[NEohioPAL] JUNIORS AND SENIORS - ACADEMY AUDITIONS EXTENDED THROUGH MAY 15

Great News to students who are still interested in joining the Performing Arts Academy! Because of the need for special audition dates and times to accomodate the busy schedules of talented students, the Chagrin Falls Performing Arts Academy is extending the deadline for auditions to May 15, 2008.

The Performing Arts Academy is rare opportunity for Juniors and Seniors who are students in the Aurora, Beachwood Chagrin Falls, Mayfield, Orange, Richmond Heights, Solon, South Euclid, and West Geauga School Systems to study theatre a half day every day as part of their regular school studies.

Students may request an audition at: http://www.chagrinacademy.org/ask.asp. Students should contact their home-school guidance counselor to acquire the necessary forms and paperwork to enroll. You should sign up for the Academy ASAP, as there are only a few slots remaining.

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A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR ABOUT TRAINING AT THE PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY

Dear Friends and Students of the Theatre:

If you're like I was at 16 or 17, you have a real love of acting and all aspects of the theatre. Most likely, the idea of attending a Performing Arts Academy during school hours is an exciting one. For myself, I had the opportunity to attend Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan my senior year in high school. And while I remember being nervous and a bit anxious about the prospect, once I got there, I had a remarkable experience, one that really changed my life in so many positive ways. It is one of the reasons I am passionate about taking the helm of the Academy . The study at Interlochen has remained one of my fondest memories. And now that I have been given the opportunity, I want to help create a similar creative, challenging and fun opportunity for the students in Northeast Ohio. So far, we have a terrific group of talented students and - good news - still have several slots open, so if you decide you'd like to be a part of the Academy next year, there's still room.

If you or your parents would like to talk to me about the 'experience' of the Academy; what to expect; the training and the performance opportunities we will have next year, I would be more than happy to discuss this some time. As you know from this e-mail, we will be holding private auditions through May 15. I can be reached on the academy website at: www.chagrinacademy.org/ask.asp

If you haven't looked yet, please visit www.chagrinacademy.org . It will give you a good overview of the Academy.

I am attaching below, a short letter to prospective students from my good friend and professional colleague, Mr. Michael Paller, who works at The American Conservatory Theatre in San Fransisco, one the country's foremost repertory companies. I attach it because I believe it explains the essence of what we will be studying over the next year at the Academy and may shed some light on what you might experience if you decide to attend.

"TO PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS OF THE ACADEMY"

"I have known Tom Fulton since 1968. We worked together at Center Repertory Theatre and at the Phoenix Theatre Ensemble in Cleveland, and I particularly observed Tom's work as a teacher and director. Since those years, I have worked in the professional theatre as a dramaturg and/or literary manager at some of the country's premiere theaters, including the Long Wharf and the Roundabout; I am now the dramaturg and Director of Humanities at the American Conservatory Theater, where I also teach in our MFA acting program (one of the top five in America). In all of those years, I have met very few teachers or directors who surpass Tom in either of those capacities, and I have worked (and work) with many of the best.

In addition to his sheer knowledge of theatre craft, what has always set Tom apart is his ability to inspire students and actors. He does this by creating a positive and supportive atmosphere in which it is safe to create and explore, and where students can feel empowered by their abilities and by the skill and discipline that Tom instills in them. He also brings into every classroom and institution a palpable and fierce belief in the importance of theatre and the demand that we give it the very best that we can every time we step on a stage. The result, which I saw time and again, is that students – and non-students, too – give the very best performance they are capable of giving: better, often, than they felt they were capable of, better than they had given before. "

- Michael Paller _

Dramaturg, Director of Humanities

American Conservatory Theatre

San Francisco

Ultimately, as in all things, follow your heart!

Chagrin Falls Performing Arts Academy