Brightest Star Performing Arts

CELEBRATING 32 YEARS!!

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.

Our Creative Space

Located within the Morris Museum, the Bickford Theatre is the proud home of Brightest Star. 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 Production of "Annie Jr. "

SPRING 2010

February 8 - June 6

(Closed March 30 - April 1)

Download Our Registration Form:

Spring Registration Form

Classes Fill Up Quickly!

Don't Miss Out...Register TODAY!!

Moms & Tots Music

Ages 1-4 with an adult

Tuesdays, 10:45 – 11:30 a.m.

Wednesdays, 10:00 – 10:45 a.m.

$270

An energizing, interactive weekly class for the youngest musicians and their caregivers, loaded with singing, movement, stories, games, and instrument playing.

Rhythm & Rhyme Showtime

Ages 4-5

Tuesdays, 1:15 – 2:00 p.m.

Fridays, 1:15-2:00 p.m.

$270

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 through games, music, dance, improvisation and fairy tales!

Dance Party Fun

Ages 3-5

Thursdays, 2:30-3:15 p.m. (Ages 4 & 5)

Fridays, 11:00-11:45 a.m. (Ages 3 & 4)

$270

Creative Drama & Song

Grades K-2

Thursdays, 3:45 – 4:45 p.m. (K-1)

Thursdays, 4:45 – 5:45 p.m. (K-1)

$360

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 the beginning components of musical theatre. A culminating presentation for family and friends will take place in the final week

Musical Theatre Workshops

Grades 3-5, Wednesdays, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

$670

Grades 6-12 Saturdays, 9:00-12 p.m.

$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 2 installments )

Performing Arts for

Home-Schoolers

Thursdays, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

$400 1st Child, $200 2nd Child

(Any 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.

Acting!

Grades 3 – 7: Tuesdays, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Grades 8 – 12: Tuesdays, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Adults: Thursdays, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

$360

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.

Brightest Star Select Chorus

by audition only

Grades 7-12

Fridays, 5:00 – 6:15 p.m.: $400/year

This mixed chorus will explore the vast repertoire of SATB choral music. Participants will sing the music of the masters, traditional folksongs, popular and musical theatre pieces, and music of other cultures and languages. Particular emphasis will be placed on tight a cappella harmonies.

Adult Voice Class & Private

Lessons In Voice, Piano, Guitar,

Guitar, Violin & Dance For All Ages!

For more information or to register for a mutually

convenient time, please call

973-971-3726.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES!

Celebrate your birthday at Brightest Star!  Geared for Kindergarten and up, our parties will incorporate the theme of your choice including Drama, Dance, Princess, Superhero and more! 

We take care of all your arrangements! 

For more information, please call 973-971-3726.

For a full description of all of our programs, please visit our website: www.bickfordtheatre.org

 

Early Summer Musical Theatre Intensive

Entering Grades 3-8 in Sept. 2010

Week I: Monday, June 14 - Friday, June 18, 2010

Week II: Monday, June 21 - Friday, June 25, 2010

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

$300 per week

Register for both weeks and save $25!

These two, one-week intensive programs will give the student an opportunity to strengthen skills in singing, dancing and acting. Each week will culminate in a musical theatre presentation. Students may register for one or both weeks.

Summer Musical Theatre

Entering Grades 6 - 12; by audition only

Session I: June 28 - July 16, 2010

Session II: July 19 - August 6, 2010

Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

$725/session

Register for both sessions and save $100!

Brightest Star Summer Musical Theatre is a three "triple threat" program designed to fully educate teens in the musical theatre genre. Students are admitted by audition only, and will receive daily classes in voice, acting and dance, as well as lessons in technical theatre, character development, costuming, story writing, and puppetry. In addition to preparing audition pieces, each student will produce a program "bio" and resume and will perform in a final musical production, presented on the Bickford stage for the public. Auditions will be held Saturday, February 6, 2010, 2-6 p.m. If student is accepted, a $100 non-refundable deposit is required within 2 weeks of acceptance notification. Balance of registration must be paid in full by June 1, 2010.

Call 973.971.3726 to schedule your audition now!

Late Summer Short Course

Entering Grades K-3 in September 2010 (No Audition Required)

Monday, August 16 - Friday, August 20

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

$200

This half-day, one week intensive will give the student an introduction to musical theatre by teaching skills in singing, dancing and acting. The intensive will culminate in a showcase to highlight what we have learned!.

For more information or to register call 973.971.DRAMA

---------------------------------------------------------------

STAFF

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.

Jenny Peters

Jenny graduated with a B.A. in theater/dance from Muhlenberg College. She has performed in the National Tour of 42nd Street where she understudied the leading role of Peggy Sawyer, as well as performed in the ensemble. She has also been seen in Wisconsin performing at Broadway in the Dells and continues to work teaching dance & drama at Brightest Star and in New Jersey's public schools. She directs and choreographs West Morris Central High School's musical and continues to dance with the Shelley Oliver Tap Dancers.

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.

Additional Faculty

Liz Mancinelli (Piano)

Camille DiLorenzo (Acting)

Carl Botti (Guitar)

Pamela Meys Kane (Summer Musical Theatre)

2009-2010 Season
Main Stage Performances

Subscriptions

Special Concert Series

Bickford à la Carte

Summer Theatre Series for Children

Bayer Children's Theatre Series

Brightest Star School of Performing Arts

Bickford Jazz Showcase

Classroom Intermission

Theatre History

Theatre Staff

Bickford Theatre Guild

Guest Attractions

Seating Chart

Special Offers

Directions

Auditions

Home

Bickford Theatre

Box Office
973.971.3706


Hours:
Mon. - Fri. 10 am - 5 pm


Walk-up Hours
Weds. - Fri. 11am - 5 pm

Now offering online tickets to many of our productions!