Classes and performance opportunities for ages 3 - 20

Registration is now open for Fall classes and performance opportunities at Oddfellows Playhouse in Middletown.

Fall 2021 at Oddfellows Playhouse in Middletown holds an array of programs for students ages 3-20. Programs will run from September 20 - December 9th. Our in-person, socially distanced, covid-safe programs feature crafts, circus arts, dance, theater, acting, juggling, acrofit, contortion, and a mainstage performance! All classes will be held in the Oddfellows Playhouse theater. For details, and more information, go to www.oddfellows.org, call (860) 347-6143, or email info@oddfellows.org.

 All classes will have tuition of 200$ unless otherwise noted and all classes Monday-Thursday have the option to add on our Oddbridge after school program for 50$.

CIRCUS SATURDAYS

The fun starts on Saturday Sept 18th with “Welcome to Circus” for ages 3-5 and “Circus 1” for ages 6-8. Both classes will be led by Maegan Fuller. 

“Circrobatics I” offers participants the chance to have a blast tumbling and playing with scarves, ribbons, and other fun pieces of circus equipment for an exciting introduction to circus. These classes will run every Saturday from 10-10:45am. Tuition is $200. 

“Circrobatics II” gives participants the chance to have fun discovering their inner clown while learning how to manipulate different pieces of circus equipment including; flower sticks, diabolo, juggling, poi, and more! Classes run on Saturdays from 11am-12pm. Tuition is $200. 

AGES 6-8

Musical Mentoring

A partnership between Oddfellows and Wesleyan University’s student-run Cardinal Kids, this class provides individual music mentoring with a Wesleyan music student. The lessons are tailored to fit the individual needs of different learners, and the mentors will work closely with their students to develop their musical skills and stimulate interest. Available topics include voice, keyboard, guitar and violin. Class time: Mondays 430-530 beginning 9/20/21

Hip Hop Dance

Class time: Mondays 430-530 beginning 9/20/21

Circus I

Juggling, plate spinning, hula hooping and more! Class time: Tuesdays 430-530 beginning 9/21/21

Fairy Tale Theater

A theatrical exploration of the Fairy Tale world, featuring characters and stories from your favorite fairy tales.  Class time: Wednesdays 430-530 beginning 9/22/21

Story Theater from Around the World

Students will use theater games and skills to explore tales and fables from different parts of the world. We can discover how people from all over the world answered questions like: How did birds get their colorful wings? Or, Why do turtles have shells? And many more! Class time: Thursdays 430-530 beginning 9/23/21

AGES 9-11

Circus II

Juggling, plate spinning, hula hooping and more! Mondays 430-530 beginning 9/20/21

Tom Sawyer Mini-Production

Students will explore the classic story “Tom Sawyer” and put an original spin on this age old “getting in and MOSTLY out of trouble” tale. Through theater games and character work we will use our own creativity along with scripts to create a unique re-telling of Mark Twain’s well-known coming of age story.
Tuesdays 430-545 beginning 9/21/21

Musical Mentoring

A partnership between Oddfellows and Wesleyan University’s student-run Cardinal Kids, this class provides individual music mentoring with a Wesleyan music student. The lessons are tailored to fit the individual needs of different learners, and the mentors will work closely with their students to develop their musical skills and stimulate interest. Available topics include voice, keyboard, guitar and violin. Wednesdays 430-530 beginning 9/22/21

Theater Improv

Learn the art of play in the world of theatre through improvisation - making it up as you go along! Enhance your listening, communication skills and confidence while giving your imagination a supportive space to thrive in as you make new friends and have fun.
Wednesdays 430-530 beginning 9/22/21

Hip Hop Dance

Thursdays 430-530 beginning 9/23/21 *Ages 9-14*

AGES 11-20

Acting and Scene Study

Develop skills and techniques that will enhance your creativity, strengthen your communication skills and foster new friendships. Nurture and magnify your inner gifts and natural talents by working with partners on scenes from classic and contemporary theater.
Mondays 4:30-6pm beginning 9/20/21

Circophony Teen Circus

Students are invited to join one or both days where they will practice and learn both solo skills and build a repertoire as an ensemble. Monday with Allison McDermott will focus on Tumbling, Mini-trampoline and Equilibristics (Unicycles, rolling globe, rola bola, spools, trick bikes).

Tuesday with Naja Muller and Allison McDermott will focus on Partner Acrobatics, Contortion, Juggling and Prop Manipulation. Fall Training is a great way to prepare for Circophony's Winter Main Stage show.

Get a second day of Circophony for a discounted rate. Simply "add on" in registration! (Additional day only 150$!)

Mondays & Tuesdays 6:30-8:30pm beginning 9/20/21
*Ages 12-20*

The Art of Being an Artist

Creating a piece of art is one thing. What to do with it next is another. Come learn what it’s like to live the life of a visual artist from beginning to end in this mixed media art class for 7th & 8th grade students. The sole requirement for this class is that you must have a passion for creating art. Students will be exposed to various types of mediums and techniques including painting, mask making, weaving, beading, stenciling and more. They will also learn how to prepare their work for exhibition and how to market oneself as an artist. Class will conclude with an exhibition of student work.
Tuesdays 4:30-5:45pm beginning 9/21/21

Introduction to Shakespeare

An introduction to the characters, stories and language of Shakespeare's plays, culminating in short scene performances.
Wednesdays 4:30-6pm beginning 9/22/21

Hip Hop Dance

Thursdays 4:30-5:30pm beginning 9/23/21
*Ages 9 - 14*

TEEN REP

The Teen Repertory Company is Oddfellows' senior performance ensemble, open to all young people ages 14 - 20. The Teen Rep generally stages two main stage productions every year (one in the fall, one in the spring) and focuses on classes, special projects and a New Plays Festival during the winter. The Teen Rep Company provides adventurous teens with performance opportunities not always available in the public schools - original work, ensemble-created projects, classics from various cultures, and theater for social justice. All teens are invited to audition, and everyone who commits to the rehearsal and production schedule is cast. There is a tuition charge to join the Teen Repertory Company, but financial aid is available for all families who need it.

Young people ages 13 - 20 can audition for our Teen Repertory Company on September 15 & 16, 6:30-9pm. Tuition is 300$

Rehearsals will be two evenings per week beginning the week of September 20 and our mainstage performances will be on November 11 - 13 & 19 - 20. Anyone interested in auditioning, or wanting more information, should contact the Playhouse at info@oddfellows.org or call (860) 347-6143

For more information, or to register for any of the above classes, auditions or events, go to www.oddfellows.org, email info@oddfellows.org, or call (860) 347-6143. Financial aid is available for all tuition-based programs; it is Playhouse policy never to turn anyone away because of inability to pay.

Oddfellows Playhouse productions, classes and special events are made possible with the generous support of the Connecticut Office of the Arts/DECD; Middletown Commission on the Arts; The Fund for Greater Hartford; American Savings Foundation; State of Connecticut Judicial Branch (Youth Violence Prevention); Middletown Youth Services Bureau; Thomas J. Atkins Memorial Trust Fund; Middlesex United Way; CHEFA Cultural Relief Grant; New England Foundation for the Arts New England Arts Resilience Fund; Community Foundation of Middlesex County; Stare Family Fund; Evan Boyd Knoll Memorial Circus Fund; Community Development Block Grant; and many generous individual donors.

Spring classes and performance opportunities for kids range from circus, play writing and acting for teens to classes and performances for younger kids. Go to www.oddfellows.org for more info.