Classes and Private Lessons
Fall Arts - Classes, Camps and Private Lessons
The Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts offers learning opportunities for all ages and abilities. Classes, workshops and private lessons in jazz, dance, drama, instrumental music, musical theater and voice and choral programs are offered year-round on our campus, in addition to performance opportunities on the Ruth Eckerd Hall stages.
Why Choose The Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts?
• Students will spend a semester in the spotlight in a safe, exciting and creative environment!
• Arts and crafts sessions are taught daily by a visual arts specialist.
• Every student receives a keepsake camp photograph on their final day.
• Camps provide an opportunity for your child to explore talents, discover new friends, reunite with old ones, experience the arts with professional arts instructors, and perform in a professional setting.
For a list of classes, please click the tabs below.
Call 727.712.2706 for more information.
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Music
MUSIC
The Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts is known for setting the standard of jazz education in the Tampa Bay Area. Our program includes students from four surrounding counties, with many alumni studying in our country’s top music schools; including Berklee College of Music and the Manhattan School of Music. The Jazz Track is sponsored in part by the Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation.
Auditions:
Students are placed in ensembles based on their knowledge of music theory, instrument proficiency, and improvisation skills.
Auditions will include:- Memorized scales: Concert Bb, Eb, Ab, Db, F, C, and chromatic (two octaves)
- Memorized prepared piece, short jazz etude or standard
- Sight-reading at discretion of the instructor
- Improvisation (optional) on a 12-bar blues form in concert Bb, FMaj, (Accompaniment Track can be provided on request).
- Drummers should be able to demonstrate swing, ballad, Latin, and funk.
The Ruth Eckerd Hall Lab Band
Ages: 12 - 19
Mondays, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Tuition: $200
Classes start: September 10, 2018
Classes end: December 3, 2018The Lab band is designed to give the traditional band student an opportunity to learn jazz styles, theory, and literature. Students are introduced to jazz musicianship concepts which they apply to performance of various improvisatory genres including the blues, big band, and traditional jazz standards. Students will gain instruction in the fundamentals of music, including reading, writing, and listening activities, as well as mastery of the elements essential for improvisation. With the recommendation of the instructors, students in this group may participate in Big Band II.
Ruth Eckerd Hall Big Band II
Ages: 14 - 19
Mondays, 6:30pm - 7:45pm
Tuition: $200
Classes start: September 10, 2018
Classes end: December 3, 2018Ruth Eckerd Hall Big Band I
Ages: 14 - 19
Mondays, 7:45pm - 9pm
Tuition: $200
Classes start: September 10, 2018
Classes end: December 3, 2018Membership in the Ruth Eckerd Hall Big Bands is decided through open audition and subject to the instrumental needs of each ensemble. Literature for both of these ensembles is selected to challenge and reward students seeking to take their love of Jazz to the next level. In each ensemble, the history and development of jazz music is explored, along with tools and opportunities for developing their improvisation skills. Performance opportunities occur often throughout the Fall and Spring terms, and will be conveyed by the instructors.
Ruth Eckerd Hall/Clearwater Jazz Holiday Combo
Ages: 14 - 19 (by audition only)
Mondays, 7:45pm - 9pm
Tuition: Students accepted into this ensemble are
sponsored by the Clearwater Jazz Holiday
Classes start: September 10, 2018
Classes end: December 3, 2018This auditioned ensemble features students from the Ruth Eckerd Big Bands who have established themselves through participation, leadership, and musicianship. Students in the Ruth Eckerd Hall/Clearwater Jazz Holiday Combo will receive a full scholarship courtesy of the Clearwater Jazz Holiday Foundation. *For more information on this ensemble or to schedule an audition please contact our Education Associates at 727.712.2706.
Ruth Eckerd Hall Chorus
Ages: 19 and up
Tuesdays, 6:30pm - 8pm
Fees per term: $50
Classes start: September 11, 2018Tuesday Nights are for singing! Join in for the Fall Semester with Mr. Yohance Wicks and the members of the Ruth Eckerd Hall Chorus. Fall repertoire includes popular, traditional, Broadway and concert literature that is fun to sing, and gives an opportunity for members to learn and grow as musicians.
Need tuition assistance? Please call the Education Office at 727-712-2706
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Musical Theater
MUSICAL THEATER
Students will work with our master Instructors in Dance, Music, and Theater to develop themselves into a true Triple Threat. Sections are available for multiple age levels. Their work will culminate in the Ruth Eckerd Hall Holiday Cabaret, a fully produced event showcasing all levels. A great way to head into the holidays!
Intro to Musical Theater
Ages: 8 - 12
Thursdays, 4pm - 5:30pm
Tuition: $225
Classes start: September 13, 2018
Classes end: December 6, 2018Advanced Musical Theater
Ages: 13 - 18
Thursdays, 5:30pm - 7pm
Tuition: $225
Classes start: September 13, 2018
Classes end: December 6, 2018
Need tuition assistance? Please call the Education Office at 727-712-2706
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Dance
DANCE
Dance 1 (Ballet, Jazz, Tap)
AGES: 6 - 11
TIME: Wednesday, 5pm - 7pm
Tuition: $225
Classes start: September 13, 2018
Classes end: December 6, 2018Join us for a fun block of dance! Whether you love to dance on stage or just want to be fit and fun, you’ll love this class for all levels. We begin with reviewing basic and essential dance skills like rhythm, coordination, strength, flexibility, and personality. Then we’ll work on Ballet, Jazz, and Tap basics catered to the individual students’ progress.
Attire: Ballet and/or jazz shoes, and tap shoes. Leotards (any basic color) are required for ladies which can be layered with form fitting clothes. Hair must be worn back and tights are suggested.
Dance 2 (Ballet and Jazz)
AGES: 12 - 18
TIME: Monday, 5pm - 7pm
Tuition: $225
Classes start: September 10, 2018
Classes end: December 3, 2018This is a great class for those more focused on serious training for the stage. We’ll divide our time working on various dance techniques fit for the Broadway stage: Ballet, Jazz, strength, flexibility, and history. This is an open level class, we welcome beginners through advanced and will cater to the individual students’ progress. Anyone who has ever taken this class has loved it and you will too!
Attire: Ballet and/or jazz shoes. Leotards (any basic color) with proper support are required for ladies which can be layered with form fitting clothes. Hair must be worn back and tights are suggested. Gentlemen must wear a dance belt and shorts above the knee or flexible, form fitting dance or athletic pants.
Dance 3
AGES: 12+
*Teacher approved enrollment: Must have two years dance experience
with Mr. Chris or 4+ years study elsewhere.
TIME: Monday, 7pm - 8pm
Tuition: $195
Classes start: September 10, 2018
Classes end: December 3, 2018For those who are looking for the next level of dance training. Students accepted in this level will receive more intensive, career driven training from Mr. Chris Liddell, our resident dance instructor.
Tap (Open level)
AGES: 12+
TIME: Wednesday, 7pm - 8pm
Tuition: $195
Classes start: September 12, 2018
Classes end: December 5, 2018All your digits can be drums! Come learn the percussive podiatric power of tap. This class is open to all skill levels for ages 12 and up. Adults included! Come feel the beat with your feet!
Attire: Tap shoes required.
Adult Beginners Ballet
AGES: 16+
TIME: Thursday, 7pm - 8:30pm
Tuition: $225
Classes start: September 13, 2018
Classes end: December 6, 2018Dance is for all ages and skill levels. Do you want to try a new hobby without pressure? Are you looking for an entertaining way to stay active without a gym? Need to brush up on skills you learned in the past? Do you just want
to dance? We’ll see you in this class!
Need tuition assistance? Please call the Education Office at 727-712-2706
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Drama / Tech Theater
DRAMA
The Drama curriculum rotates on a three-year cycle to provide a varied and thorough experience for each
student. Course work will be showcased at the end of the semester.
Drama 1
AGES: 5 - 7
TIME: Saturday, 10am - 12pm
Tuition: $225
Classes start: September 15, 2018
Classes end: December 8, 2018Register
While encouraging self-expression and boosting confidence, students will begin to build the “Actor’s Toolbox” made up of the voice, the body and (most importantly) the imagination. Numerous acting exercises and games
to create characters, situations, and ultimately their very own play will be presented at the end of the semester.Drama 2
AGES: 8 - 10
TIME: Saturday, 10am - 12pm
Tuition: $225
Classes start: September 15, 2018
Classes end: December 8, 2018Register
Students will be introduced to the world of Improvisation. Students will learn to trust their choices and think quickly…all the while having a great time! As our improv skills improve (some pun intended), students will work to create
their own character and work together as an ensemble to build stories on the fly.Drama 3
AGES 11 - 14
Wednesday, 5pm - 7pm
Tuition: $225
Classes start: September 12, 2018
Classes end: December 5, 2018Register
Modern and classic published works will be used, studied, and combined with various acting techniques to assist students in the development of stronger, more truthful moments on stage. Each actor will learn to find which method
works best for them while creating a role within a monologue, scene or play.Drama 4
AGES 15 - 18
Wednesday, 5pm - 7pm
Tuition: $225
Classes start: September 12, 2018
Classes end: December 5, 2018So now that you’ve built your skills, how do you get the job? This class will cover the process of auditioning (headshots, resumes, monologues, cold readings) and how to best ensure that you get the part. To help strengthen
your auditioning skills, we will also take a look at various styles and methods of acting.
TECHNICAL THEATER CLASSES
Being well versed in ALL aspects of Theater fosters a greater respect for the craft as a whole and creates an individual who is more valuable (and employable!) in the professional world. Students participating in these
classes will work alongside local professionals, and receive the opportunity to work on the shows put on by Hat Trick Theatre Productions, Ruth Eckerd Hall’s resident professional theater company.Makeup & Costume Design
Ages: 13 - 18
Saturdays, 10am - 12pm + Daily Classes during Load-In Week
Tuition: $225
Classes start: September 15, 2018
Classes end: November 10, 2018Learn how to dress the actor! Through costume and makeup, a teenager can appear to be over 80 years old, a human can become a monster, or we can travel back in time to the age of hoop skirts and kingly robes. In this class,
students will learn to research and create looks appropriate to the time and setting of a script, source fabric and build pieces, and work professionally with an artistic team to create a show. Students will work on the professional
show produced in the Murray Theatre in late October.
**Some purchases of materials may be recommended, TBD in the classroom.
Scenic & Lighting Design
Ages: 13 - 18
Saturdays, 12:15pm - 2:15pm + Daily Classes during Load-In Week
Tuition: $225
Classes start: September 15, 2018
Classes end: November 10, 2018Register
Learn to build a world and make it bright! Each play put on transports the audience to another world, and it is the scenic and lighting designer’s job to make that location realistic. Students will learn the concepts of scenic and
lighting theory and design. They will work hands-on in the Murray Theatre and in the scene shop to learn the skills necessary to become carpenters and electricians for the theater. Students will work on the professional show
produced in the Murray Theatre in late October.
**Some purchases of materials may be recommended, TBD in the classroom.
ON-CAMERA CLASSES
On-Camera Acting: Young Actors
Ages: 8 - 10
Mondays, 5:15pm - 6:45pm
Tuition: $200
Classes start: September 10, 2018
Classes end: December 3, 2018
On-Camera Acting: Teens
Ages: 11 -1 4
Wednesdays, 5:15pm - 6:45pm
Tuition: $200
Classes start: September 12, 2018
Classes end: December 5, 2018Register
Opportunities to work in commercials, film and television abound in the Southeast. On camera acting differs in many ways from stage acting, and students who wish to pursue this profession must possess a unique skill set,
an understanding of vocabulary, camera technique, and an awareness of the expectations of the Film/TV Industry. These classes offer opportunities to learn and develop new skills; improve your auditioning process; work
with actual commercial, film, and television scripts; to be challenged and to build confidence. Participants will also receive general information regarding castings, agents, and photographers.
On-Camera Acting: Adults
Ages: 18 and up
Wednesdays, 7pm - 8:30pm
Tuition: $25 per class
Classes start: OngoingAuditions, character development, scene development, camera technique, memorization techniques, and overcoming nerves is just a small part of our class content. This class is for “newbies” and those already working in the
TV/film industry; for anyone seeking a deeper connection to their roles and a higher level of work. Our overall focus is on developing and improving skills, creating a better understanding of the business, and preparing students to
work professionally.
Need tuition assistance? Please call the Education Office at 727-712-2706
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Private Lessons
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons are strongly encouraged for all students who wish to strengthen their performance skills. The Marcia P. Hoffman School of the Arts offers private instruction including repertoire and literature from classical to contemporary.
Private Lesson Fees and Policies
Lesson Fees are as follows:
- $25.00-$37.00 for 30 minutes
- $37.00-$55.00 for 45 minutes
- $50.00-$73.00 for 60 minutes
Please call the Education Office at 727-712-2706 for specific rates per instructor.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
- We accept credit or debit cards. For your convenience, automatic payment for private lessons is available. Lessons will not be provided without payment.
- Private Lesson Cancellation Policy: All cancellations made at least 24 hours prior to the lesson will be offered a makeup lesson. If a student misses a lesson without notifying an Education Associate in advance, or is unable to attend a scheduled makeup, a lesson fee will be charged.
- Inclement Weather Policy: Classes are occasionally cancelled due to inclement weather, and will be rescheduled.
- To cancel or reschedule a lesson contact 727-712-2706
- ONE TIME $25.00 enrollment fee is required.
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Dates & Info
Important Dates and Info
FALL TERM
Fall classes begin September 10 and run for 12 weeks, ending the week of December 3.Fall/Thanksgiving Break
No Classes November 19 - 25
Missed the start date?
Some classes allow for rolling admissions at a pro-rated tuition depending on when a student joins the class. Please contact the Education Associates at 727.712.2706 for more information.
Watch for new classes popping up!
New class ideas are being explored constantly, watch for new classes added throughout the term.
Attendance Policies:
Students are expected to attend class regularly. In case of illness or family emergency, please notify our instructor prior to class through our Education Office at 727.712.2706. Students are allowed to miss 3 classes, after 3 you may not be able to participate in the final performance. -
FAQ's
FAQ’s
• Camp sizes are limited. Advanced enrollment is recommended.
• A nonrefundable enrollment fee of $25 per person is required (waived for REH members). Membership Info
• Tuition payment or tuition assistance application is due with enrollment.
• Tuition Assistance is available due to the generosity of our sponsor, the Tampa Bay Times Fund and its commitment that no child shall be denied an arts experience because of financial need. Apply early! Please call 727.712.2706 for details and eligibility requirements. More Info
• Payment plans are available with credit card only.
• Drop-Off/Pick-Up Procedures: Procedures will be sent to you approximately two weeks prior to the first day of your camp.
• Refunds or credits will be given ONLY if a class is canceled due to insufficient enrollment, in which case fees and tuition will be refunded in full.
• Schedule, instructors, and prices are subject to change.