South Pasadena
South Pasadena
South Pasadena could be considered the home of Upstage Theatre Arts Schools, as Artistic Director Adrian Cohen-Neil started his first classes in the city in 1999. Since then Upstage has produced over thirty shows and classes in the South Pasadena community, and very quickly established itself as one of the best summer and after school theater programs for young performers in the Greater Los Angeles area.
The warm and informal, yet stimulating environment Adrian and the rest of the teachers create has meant we have seen students return year after year — just take a look at some of our testimonials.
But we haven't got complacent we always to strive to provide children and teenagers with a fulfilling theatrical experience and have continued to expand our offering. Three years ago, beginning with the innovative production of Hairspritz, the Teen Camp was added to the Summer Camp lineup, and this year we have added tap dancing and improvisation classes to the mix.
Upstage South Pasadena runs two summer camp programs for juniors in which students focus on the production of a show over a three week period culminating in a fully staged production complete with lights, costumes and scenery in a fully equipped theater. We also run a series of after school classes throughout the year. So, whatever aspect of theatre arts young people are interested in, Upstage in South Pasadena has something to offer them in a fun and friendly environment.
Please click the grey tabs below to learn more about our South Pasadena classes and camps.
Summer Camps
Click on a summer camp below to read more and register
Little farm-girl Dorothy Gale of Kansas dreams of what lies over the rainbow. One day a twister hits her farm and carries her house, and her, away over the rainbow to another world — the land of Oz. After crashing down in the strange and colourful land she finds herself alone in a strange village. She soon discovers that if she is to ever get back home again, she will have to find the mysterious Wizard of Oz whilst avoiding the clutches of the Wicked Witch of the West. Teaming up with a Scarecrow (who wants a brain), a Tin Woodsman (who needs a heart) and a Cowardly Lion (who seeks courage) Dorothy embarks on her journey down the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City in the hope that the mighty Wizard can send her, and her little dog Toto, home.
Adapted from L. Frank Baum's masterpiece, the 1939 film of The Wizard of Oz is one of the World's most popular movie musicals and has frequently been ranked amongst the top ten movies of all time in critics lists and popular polls. Featuring such famous songs as "Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead", "If I Only Had A Brain", "If I Only Had A Heart", "If I Only Had the Nerve", "We're Off To See The Wizard" and "The Merry Old Land of Oz", and a cast of much-loved (and feared) characters, this stage production of The Wizard of Oz will be sure to sweep you away, and put a smile on everyone's face!
Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie, and a host of favorite Dr Seuss characters are brought to life in Seussical. Filled with the spirit of imagination, this colorful show transports us from the Jungle of Nool, to the Circus McGurkus, to the invisible world of the Whos.
The story centers around Horton the Elephant, who finds himself faced with a double challenge — not only must he protect his tiny friend Jojo (and all the invisible Whos) from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him, and is the only one who recognizes "his kind and his powerful heart." The powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged, but ultimately emerge triumphant, in a story that makes you laugh and cry.
Written by Tony award winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Once On This Island, Ragtime), this fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza is, for good reason, one of the most performed shows in America.
Year round classes
Click on a class below to read more and register
Enrollment for the Year Round Program is now closed as all places have been filled. We're sorry if you were unable to get a place, please check out our other classes for the fall
Our Year Round After School program for 2011-2012 will be a production of Alice in Wonderland Junior, a musical adaptation of the Disney film of the same name, which was itself based on the much loved children's books “The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass” by Lewis Carroll.
This fast-paced production features updated dialogue and arrangements of such classic Disney songs as “I’m Late,” “The Un-birthday Song” and “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah". It also features a cast of wonderfully wacky characters including the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee, the Cheshire Cat, and of course, the infamous Queen of Hearts.
With such a wonderfully witty and zippy musical, replete with a rich cast of colorful characters, this year's after school program should offer all our students a fun-filled chance to shine.
Plus, in addition to the Year Round After School program, this fall we are offering classes in jazz dance and voice on Sundays. Click here for more information on the jazz dance classes, and here to learn more about the Voice Class.
No classes Dec 20th, Dec 27th and Apr 3rd. Extra classes Apr 9th, May 3rd & 4th.
Location: The Woman's Club of South Pasadena, 1424 Fremont Avenue, So. Pasadena, CA 91030
This winter we will be running an improvisation class taught by our resident improv expert Steve Bean (aka Steve Levy).
Combining elements of Chicagoʼs legendary “Second City” with Steve's own rehearsal and performance techniques, this class is based on the course that Steve teaches at college-level, and will be a fun, friendly, fast- paced course culminating in an original improv show for the families and friends of students.
The classes will provide a safe, supportive environment for young acting students to learn to work together as an ensemble, while developing self-confidence and spontaneous creativity.
Places limited to 20 students.
Location: Pointe By Pointe Dance Studio, #104, 1315 Fair Oaks Ave, South Pasadena, CA 91030
This introduction to jazz dance introduces and familiarizes the student with basic jazz terminology and creates a foundation of the classic jazz movements including positions, across the floor work and flexibility. The class will be taught by Broadway actor, dancer and choreographer James Patric Moran.
Whilst an entirely stand-alone class, the Jazz Dance Class will offer students in our Year Round After School performance program of Alice in Wonderland Jnr an excellent opportunity to complement their acting skills. Students already enrolled in the Year Round program will get a discount of $40 for the class fee.
Please note the revised class times of 3:30pm-5:00pm.
Places limited to 20 students.
Location: The Woman's Club of South Pasadena,1424 Fremont Avenue, So. Pasadena, CA 91030
The Voice Class will specialize in the development of each student's singing voice. This is a semi-private class which will combine the learning experience and fun of working and performing in a small group, whilst having plenty of individual time with Upstage Musical Director, Debra Lee.
Whilst a stand-alone class, the Voice Class will offer students in our Year Round After School performance program of Alice in Wonderland Jnr an excellent opportunity to complement their acting skills. Students already enrolled in the Year Round program will get a discount of $40 for the class fee.
Places limited to 10 students.
South Pasadena Educational Foundation
Upstage is excited to be teaming up with South Pasadena Educational Foundation (SPEF) to produce the SPEF 5th grade musical. All 5th graders attending the three South Pasadena public schools are eligible to attend. Rehearsal start in October with performances the weekend of February 4th.
"This is a great outreach for us within the South Pasadena community", says Adrian Neil-Cohen, Upstage artistic Director, "We're really excited to be part of what's become, over the years, a major community event. I've always been impressed with the standard of work and the commitment of everybody concerned with the 5th grade musical, and for the Upstage production team putting on the show, it'll be a project to remember!"
This years show will be Guys and Dolls junior, a show Upstage did for one of their summer camps four years ago."It's one of the great Broadway Musicals, with show-stoppers like "Luck Be A Lady" "Adelaide's Lament" and of course "Sit Down You're Rockin' The Boat".
Says Adrian, "It's going to be a challenge There'll be around 70 kids in the show, but we've put together a strong production team, and everyone's looking forward to a great experience". With a bit of lady luck!
For grade students from all three South Pasadena elementary schools. Applications are made through SPEF, information can be found in this flyer and rehearsal schedule.