Adult acting classes help students gain personal and professional skills

As a Straz Center employee for almost eight years, Leilani Smith had served in a variety of roles, from Ticket Sales agent to mailroom coordinator.

Over the course of her time at the Straz, she was familiar with our performing arts classes at the Patel Conservatory, but it wasn’t until last year that she finally mustered the courage to finally take the plunge and try one.

“I’ve always wanted to break out of my shell and tap into that part of me,” said Leilani. “I took drama class my freshman year in high school, but I got stage fright. It was a horrible experience. I knew I could do it, but it wasn’t the right time.”

As a professional adult, the thought of trying an acting class was daunting. So she enlisted a co-worker to join her in Eugenie Bondurant’s On-Camera Acting class.

“The first time I walked into class, I was petrified. But Eugenie’s words and her positivity makes you think you can conquer the world... With each class, I felt more and more confident.”

Bondurant, who has taught on-camera classes at the Conservatory for more than 10 years, plays Tigris in the upcoming blockbuster film The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 2, due in theaters in November. Her longtime experience in the film and television industry helped Leilani get a glimpse of the business of show business.

She found this especially helpful as she recently finished up a bachelor’s degree in music management from Full Sail University. She’s currently pursuing a graduate program in entertainment and hopes to one day be a music manager for bands and tours. She works full-time at Coca-Cola, and is interning with Euguenie to learn more about film and television.

Leilani has since also taken the Conservatory’s Adult Improv class twice, with local improv guru Tobi Martini. In addition to helping her tap into her creative side, the classes gave her more confidence in her personal and professional life as well.

“Even if you’re not trying to get into the acting world, it gives you a boost to go into meetings and talk in front of others...if you feel shy talking in front of people, it helps you get over that. I honestly wish I would have taken these classes earlier,” said Leilani.

“Just give it a try, even if you’re scared, come back the next week, and you’ll be a totally different person. Take a leap of faith and just do it.”

To check out our adult acting classes, click here, or call 813.222.1002.

From Fiddler to Broadway Bound, adult student Carol Byrd enjoys new challenges

Whether taking dance or theater classes, there’s a feeling that Carol Byrd gets when she comes to the Patel Conservatory.

“When you walk in to the Conservatory, you’re just happy,” said Carol. “Everyone is always so encouraging.”

Prior to starting classes at the Conservatory, she’d done some theater in college, but hadn’t performed in many years. She’d always wanted to try tap.

“As an adult, you become a mom and have a family, and you get away from doing the things you love to do, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to pursue.”

She began taking tap classes in 2007 and has since taken ballet and jazz and enjoyed a host of performance experiences. She’s been in numerous open dance showcases, the annual Spotlight Awards for four years, and had an ensemble role in the Conservatory’s theater production of Kiss Me, Kate. She performed in the recent open dance intensive Winter Fantasy, and is currently a cast member in Fiddler on the Roof, on stage in April.

With each performance opportunity comes a new challenge. While the rehearsal process for Fiddler on the Roof has been demanding, for Carol, it’s also extremely rewarding.

“It’s a lot of work, there’s a lot we have to learn in a short amount of time. It takes you out of your comfort zone, which is scary, but exhilarating,” she said.

In addition to pushing herself artistically, with every experience she enjoys meeting new people.

“Of course, with each show, the cast bonds and you get close to people.”

In Winter Fantasy, she and other participants spent one week learning and polishing choreography and musical theater pieces to perform in a show at the end of the week.

“It was one of the best weeks of my life. It was intense…you dance every night for two to three hours. You have to pick up the choreography quickly, but, you find you can actually do it. It’s amazing how the show comes together in just a week,” said Carol.

While performing on Straz Center stages may have become second nature to her, no matter how many times she performs, it’s always a thrill.

“It’s a great feeling every time the audience claps at the end. It’s just amazing,” she said. “I have mad love for the place.”

In fact, she’s already planning her next show after Fiddler on the Roof. She intends on signing up for the open dance intensive in May, Broadway Bound.

We look forward to seeing Carol in Fiddler on the Roof and many more shows to come!

Fiddler on the Roof runs April 16 through April 26, 2015. For tickets, click here.

The open dance intensive, Broadway Bound, will be May 4 through May 9, with the performance on May 9, 2015. For more information, click here or call 813.222.1002.

New Adult Improv class added

Want to hone your acting chops or just get more comfortable speaking in front of others?

Check out the Patel Conservatory’s new Adult Improv theater class.

Adult Improv

Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m.

Feb. 3 through Mar. 31, 2015

Cost: $180

Led by local improv guru Toby Martini, the class will help students learn to think on their feet and lose their inhibitions in a fun and collaborative environment.

“Anyone who wants to perform needs to take some improv,” said Martini. “When you’re on stage, something will go wrong, someone will forget a line, a prop will break...Improv helps you be creative and work with other actors.”

Toby formed, directed and performed with the Bay Area Improv Theatre, a professional Improv troupe based in Tampa for more than 10 years. He is also a professional public speaker and trainer. He teaches workshops and corporate team-building training utilizing his years of improv experience.

“Improv can help people be better in business so they can get their message across clearly, or help a shy person figure out how to talk to people,” said Martini.

Martini enjoys helping people and teams become fun and fearless. Through his classes and workshops, he helps students build their communication and teamwork skills, as well as foster creativity, innovation and self-confidence.

At the end of the 8-week class, students get to show off their skills in a performance.

“By the time you get to that show, you will be amazing. You’ll learn that improv games work and you’ll want to perform!” said Martini. "Improv is magic and can help in every area of your life!”

For more information, or to register, call 813.222.1002 or click here.

Patel Conservatory instructor in next year's Hunger Games

With the The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 opening in theaters this weekend, we're giving at a shout out to Patel Conservatory theater instructor Eugenie Bondurant who will appear in the next installment of the blockbuster series.

The last book of the Hunger Games series was split into two films, and Bondurant appears in the second of the two, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2.

She plays Tigris, who, in the book, is the capital citizen with the surgically altered features of a tiger, who offers heroine Katniss Everdreen and her rebel crew a place to hide out in the war-torn capitol city. We're dying to see Bondurant's make-up for the role!

The Patel Conservatory celebrates our 10th anniversary next month, and Bondurant has been with us since the beginning.

She taught one of our first classes at the Straz Center, before the Conservatory was built back in 2004. She continues to teach her on-camera acting programs here, which she developed while living and working in Los Angeles.

She has appeared in films and television shows ranging from Fight Club to Star Trek: The Next Generation. In her newest film she worked alongside a star-studded cast including Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, and the late Philip Seymour Hoffman. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 is slated for release in 2015.

In the meantime, students of all ages have the opportunity to work with Bondurant through our Meisner and On-Camera Acting classes at the Conservatory.

In the Meisner class, students ranging from 9^th grade through college explore the techniques of Sanford Meisner with Bondurant, a certified Meisner instructor. When discussing the style she has said, “Even if you’re playing a killer transvestite, there has to be something of you in this character. You and the character must mesh, otherwise it will look pushed.”

The On-Camera Acting class, for 10^th graders through adults, helps students feel comfortable on camera and bring their own unique personalities to every performance. The class includes both technique and practical experience in front of the camera.

Space is still available in Bondurant’s spring on-camera class at the Conservatory. For more information, or to register, click here, or call 813.222.1002.

The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center in downtown Tampa offers more than 100 classes in dance, music and theater, from beginner through pre-professional. For more information, visit patelconservatory.org or call 813.222.1002.

Dance intensive brings students young and old together for a week of holiday fun

What are you doing for yourself this season? You’ve worked hard all year. So put on your dancing shoes and have some holiday fun with the Patel Conservatory’s Winter Fantasy dance intensive.

Patel Conservatory’s Open Dance Intensive:

Winter Fantasy

Dec. 16 through Dec. 20, 2014

Winter Fantasy is a week of dance classes that culminate in a ticketed performance in the Straz Center’s Jaeb Theater.

“To see what you can actually put together in such a short period of time,” said Jacqueline Rivera, who did the open dance intensive last spring, “it was a lot of fun...I was really proud of being a part of that.”

Bianca Rivera, left, with daughter
Bianca Rivera-Irions

When Rivera signed up for the adult jazz class at the Conservatory last summer, she had never before taken a dance class.

“I wanted to be a dancer when I was young, but we just couldn’t afford it,” she said.

Her daughter Bianca, 14, had taken classes at the Conservatory for years before Rivera finally decided to try it herself. Rivera and her daughter participated together in the open dance intensive in March.

“She was so encouraging, she would practice with me at home,” said Rivera.

Rivera currently takes the adult ballet class and is looking forward to the Winter Fantasy intensive.

“I refuse to give in to the fear, or the idea that I’m too old,” said Rivera.

In the upcoming intensive, students will get their toes tapping to Pennies from Heaven, experience the dazzle of Radio City as they learn Rockette style kicks, get their jazz hands on to Let it Snow and shake their hips with a little Flamenco.

It’s a holiday celebration from around the world that will get your heart rate going and help you earn a few extra treats this season.

Led by Patel Conservatory dance faculty Susan Downey and Kelly King, the week-long program allows students to challenge their skills and learn fun choreography in a variety of dance styles.

Whether you have had former dance experience, or if you want to try something new, the intensive is geared towards adults and teens of varying skill levels.

Tuesday through Friday, you’ll learn and rehearse dance and musical theater pieces. On Saturday, you’ll be ready to perform in the Winter Fantasy showcase, a ticketed performance that will be fun for the whole family.

Dancers will need tap, jazz and character shoes, a black leotard, black tights and black jazz pants.

Open dance intensive rehearsals will be:

Tues., Dec. 16 from 5:45 to 8:45 p.m.

Wed., Dec. 17 from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Thurs., Dec. 18 from 5:45 to 8:45 p.m.

Fri., Dec. 19 from 5:45 to 8:45 p.m.

Sat. 11:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The showcase will be on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. in the Jaeb Theater.

The tuition for the week is $250. For more information, or to register, please call 813.222.1002.

For more information about the Patel Conservatory’s open dance program, click here.

On-camera workshop with Ellen Jacoby

Would you like to work in the film and television industry?

The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center is hosting a two-day workshop with Ellen Jacoby, one of the most in-demand casting directors in the Florida film and television industry.

If you work, or aspire to work, in the film business, this is the workshop that can jumpstart your career.

Get one-on-one time with the Miami-based casting director who has cast such feature films as Ace Ventura, True Lies and There’s Something About Mary, and television shows such as Burn Notice, Miami Vice and CSI: Miami.

The workshop will cover important aspects of on-camera work. You’ll learn how to maneuver through the film business, dissect copy for auditions, and develop reliable on-camera acting techniques. Jacoby also will offer valuable recommendations on what your next step should be.

On-Camera Acting Workshop with Casting Director Ellen Jacoby

Sat., Mar. 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

and

Sun., Mar. 23 from 12 to 4 p.m.

at the Patel Conservatory,

located at the Straz Center in downtown Tampa

$135 for Saturday only

$200 for both Saturday and Sunday

Space is limited and pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call 813.222.1002. 

Just added! Open dance intensive for adults and teens

Ever thought of dancing in a Broadway or Vegas style show? Well now is your chance!

The Patel Conservatory is hosting an Open Dance Intensive for anyone who wants to challenge their skills and learn fun choreography in a variety of dance styles.

This week-long intensive offers exciting and demanding classes that will culminate in a Cabaret style performance in the Patel Conservatory’s TECO Theater.

Whether you have had former dance experience and want to get back into it, or if you just want to try a new fitness challenge, the classes will be geared towards adults and teens of varying skill levels.

Led by Patel Conservatory dance faculty Susan Downey and Kelly King, classes will feature a range of styles including Fosse Jazz, Broadway Tap, Rockette-style high-stepping, burlesque and musical theater.

Put your skills to the test as you devote three hours a night to rehearsals, learning dance numbers from popular musicals including “Cabaret” from Cabaret, “Welcome to the Burlesque” from Burlesque, “Puttin’ on the Ritz” from Fascinating Rhythm and more.

You’ll learn to dance, sing and act while experiencing what it’s like to rehearse and perform in a professional show.

The intensive will be Tues. -  Fri., Mar. 11 through Mar. 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. and Sat., Mar. 15 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The cost is $250 for the week.

All students will perform in the final showcase March 15 at 7 p.m. in TECO Theater.

For more information, or to register, please call 813.222.1002 or email patelconservatory@strazcenter.org.

Tap into your creative side with acting classes for adults

Make this the year you do something for yourself! Tap into your creative side with acting classes for adults at the Patel Conservatory in Tampa.

Due to popular demand, the Conservatory has added a new Beginning Adult Acting class to our schedule on Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m.

Delve into a fun and enriching experience that will help you gain confidence and experience.

Students will learn introductory classic theater exercises to develop their acting skills that include listening, concentration, spontaneity and working as an ensemble. They’ll also hone their understanding and use of technique and develop skills in script analysis, dialogue and character development.

The Conservatory also offers adult classes in On-Camera Acting, Scene Study, Voice, Dance and Guitar.

For more information or to register, please call 813-222-1002.

Check out more about our Adult Acting program in this special TV segment that aired on WEDU.

Top three things to do to celebrate National Dance Week

Check out Next Generation Ballet dancer Olivia Gusti in On the Edge
and Cinderella

It’s National Dance Week!

It’s a time to celebrate dance and all the wonderful the contributions it brings to our culture, not only as an art form, but as a part of our every day lives.

Even if you don’t think you’re a dancer, you probably dance in your car or your living room to your favorite songs.

Dance is ingrained in all of us, no matter what form it takes, from babies who instinctively move to music to traditional dances at weddings and celebrations to dancing for fun and fitness.

We may not all dance in studios and on stages, but we can all celebrate the joy of movement!

Here’s the top three things you can do to celebrate National Dance Week:

1. Sign up for a dance class.

• The Patel Conservatory offers an array of dance classes all summer for kids through adults.
• Kids can enjoy Young Children’s Dance, hip hop, Dance for Musical Theater and more.
• High schoolers can work with well known choreographer Michelle Elkin in our musical theater production of Little Shop of Horrors.
• Adults can get in shape and have fun in a variety of classes from tap to flamenco.

2. Purchase tickets to an upcoming dance performance at the Patel Conservatory.

• Cinderella - Don’t miss the talented dancers of Next Generation Ballet in the classic tale that the whole family can enjoy.
• On the Edge - A showcase of modern dance styles, including contemporary and hip hop ensemble pieces, solos and duets from our Patel Conservatory students.
• An Evening of Dance - A showcase of a variety of dance styles from students in our community dance classes.

3. Come to the Spotlight Awards.

• Proceeds from this event go towards our classes and scholarships at the Conservatory, including all of our dance programs.
• You can support the event with a donation, a dedication ad in the program, or by buying tickets to the event! Supporting this major fundraiser means supporting dance in our community!

For more information about all any of our dance shows, dance classes or events, please call 813-222-1002, or visit patelconservatory.org.

Dance class of the month: Jazz

Julie Kierstein describes herself as a bunhead.

A dancer since she was nine years old, at 43, Julie still reads Pointe magazine cover to cover.

“I just absolutely love dance, it’s something I’ve done all my life,” she said.

Originally from Naples, Julie is an occupational therapist from Clearwater who minored in dance in college. She also performed with a local modern dance company while in school.

After college, she taught ballet, jazz and modern in the Naples area for a number of years, but when her studio got sold, she felt she lost her dance home.

“As a dancer, the studio you belong to becomes your second home,” said Julie.

Sad and discouraged, she quit dancing for long while.

A friend encouraged her to open her own dance studio, which she did. But being an owner didn’t allow her much time to teach or dance, so she sold the business after a year.

She traveled the country as an occupational therapist for a few years, and ended up in Clearwater three years ago.

When she moved to the Tampa Bay area, she missed dance and searched for a studio, but didn’t find that sense of “home” until she found the jazz class at the Patel Conservatory.

An avid ballet fan, she attended the Youth America Grand Prix competition and Ballet’s Greatest Hits, held in conjunction with one another at the Straz Center in January. When she was here, she picked up a schedule for our Patel Conservatory open dance classes.

Julie in a dance production several
years ago.

"I knew the Straz Center had shows, but I didn't even realize they had classes," said Julie. She tried the jazz class and she was hooked.

“The teacher [Susan Downey] is phenomenal,” said Julie. “The first thing that struck me is that she really seems to enjoy teaching adults.”

In Julie’s experience, many dance studios specialize in children’s classes, and it was hard to find a studio with classes tailored to adults.

“Susan brings a high level of professionalism that I’ve never had before as an adult dancer. She’s very respectful of us. She relates to you as a person, and she’s very approachable,” said Julie.

The jazz class is open to students from grade nine through adult, from beginners to experienced dancers. Downey helps students adjust to their own level and take it at their own pace.

“She brings that level of perfectionism, but in a nice way. I respect her so much. She’s so skilled as a dancer and a teacher,” said Julie.

The Open Jazz Class enhances students' skills in popular styles of jazz dance, including lyrical jazz, Broadway/Fosse and jazz funk. Students work out to a variety of music, from contemporary pop to Broadway.

Jazz Dance

Mondays from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m.

Current session runs through May 18

Summer session runs from June 3 - Aug 5, 2013

For more information, or to register, please call 813-222-1002.

On-camera acting workshop with Ellen Jacoby

Would you like to get one-on-one time with Florida casting director Ellen Jacoby?

The Patel Conservatory at the Straz Center in downtown Tampa is hosting a two-day workshop with the Miami-based casting director who has worked on such feature films as Ace Ventura, True Lies and There’s Something About Mary, and television shows such as Burn Notice, Miami Vice and CSI: Miami.

If you work, or aspire to work, in the film business, this is the workshop that can jumpstart your career.

“Ellen Jacoby is an actor’s casting director, she loves working with actors and helping them hone their skills, and has a knack for getting the best out of the actor,” said Eugenie Bondurant, Patel Conservatory’s on-camera theater instructor.

As a Florida-based film actor, Bondurant has worked with Jacoby throughout the years.

Jacoby will conduct a two-day intensive workshop that will cover important aspects of on-camera work.

You’ll learn how to maneuver through the film business, dissect copy for auditions, and develop reliable on-camera acting techniques. And, Jacoby will offer valuable recommendations on what your next step should be.

“Ellen really goes to bat for talent she believes in. She values actors who have worked hard on their craft,” said Bondurant.

On-Camera Acting Workshop with Casting Director Ellen Jacoby

Grade 5 through Adult
Sat., Mar. 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

and

Sun., Mar. 31 from 12 to 4 p.m.

$135 for Saturday only

$200 for both Saturday and Sunday. 

Patel Conservatory on-camera students receive 20% off.

Space is limited. Pre-registration is required.
For more information or to register, call 813-222-1002.

Dance class of the month: Tap

Joyce Richardson has been a Broadway subscriber at the Straz Center for years.

She comes to the Broadways shows regularly. About two years ago, Joyce started noticing brochures in the lobby for dance classes at the adjacent Patel Conservatory.

The 53-year-old insurance claims manager had never taken a dance class in her life.

“I didn’t give any consideration to anything other than tap. I thought, maybe I can do that,” said Joyce.

Thinking a tap dance class sounded fun, she came to the beginning Tap class, with instructor Susan Downey.

“It was a small class. The other women were about my age, so it didn’t intimidate me,” said Joyce.

What she didn’t imagine is how the class would set in motion positive changes in her life.

“It’s such a wonderful outlet. For that hour or two that I’m there, I don’t think about anything else. I let go of everything from work, and all I do is focus on the steps and the music. It’s just such a wonderful release,” she said.

After a few months of tap, she added the jazz class to her schedule, and found herself wanting to learn more and more.

“Once I really started learning and getting a little better, I just wanted to get better and better,” she said.

One day in class, she looked in the mirror and had a realization.

“When I started (taking dance), I was 50 pounds overweight, my cholesterol was through the roof, and I was pre-diabetic...I had one of those moments where I saw myself and I was shocked and appalled. How did I let this happen?” said Joyce.

Inspired by her new found joy of movement, she began running to supplement her dance classes.

“I started dancing more, and practicing more, and the pounds started to come off,” said Joyce.

“Now I’m the healthiest I’ve been in 20 years. (Dance) was a catalyst that helped me make the changes I needed to live a healthier lifestyle.”

Now Joyce is in both the Tap II class and the jazz class. In both classes, the ages range from teenagers to seniors, but Joyce says the ages and skill levels don’t matter.

“It’s not like when I tried to join a gym when I was younger. This is all love and support,” she said. “Some of these people have become my best friends, and that’s a really cool benefit I had not anticipated.”

Instructor Susan Downey teaches to a wide array of physical talents and abilities, yet makes it both challenging and fun, said Joyce.

“I try to get people to come to class, and they’ll say to me, ‘Oh I can’t dance.’ But I tell them, if I can do this, you can do this!”

Tap I, II, III

Grades 9 - Adult

Instructor: Susan Downey

Tap Dance I: Fundamentals

Tuesdays, 6 to 7 p.m.

Tap Dance II: Beginning

Tuesdays, 7 to 8 p.m.

Tap Dance III: Intermediate

Tuesdays, 8 to 9 p.m.

Cost: $57.25 per month

Pay by the month or by the class with a dance card.

Dance cards are $65 for a 5-class card or $120 for a 10-class card.

For more information, or to register, please call 813-222-1002.