New School

Testimonial from Nicole Lamonaca, whose son Charles participated in our New School:

“Attending New School has been a positive and worthwhile experience for my son, Charles. He found himself on stage and found that passion cultivated by his New School lessons and peers. Charles came home energized after every class, and he seemed to thrive under Jesse and Ben’s instruction, gaining confidence and demonstrating growth that continually surprises me. I couldn’t be happier knowing he’s found a home at the Media Theatre.”
The Media Theatre’s New School is a conservatory-style educational approach to music theatre. It is instructed by Jesse Cline, the theatre’s Artistic Director.
Cline, who led the theatre to garnering 92 Broadway World Awards for “Best of Philadelphia Theatre”, instructs the acting classes within The New School.
Resident Music Director Ben Kapilow works with each student individually within a group setting on a song chosen by the instructors and the student. 
The 2020-2021 New School season will include a third hour each week which will focus on Dance. The Media Theatre will follow all state and federal regulations regarding Covid-19 to ensure the health and safety of all students and staff. Family members, parents, and friends will be asked to remain outside the building during classes. Drop-off and pick-up should be near the marquee. 
The Acting and Vocal portions are rehearsed each week, with each week’s progress being critiqued and analyzed by the other students as well as the instructors. Choreography will be rehearsed each week. The final week of the Fall session will include a recital as well as the final week of the Spring Session. Payment includes both the Fall and Spring New School. Payments are monthly, following an initial deposit.

The Fall Session begins Monday October 5 for ages 8-11, with the older age group (up to age 17) meeting Thursdays. Both meet from 4:30-7:30 each week. Parents are requested to be sure each student is supplied with a beverage and snack to enjoy between classes.

The New School is a two-semester educational program in which students learn advanced elements of acting and vocal music.

If one were to synthesize the fundamental premise of the training it would be that ‘the truth is everything’. This premise is essential and should maintain itself in everything that takes place on stage. Each student finds the truth within himself or herself.

New School students are given priority when it comes to casting shows at The Media Theatre which have roles for young actors.  

There are classes (split into two groups of 12 each)
on Mondays for ages 8-11
and Thursdays for ages 12 and up
Both days are from 4:30-7: 30 pm
STRICTLY DIVIDED BY AGE

Semester One Younger Group Meets On:

Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Recital Performance Dec. 6

Semester One Older Group Meets on:
Oct. 8, 15. 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, 24 (Tues. Thanksgiving Week), Dec. 3

Recital Performance Dec. 6

Semester Two Younger Group Meets On:

Jan. 25, Feb. 1, 8, 15. 22, March 1, 8, 15, 22

Recital Performance March 28

Semester Two Older Group Meets On:

Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25

Recital Performance March 28

EMAIL Patrick Ward at p.ward@mediatheatre.org  for info.

The Media Theatre’s New School, a conservatory-style educational approach to music theatre, is headed into its 12th year. Enrollment is by invitation, interview or audition only. Jesse Cline, the theatre’s Artistic Director, oversees the conservatory-style approach to music theatre.