Let’s go beyond the stage at Center for the Performing Arts

On Jan. 18, about 900 students from 11 central Indiana schools and a dozen homeschool groups enjoyed a trip back in time to the 1963 March on Washington when Ohio-based Mad River Theater Works brought its production "Keep Marching" to the Palladium for a free Student Matinee. (Photo provided)

The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel offers the following opportunities for educational experiences.

Science field trips are back!

The energy forms known as light and sound play a significant role in the delivery and appreciation of the performing arts, which is why a performing arts venue makes a great setting to learn basic principles of physics. That’s exactly what happens in Science of Light & Sound, a program that employs the Palladium concert hall’s production capabilities to create a free, interactive education opportunity for local school groups.

Like many nice things, the program went on hiatus during the pandemic lockdown, but now it’s back and better than ever, led by two fun gents: Lead Audio Engineer Rob Glass and Technical Director Brian Coon. The content – which explores concepts like color temperature, sound waves and energy transfer – is aligned with Indiana’s education standards for Grade 4 science, but it can be adapted for older students, too.

Several of the available dates are already snatched up, but others are still available through May, and it’s never too early to start making plans for next year. Click here to learn more about Science of Light & Sound.

Want to be a better singer?

Whether onstage or only in your car and the shower, many people who enjoy singing can always use a few tips. Todd Neal is just the man for that – he’s spent years teaching, coaching, acting, directing, producing, and performing in theaters and cabarets from New York City to San Diego.

Neal will once again lead the Center’s Group Vocal Coaching course, which covers topics like vocal technique, song selection and stage presence in just four Wednesday evening sessions starting March 20. It’s a supportive environment open to adults and teens, and as a sort of graduation ceremony, students are encouraged to perform on the Palladium stage during the Center’s annual World Voice Day celebration, which this year takes place April 16.

No previous vocal training is required. Click here to learn more about Group Vocal Coaching.

Summer camps open for registration

Are your youngsters bouncing off the walls this winter? You may find some comfort in making summer plans that will get them out of the house.

At the Center’s Jungle Jams music day camp, kids aged 5 to 7 learn about rhythm, groove and positive character qualities as they get acquainted with common musical instruments and even build their own.

This year’s camp runs July 22 to 26, culminating in a big drum circle with friends and family. Click here to sign up for Jungle Jams.

The Prism Project at the Center, now in its second year, is a performing arts camp designed for youth aged 6 to 25 with a range of physical, cognitive, sensory and other disabilities. With one-on-one attention from instructors and counselors, the participants develop an original stage performance built around their personal tastes and talents, making friends, and building self-esteem along the way. This year’s camp starts May 29 and concludes with a final performance June 23 at the Studio Theater.