The Minstrel Players Announce 2nd Minstrel Academy Showcase

Northport’s oldest theatre group, The Minstrel Players Theatre Company of Northport, have had a successful kick-off to their new learning arm — Minstrel Academy.  A June Showcase featured scenes and monologues from the inaugural Adult and Youth Drama classes.

Next up will be a Showcase on Saturday, August 2nd at 8 P.M. featuring primarily live Improv from the first ever Adult Improv Class.  Additionally, there will be a few classic scenes performed by the current Youth Drama students.  Be sure and bring your creativity as the ‘live’ Improv event will include several opportunities for audience participation.  Tickets for this event are a mere $10!!!

All of  these classes are taught by master Minstrel and founding member, Ray Palen.    Ray received his schooling at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in NYC where he was privileged to be taught by a number of seasoned professionals that included Oscar winner Jennifer Jones.  He also received private vocal training from Tony winner Ron Raines as well as former stage & screen legend, Allan Jones.  He is thrilled to pay it forward and has been teaching Drama and Musical Theatre on Long Island to children through adults for the better part of the last decade.

Minstrel Academy plans to continue this fall with both Introduction to Shakespeare (taught by Tara Palen and Evan Donnellan) and Adult Drama – Scene Study (taught by Ray Palen).  The price for these courses is extremely reasonable starting as low as $15/class.

The  Showcase will be held on Saturday, August 2nd at 8 P.M. at Houghton Hall – Trinity Episcopal Church, 130 Main Street in scenic Northport Village.

Courses are available to all comers regardless of prior experience.  The initial group of students is a mix of local theatre veterans and those who have never been on stage professionally.   The Minstrel Players concept in creating Minstrel Academy was to provide their current membership with the opportunity to keep their skills sharp while stretching themselves and trying out new things.  It is also a chance for new people to be introduced to the group and hopefully take what they have learned on to the Minstrel stage in one of their many year-round productions.

Details on Minstrel Academy may be found on the Minstrel Players website at www.minstrelplayers.org or by phoning 631-732-2926.  If you ever wanted to get on stage or merely want to give an acting class a try, Minstrel Academy is a safe, low-cost option.  We guarantee you’ll have loads of fun and learn some valuable theatre skills in the process.