Sutter Street Theatre classes
Sutter Street Theatre classes at the Figueroa Street annex offer painting, improv, dance and children’s theatre for local families
Historic Folsom’s Sutter Street Theatre classes give children, teens and adults fresh ways to explore art, performance and creativity close to home.
Classes run at the Sutter Street Theatre Annex, 710 Figueroa Street in Folsom, in small groups with monthly tuition. Families pay at the first session each month, with fees covering four sessions. Additional students from the same family receive a 10% discount.
Except for private lessons, each class needs at least five registered students before it goes ahead. The theatre presents showcase performances from time to time so families and friends can see what students learned. Some classes take a summer break, so organisers urge parents and students to call ahead to confirm the current schedule.
For most classes, registration and general enquiries go through the theatre office on (916) 353-1001.
Note that Plaid Friday (and Saturday) in on November 28 & 29.
Oil Painting With Award-winning Artist Mike Jimena
On Mondays, long-time local artist Mike Jimena leads an ongoing oil painting workshop from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Sessions run in a self-paced, workshop format so beginners and more experienced painters can work at their own level.
Tuition is $100 for three two-hour classes, and the fee includes all supplies. Students do not need to attend on consecutive weeks, which gives adults and teens flexibility around work and school schedules.
Jimena is an award-winning painter with many years of experience teaching and producing visual art, including master oil painting. Those interested should call the theatre for details on when this class resumes and current availability.
Improv for Young People With Allen Schmeltz
Actor and director Allen Schmeltz runs an Improv for Young People class for ages 12 to 18 on Fridays from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Tuition is $70 a month, and the first class a student attends is free. Class size is capped at 12 students.
Students build acting and improvisation skills through theatre games and exercises in a safe learning environment. The program develops confidence, listening skills and teamwork while students have fun on their feet. The class runs on an ongoing basis and young people may join at any time.
For information or to enrol, families can call Allen directly on (916) 802-2249 or email allen@sutterstreettheatre.com
- More about his work appears at www.allensproductions.com
- Schmeltz is an award-winning director with 25 years’ experience teaching improv workshops.
Musical Theatre Dance With Jeannie Larson
For young adults and older performers, Jeannie Larson teaches a Musical Theatre Dance class on Mondays from 5:00pm to 6:00pm. The fee is $70 a month for four Monday lessons, or $25 for a drop-in session. Fees are prorated for students who start mid-month.
Larson spent around 15 years teaching dance and theatre arts to children in Roseville. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California, where she focused on drama, dance and singing. Locally, she directs and choreographs children’s theatre at Excelsior Elementary School and Acton Academy.
Sutter Street Theatre classes Plaid Friday
Bright Stars Children’s Introduction to Theatre
Sutter Street Theatre also runs Bright Stars classes with Lindy Mallonee for young performers who want a structured introduction to the stage.
Bright Stars A serves ages 6 to 8 on Thursdays from 4:00pm to 5:00pm. Bright Stars B serves ages 9 to 12 on Thursdays from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Tuition for each class is $70 a month, with a $25 drop-in fee for single sessions. There is no class during the month of December.
The program introduces basic theatre skills for first-time and continuing students. Children work on acting techniques through drama activities, role-playing, games, stage movement, music and vocal projection. They also work with simple crafts and costuming and learn how to interact with peers on stage. Families and friends are invited to occasional performances during each session.
Mallonee brings many years of experience working with young people in both performing and visual arts.
Families can mix and match Sutter Street Theatre classes to suit different ages and interests in one household. For details on schedules, availability and registration, call (916) 353-1001 and ask about programs at the Sutter Street Theatre Annex in Historic Folsom.
