Arts

Theater

2018-19 Season

Fall Play

CHICAGO

Broadway at KO

Appearing in 10 Broadway shows and with over 40 film and television credits, Broadway triple threat Deidre Goodwin came to KO in January and did a master class with theater students (see videos below). Goodwin played Sheila Bryant in the 2006 revival of A Chorus Line, then followed that role with a star turn as Velma Kelly in Chicago in 2009.

In May of 2019, Ben Fankhauser's also came to KO to run a second masterclass for students. His Broadway credits include (Newsies, Original Broadway Cast), National Tours: Spring Awakening, Beautiful - The Carole King Musical. Television/Film: The Deuce, Twenty Something, It Could Be Worse, and Submissions Only. Fankhauser originated the role of Davey in Newsies at Paper Mill Playhouse before bringing the show to Broadway.

Past Seasons

Director of Theater Kyle Reynolds

Mr. Reynolds is the ultimate theater professional; holding his students to high expectations while being one of the kindest and most passionate directors I have ever had the pleasure of working with. He is a teacher that you want to do your best for because you know he is giving his best to you. His genuine love for theatre shines through in every rehearsal and he makes every moment of working on a show enjoyable and exciting.
- Olivia P. '21
Kyle is an award-winning director with an accomplished career in theater education and directing. His accomplished work spans Western CT State University, Post University, Goodwin College, and the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. Under Kyle's instruction, his students have achieved successful careers in both Broadway and off-Broadway productions as well as national tours. At the college level, Kyle's students have also gained acceptance to elite musical theater universities: Baldwin Wallace, Shenandoah, Ithaca, New York University Tisch and the University of Michigan. Kyle, a performer himself, who is trained in the Sanford Meisner technique, continues to be inspired by the creativity and hunger for theatrical training at KO.

The Process

Students have the opportunity to register for several artistic electives to further their craft within a process-based learning environment. Students learn the following skills in the following classes

List of 4 frequently asked questions.

  • Public Speaking

    Students will engage in the art of public speaking within an effort to become more comfortable with their communication skills and presenting material to a group of people. We will study various aspects, techniques and strategies to assist in the utmost successful delivery possible. Skills learned, informative speaking, persuasive speaking, imagery, debate, eye contact, posture, diction, establishing credibility and research.

  • Introduction to Musical Theater

     This is a triple threat class that focuses on singing, dancing and acting within an introductory setting. Students are assigned condensed scene study projects, audition prep repertoire and choreography. Students begin with researching characters and researching repertoire material. This class heavily focuses on the importance of ensemble. 
     
     

  • Scene Study

    Students engage in a number of small ensemble numbers that build on the attributed combination of incorporating singing, acting and dancing into one piece. Students work on both contemporary and classical work to further their repertoire. 

  • Advanced Musical Theory

    After building your introductory skills, we move into a more advanced setting where students learn a variety of training/technical skills within an effort to build their theatrical craft. Students dive into full length monologues, songs and choreography pieces. Students participate in a number of full length scene study pieces along with several audition prep opportunities. By this point, students should have built a repertoire book should they be interested in applying to BFA Musical Theater Programs.

The Product

Kingswood offers several performance opportunities throughout the academic school year:
 

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

The Facilities

The 585-seat Roberts Theater
A malleable Black Box Theater
A Professional Dance Studio

Contact

Located in West Hartford, CT just steps from Blue Back Square, Kingswood Oxford is a private school inspiring co-ed day students in grades 6-12 with a college preparatory curriculum. Empowered students become clear confident communicators, resourceful problem-solvers, and ethical leaders. KO: where unlimited potential meets endless opportunities.
Copyright 2018. Kingswood Oxford.