PAC Classes

MadCAP is pleased to offer a variety of classes taught by artists within the Madison community as part of our Performing Arts Collaborative. PAC classes are not enrolled through MadCAP, so please click here to get an enrollment form.

Madison Creative Arts Program has formed a Performing Artist Collaborative. With this effort, MadCAP hopes to diversify and expand the offerings made at 214 North Henry Street (above Fontana Sports across the street from the Overture Center).

MadCAP will continue to offer classes, productions and a summer program in Musical Theatre. “This is a wonderful space and I would like to see it used for the arts.” Says retired Founding Director Joan McCarthy. “I hope the space at 214 North Henry and the PAC will become an educational center with a variety of offerings for people of all ages.”

MONDAY CLASSES IN PUPPETRY AND STORYTELLING WITH REID MILLER SHOWS

PUPPETRY (Students in grades 3-5)

Mondays 4:30-6:00 PM

This fall, Puppetry (Grades 3-5) will rehearse and perform a folk theater show entitled: The Lion Song, an original work by Reid Miller and Stefani Quane and based on the 1960’s folk song: The Lion Sleeps Tonight. Alternately soothing and edgy, the work reflects on life past, present and future in American and global society in with puppets, movement, story, and song.

PAC member, Reid Miller, will instruct and direct with guest artists joining the group for parts of the process. In the Puppetry experience, students will build, learn to work and perform with puppets; learn and perform dance choreography; and learn and perform acting, singing and playing rhythm instruments.

ADVANCED PUPPETRY (Students in grades 6-8)

Mondays 6:00-7:30 PM

The Advanced Puppetry class for students Grades 6-8 will co-create, rehearse and perform a folk theater show entitled: The Lion Song, an original work by Reid Miller and Stefani Quane and based on the 1960’s folk song: The Lion Sleeps Tonight. Alternately soothing and edgy, the work reflects on life past, present and future in American and global society in with puppets, movement story, and song.

Guest Artist and PAC member, Reid Miller, will instruct and direct with guest artists joining the group for parts of the process. Students will take an active, creative, collaborative role in styling their music and choreography and developing their presentations in the works they perform.

In the class, students will build, learn to work and perform with large backpack and other puppets; create, learn and perform dance choreography; and create, learn and perform acting, singing and playing rhythm instruments.

ADULT STORYTELLING CLASS (Adults 19 and older)

Mondays 7:00-8:30 PM Performances Dates TBA

Adult Storytelling will create and perform a show of works of original storytelling about growing up and being grown-up in modern times. Guest Artist, Reid Miller, will Instruct, Direct and Conduct the class, and performances. Guest artists will join the group for parts of the process. Tales may be heartwarming, funny or challenging, depending on their content. Students will learn to

· Compose and perform a stories from their own experience

· Understand and master basic storytelling terms and techniques

· Understand and master basic promoting and staging of storytelling events

· Research and create stories from various resources

Participants will explore many aspects of creating and preparing a story for performance. All participants will create 3 stories and perform 1 of the three in concert. This class is relevant to parents, educators, healers, peacemakers, facilitators, entrepreneurs and storytellers.

UKULELE CLASS (middle & high school students & adults)

WEDNESDAY 6-7:30PM

Learn basic ukulele chords, fingerings, songs and accompaniment in this 9 week class. With over 30 years experience, Reid Miller teaches this class as part of the Performing Arts Collaborative. Ukulele is an easy, versatile, and fun instrument to play. Playing and singing are social activities. Registering with friends and family is encouraged. An instrument is required, and assistance with purchasing an affordable ukulele and gear is available. A group concert/recital closes the class.

CONTRA DANCING CLASS (middle & high school students & adults)

WEDNESDAY 7:30-9:30PM

Learn basic contra dance figures and styles, and do easy dances to live music in this 9 week class. With over 30 years experience, Reid Miller teaches this class as part of the Performing Arts Collaborative. A smooth walking step and having fun are the only requirements. Single registrations are welcome, and registering and attending with friends is encouraged. Contra dancing is a social mixer activity enjoyed by generations the world over. The class closes with a contra dance to which family and friends are invited.

REID MILLER BIOGRAPHY

Reid Miller is the consummate actor, storyteller, musician, singer and dancer. He began performing in third grade. He comes from a family of actors, directors, singers, dancers and storytellers. He plays several folk instruments, sings, dances, acts, directs, tells stories, builds puppets, and creates and performs puppet shows. He has performed locally with Broom Street Theater, Children’s Theater of Madison, Madison Creative Arts Program, Musical Theater of Madison and Westside Performing Arts. He has entertained at Milwaukee Summerfest, Michigan Storytelling Festival, Northlands Storytelling Festival, Corn Island Storytelling Festival, American Players Theater and Wolftrap National Performing Arts Park. He regularly performs for patrons in Midwestern schools, libraries, festivals, theaters and performing art centers; and he created the popular Kids in the Rotunda program at Madison’s Overture Center for the Arts.