director Robin Irwin. “I’ve read all the books to my daughter, so it’s an honor to bring book #44 to life on the Raue Center stage.”

 

“The talent in this cast is absolutely outstanding,” said Associate Director & Choreographer Billy Seger. “Our students really stepped it up at auditions, making this casting process one of the most difficult during my time with RCSA.”

 

“Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens” runs December 2, 2022 at 7pm, December 3, 2022 at 3pm & 7pm, and December 4, 2022 at 3pm. Tickets are $25 for Adults and $10 for Students. RaueNOW Members receive a 30% discount on tickets. Some restrictions may apply. For more information, please visit rauecenter.org.

 

Details:

  • “Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens Jr.” presented by RCSA Presents, December 2, 2022 @ 7pm, December 3, 2022 @ 3pm & 7pm, &  December 4, 2022 @ 3pm

 

“Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Mr. Dickens Jr.” Cast:

Josh Annen – Mr. Dickens

Caleigh Banks – Restaurant Patron #1

Elizabeth Barton – School Girl #1

Serenity Bell – Orphan Soloist

Miranda Bokuniewicz – Henrietta

Liam Burke – Police Officer

Andriana Castle – School Girl #2

Benjamin Chase – Tiny Tim

Mia Clifford – Miss Twigby

Ellie Coughlin – Mary Dickens

Adelaide Daczewitz – Lady-in-Waiting

David Daskalov – Mr. Pinch

Ayla Dempsey – School Girl #4

Charlotte Genegels – Dishwasher

Elizabeth Hannen – Morgan Le Fay

Emma Hartwig – Mrs. Pinch

Bobby Hull – Newsies 

Nico Jensen – Young Dickens

Bennett Jones – Bootblack

Izzabella Jorenby-Behling – Hawker

Nicholas Kasperek – Barber

Elin Kennedy Kaye – Baker

Hazel Kroster – Black Ghost

Maddox Lovick – Oliver Twist

Fiona Miceli – Olive

Maisie Miceli – Queen Victoria

Audrey Molter – Annie

Brad Molter – Merlin

Kara Molter – School Girl #3 

Paige Montanye – Dressmaker 

Brooklyn Morey – White Ghost 

Adeline Morson – Emma 

Averie O’Keeffe – Green Ghost

Maddie Olszewski – Carriage Driver

Kennedy Onopa – Collin

Easton Paulson – Harry

Nolan Paulson – Newsie

Faye Radeni – Caroler #1

Noah Rea – Pickwick

Marybeth Reckamp – Mrs. Tibbs

Margaret Reckamp – Restaurant Patron #2

Ava Richer – Restaurant Patron #3

Veda Rosch – Sara

Courtney Schaal – Butcher

Bobby Schaeffer – Jack

Knox Rose Schneider – Restaurant Patron #4

Anna Snow – Mrs. Dickens

Tyler Sullivan – Francois the Chef 

Charlotte Thompson – Waitress 

Frank Truscott – Newsie 

Maggie Vallicelli – Roberta

Blakely Voight – Caroler #3

Derek Walker – Nickleby

Allie Wightman – Young Caroler

Aubrey Williams – Caroler #2

Caroline Zimmerman – Bookseller

 

Production & Design Team: 

Director: Robin Irwin

Associate Director & Choreographer: Billy Seger 

Musical Director: Alayna DeVar

Teaching Assistant: Savannah Thomas 

Lighting Designer: Emma Linnea

Costume Designer: Patty Halajian 

Scenic Designer: Trevor Dotson 

Production Stage Manager: Anna Walker

Assistant Stage Manager: Adam Milne 

Technical Manager: Chris Tumblin

Producer: Jessica Urban

Artistic Director: Richard Kuranda

 

Ticket Prices:

Standard Adult: $25

Standard Student: $10

*RaueNOW Membership Adult: $17.50

*RaueNOW Membership Student: $7

 

Individual RaueNOW and RaueNOW Family Memberships start at just $60. Each membership tier comes with a unique set of benefits, but all members enjoy the following:

 

  • 30% off two single tickets to most Raue Center events
  • Exclusive access to our member lounge, 26N
  • Early access to newly announced events
  • Behind-the-scenes access
  • The membership fee is tax-deductible
  • RaueNOW Family also includes 25% discount on RCSA classes

 

For more information, contact James Knight at 815.356.9010 x 14 or email [email protected].

 

*Certain fees & exclusions may apply. Ticket prices may vary according to zone and membership status.

 

Location: Raue Center For The Arts

26 N. Williams Street

Crystal Lake, IL 60014

rauecenter.org

 

Box Office: 815.356.9212 | 2 pm to 4 pm, Tuesdays – Fridays | Closed Saturday, Sunday, and Monday | Open 1 hour 

prior to scheduled performances.

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

 

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This program is made possible through the generous support of

Classes Education Theatre

RCSA’S NEW MASTERCLASS SERIES LAUNCHES WITH GREAT SUCCESS!

<Crystal Lake>, IL – October 25, 2022 – Raue Center School For The Arts is proud to announce its newest community engagement initiative: The Masterclass Series!

“Masterclasses offer our patrons and the entire community remarkable opportunities,” says Director of Education and Cultural Partnerships Robin Irwin. “We thrive and grow when we are exposed to the unique and varied approaches and ways of thinking expressed by artists at the top of their craft. Masterclasses like these in the city can run as much as $200 per session. So it’s a great value, too.”

Each installment of the RCSA Masterclass Series will be taught by professional artists from across the country, focusing on different arts disciplines and specialties throughout the year. Attendees are welcome to join as either a participant or spectator. Participants may be asked to join our experts on stage for exercises or practice modules in the class discipline. Spectators are encouraged to observe the process and welcome to participate in the question-and-answer sessions following the workshop.

The new program successfully launched on Monday, October 3rd at Raue Center For The Arts – conveniently located in downtown Crystal Lake, IL – when Broadway veterans Joy Hermalyn and David Benoit, cast members of the highly lauded production of “Fiddler On The Roof” at The Lyric Opera of Chicago, hosted an audition workshop on the historic Raue Center stage. Participants in the masterclass were not only given feedback on their audition selections and technique, but also treated to an exclusive question and answer session with Hermalyn and Benoit. RCSA alum Estella McCarthy Schultz, understudy for both Shprintze and Bielke in the aforementioned Lyric Opera production of “Fiddler,” also made a special appearance during the Q&A session, much to the delight of student participants who have previously worked with Schultz in classes and productions produced by RCSA.

“I was so honored to have had the chance to sing for Joy, David, and Estella,” said participant Angie Kells. “They were so present and provided suggestions that made my piece feel relevant to me. I also appreciated how they helped me infuse dynamics into my selection not only vocally and physically, but mindfully as well.”

The next installment of the Masterclass Series, “Dancing Through Life,” is scheduled for Monday November 14, 2022 and welcomes cast members from the current national tour of “Wicked,” now playing at the Nederlander Theater in Chicago. Broadway and television veteran John Bolton (The Wizard),  known for his work in the original Broadway casts of “Anastasia” (Vlad) and “A Christmas Story” (The Old Man), and Marina Lazzaretto (Swing), “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Schmigidoon,” as well as “American In Paris,” and “West Side Story” on Broadway, will lead a dance workshop in the style of “Wicked.” All attendees are welcome to join us on stage for the dance portion of the workshop. If you are interested in participating in a  one-on-one coaching demonstration during the workshop, please email [email protected] directly to reserve your spot.

Tickets for the Masterclass on November 14th are $10 per participant for current RCSA (or RaueNOW) families and $15 for the general public. You can register on Sawyer and pay in cash or card at the door! Doors will open at 6:00pm and the class will run from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.

“It’s really about helping foster artist-citizens that are better prepared for real-world experiences when they learn from a variety of Master Teachers with the most current experiences at the highest levels,” says Irwin. “There is also a direct benefit to the area as it becomes known as being a community that welcomes artists and champions the arts in all of its forms – encouraging tourism which results in increased foot traffic in the downtown area. This encourages entertainment dollars being spent locally rather than consumers taking those funds to the Chicagoland area.”

For more information visit rauecenter.org/education. For questions, please contact our Box Office at at [email protected] or 815-356-9212.

 

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter. 

Classes Dance MUSICALS News Theatre

RCSA MASTERCLASS – DANCING THROUGH LIFE with John Bolton and Marina Lazzaretto

@Raue Center For The Arts
26 N Williams Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Monday, November 14 | 6:30 to 8:30p
Registration Fee: $15
Reservations required. Limited Availability. Reserve your spot today!
Register Now!

RCSA’s Masterclass Series, “Dancing Through Life,” welcomes cast members from the current national tour of “Wicked,” now playing at the Nederlander Theater in Chicago. Broadway and television veteran John Bolton (The Wizard), known for his work in the original Broadway casts of “Anastasia” (Vlad) and “A Christmas Story” (The Old Man), and Marina Lazzaretto (Swing), “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Schmigidoon,” as well as “American In Paris,” and “West Side Story” on Broadway, will lead a dance workshop in the style of “Wicked.”

The masterclass will begin with an open dance instruction on stage for all participants featuring choreography inspired by the musical “Wicked” followed by one-on-one demonstrations and a Q&A. All attendees are welcome to join us on stage for the dance portion of the workshop.

If you are interested in receiving one-on-one audition coaching during the workshop, please email [email protected] directly to reserve your spot. Spots are limited.

Doors will open at 6:00 pm
The masterclass will run from 6:30 – 8:30 pm.

Each installment of the RCSA Masterclass Series is taught by professional artists from across the country, focusing on different arts disciplines and specialties throughout the year. Attendees are welcome to join as either a participant or spectators. Participants may be asked to join our experts on stage for exercises or practice modules in the class discipline. Spectators are encouraged to observe the process and are welcome to participate in the question-and-answer sessions following the workshop.

JOHN BOLTON
John Bolton starred on Broadway as Vlad in Anastasia (Outer Critics Circle, Rivera Awards nominations), The Captain in Dames at Sea (Astaire Award nomination), The Old Man in Christmas Story the Musical (Drama Desk nomination), as both Grady and Cioffi in Curtains, King Arthur in Spamalot, Michael in Contact, Charles Lightoller in Titanic, and J Pierrepont Finch in How to Succeed… He made his Broadway debut alongside Jerry Lewis in Damn Yankees. On tour, he was Horace Vandergelder in Hello, Dolly! and is currently playing The Wizard of Oz in Wicked. He headlined 4 sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall and has been a soloist with the NY Philharmonic at Lincoln Center. On TV, Mr Bolton had recurring roles on The Blacklist, Madam Secretary, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Gossip Girl and All My Children and has guest-starred on Evil, FBI, Elementary, Blue Bloods, Boardwalk Empire, The Good Wife and Law and Order. He is featured in the film Mapplethorpe.
MARINA LAZZARETTO
Originally from Alberta, Canada, Marina Lazzaretto is a New York City-based Dancer, Singer, and Actress. Marina is currently in the national touring company of the hit Broadway show Wicked. She has performed all over the US and Internationally in productions such as The Broadway and First National Touring companies of An American In Paris, the First National Tours of Cats (revival), and Twyla Tharp’s Come Fly Away, The New Yorkers at City Center Encores, the Off-Broadway Companies of Trip of Love and Doctor Faustus and the Broadway Company of West Side Story. Most recently Marina has just finished filming Season 2 of the new Apple TV Musical Series “Schmigadoon”. She has also been seen on television in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, “Fosse/Verdon”, “The Tonight Show”, “SNL”, “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert”, and “Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris”. Marina has also been fortunate enough to work with the Verdon Fosse Legacy since 2013 honoring the work of the legendary Bob Fosse. For more info visit marinalazzaretto.com Instagram @marinalazz
John Bolton as The Wizard in Wicked. photo by Joan Marcus

Made possible through the generous support of the Jonny Carson Foundation

Classes Education Family-Friendly

RAUE CENTER SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS ANNOUNCES FALL 2022 SEMESTER CLASSES

[Crystal Lake, IL] – August 31, 2022 – Raue Center School For The Arts creates a welcoming place where students of all ages can let their creativity soar. Now offering classes for students of all ages—from 18 months to 18 years. Adults too!

Raue Center School For The Arts (RCSA) announces Broadway Baby running September 5 through December 12, 2022 (off the week of Thanksgiving) on Tuesdays from 10:00 am-10:45 am. Broadway Baby is a fun discovery class for your little mover (ages 18 to 36 months) to explore music, storytelling, and movement. Sign up for the full 14 weeks ($210) or drop in per class ($15/class).

Tiny Tunes (ages 3 & 4) is a new 45-minute class full of songs, rhymes, rhythm, coordination, imagination, and FUN. Bring your dance and music-loving kid in for their first taste of theatre. Each class will have time for music, dancing, and storytelling. The class runs September 5 through December 12, 2022 (off the week of Thanksgiving), Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 1:00 pm-1:45 pm. Sign up for the full 14 weeks ($210) or drop in per class ($15/class).

The littlest stars get to shine in Little Stage Stars (ages 5 to 7). This six-week class is full of fun theatrical play, creative movement, and skill-building theatre games to help students explore their own creativity and talents. This class culminates in an open class where parents and families can observe the students at play, and even be treated to a “mini-showcase”! Class runs September 13 through October 18, Tuesdays from 4:00 pm-4:45 pm. Tuition is $150 per student (RaueNOWFamily Price: $112.50).

Our popular intro to acting series, Ready, Set, Act! (ages 7 to 12), uses theatre games and creative play techniques to help bring students out of their shells and teach them the basics of theatre. In classes tailored to the unique needs of each age group, our staff of working theatre professionals offers individualized attention and encouragement as students hone their skills and learn tips and tricks from the best. Each class section runs for six weeks and culminates in a showcase on the Raue Center stage! Tuition is $200 per student (RaueNOWFamily Price: $150).

In addition to introductory classes, RCSA is proud to offer several pre-professional classes as well. Acting II: Scene Study (ages 13 & up) is a new class for those actors who are ready to advance their skills and build stronger connections to text and character. Using the techniques of Uta Hagen, students will take a deeper dive into character relationships and learn to use their impulses to create dynamic scenes. The class culminates in a showcase on the Raue Center stage on the last day of class! Class runs September 12 through October 20, Mondays & Wednesdays from 4:00 pm-5:30 pm. Tuition is $250 per student (RaueNOW Family Price: $187.50).

Raue Center For The Arts is excited to offer a new all-encompassing class aptly named Musical Theater T³: Triple Threat for Teens with instructor Robin Irwin! Musical Theater combines singing, acting, and dancing to create a uniquely American form of stage magic. Musical Theater T³ will consist of 3 classes a week: an acting class, a song interpretation class, and a fully staged/choreographed number. The class will conclude with a showcase of the student’s work. These sessions provide individual training for each student in a variety of musical theatre styles and acting techniques all presented in a supportive and collaborative atmosphere. Class runs Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays from 6:00 pm-7:30 pm, September 12-26. Tuition is $375 per student (RaueNOW Family Price: $281.25).

Youth Musical Theatre Ensemble is back by popular demand! YMTE focuses on a vocal technique that expands beyond solo singing into small and large group ensemble singing. The group will work on multiple songs that will feature all members in some way, with a final performance at the end of the session. Students in this class will also join Jane Lynch, Kate Flannery, Tim Davis, and the Tony Guerrero Quintet in “A Swingin’ Christmas” for special performances on Raue Center’s stage at 8 pm on Saturday, December 10th and 1 pm on Sunday, December 11th! YMTE rehearses October 10 through December 6, Tuesdays from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm. Tuition is $350 per student (RaueNOW Family Price: $262.50).

RCSA is proud to introduce Song and Story: An Adult Musical Theatre Intensive for our adults! This fun-filled course will allow adult students to experience the joys of storytelling through song. We believe that growing in the arts and growing as a human being are synonymous and this intensive allows adult students to explore that magical moment when a scene becomes a song. The class will culminate in a cabaret-style showcase where you can strut your stuff. Why should the kids have all the fun? Class runs Mondays from 7:30 pm-9:00 pm, September 12-26. Tuition is $100 per student (RaueNOW Family Price: $75).

 

Risk. Explore. Create. Visit https://www.rauecenter.org/education/.

Become a RaueNOW Family Member and get early access and 25% off all classes and workshops! For more information on enrollment, discounts, and financial aid visit rauecenter.org/education or email [email protected].

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the nation’s finest examples of restored art and decor. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination.

More information and tickets are available by visiting www.rauecenter.org or by calling the box office at (815) 356-9212. For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter.

Classes Education MUSICALS Theatre

STUDENTS TAKE THE STAGE FOR NEW MUSICAL ENSEMBLE!

[Crystal Lake, IL] – March 29, 2022 – On March 22nd, Raue Center School For The Arts students took the stage at Raue Center to perform their first showcase as members of the newly formed Youth Musical Theatre Ensemble (YMTE)!

A small but mighty team, the six YMTE students performed selected songs from beloved stage musicals such as Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Shrek, The Secret Garden, Next To Normal, and Mean Girls, with each student featured several times throughout the showcase. Additional lights and sound were provided by Jarrod Bainter, Technical Director, and supported by staff members Jessica Urban and Billy Seger to help elevate the aesthetic of the performance.

“The beauty of this class is that every session will be different, with material that gives everyone a moment in the spotlight while learning how to be a good ensemble member as well,” says class instructor Alayna DeVar, Education Coordinator/Lead Instructor for Raue Center. “The performance was highly regarded and the kids quite literally wouldn’t leave the theatre. We will be running this class again and I look forward to seeing how this class grows and evolves over time.”

The Youth Musical Theatre Ensemble, geared toward students aged 14-18, focuses on vocal technique that expands beyond solo singing into small and large group ensembles. Students enrolled in the class can look forward to musical theatre songs they’ve always wanted to sing, but have not had the back up vocals to bring them fully to life . The collaborative atmosphere, paired with DeVar’s rich background in vocal instruction and pedagogy, makes for the ultimate experience in group singing.

Risk. Explore. Create. Raue Center School For The Arts looks forward to bringing this class back in the Fall of 2022. Until then, be sure to check out rauecenter.org/education or visit facebook.com/rcschoolforthearts for updates on more exciting opportunities, including a brand new Summer Camp experience aptly called “Camp RCSA.” Those looking to enroll students in RCSA programs should be reminded that the institution’s RaueNOW Family Membership offers a 25% discount on enrollment fees for all RCSA classes and workshops as well as an additional 30% discount on select Raue Center programming throughout the year. Scholarship opportunities are also available by contacting [email protected].

Raue Center currently requires masks for all patrons 2+. For more information, visit rauecenter.org/covid/. For questions or concerns, please contact our Box Office at 815-356-9212.

About Raue Center For The Arts

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 20 years, they have provided quality programming – striving to make it pertinent, available, and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional showcase theatre named for its benefactor—Lucile Raue—Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic downtown Crystal Lake, Illinois, is a gathering place for our region’s citizens and has become a true destination. 

More information and tickets are available by visiting www.rauecenter.org or by calling the box office at (815) 356-9212. For additional information, visit rauecenter.org, facebook.com/RaueCenter, and twitter.com/RaueCenter.

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Classes Education Theatre

Teaching is an Art

Amanda Flahive takes a traditional selfie with students after a showcase performance on Raue Center’s stage. 

Teaching artist Amanda Flahive shares why performing arts education is so important to her.

As a kid growing up in rural Kankakee County, IL, I always knew I loved performing…but didn’t have quite the right place to do that.  I sang “The Sound of Music” into my Fisher-Price tape deck for an audience of stuffed animals, I danced through the living room and entertained everyone who would listen with dramatic interpretations of my favorite Little Golden Books—so it was pretty clear early on that I was headed for the stage!

In spite of my performing ambitions, my small community didn’t offer much in the realm of arts opportunities—it was during my time at college studying for my career as a performer that I discovered my love of sharing the magic of theatre with kids like me.  I love teaching all ages of kids about the joy of theatre and how it can make a difference in their lives, or even become their career.  While I am fortunate enough to call myself a working actor, I often say that teaching is the other half of my “theatre soul.”  As much as I love getting on stage in front of an audience, belting a big number, and digging deep into a role, I also love teaching young performers how to harness that same energy that gets them singing into their hairbrushes in their bedroom mirrors and turn it into a compelling onstage moment. 

As we’ve built the RCSA program, I’ve been fortunate enough to witness many of our students grow from their first class as “dramatic personalities” into confident, vibrant young artists…some of whom have already started incredible professional careers.  While not everyone ends up on a Broadway stage, it’s what we learn along the way that shapes us as human beings—and it is such a gift to meet these kids as they discover their path. Teaching them is my honor and privilege—and I look forward to being part of their journey, wherever it takes them!

Amanda Flahive is an actor and instructor with Raue Center School For The Arts. She will be teaching RCSA’s High School Musical Theatre Workshop June 6 – 17, 2022. For more information about this and Raue Center’s other education workshops and summer camps visit rauecenter.org/education.

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