The Actors Academy for the Pupperty Arts (TAAPA) |
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The Actors Academy for the Puppetry Arts (TAAPA) is North America’s first and only training academy that combines the art of acting with the art of puppetry. This allows the public a place to train and participate in puppet acting and puppet character development. Whether you are an actor or a puppeteer looking to stretch your abilities through ongoing training to compete in the international market or someone wanting to learn new and creative skills in an engaging and supportive environment, the academy will give you the necessary tools to achieve your goals. "Nic is an enormously talented man as well as an energetic, engaging and passionate teacher. It was an honour taking his class to be able to learn from him and a joy to be able to see him work every time he lifted his hand and brought a character to life. It's easy to get swept away by his excitement and though his knowledge and experience are considerable, he is always approachable. His criticism is always encouraging, constructive - never cold or damaging. His love for the art of puppetry shines through in every moment as he leads his class towards both group and individual discoveries on their path to becoming puppeteers." - Kevin M. / actor Spring 2012 TAAPA provides the highest quality education in both the theoretical and practical aspects of: puppetry; the art of puppet acting; as well as puppet character development. To ensure that every participant gets individual attention, from the instructor, class sizes will be limited to a maximum of 8 students. Depending on your needs and current skill level we offer the following classes:
If you’ve always wanted to learn basic puppetry skills, this introductory class is for you. The core concepts covered include: eye focus, lip-syncing, manipulation of a Henson style puppet, and movement. To meet an individual's learning curve and scheduling needs, we offer two versions of this class: a 1 day Intensive version and a more leisurely 4 Evening version which allows students the time between classes to practice what they learned. (No prerequisites are required for these classes) Introduction to Puppetry Technique Classes: 1 day Intensive: $150.00 including HST, (Price includes a light lunch [menu will be provided], and a set of training eyes). From 9:30 am to 5:30 pm on Saturday: April 21st, May 5th, or June 16th. Evening: $175.00 + HST = $197.75, (Price includes a set of training eyes). From 6:30 to 9:30 on 4 consecutive Wednesday evenings: June 6th to June 27th.
Improve your acting skills! Learning how to bring an inanimate object to life can focus your acting skills in ways you never thought possible. TAAPA’s engaging, dynamic, and truly hands on eight week training program is designed to give students critical acting, improv, character development, and discipline techniques via Henson and Ave. Q style puppetry. These skills also give students a confidence that will be an asset in any aspect of their lives. $250.00 + HST = $282.50. Classes run on 8 consecutive Wednesday evenings, 6:30 to 9:30: April 11th to May 30th.
With today’s technology we are able to offer TAAPA’s educational programs on puppet and character acting in a one-on-one environment through the use of Skype. The benefit of this is each session can be individually tailored to a student’s specific needs, goals, and time schedule.
To Sign Up For Classes, Please Click Here For more information, please CONTACT us NOTES: All puppets, for use in classes, are provided. Students must be at least 18 years of age. "TAAPA is an incredible school for actors interested in the puppetry world. From simple technique to scene study, the students are guided through the basics of puppetry in a clever and creative way. Nic's classes provide invaluable training, in an envrionment where actors are encouraged to let go and have fun." - Kristy L. /Actor "TAAPA has been a gift from life. Nic Lemon is a passionate, dedicated, talented teacher, who really knows his craft and shares it with so much enthusiasm and clarity that you can't help but be inspired: to work on the technique; to be silly; and to keep it simple, authentic, focused and present. Nic offers a safe enviromnent to delve into the work and practice the joy of failure and discovery." - Annie L. / actor |