Count Basie Performing Arts Academy Holding Auditions

RED BANK – The Count Basie Theatre, a nonprofit organization, has announced its Performing Arts Academy’s fall lineup of classes and workshops, plus the continuation of its free children’s choral program, the Central Jersey Youth Chorale (CJYC).
The Count Basie Theatre’s educational mission is to provide a foundation of cultural enrichment to students of all ages and economic levels.
This fall, the Basie’s Performing Arts Academy is offering courses in everything from the basics of screen and stage acting to singing, tap and filmmaking. There is even a series of workshops for children, ages 5 to 8, based on popular films like “Frozen,” “Tangled,” “Brave” and the classic tale of “Peter Pan.”
For more seasoned actors, audition-based intensives will also be offered in acting and musical theater.
Classes and workshops are available for performers of all ages, and deals are available for combining certain classes and workshops or for registering more than one sibling for certain experiences.
The 10-week fall session begins Sept. 29 and continues through Dec. 14.
A full schedule and descriptions of fall offerings is available by visiting www.countbasietheatre.org/education.
The CJYC program, scheduled to run October through June, will again operate under the musical direction of Kristopher Zook, local conductor, composer and vocal music educator from Red Bank Regional High School. Auditions will be held, beginning at 5 p.m., on Monday, Sept. 15, and Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the Count Basie Theatre, 99 Monmouth St.
Students in grades 5-8, who wish to audition, should prepare a song that reflects their vocal strengths. The number of students accepted into the CJYC is limited so interested participants are urged to contact the Count Basie Theatre’s education department at 732 224-8778, ext.125, to reserve an audition time.
Once accepted, weekly rehearsals will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. Mondays and 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Count Basie Theatre.
This year’s CJYC will perform at community events and concerts, and in conjunction with select acts on the main stage at the Count Basie Theatre. The group’s repertoire will reflect a wide variety of styles and genres of choral music.