Mrs. Kessler pushes every performer to do their very best. She knows when there is untapped potential and she tries to inspire it out of them. When Lindsey was in second grade, Mrs. Kessler was one of Lindsey’s first directors and Lindsey’s first voice coach. Lindsey learned so much from Mrs. Kessler as a 7-, 8-, and 9-year-old, from soft skills such as focus and purposeful movement to more specific performing skills such as how to hit the high notes without raising your chin, how to sing with feeling without closing your eyes, and how to really practice complicated stage choreography in between rehearsals. Mrs. Kessler truly cares about her students, lessons and productions, and as a result of her dedication, her young performers bring their very best to the stage and take away both skills and memories that last a lifetime.
~Lauren Fisher Newberg, former parent (private program & productions)
The lessons that Mrs. Jennifer Kessler taught me during shows I have done with her are some of the lessons that I value most and know will help guide me forever! I am confident that anyone who is lucky enough to be taught by her will blossom into an amazing artist!
~ Sonia Marie, former student
The thing that sets Mrs. Kessler apart, is that even at the young age of six she expected complete professionalism from me. I would never have made it so far in my career without the preparation and guidance of Mrs. Kessler. Though she was just directing at an educational theatre, she made it seem like we were rehearsing for a Broadway show. And when the time came to audition for them, I was 100% prepared. The level of effort she puts into making all of her shows the best they can be is unbelievable. I got to grow and mature under some of the best training I've ever received from Mrs. Kessler. Not only does she make her programs fun and exciting, but she makes them worth remembering. To train under Mrs. Kessler is a gift and worth every penny. She is a role model, an amazing teacher, and a great friend.
~ Sissy Sheridan, Host of Nickelodeon's "DIY with Me!"
and Angie on "Chicken Girls"
Check out Sissy HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vpw1OcHkrQ
Summer Camp Director
We are seeking a Camp Director for Summer 2024 camps!
We are seeking someone who is passionate about guiding and teaching young performers in theatre & musical theatre at a summer camp setting.
Our Ideal Candidate would be someone who ...
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Embraces the passion we have at KPA for leading and instructing young artists.
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Is excited to be working with performers ages 6 - 14.
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Can commit to the necessary summer camp dates.
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Has the necessary experience to teach acting + vocal music.
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Is interested in finding a theatre home and being a part of our established theatre family.
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Is willing and able to take the initiative with curriculum.
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Is reliable and punctual.
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Has excellent communication skills.
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Has excellent collaborative skills.
Requirements for position:
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Must have completed at least two years of college towards a degree in a performing arts field, or equivalent.
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Experience in both music and theatre instruction.
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Must have experience working with elementary age/middle school children.
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Must be professional, reliable, enthusiastic, and collaborative, and be able to provide solid references.
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Must be available for the necessary summer camp dates (see below).
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Must provide proof of COVID-19 Vaccination.
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Must have reliable transportation.
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Background checks will be conducted before hiring is finalized.
Preferred:
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Ability to choreograph movement for one-week camps.
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A minimum of basic piano skills (enough to warm up and teach music, full accompaniment skills not necessary).
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Availability to Music Direct "A Year With Frog and Toad KIDS" (8/5-8/16 + auditions on 7/24-7/25).
Role Breakdown: Summer Camp Director
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Direct various Summer 2024 Camps. The necessary sessions include: "Broadway's Best" MT Camp (7/15-7/19), Acting Up! Camp (7/22-7/26), "Dream On" MT Camp (7/29-8/2).
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FOR MT CAMPS:
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Prepare and teach a variety of musical theatre songs to campers. This will involve warming up the campers, breaking down songs, holding auditions for featured roles, and working/cleaning the music.
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Instruct the performers in basic acting/performance skills with a strong focus on storytelling.
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Choreograph and teach basic choreography.
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Instruct the campers in basic "technical theatre" workshops - training will be provided.
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FOR ACTING UP! CAMP:
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Prepare and block one-act play for young performers.
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Hold auditions and cast show on the first day of camp.
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Prepare and execute a plan for simple costumes, props, and set pieces for final camp performance.
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Instruct the campers in basic "technical theatre" workshops, including prepping the elements necessary for their performance.
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SCHEDULE - Staff is expected to be present 9:00am - 4:00pm daily and clean/reset the studio each Friday performance. Campers are present 9:30am - 3:30pm, Monday-Friday.
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PAY - $875 Stipend per camp week worked. Preliminary training (to take place in June) will be included and not paid separately.
This role has been filled.
Interested in working with KPA?
EMAIL Founder/Creative Director, Jennifer Kessler
Summer Interns
We are looking for reliable Assistants and Interns who have a passion for performing arts and are looking to get more leadership experience.
KPA has a limited number of summer internships available for high school students in 2024. Summer internships are a wonderful opportunity for teens who wish to learn more about the production team side of performing arts. Interns will get hands on experience working with young performers and will train alongside our staff in the areas of directing, choreography, music direction, and education.
Would you like to:
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Strengthen decision-making & leadership skills.
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Grow in skills for working with youth.
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Opportunities for directing acting scenes.
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Opportunities for developing choreography.
Interns will receive training in June 2024 to prepare for camp sessions. They will receive a stipend for each camp session worked.
Requirements for position:
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Must be at least 15 years of age by mid-June 2024.
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Must have reliable transportation.
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Must be reliable, enthusiastic, and collaborative.
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A sincere interest in theatre.
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Must be available for training & auditions (mid-late June)
Preferred:
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Experience with elementary age children.
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The ability to provide personal references
Internship Applications for 2024 are NOW OPEN!
Click on the link below to download an application today!
Please email your application to Jennifer Kessler - director@kettleworksperformingarts.com
Would you love to delve into the world of backstage theatre?
Become a member of TAP!
Our Technical Apprentice Program will introduce students to the various disciplines of technical theatre. TAP students will attend weekly workshops focusing on everything from costume design & construction to props, to set design, how to use lighting to tell a story, and more! In addition to the weekly workshop, each student will attend work days to gain further hands-on experience, with the work culminating in working backstage during our spring production Tech Week.
Our Technical Apprentice Program is a perfect outlet for artists, builders, and anyone who is curious about what happens behind the scenes!
Now Seeking a
Music Director/Teaching Artist
KPA is seeking a passionate, reliable Music Director & Teaching Artist!
Do you have a passion for teaching and sharing performing arts with young performers? KPA may be the place for you! We are looking for a talented, passionate teacher to fill the role of Music Director for our 24-25 school year musical productions as well as filling various teaching roles throughout the year.
Come be a part of a wonderful theatre family!
Lessons
Registration is NOW OPEN for
lessons in Voice & Acting!
Want to stay in the loop?
Be sure to follow us on Facebook & Instagram!
FB: https://www.facebook.com/KettleworksPerformingArts
IG: @kettleworkspa
Announcing our
Spring 2024 Production!
PROGRAM INFO
Directed & Choreographed by: Jennifer Kessler
Music Directed by: Qi Shi
Age/Grade Levels: 2nd - 10th grade
IMPORTANT DATES
Audition Dates: March 2-3, 2024
Performance Dates: May 3-4, 2024 (Be sure to keep May 5th free for our cast party!!)
Mandatory Parent Meeting: March 6/7, 2024 (Final date will be announced in early Spring)
- Every performer must have one parent attend this meeting.
Mandatory Rehearsals: April 20, 24, 25, 27, 2024
Mandatory Tech Week Dates: April 29-May 4, 2024
NOTE - Tech Week involves nightly rehearsals so please plan accordingly
Weekly Rehearsal Details:
Beginning March 6, 2024:
Wednesdays, 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Thursdays, 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Saturdays, 12:30 - 5:30 PM ** Please note that Saturdays will vary but will stay within this time window.
- A full schedule will be provided to registered performers the week after auditions.
- Please note that the amount of rehearsal will vary depending on the individual's role.
Tuition: $395 per performer
Payment plans available (Pay in Full -or- Two Installments)
Included:
65+ Hours of Training in Acting, Singing & Dancing
Two Full Performances of Imagine A Dragon
Ample stage time for every performer
Professional script & music tracks
Show T-shirt
Technical items required for productions
Performers Must Provide:
Dance shoes (TBD - either jazz or ballet shoes)
Dance tights & undershirts / shorts for performance
Personal makeup & hair products
Special Notes:
* The final performances will be the culmination of many weeks' hard work by the performers, staff, and volunteers. Attendance is a very important aspect of this program as the performers rely on each other throughout the process, building their knowledge and skills together. We understand that sickness may occur, but it is understood that barring unforeseen illness or emergency all performers will attend every required rehearsal.
* At KPA we firmly believe that every arts experience is vibrant and important. We use our performers to their fullest potential and believe that every member of the Company, and every single role in a story, is vital to a show's success. We do not support role shopping and therefore do not give refunds of any kind for tuition.
About
Book & Lyrics by Kathryn Funkhouser
Music & Lyrics by Denver Casado
IMAGINE A DRAGON is presented through special
arrangement with Beat by Beat Press (bbbpress.com)
We always encourage our students to arrive as prepared as possible for auditions, and we love providing the right tools! Check out the show info below - it's everything you need to build your confidence before you arrive!
Synopsis
The dragon is back in town! Well… not really.
The Dancing Dragon Inn is struggling to stay open, and out of love for owner, Isobel, a ragtag band of innkeepers decide to drum up business by bringing "the dragon" back to town! Soon the inn is full of unexpected guests. From an army of princesses out to prove their bravery, to a group of overwhelmed heroes trying to hold onto their fame, it seems like not only will they save the Dancing Dragon, but give everyone an exciting new purpose in life! But what happens if they all discover the innkeepers’ dragon story is made up? Could there be more than one way to save the day?
Featuring an epic folk-rock score, this musical is unlike anything we've produced at KPA! The beautiful music and colorful characters bring magic to this funny, heartfelt fantasy musical.
Character Descriptions
Isobel: Innkeeper of the Dancing Dragon Inn. She's determined to take care of the inn she inherited from her beloved grandfather, and everyone in it.
Bill Collector: The source of Isobel's stress, the Bill Collector has come to collect payment for the inn. But Isobel doesn't have any bills to give!
THE BARDS
Robin: A bard who loves entertaining people, Robin has a big imagination and big ideas.
Starling: A clever bard, Starling has a flair for the dramatic and loves the spotlight.
Lark: A bard with boundless energy, Lark gets excited easily.
THE COOKS
Chef Basil: A chef who makes amazing food, Basil is a true top chef but also can get a little frazzled in the kitchen.
Chef Clove: A very resourceful chef, Clove can whip up a feast from anything.
THE GUARDS
Terry: While Terry may look intimidating, this guard is actually very sweet and sensitive.
Thorn: Terry's best friend, Thorn is a fierce protector of not only the inn but also Terry's feelings.
THE PRINCESSES - Royals from all the kingdoms in the realm, this group of princesses have bonded over the fact that they all want a chance to prove they are capable of more than decorating a castle. These fierce and feisty princesses are determined, strong, and so much more than just a "pretty pretty princess". They just need a chance to show the world!
Willow
Laurel
Lavender
Juniper
Zinnia
Magnolia
Lilac
Rose
THE HEROES- These warriors became famous defending the realm from the dragon. But celebrity is a lot of pressure, and they worry about keeping their adoring fans happy!
Rowan
Florian
Tarragon
Valerian
Avalon
Caspian
Arden
Peregrin
AUDITION DETAILS
In order to be part of Imagine A Dragon it is necessary for every interested performer to attend auditions. All who audition for the full production will be given a role. This will be a fun way for us to get to know our performers and see their individual talents.
WHEN: Saturday, March 2, 2024 - CALLBACKS to be held Sunday, March 3, 2024
*NOTE - we will not know who is called back until late at night on March 2nd. Please keep these dates open as many
performers will likely be called back.
WHERE: KPA Home Studio (address will be sent upon registration)
WHAT TO PREPARE: Please prepare one minute of a song. Musical theatre or folk / celtic style is preferred, but it is our desire that our performers have fun and be comfortable with their song choice. We also highly encourage you to take a look at the Audition Materials available to help you prepare for the acting portion.
TIPS: - Make sure your song is completely memorized.
- Be sure to use a background / karaoke style track with no voices - we want
to hear YOU, and we highly discourage singing a capella.
- Choose a song that shows off your strengths!
Please feel free to contact us with any questions!
WANT MORE PERSONALIZED HELP?
Sign up for Coaching with KPA Founder, Jennifer Kessler, at a discount! Indicate your desired quantity of Coaching Sessions on your registration form. Coaching can help your performer choose a song, prepare acting sides, and build confidence! We highly recommend booking two or more sessions to help prepare.
Please note that specific roles will not be promised to anyone, including students of our Coaching program.
Audition Materials
We want to help young performers to feel confident at auditions! Please check out the materials below to help your performer prepare. We know they will blow us away!
Are you looking to listen to some of the songs?
Click on link to the right, then scroll down to bottom of the page. You will see a full playlist of songs from "Imagine A Dragon" that you can listen to for free. This playlist is also available on Spotify.
Group Classes
"Sparks"Mini-Classes (30-minutes)
Students ages 4 - 6 years old
A fun and fabulous way for very young performers to dive into the world of performing. These 4-WEEK class sessions will allow young performers to experience the magic of performing arts without the pressure. Each class session will dip into a theme that will help your performer to learn performing basics while having tons of fun!
See class schedule below for themes. Registration coming soon.
"Flickers"Classes (45-minutes)
Students ages 7 - 12 years old
A fun and fabulous way for young performers to explore the world of performing. These 8-WEEK class sessions will allow performers to dig a little deeper into a particular aspect of performing. They will delve into the chosen theme and present an end-of-semester performance for friends and family, all while having a blast!
See class schedule below for themes. Registration coming soon.
"Flames" Teen Drama Club (45-minutes)
Students ages 13 - 17 years old
We know teens are always hungry to expand their knowledge. With this in mind, our Teen Drama Club will meet weekly with the goal of digging into a number of topics through this 8-WEEK class. We will spend two weeks each on a given topic with the emphasis of adding to your performer's tool belt through hands-on learning.
More details & schedule below. Registration coming soon.
Class Details
"Sparks" (ages 4-6) Classes
Class Day: Monday
Location: Online via a secure Zoom link
Tuition: $35 per student, per session
Session A
Time/Theme: 4:00 - 4:30, Broadway Babes
Dates: Oct. 5 - 26, 2020
Session B
Time/Theme: 4:00 - 4:30, Act Me A Story (Sparks Level)
Dates: Nov. 9 - 30, 2020
Class Details
"Flickers" (ages 7-12) Classes
Class Day: Monday
Location: Online via a secure Zoom link
Tuition: $100 per student, per session
Session A
Time/Theme: 4:40 - 5:25, MT Dance
Dates: Oct. 5 - Nov. 30, 2020
Session B
Time/Theme: 5:30 - 6:15, Act Me A Story (Flickers Level)
Dates: Oct. 5 - Nov. 30, 2020
Class Details
"Flames" Teen Drama Club
Class Day: Monday
Dates: Oct. 5 - Nov. 30, 2020
Time: 7:00 - 7:45 PM
Location: Online via a secure Zoom link
Tuition: $100 per student
Class Descriptions
Broadway Babes ("Sparks")
An exciting introduction to Broadway, this class will introduce students to fun songs and characters from beloved Broadway shows. Together, the young performers will learn a selection of Broadway songs, focusing on music, movement, and character expression. This 4-week class is a wonderful way to give musical theatre a try!
Act Me A Story (both "Sparks" and "Flickers")
A fun and fabulous way for young performers to dive into the world of acting. Our "Act Me A Story" class will introduce students to acting basics while having a blast! The actors will learn about using the face, voice, and body to share a story with an audience. The 4-week "Sparks" level class will enjoy exploring these various aspects of acting. The 8-week "Flickers" class will culminate in a virtual performance for friends & family that is sure to entertain!
MT Dance ("Flickers")
One of the most important aspects of musical theatre is dance! Musical theatre dance is a very specific genre that not only incorporates traditional dance elements but also tells a specific story. Our MT Dance class will introduce young performers to foundational dance technique as well as how to express characters/stories through movement. The 8-week class will culminate in a virtual performance to show off what our dancers have learned!
"Flames" Teen Drama Club
Our Teen Drama Club is for teenage performers who love performing arts and would like to explore a variety of aspects. Through the 8-week class we will dive into several different topics with hands-on projects and interactive learning. We will spend two weeks on each subject in order to help our students develop a well-rounded view of what is involved in performing arts. Some examples of what may be covered during our Fall semester: Choreographing a Musical, Costume Design, Finding a Monologue, Acting a Song
Summer Camp 2024
Registration is NOW OPEN for
our summer programs!
Want to stay in the loop?
Be sure to follow us on Facebook & Instagram!
FB: https://www.facebook.com/KettleworksPerformingArts
IG: @kettleworkspa
Act Me A Story
Students ages 4 - 6 years old
A fun and fabulous way for very young performers to dive into the world of acting. Our "Act Me A Story" class will introduce young performers to acting basics while having a blast! These young actors will learn about using the face, voice, and body to share a story with an audience. The 8 weeks of class will culminate in a performance for friends & family that is sure to entertain!
Stories In The Spotlight
Students ages 7 - 11
Do you have a performer who dreams of acting out great stories on stage? This 8-week class will introduce performers to some key acting concepts while challenging them to tell an engaging story onstage. These young actors will learn how to effectively use their faces, voices, and bodies to dynamically perform various characters, while also encouraging them to dig a little deeper into the core of the story. The 8 weeks of class will culminate in a performance for friends and family that will engage and entertain the audience!