A CLASS ACT NY IN THE NEWS

Time Out NY Kids
“Not all learning is done before 3 pm. Here’s where your kid can head when the school bell tolls.
Get ready to stomach some show tunes. At this UWS studio, professional New York performers (many with credits from the Great White Way, such as Legally Blonde’s Leslie Kritzer) bite kids with the Broadway bug through their two eight-week courses: “Sing Your Heart Out” (ages 7 to 8 years) and “Pretend & Play” (ages 5 to 6 years). In the former class, kids learn proper vocal technique, diction and ear training from the pros, and get the chance to solo on Broadway showstoppers. In the latter, young stars master the basics of improvisation and theatrical movement in a playful way that teaches them how to perform without inhibitions.”

Read what Barbara Coleman, Talent Agent of Innovative Artists Agency had to say about A Class Act NY & Artistic Director, Jessica Rofé:

“I continue to be impressed with Jessica’s students. The quality of their work proves they have an attentive and skilled teacher. A Class Act NY provides a solid platform for training and exposure to industry professionals.”

NEWSDAY ARTICLE

Julia Losner who took our Annie Workshop with Andrea McArdle wrote this article about the class on Long Island and it will be published in Newsday.

have been acting since I was 5 years old, and am currently reprising my role as “Annie’ being cast in the December showing of “Annie” at Temple B’nai Israel in Wantagh. When I heard that the original Annie from the Broadway show, Andrea McArdle, was conducting an Annie Workshop as part of “Class Act New York’s” program at the JCC in Rosyln, I just had to be part of it.

An acting workshop is where you can work with talented experienced performers and improve your acting skills. The class started by having us learn the song and the chorography to “It’s a Hard Knock Life”. Then we got to work on sides, which are small scenes from the play, which people use to audition. Andrea McArdle gave us useful instruction as how to improve our performance.

Next we had a question and answer session. I learned may interesting facts about the show and what happens behind the scenes. For example, Annie carried bologna, or cheese in her pocket so that the dog would come to her and do the tricks in the show. It was almost like his payment she said. She also said he never missed a day, although he had an understudy. I also learned that the person that trained the dog in the show was originally the set designer. I learned that the pink jacket in NYC was used to represent the change in Annie from rough tomboy to being more of a girl.

Later we got to practice our audition techniques by singing for Andrea McArdle. She gave us direction as to how to improve our singing. She advised us on what types of songs are best for auditions.

Later we got to perform for our parents and got autographs.

Andrea McArdle was a wonderful teacher and acting workshops are a wonderful way to learn more about acting. Working with Andrea McArdle was a dream come true. I really loved the workshop.

BroadwayWorld.com
“Classes are taught by professional working actors many with Broadway credits! The level of education a child receives from A Class Act NY is unlike any other acting studio in NYC”
“Never before has there been a Camp Program of this Magnitude that affords Campers up-close and personal training with the very best the entertainment industry has to offer.”

Parentguide

“A Class Act NY is proud to announce the launch of an eight-week ongoing class for young stars in New York City. Classes will be geared toward children ages 5-8 and will be held at Ripley-Grier Studios at 131 W. 72nd St. between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues. Professional working actors, many with Broadway credits, will teach the classes. The Sing Your Heart Out™ program will let kids ages 7-8 use their vocal talents in solo and ensemble pieces. In Pretend & Play™, kids ages 5-6 will enjoy improvisation, theater games, mime and movement.
A Class Act NY offers musical theater, acting and on-camera classes for kids and teens in NYC! A Class Act NY’s mission is to give students the unique and rare opportunity to work with Broadway stars and industry professionals, including directors, talent agents and casting directors in a nurturing, non-competitive atmosphere. Classes and workshops are for every level of student from the beginner to professional level. Their weekend workshops are for kids and teens 7-17! Ongoing classes and fall weekend workshops begin in September and are enrolling now. Space is limited.

WOR Talk Radio

Joan Hamburg, New York radio’s First Lady and host of The Joan Hamburg Show has named A Class Act NY the best Acting Studio for kids and teens in New York State. Joan is known throughout the country for her award-winning consumer affairs reporting. Her Broadway community theatre tips are legendary.

Big Apple Parent

Curtain Up!
“A Class Act NY offers New York City kids something unique in its acting classes-the opportunity to train with Broadway professionals. Workshop leaders this season include Tony Award nominees Emily Skinner and Nancy Opel, Drama Desk nominee Leslie Kritzer, Broadway musical director Seth Rudetsky, and casting directors from CBS Primetime Casting and Abrams Artists Youth Division.
A Class Act was started in 2005 by Jessica Rofé, who has been a child actor herself, later moving into casting. Up till now she has been focusing her efforts on in-school after school programs, but have just launched a full lineup of Weekend Workshops—classes for ages 7-17, all taught by theater professionals.
Upcoming are a Two Day Musical Theatre Technique Workshop (March 17 and 24); an Acting II Workshop with Broadway star, Kaitlin Hopkins (April 15); a two-day On-Camera Commercial Workshop with casting agent, Maribeth Fox (April 21 and April 22); with “Broadway Experience” and “Broadway Dancer” workshops in May. Workshop prices range from $75-$175; participants are kept to a maximum of 15 per workshop.
Rofé describes the workshops as geared toward kids hoping to pursue a career on stage; their classes, on the other hand, work to expose kids to the arts and to build confidence. “Theater brings kids out of their shell,” maintains Rofé. “We’re big on nurturing, not criticism.”
When we spoke, their first student had just been signed to a talent agency. Growing up, this would have been her dream, says Rofé—a place to attend theater classes where you are exposed to the pros.

The Roslyn News
Summer Camp for Aspiring Thespians
“A Class Act NY has announced the launch of CAMP ACA in Roslyn, Long Island. CAMP ACA’s One Week Broadway Summer Camp, held from Aug. 13-17, gives students the opportunity to work with Broadway Stars and Industry Professionals, such as top New York City Casting Directors and Talent Agents.
The first half of the day at the camp is devoted to workshop sessions where Broadway stars and theatre experts work with campers on their particular craft. The latter part of the day is spent rehearsing a Broadway Style Revue that will be performed at the end of the camp week for family and friends. As an added bonus, campers attend a Broadway matinee on Wednesday, Aug. 15 to see what they have learned and how it translates to live performance.
Campers will come away with practical knowledge of the theatre industry.

Connecticut’s County Kids
Acting Studio Announces Weekend Workshop Series
A Class Act NY has just launched their new semester of Weekend Workshops. The faculty for the upcoming workshop series include Tony Nominee Emily Skinner (Sideshow, The Full Monty), Tony Nominee Nancy Opel (Urinetown, Fiddler on the Roof), Jessica Boevers (In My Life, Oklahoma, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum), Drama Desk Nominee Kaitlin Hopkins (Bat Boy, How the Grinch Stole Christmas) and Sirius Satellite Radio star and Broadway Musical Director Seth Rudetsky.
A Class Act NY Workshops give students the unique and rare opportunity to work with Broadway actors and industry professionals, including directors, talent agents and casting directors.
“To have teaching artists who have actually performed on Broadway is an invaluable tool for the kids who participate in our workshops,” said Artistic Director Jessica Rofé. “Hearing their experiences first-hand will help nurture A Class Act NY’s students into becoming the next generation of artists.”

WORKSHOP TESTIMONIALS

“Hi Jessica,

I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU for letting my kids – Celine and Joey participate in the Gayle Keller workshop. They had taken several workshops in the past at other places in NYC and although they enjoyed them, never really wanted to go back. However – at your workshop they had a great time and are looking forward to going back and doing some more workshops! So glad we found you!

We are definitely interested in your industry showcase program – it’s a shame Celine can’t participate in it this time!
But please keep us advised of future programs .

Thanks again,”

Danuta Kor

“Hi Jessica, Just wanted to let you know Ava really enjoyed the class today. She especially liked you, which is a testament to your knack for making the children comfortable. I am impressed with the way everything was so organized and professional. Being only six, I wasn’t sure if she was going to be nervous to be in front of a group or even the camera, but according to her, she did it without any issues. During the trip home and upon arrival, she went through the folder again to prepare even further. Thank you for a wonderful experience.” — Romy, Mother
“Today made me wish that I had had a seminar like this to go to when I was a kid!” — Broadway Star Emily Skinner after Teaching an ACA Workshop
“…thank you so very much for a fantastic workshop today! My daughter thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of this session — and is eager to come back for more! We were very pleased with the professionalism and quality of your program. Brenna has truly been re-energized and we appreciate the kindness shown to a ‘new kid’ — Thanks again, please keep us on your e-mail/mailing list for future programs/classes/workshops etc. — Kudos to you and your staff!” — K. Donahue, Mother
“Hollywood Film Director/Writer, Gil Cates, Jr. & Pat Goodwin of Telsey & Co. Casting Agency, were very respectful and appreciative of individual differences. They helped bring out each student’s maximum talent and ability.” — J. Dectis, Mother

“Laura had a fantastic ‘One Day Broadway Experience.’ Thank you for giving us the opportunity to participate in your workshop..it really gives Laura a chance to hone her skills and perform in a very comfortable environment. She has already grown so much since the first workshop.” — M. Laureano, Mother
“Emily absolutely loved your workshop!! She talked about it for many days, and she has really seemed to benefit from it. I hope she can attend another class soon.” — M. Veath, Mother
“I just wanted to thank you for the great opportunity to be part of your workshop! I learned so much and met so many great people!” — J. Herer, Workshop Student
“My daughter LOVED the workshop! Please keep them coming!”- B. Kaufman, Mother
“Thank you for the workshop on Saturday! Sophie enjoyed it and hopes to be able to take a class with you again sometime soon. Please keep us informed of other events you host in NY!” -E. Gorai, Mother

CAMP TESTIMONIALS

“She has not stopped talking about camp, and is telling all of her theater friends about it. To sum it up in a sentence, she said “this was the BEST week of my summer!” — M. Veath, Mother

“I was so impressed with how organized the program was and how you had the kids working on diversified activities all day, every day. The Broadway show was icing on the cake. Wonderful job. Gianna cannot stop talking about all the fun she had, the friends she met and the skills she learned. Thanks so much for a memorable week. I am sure we will do more workshops with ACA in the future.” – G. Bruzzese, Mother
“Thank you so much for the great ACA Camp! You really did so much in only one week’s time. In addition to learning all the songs and choreography, the confidence and animation with which the children performed was wonderful. All the kids looked confident and in their element on stage. It was a great experience and one I would recommend to anyone who’s child has an interest in being on stage.” – K. Sullivan, Mother
“I just wanted to let you know how much Molly enjoyed her week at Camp ACA, she’s still talking about it! She especially enjoyed the workshops, I’m sure once she sees your list for the fall she’ll be begging me to sign her up. Thanks again for a fun experience” – R. Brown, Mother

“Thank you so much for a giving Taylor and Cassidy such a wonderful theater camp experience. I can’t tell you enough how much they enjoyed it. They have not stopped telling their friends and family what a good time they had and how much they learned. Taking the kids to Legally Blonde was a memorable experience. They have not stopped asking me for tickets because they can’t wait to see it again. Meeting Laura Bell Bundy was a thrill for them!” -D.Mitchell, Mother

BIRTHDAY TESTIMONIALS

“Every year we try to do something a little out of the box for my daughter’s birthday. After spending much of the year obsessed with High School Musical(my daughter, not me) I searched online for High School Musical party ideas and came across A Class Act. We had the most fabulous and easy party. My daughter thought it was the best party she’d ever been to. The Class Act staff made everyone feel so talented and so at ease. Each child got to “audition” for a part in the show, learn a song from the show, learn the fun dance steps then they put it all together in a great routine! I have already recommended A Class Act to tons of friends.” — H. Valentine, Mother
“The twins loved their birthday and so did their friends! The Birthday team did a very good job in entertaining the kids and switching between different activities. Thank you very much! I will definitely recommend your birthday package to other friends!” – N. Ferhangil, Mother