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At Brightest Star School of Performing Arts, we believe that the performing arts provide opportunities for learning about all aspects of one’s world, enhancing academic learning capacity, increasing self esteem and building strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Our students participate in group activities led by master educators and art professionals in an environment which promotes independent thinking, creative problem-solving and group decision-making. The program is structured so that participants work toward a common goal, ensuring the emotional growth necessary for success in the modern world, whether or not their future lies in the arts. Our goal at Brightest Star is to empower each participant with a strong sense of individual accomplishment and achievement.
Located within the Morris Museum, the Bickford Theatre is the proud home of Brightest Star School of Performing Arts. This beautiful 312-seat theatre produces professional theatre and presents children’s performances, lectures, and jazz and dance concerts. Bickford Theatre is a senior member of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance. For more information or to request a brochure, please call 973.971.DRAMA.
A Scene From our Summer 2008 Smash Production of "Annie Jr. "
September 15, 2008, to January 19, 2009
Thursdays, 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.
$400 for the first child, $200 for second child. Additional children free.
Home-schooled students will acquire skills in singing, instrument playing, acting, and public speaking. The course will afford the opportunity to work with other students on the preparation of skits, songs, and presentations. Character development and proper vocal technique will be emphasized.
Tuesdays, 10:45 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Wednesdays, 10 - 10:45 a.m.
$240
An energizing, interactive weekly class for the youngest musicians and their caregivers, loaded with singing, movement, stories, games, and instrument playing.
Wednesdays, 3:45 - 4:45 p.m.
Thursdays, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
Thursdays, 4:45-5:45 p.m. FILLED
$320
This course gives primary-age performers a chance to take the stage. Using literature as the medium, these students will bring a featured storybook to life with music, movement, and dramatic components. Students will learn about characterization through improvisation and storytelling, as well as create musical accompaniments using Orff instruments (xylophones, glockenspiels and metallaphones). A culminating presentation for family and friends will take place in the final week.
Tuesdays, 1:15 - 2 p.m.
$240
Designed with the half-day kindgartner and 4-year-old preschool child in mind, this class will offer these young performers extra enrichment in performing arts.
Thursdays, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Thursdays, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Thursdays, 6:45 - 7:45 p.m.
$320
Each of these acting courses will include improvisation, scene study, character development, class critiquing, vocal production, breathing, concentration, and use of the body exercises. Material used in scene study will allow each student to create an audition-ready monologue.
Wednesdays, 6:15 - 7:15 p.m.
$320
This comprehensive public speaking course is designed to improve oral communication skills, enhancing comfort in front of the group and the ability to organize thoughts, vocal production and persuasiveness. Particular attention will be given to students preparing for college interviews, fire and police oral exams and those involved in sales careers.
Wednesdays, 5:15 - 6:15 p.m.
$320
This course will give both beginning and experienced singers instruction in proper breathing and vocal production. Music reading and ear training will be a part of every class.
Fridays, 4 - 5 p.m.
$320
Whether you are preparing for a musical or non-musical audition, you will gain techniques to enhance your presentation. Learn how to analyze, how to impress, and how to choose the right material. Each student will leave the class with a monologue and song specifically designed to "sell."
Following the National Standards for Arts Education, the Musical Theatre Dance programs are designed to explore each dancer's innate knowledge and understanding of movement through physical dance training and notation, enhancing the skills of discipline and teamwork.
- Wednesdays, 5:15 - 6:00 p.m.; $240
In a creative dance format, this class uses a conceptual approach of the elements of time, space, body and relationship to introduce dance movement to young dancers. Children will learn basic stage directions, dance notation and control of movement through lessons and activities that stimulate verbal and non-verbal expression.
- Wednesdays, 6:15 - 7:15 p.m. , $320
Using a jazz warm-up and musical theatre base, this class will help students bridge the gap from beginner to advanced dancer. Skills for successful auditioning will also be explored.
- Wednesdays, 8:15 - 9:15 p.m., $320
This class helps refine movement and control to enhance the dance craft and teaches dancer performance and audition skills, while engaged in expanding their movement vocabulary.
- Wednesdays, 7:15 - 8:15 p.m., $320
This class uses the performance aspect of dance to help both the beginner and experienced dancer perfect their craft and shape their body for the stage. Variations from Broadway shows will be taught weekly, expanding and reviewing participants' knowledge of theatre dance.
Wednesdays, 4 - 6 p.m., $640
Saturdays, 9 a.m. - Noon, $960*
The flagship program of Brightest Star, the Musical Theatre Workshops offer students the opportunity to grow as a "triple threat" with classes in singing, acting and dancing. This program culminates in a musical theatre presentation on the Bickford stage. The course is designed to challenge each student at his/her own level. Students need not have previous experience.
*payable in two installments
Wednesdays, 5-6:15 p.m.
$320
This mixed chorus will explore the vast repertoire of SATB music. Participants will sing the music of the masters, traditional folksongs, popular & musical theatre pieces, music of other cultures and languages. Particular emphasis will be placed on tight a cappella harmonies.
For more information or to register for a mutually convenient time, please call 973-971-3726.
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Elizabeth A. Vecchio
Elizabeth has been an arts educator for many years, teaching in public and private schools. Having been a music fellow at Northwestern University and a Fulbright recipient, she has directed hundreds of dramatic and musical productions throughout the Tri-State area. A professional soloist, volunteer and arts advocate, Elizabeth has sung with Rosemary Clooney, Debbie Boone, The Lettermen, The Naples Philharmonic and the Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra.
Pamela Meys Kane
Prior to full-time work with Brightest Star, Pamela Meys Kane taught elementary and middle school for 20 years, most recently at Oak Knoll School in Summit. Additionally, Pamela served as music director at Notre Dame Church in Cedar Knolls where she directed and accompanied the adult, teen, and children’s choirs and founded a “Moms and Tots Music” program which has grown and spread to other locations. An accomplished and published composer, Pamela has written numerous works for the stage and classroom.
Ruthann Lanni
Dance teacher and choreographer for Brightest Star School of Performing Arts, Ruthann studied dance as her life’s passion. She received her M.A. in Dance Education from New York University and has taught ballet, tap, jazz and musical theatre in studios in the Northern New Jersey area to beginner through advanced, children and adults. Ruthann developed a dance curriculum for a preschool corporation and brings years of teaching experience, curriculum development and performance experience to the dance program.
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