Learn everything you ever wanted to know about how to put a first-class performance together!
Yachad’s RKPAP provides opportunities to experience various areas of Performing Arts.
This new, innovative program encourages participants to engage in all elements of a performance – acting, dance, music, theater design and more!
Sign up to participate!
Mainstage Series: Mondays and Wednesdays 6-8pm CST
An adaptive course that changes throughout the year. Summer and Autumn consist of workshops in acting, dance, music and design. Group games and in-class performances serve as preparation for auditions and the upcoming musical production.
Improvisation Workshop– June 21- Jul 3rd
Poetry in Motion (July-September)- This 3-month unit will be split into two 6-week sections. During the first 6 weeks, we will look at various poetic forms, using our time to read, discuss, write, and present our poetry to the group. This will be paired with group movement exercises from actor training in viewpoints and Laban effort actions. The second 6-week unit will focus on songwriting, with the group meeting to collaborate, create, and sing songs of their own making. This will be paired with dance choreography from different musical genres. This session will end with an open invitation sharing on September 20th.
Oh Latke Me! A Chanukah Talent Show of Miraculous Proportions (October-December)- In early October, we will host an open sign up for participants who are interested in sharing a talent (song/dance/skill/comedic sketch/poetry etc). Over the course of October/November, acts will be developed and rehearsed within the framework of an original variety show, scripted during rehearsal. Participants will have a hand in crafting the final show while developing their chosen performing art. This program will include individual performances as well as group songs + dances. This session will end with an open invitation sharing on the 6th night of Chanukah, December 13th.
Musical Mashup (January-March)– There’s a little something for everyone here. During the winter months, we will pair songs from two of our favorite musicals and create a unique story of our own, showcasing the talents, skills and collaboration of the RKPAP Ensemble. This musical performance, a misfit toy of our own making, will be a fun process, allowing participants to bring their personal experience to life through familiar song. This session will end with an open invitation sharing in late March (TBD)
Performing Arts for Everyday Life (April-June)- Ever wondered why some people seem so calm when speaking to a room full of people? Ever wanted to know the building blocks of telling a good story or joke? Interested in building the skills to solve a mystery with your friends? Any interest in becoming a pen pal? Or perhaps you just want to get better at meeting new people or interviewing for jobs? Well, this program is for you. Our focus will be on bringing joy to your everyday activities. Focused on positive strengths, self-growth, social awareness, and group dynamics, participants will tell stories, have dance parties, interview each other, share discoveries, and develop a better physical, emotional, and mental awareness of themselves within a group and in physical spaces. There will be silent films, improv lessons, tai-chi/chair yoga and much more. Final projects may include short scenes, visual art projects, and group led warm-up/movement pieces. This session will end with an open-invitation sharing in late June (TBD)
Design and Create Workshop- Tuesdays,6pm-7:30pm CST
In these workshops, participants will work together to design and create set, costumes, props, masks, and puppets for the Mainstage Series musical. Mini Units will be led by the professional Production Team, presenting a unique opportunity for students to have a voice in the design of the Mainstage show.
Virtual Backstage Series: Thursdays 6pm-7pm CST (ZOOM)
Through live screenings, interviews, guest artist talks and group discussion, participants will engage with a range of cinematic and theatrical work that explores the art of storytelling. With mini units focused on Comedic Forms, Musical Theatre, Process and Design, Stagecraft and more, our aim is to build a shared vocabulary and knowledge base to bring into the rehearsal room, and to have a lot of fun along the way. This is an ongoing program & people can join at any time.
Live Backstage Series (Sundays throughout the year):
Times for this program will change depending on available shows in Chicago.
Programming TBA
Join us throughout the year to experience a selection of performances live and in-person. Dependent on performance venue, the class will either meet at the theater or at the Chicago Mitzvah Campaign, at 2757 W. Pratt Blvd and will travel by bus to the venue. Participants will attend a range of programs to inspire and ignite the efforts of the Mainstage Series.
Classes are open to people of all abilities, ages 12 and up, who live in the Chicagoland area.
For more information, please contact Bernie Balbot: balbotb@ou.org
OR
Debbie Harris: HarrisD@ou.org