Algonquin Offers Free Acting Outlet for Students

The first gathering of teen night at the Algonquin was a success...

Performing Arts Academy instructor, Mr. Ruben Nagy, and I (Ms. Julie) had the pleasure of meeting students on Friday, February 4^th between ten and thirteen years of age. We opened the evening with fun warm up games, while also asking the students their purpose for taking the class. Some of the students said it was because a friend invited them, others said it was because it was a free class. All of the students were just looking for some fun and the chance to learn improv, even if it meant giving up a ski trip (which one student had done). Talk about dedication to the craft!

As an instructor, it was a pleasure to work with students who were not afraid to make choices in the classroom. This group really worked well with one another while also exploring their own ideas and thoughts of approaching the acting space. Mr. Ruben and I customized an improv class based on a specific social issue, peer pressure. We were able to demonstrate the negative and positive influence of peer pressure through the fun acting exercises. The scenes were playful and silly, leaving everyone feeling welcome, comfortable and safe. 

As promised, Mr. Ruben and I did not fail to provide tasty snacks; in fact the snacks became part of our motives in our improv activities, making it even more fun. Those two hours were worth every minute and I was so proud of all the students who came out and took a chance with TEEN NIGHT. Some of them knew one another but whether they did or didn’t, everyone walked out of that classroom having had made a friend. I have no doubt our friends will be back to join us for more improv on Friday, March 4th.

About FREE Teen Night & How to Join us for the Next Meeting
Join us for a fun night of Improv.  The teaching artists will customize an improv class based on social issues that are appropriate to class.  Students can explore any one of the following areas: character development, bullying, emotional violence, peer pressure, pros & cons of labels and making choices. We’ll provide improv fun that creates a positive influence while enjoying good company and tasty snacks.  Students can bring friends to join them, and you do not have to call to register; just show up. We will take attendance when students arrive.

Where: Algonquin Arts Theater (Dance Studio)

When:  First Friday of each month within Spring 2011 semester 

               (February 4th, March 4th, April 1st and May 6th)

Ages:    9 and up

Time:   7:00-9:00pm

Cost:    FREE!

Instructors: Ruben Nagy and Julie Nagy

Info contributed by: Julie Nagy, Director of Education

AYE Auditions for Two Male Leads for Pride & Prejudice

Our Performing Arts Academy is producing the play, Pride and Prejudice. We had auditions two weeks ago and they went really well. Our biggest challenge, as it always is, is not having enough male actors to audition. At this time we have cast every character except Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bennet. Both are really great roles.  We are now holding auditions for these roles by appointment.  We are seeking two male actors to play either Mr. Bennet or Mr. Darcy (Ages 16 to 25).

For more information, please have the actors who are interested in these parts call Julie Nagy, the Director of Education, at 732-528-9224 or they can e-mail Julie@algonquinarts.org.

MR. BENNET
He is a man of culture and taste, whose sense of humor has helped to carry him through some twenty-five years of marriage with his frivolous and irresponsible wife. He is handsome, with graying hair and a courteous and pleasing manner. His manner of speaking varies from dry humor to elaborate sarcasm, yet he is devoted to the real interests of his family, although he is slow to take action. This role calls for an actor with excellent comic timing and the ability to “tune out” and focus on a book.

MR. FITZWILLIAM
DARCY He is a little older than Mr. Bingley, and a great deal richer. He is tall, handsome and aristocratic in appearance, but his manner is cold and stiff. He is secretly just as much attracted by Elizabeth as Mr. Bingley is by Jane, but he is too intelligent not to recognize her mother’s lack of refinement, and so resists her as long as he can. This role requires the typical “leading man”—tall, good-looking with regal bearing and the air of aristocracy about him.

Info contributed by: Julie Nagy, Director of Education

NJYT's RENT in collaboration with Algonquin Arts Theatre & NJPAC’s Summer Musical Program

Hello again everybody! This summer has been going just as planned here at Algonquin Arts Theatre: packed full of fun events that bring this place to life over and over again! Speaking of, New Jersey Youth Theatre’s Production of RENT in association with Algonquin Arts Theatre & NJPAC’s Summer Musical Program will open here on Friday, July 30 for seven amazing performances. Tickets cost $29 for adults and seniors and $18 for people 18 years old and younger. Here are all of the show times:


Friday, July 30 at 8:00 PM*
Saturday, July 31 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, August 1 at 3:00 PM
Thursday, August 5 at 8:00 PM**
Friday, August 6 at 8:00 PM
Saturday, August 7 at 8:00 PM
Sunday, August 8 at 3:00 PM

*The opening performance on Friday, July 30th will feature a Pre-Show Season Sneak Peak at 7:30 pm, where the audience will have the opportunity to learn about all the exciting upcoming events for the season.

**Also, prior to the show on Thursday, August 5 we will be hosting a Multi-Chamber Networking event. This event is called “Network and Nosh!” and is a reception sponsored by UBS and coordinated by the Manasquan and Brielle Chambers of Commerce. During this time, business owners can network and sample food and cocktails starting at 6:00 PM followed by the show at 8:00 PM. If business owners want to attend the reception only, it costs $20 and the reception and show on this night costs $40. These business owners can attend the show after to see what NJYT and NJPAC have to offer in their production of RENT, but don't worry: it is still open to everybody for the regular prices as listed earlier!

We are so excited to have RENT here at the Algonquin. Make sure you reserve your tickets by calling 732-528-9211 or online at www.algonquinarts.org. This is sure to be an amazing performance!

Check out this video!