Open Forum At Conservatory, Jan. 29

NEW MILFORD — The Connecticut Conservatory of the Performing Arts will open its doors on Saturday, January 29, to present to parents and students a forum on the arts. The informational performance, or “Informance,” as artistic director Arlene Begelman refers to the annual event, will demonstrate the training a young student can expect in dance, music theatre and voice.

How does little Sarah, age 3, take what she learns from a Dance Readiness class and mature into a professional Sarah, age 17, entering a ballet company? How does 6-year-old David take what he learns in Creative Dramatics and parlay that into David, age 16, playing the balcony scene in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet? The afternoon lecture, which will run from 1 to 3 pm, will chart the progress students make through the various levels of training at the conservatory.

“As a not-for-profit regional resource for the performing arts, we feel it is our obligation to the community to explain how creativity, discipline and passion come together in the studio classroom,” explains Ms Begelman.

Parents and students interested in the academic program at the conservatory will also have the opportunity to meet with Ms Begelman, faculty members and students enrolled in grades 7-12 at the school during the January 29 forum.

“Our program integrates the performing arts interests of our students with a full academic load,” says the conservatory’s executive director, Kristin Bundesen Marks. “Next year we will be adding a post-graduate year for those teenagers who want to take a year to explore their artistic nature before diving into college.”

Young performers will also be demonstrating some of their works in progress during the open house/arts forum. A question-and-answer period will follow, and light refreshments will be served. Space is limited, so reservations are suggested.

The Connecticut Conservatory is at 79 West Street in New Milford. Call 860/354-2978 for additional information or reservations.