About the Course
Open Studio II - Stagemakers
Building on experiences with contemporary technique in Open Studio I, this is a good choice for young artists who want further opportunities to develop a creative mindset and have fun in the process. Students will continue to build strength and performance confidence as they explore various approaches to movement with contemporary choreographers. They will learn how to brainstorm with embodied and dramatic writing, work together to orchestrate challenging stage patterns, practice theatrical presence, and complement their creative ideas with stage objects and costumes. For Fall and Spring concerts, students will work with a few guest musicians in class, and design their own 'threads' and sets from recycled / upcycled materials.
Stagemakers is designed for ages 10-13; no prior dance experience is necessary.
Your Instructor
Stephanie Hodde
Stephanie Hodde has 25 years experience as an arts-based literacy educator working in Chicago, New Jersey and Lexington. An Associate Professor of English at VMI, she holds an M.A. in Humanities from the University of Chicago and a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University at Illinois at Chicago. Since 2004, Stephanie has enjoyed teaching Creative Movement and Dance Theatre to pre-school and elementary halestoners, performed and choreographed with Halestone’s Adult Ensemble, and received VA Arts grants to create three outdoor puppet spectacles at Boxerwood.