ACT (Arts at the Capitol Theater) is a
work in progress. We are a collection of artists and students working
together to create, perform and respond to the arts. We are from many
communities and our experiences will lead us to many more. The skills
students learn are life skills. They learn to problem solve, to work as a
team, to visualize, to compromise, to accept criticism, to rework an idea,
to explore a variety of means to an end, and to take pride in what they
do.
For more information contact ACT at 860-465-5636
or email:
or visit eastconn.org/act
Academic Departments:
PERFORMANCE
Through the study of voice and diction, students develop projection and
articulation. Projects in storytelling, oral interpretation, readers'
theater, and dialects will provide performance venues to showcase vocal
skills. Instruction for singers in available through choir and musical
theater classes.
Voice and movement are combined in acting. Students learn movement for
the stage and how to develop character. They write and act monologues.
They will study and act scenes from a variety of periods and theatrical
styles. Other areas of study may include stage combat, performance with
mask, audition techniques, and the creation of puppets for performance
(whether small finger and hand puppets or giant street theater puppets.)
THEATER PRODUCTION
This is the "behind the scenes" work so necessary for successful,
effective theater. Rendering (drawing and painting) is key in the design
areas of costumes, puppetry and scenery. Drafting is taught and computer
assisted design (CAD) will be introduced. A full equipped scene shop for
set construction and painting, a costume shop, lighting and sound labs and
space for the design and construction of puppets are features of ACT.
There are four performance areas to apply these technical aspects. We
have a movement studio, a small drama theater, a cafe setting, and a main
stage with 200 seats, all with lighting and sound capabilities.
DANCE
Students of dance study styles of dance (ballet, jazz, modern, tap, etc)
and how to put together a dance (choreography). They become aware of how
lighting, sets, costumes, and makeup can enhance the dance. With our
computer assisted design labs, students will have an opportunity to use a
human animation system to choreograph a piece and then have it performed.
Improvisation and mime may also be elected for study.
CREATIVE WRITING
Theater and video performances are supported with writing for stage and
screen. In addition, students learn how to write in a wide range of
literary genres, including poetry, fiction, the essay, and humor. Critical
skills are applied to analyze and evaluate literature and the
work-in-progress of their classmates. Students are introduced to the
literatures of diverse cultures and encouraged to publicly share their
work in the form of readings, performances, and publications.
AUDIO/VIDEO PRODUCTION
Mobile cameras and editing facilities are the tools of young video
producers. They write, direct, shoot, and edit on site. Videos can be
shown in many locations including our main stage theater and our gallery
which include monitors for viewing. Besides the creation of video,
students study audio production, media, file and their influences.
Membership 
