October was full of exciting guest artist appearances

Owen Thorne, of the Scottish Ballet, works with
NGB students at the Patel Conservatory.

When visiting artists perform at the Straz Center, students at the Patel Conservatory and our partnership schools often reap the benefits.

Last month, guest artists offered some exciting master classes and performances.

Scottish Ballet

Artists from the Scottish Ballet recently offered master classes to our Next Generation Ballet (NGB) students at the Conservatory, as well as our partnerships schools.

The Scottish Ballet is Scotland's national dance company, presenting a wide range of high-quality dance to audiences across Scotland, the UK and abroad. They brought their production of A Street Car Named Desire to only three locations in the U.S., and the Straz Center was one of them.

During their time in Tampa, artists from the company spent time in the community by providing dance master classes for students at Blake High School, Metropolitan Ministries Partnership School and NGB.

Students at the Metropolitan Ministries Partnership School enjoyed a
master class with the Scottish Ballet.

Scottish Ballet master class at Blake High School

Improvised Shakespeare Company

Back by popular demand, The Improvised Shakespeare Company (ISC) returned to the Straz Center in October. Based on one audience suggestion, ISC creates a fully improvised play in Elizabethan style.

While in town for their two performances, ISC spent time in residence with some of our great partnership organizations. They had the opportunity to visit Academy Prep Center of Tampa, Tampa Preparatory School, Orange Grove Middle Magnet School, as well as our Conservatory students. Each workshop was different and unique. Why? Because it’s improv! Students thoroughly enjoyed the interactive performances created on the spot!

Students at Orange Grove Middle Magnet School enjoyed a workshop with
the Improvised Shakespeare company (back row).

More guest artist appearances and workshops are always on the horizon at the Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center.

Join us this Sun., Nov. 10, 2013 for a free theater workshop with the theater troupe, TE’A (Theatre, Engagement & Action).

To keep up with master classes, workshops and events offered throughout the year at the Conservatory, make sure to like us on Facebook!