PROGRAM PURPOSE
To prepare the student for a career in live performing arts genres.
STUDENT OUTCOMES
Upon completion of the Performance Certificate the student shall obtain a skill level suitable for a performing arts career in the
following areas:
- Vocal skills for both solo and ensemble work.
- Acting skills for monologues, scene work, and character development.
- Dance skill in jazz, tap, classical ballet and hip hop.
- Strong auditioning and interviewing skills, including a solid repertoire of prepared audition material.
- Introduction to stagecraft and touring production skills.
- Reading sheet music and understanding music theory at an intermediate level.
- Professional rehearsal techniques.
- Working knowledge of health and safety skills necessary to protect the performers’ mind and body.
- Adapting live performance to the cultural needs of varying audiences.
- Personal and child development in conjunction with teaching methodologies to advance career opportunities and communication skills with peer performers, directors and diverse audiences.
- The history of performing arts and its role in society.
FRESHMAN YEAR FOCUS
All freshman year courses are taken in residence at our main offices in Corona, California.
FALL SEMESTER
This semester focuses on developing performance techniques in all styles—acting, vocal and dance. Emphasis is also placed on learning basic stagecraft, performance quality, professional rehearsal processes, and staging methods. Additionally, students begin exploring the fundamentals of personal development and take classes that teach them self-understanding, self-expression and effective communication skills. The semester culminates with a freshman showcase performance. Freshman Fall Semester
Classes are:
- Vocal Techniques A*
- Choral Techniques & Vocal Ensemble A*
- Semi-Private Voice
- Music Theory I: Musicianship*^
- Performance Techniques*^
- Dance Techniques*
- Classical Ballet A
- Jazz Dance A
- Tap Dance A
- Hip Hop A
- Acting I
- Improv Techniques*
- Stagecraft*
- General Psychology*^
- Understanding the Human Body*
- Living Math^
*Indicates classes a student must complete in their freshman year in order to be eligible for participation in tours. As the study load required to complete the Performance Certificate in two years is very intensive, and leaves little time for outside activities, it is possible for students to enroll on a part time basis by taking only these classes in their freshman year. Students must complete all classes listed in order to be awarded The Young Americans Performance Certificate. ^Indicates course available to receive NCMC credit.
SPRING SEMESTER
In the second semester the focus shifts to build upon performance techniques and introduces elements of teaching methods. Students will continue to study and grow in classroom settings, but also will begin to apply the knowledge gained through participation in special performances and through the Outreach Program – a weekly hands-on teaching workshop with students from the Orange County area. This program is a collaborative relationship formed between The Young Americans and the Orange County Department of Education.
Freshman Spring Semester Classes are:
- Vocal Techniques B*
- Choral Techniques & Vocal Ensemble B*^
- Private Voice A^
- Music Theory II: Sight Singing*^
- Piano I
- Dance Techniques B*
- Classical Ballet B
- Jazz Dance B
- Tap Dance B
- Hip Hop B
- Acting II
- Child & Adolescent Development*^
- Teaching Methods: 4th – 12th Grade*
- Teaching Methods: The Diverse Classroom*
SOPHOMORE YEAR FOCUS
The sophomore year focuses on applying the performance and rehearsal techniques developed in the freshman year to real-life performance and touring opportunities as well as preparing the student to transition into a performance career. The sequence of classes are designed so that they can be taken in conjunction with the student’s casting in the various Young Americans performance and touring opportunities.
There are two study modules that must be taken to complete the Performance Certificate. The modules can be taken in any order and each module can be taken in full or a student can opt to split the module and take it over a period of more than one academic semester.
Because of the nature of the learning opportunities The Young Americans offer, many students continue to participate in Music Outreach Tours after the completion of their second year. There is no limit set on a student’s length of stay with The Young Americans; however participation in each touring company and performance production is by invitation only.
Future plans include evolving the program of study into a four-year bachelors program that will allow the student to major in Performance, Vocal Performance, Orchestra or Technical Theatre.
Sophomore Module 1: Performance Application
This module is taken in conjunction with participation in a 10-week touring company with The Young Americans and requires an invitation by The Young Americans’ Artistic Director to participate.
Module 1 Classes to be taken are:
- Applied Vocal Techniques A*
- Applied Dance Techniques A*
- Applied Choral Techniques A*
- Performance Practicum I^
- Stage Crew Activity
- Directed Teaching I^
Sophomore Module 2: Career Preparation
This module is taken in residence. This module is offered in the fall semester, the spring semester and as a late spring intensive semester.
Module 2 Classes to be taken are:
- Applied Vocal Techniques B*
- Applied Dance Techniques B*
- Applied Choral Techniques B*
- Private Voice B
- Music History^
- Audition & Interview Techniques
- The Directors Series^
- Performance Showcase
- Acting III^
*Indicates courses required to maintain membership with The Young Americans. ^Indicates course available to receive NCMC credit. All courses outlined are required for the student to be awarded the Performance Certificate. In addition students will participate in pre-production, rehearsals, performance observation and public performances in conjunction with the appearance calendar of The Young Americans. The Young Americans reserves the right to alter curriculum as needed.
Click here for our College Prospectus class listing which shows pre-requisites, NCMC credit and tour requirements.
