The NYPAA Foundation (8 Weeks)

Embark on a journey of artistic discovery and growth with The NYPAA’s 8-Week Performing Arts Program. Designed for those with a passion for performing arts but limited by time, our 4, 8, and 12-week courses offer a condensed, yet comprehensive, exploration of Musical Performance, Acting for Stage, Film & TV, and Dance. These programs serve as a gateway to our year-long conservatory-style experience.

Why Choose Our 8-Week Performing Arts Program?

Tailored for Today’s Artists: Understanding the demands of modern life, we’ve crafted these programs to fit into your schedule, allowing you to pursue your passion without putting your life on hold.

Foundation for Success: Dive into the core disciplines that make The NYPAA’s Foundation program a transformative experience. Even in a shorter format, you’ll gain valuable insights and skills under the mentorship of respected, leading industry professionals like Karina Arroyave, Sheri Sanders, Mikael Pasini, and more.

Pathway to the Full Year Program: While these programs stand on their own merit, they also serve as an excellent introduction to our comprehensive year-long program. Many of our short-term participants find themselves inspired to extend their journey with us, embracing the full scope of training that only The NYPAA can provide.

Program Highlights

Musical Performance: Unlock the secrets of musical storytelling with guidance from industry trailblazers.

Acting for Stage, Film & TV: Hone your acting skills across various media, preparing you for a versatile career.

Dance: Explore the foundations of dance, enhancing your physical expression and understanding of movement.

Each segment is designed to challenge and inspire, fostering growth in a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Whether you’re laying the groundwork for a future in the arts or seeking to refine your existing talents, our short-term programs offer a unique opportunity to advance your skills and make meaningful industry connections.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Join us for an unforgettable journey that balances commitment with flexibility, excellence with accessibility. Explore our 4, 8, and 12-week programs to find the perfect fit for your aspirations and schedule. Your path to professional and artistic fulfillment starts here, with the option to transition into our year-long program when you’re ready to fully immerse yourself in the transformative world of performing arts.

Embrace the opportunity to elevate your artistic passion with The NYPAA. Where short-term commitments meet long-term achievements.

Program Overview

Musical Performance

Dive into the world of Musical Performance with The NYPAA, where passion meets professionalism under the expert guidance of Sheri Sanders, a trailblazer in auditioning for musicals. This segment of The NYPAA Foundation program is meticulously crafted for performers eager to bridge the gap between acting and singing, offering a unique opportunity to master the art of musical storytelling.

The Musical Performance program is tailored for serious performers dedicated to refining their technical skills while igniting their creative fire. Through this immersive training, you’ll not only enhance your vocal and acting capabilities but also develop a nuanced understanding of musical performance as a profound form of storytelling.

At the heart of the Musical Performance program at The NYPAA, you’ll find:

Introduction and Basics

• Understanding voice as an actor’s musical instrument
• Basic vocal techniques tailored for musical theatre, including posture, breathing, and vocal warm-ups

Vocal Flexibility for Musicals

• Exercises to enhance vocal range and flexibility
• Techniques for maintaining vocal health and endurance in musical contexts

Tone, Color, and Character in Song

• Exploring different vocal tones and colors in the context of musical theatre
• Adapting vocal quality for various characters and emotions within songs

Integration with Acting for Musicals

• Initial steps in blending vocal technique with acting principles
• Utilizing personal experiences and emotions in vocal expression for musical storytelling

Advanced Techniques and Characterization in Musical Performance 

Advanced Breathing and Resonance Techniques

• Developing advanced breath control and mastering resonance in a musical setting
• Exploring vocal projection and volume control specific to musical theatre

Character Voices in Song

• Techniques for crafting distinct voices for different characters in musicals
• Considering character traits, backstory, and motivation in vocal expression within songs

Expressing Emotions through Song

• Techniques for conveying a range of emotions vocally in a musical context
• Integrating vocal technique with emotional authenticity in musical performances

Text Work in Musical Performance

• Applying vocal techniques to scripted musical material
• Using voice to express subtext and character relationships within musical numbers

Application and Performance in Musical Theatre 

Vocal Performance Techniques for Musicals

• Building vocal stamina specifically for musical performances
• Techniques for maintaining vocal health during extended musical runs

Rehearsal Process for Musical Performance

• Applying vocal techniques in the rehearsal process for musicals
• Incorporating feedback and making adjustments based on instructor notes and input

Integration with Movement and Physical Expression in Musicals

• Coordinating voice and body seamlessly in musical theatre performances
• Techniques for embodying vocal expression within the context of choreography

Elevate your acting prowess with The NYPAA Foundation program’s Acting for Stage, Film & TV, led by the esteemed film/tv professional, Karina Arroyave. Known for her captivating performances on both big and small screens, Karina brings her wealth of experience and a nurturing approach to guide aspiring actors through the complexities of performance across diverse media.

The Acting for Stage, Film & TV program is not just about technique; it’s about transforming actors into storytellers who can move audiences with their authenticity and emotion. Karina’s unique teaching style emphasizes the importance of connecting deeply with characters’ journeys, preparing you to take on roles that resonate and impact viewers.

At the heart of the Acting for Stage, Film & TV program at The NYPAA, you’ll find:

Acting Fundamentals

• Basic Acting Techniques
• Introduction to acting principles, including character analysis, motivation, and objective
• Introduction to the differences between stage, film, and TV acting

• Character Development
  
• Techniques for creating believable characters
• Exploration of physicality, voice, and emotional life of characters

• Scene Study
• Working with partners on scripted scenes
• Use of objectives, obstacles, and tactics

• Text Analysis
• Techniques for breaking down a script and understanding character motivations
• Exploration of subtext, relationships, and themes

Medium-Specific Techniques

• Stage Acting
• Techniques for projection, movement, and interaction with live audience
• Working with blocking, stage directions, and theater-specific terminology

• Film Acting
• Techniques for acting on camera, including use of facial expression, subtlety, and continuity
• Understanding the technical aspects of film production and their impact on performance

• TV Acting
• Understanding the pacing, style, and structure of TV scripts
• Exploration of character consistency and development over multiple episodes

• Transitioning Between Mediums
• Techniques for adjusting performance style to suit stage, film, or TV
• Exploration of career paths in each medium

Advanced Techniques and Performance

• Audition Techniques
• Preparation of monologues and cold reading techniques
• Understanding the casting process and how to present oneself in auditions

• Rehearsal Process
• Techniques for deepening character work and relationships during rehearsals
• Application of feedback and direction

• Performance Techniques
• Building stamina for performance runs and shooting schedules
• Techniques for maintaining character consistency and energy

• Final Performances and Screenings
• Rehearsals and performances/screenings of final scenes
• Critique and feedback sessions

Dance

Step into the vibrant world of Dance at The New York Performing Arts Academy, where the fusion of ballet, contemporary, and hip-hop forms a rich tapestry of artistic expression. Under the guidance of Mikael Pasini and David Thomas, this segment of the Foundation Program offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the full spectrum of dance, from the elegant precision of ballet and the expressive fluidity of contemporary to the pulsating energy of hip-hop.

The Dance program at The NYPAA is designed for those who dream of expressing themselves unboundedly through movement. Whether you aim to refine your ballet technique, explore contemporary’s depth, or master hip-hop’s rhythm, this training equips you with the skills to excel on any stage.

At the heart of the Dance program at The NYPAA, you’ll find:

Dance Foundations & Fundamentals:

• Body Awareness & Technique
• Master proper alignment, core engagement, and safe movement practices across all styles.
• Develop coordination, flexibility, and control through fundamental exercises.

• Building Strong Bases
• Ballet Basics: Conquer barre work, refine footwork patterns, and build a strong ballet vocabulary.
• Contemporary Explorations: Discover floorwork techniques, improvisation exercises, and emotional movement expression.
• Hip-Hop Grooves: Master foundational footwork, rhythm patterns, and isolations with clear execution.

Deep Dives & Style Mastery:

• Refining Elegance & Expressiveness
• Ballet: Advance your skills with pirouettes, lyrical sequences, and variations.
• Contemporary: Explore advanced floorwork, choreography studies, and personal movement authorship.

• Rhythm & Groove Masters
• Hip-Hop: Elevate your skills with advanced footwork, layering grooves, and freestyle combinations.
• Style Fusion: Experiment with blending styles, discover your unique movement voice, and understand stylistic transitions.

Audition Success:

• Dance Audition Bootcamp
• Demystify the audition process – learn headshots, resumes, cover letters, and interview best practices.
• Hone your technique in mock auditions, receiving personalized feedback and guidance.
• Craft compelling solo pieces showcasing your strengths and versatility across styles.

• Polishing & Preparation
• Refine your audition pieces, address feedback, and build confidence in your performance.
• Understand rehearsal etiquette, professional conduct, and navigating different audition atmospheres.

Masterclass with a Professional: Guest Artist Workshop

• Learn from a professional dancer, gain industry insights, and receive individualized audition tips.
• Q&A session and networking opportunity to connect with industry professionals.