Edward & Bernice Wenger Center for the Arts
The Rubenstein Theatre
The Rubenstein Theatre at the JCC offers community theatre productions for children, teens and adults. We also offer acting classes, cabaret workshops and private coaching for beginners to advanced and programs for children with special needs. Work with professional directors, musicians, choreographers and bond with peers who share your passion. The Rubenstein Theatre at the JCC presents five full-scale productions a year.
Are you interested in a professional career? It is often challenging to be seen by talent agents, managers and casting directors. A Class Act NY's industry showcases provide aspiring actors an opportunity to perform for industry professionals. Showcases are by audition only.
For more information, contact Susan Kalman at ext. 110, skalman@sjjcc.org.
All Theatre programs are made possible in part through the Lenny Ruderfer Children's Theatre Endowment and partial scholarships provided through the Gloria Chizner Hindes Theatre Endowment.
The Wizard of Oz
Grades: 3–6
Directed by Alice Cascardi
Alice Cascardi is a NYC certified public school teacher. Her directing credits include over 50 children’s shows at Hofstra University’s Summer Theatre Workshop and the JCC.
“Follow the yellow brick road” and travel “over the rainbow” in this classic children’s musical. We adapt the script to give opportunities to every cast member. Join our Children’s Theatre Ensemble and watch your talent soar.
Rehearsals are Sunday, 2:00–4:00pm. Rehearsal times extend in January for specific characters.
Auditions: (please come prepared to sing)
Sunday, September 12
2:00–4:00pm
Monday, September 13
5:30–7:30pm
Fee $440 / members $340
Show Dates:
Sunday, March 27 and April 3
Disney on Broadway
Grades: K–2
Directed by Elyssa Orenzow
Elyssa Orenzow holds a BFA from Emerson University and brings her expertise in teaching, directing, choreographing and nurturing young talent to the JCC. Do you love to sing, dance and act?
Discover the joy of performing and shine on our stage at the JCC. Learn songs and choreography from Disney movies and Broadway shows. Learn new skills, gain confidence and have fun in a customized production of your own. Our supportive staff works to bring out the best in each child.
Rehearsals are Sunday, 11:30am–1:00pm
Registration: (please bring children to registration)
Sunday, October 17
11:00am–1:00pm
Monday, October 18
5:00–7:00pm
Fee $440 / members $340
Show Dates:
Sunday, May 15 and 22
NEW! Adult/Teen Theatre Ensemble Sid Jacobson Community Players Presents:
Guys & Dolls
Directed by Juliana Fadeyev
Juliana Fadeyev trained with the esteemed Stella Adler and brings her professionalism to the JCC.
Her vast career includes directing, choreographing and performing throughout the East Coast. Be a part of a true community theatre experience where teens and adults share the stage.
Teens and pre-teens in grades 7–12 are welcome to audition. All roles are open in this classic Frank Loesser musical.
Auditions:
Wednesday, October 13, 8:00–10:00pm
Thursday, October 14, 8:00–10:00pm
Please come prepared to sing!
Show Dates:
January 22, 23, 29 and 30
One-Week Broadway Summer Camp, Camp ACA!
In partnership with A Class Act, NY, New York’s premier acting studio
Monday, August 23- Friday, August 27, 9:30am-5:30pm
Ages: 7 – 16
Campers take workshops with Broadway stars and ACA staff in musical theatre, dance, acting, voice training, improvisation, stage combat, stage makeup and more. For repeat campers all workshops will be brand new material. The week includes a trip to a Broadway matinee and a Talk Back with a Broadway actor. The week concludes with a final showcase performance in our own JCC theatre. A rare and unique opportunity to learn from professionals who are working in the theatre today! Space is limited.
Fee $770 / members $695
Early Bird Special – sign up by June 1 and receive $50 off registration.
Sign up for the Summer Camp and receive a 10% discount on Summer Stock!
YOUTH CLASSES
New! Musical Theatre Workshop
Grades: 1–3
Gain confidence while learning fundamental skills in acting, singing and dancing. A supportive and fun-filled environment in which to bring out the creativity of each child. Learn the skills needed to perform in your favorite plays.
8 sessions
Begins October 5
Tuesday, 4:30–5:30pm
Fee $275 / members $185
TEEN PROGRAMS
NEW! JCC Teen Glee Club
Grades: 7–12
Don’t stop believin’! Be a part of this very exciting ground-breaking club modeled after the popular television series Glee. Perform for the community and earn community service hours.
14 sessions
Kick-off meeting Wednesday, November 3
7:00–8:30pm
In Collaboration with A Class Act NY. New York’s premier acting studio, Winner of Best in Class 2007, Time Out New York Kids. A Class Act is bringing their award-winning programs to the JCC. Participants of ACA workshops can now be seen in Billy Elliot, West Side Story and Finian’s Rainbow on Broadway. Jessica Rofe, Artistic Director of A Class Act is a casting director with a master’s degree in education. A rare and unique opportunity to learn from professionals who are working in the theatre and television today.
Billy Elliot Workshop with the original Billy, Trent Kowalik
(Long Island’s own Tony award-winning actor)
Ages: 7–16
Learn songs, dance combo and scene work from the hit show taught by Broadway’s original Billy. Space is limited.
Thursday, November 11 (Veteran’s Day)
1:00–5:00pm
Fee $175 / members $150
Wanted
Scenic designers, set builders, artists, costumers, lighting and sound technicians, stage managers and stage crew for our 2009-2010 season. Have fun working behind the scenes! Teens earn community service hours. College internships available.
Calling All Musicians
Play in the "pit" for our amazing productions. Especially looking for keyboardists, drummers, guitarists and horn players. Experienced teens are welcome.
PRIVATE ACTING COACHING
For information, contact Susan Kalman, Theatre Arts Director at ext. 110, skalman@sjjcc.org.
The Rubenstein Theatre Cast Wall
Show your support for the performing arts by purchasing a plaque on the Rubenstein Theatre Cast Wall (located outside the auditorium doors by the Teen Lounge)! Add your name to the growing list of thespians and be a part of JCC theatre history! For additional information, contact the Theatre Department at ext. 110.
Player Plaque (Large) $150
Supporting Cast Plaque (Small) $100
For more information or to make a contribution, contact Director of Philanthropic Initiatives, Beverly Gelb at ext. 133, bgelb@sjjcc.org.
Susan Kalman, Theatre Arts Director, 516-484-1545, ext. 110, skalman@sjjcc.org
