FTC Theatre Education

More On This Semester

FTC Theatre Education is a program for young performers in Grades 3-12. FTC Performing Arts presents fun and comprehensive classes in acting, song performance, film and more. Under the instruction of working theatre and film professionals, our performing arts program is designed to be challenging, comprehensive and enjoyable. Not only building performance skills, but also public speaking, collaboration, and leadership to help each student develop poise and self-confidence. Classes are for all skill levels from the beginner to experienced professional.

Members save $50 on each class

Class Dates: Weeks of Sept 9 - Nov 18

No Classes: Week of Sept 23 (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur), Week of Nov 25 (Thanksgiving)

Class Offerings

Grades 3rd - 5th

Musical Theatre Pop Sensation

1hr | Mondays 4:30 PM | Jessica Nivison | $449 / $399 Member

In this course, students explore the fundamentals of musical theatre while learning music and choreography for a selection of Pop-Sational songs of Broadway. Students will "cut loose" while exploring their inner pop star in this musical theatre course that is sure to dazzle!

Class limited to: 10 students

Musical Theatre Classic Broadway

1hr | Tuesdays 4:30 PM | Jessica Nivison | $449 / $399 Member

Become the ultimate triple threat! Learn how to combine acting, singing, and dancing. In this musical theatre class, students explore the fundamentals of musical theatre while learning music and choreography for a selection of songs from popular Broadway shows past and present. Kids are also taught the basics of acting, movement and dance for the stage.

Class limited to: 10 students

Grades 6th - 8th

Musical Theatre and Audition Bootcamp

1hr | Mondays 3:30 PM | Jessica Nivison | $499 / $449 Member

Designed for the young musical actors looking to develop their audition skills, this class will help students build confidence in the audition room. Students will select and refine audition material, learn cold-reading techniques, and receive personalized feedback on their performances. Special attention will be given to acting choices, professionalism, and how to stand out in auditions. Learn how to slate, pick the perfect audition song and learn how to shine in dance auditions.

Class limited to: 10 students

Theatre Scenes & Monologues

1hr | Tuesdays 3:30 PM | Jason Cici | $499 / $449 Member

In this fun and inspiring class in the tradition of a classic acting studio, performers bring characters to life in theatre scenes and monologues. With decades of experience working with actors, Jason Cici offers guidance for how to identify intentions, make character-driven choices and offer a genuine performance while maintaining the primary goal—telling the story.

Class limited to: 8 students

Creating for the Stage and the Screen

1hr | Tuesdays 4:30 PM | Jason Cici | $499 / $449 Member

In 3 2 1 the camera is rolling and you get to explore! This class shows actors how to create stories that you could star in, on camera and on stage. Using improvisation and input from your acting partners, you'll create characters, scenes and situations that will build a script that you could produce yourself. Quiet on set! This class is really fun and empowering.

Class limited to: 8 students

Grades 8th - 12th

Acting On-Camera

1hr | Mondays 4:30 PM | Nili Bassman | $499 / $449 Member

This class will focus on bringing spontaneity, confidence, joy, and all that is uniquely YOU to your on-camera acting work. We will use monologues, scenes and cold reads to focus on shedding tension, specifying choices, gaining confidence in front of the camera, and making the material your own.

Class limited to: 8 students

Song Performance

1hr | Tuesdays 5:30 PM | Nili Bassman | $499 / $449 Member

The course will focus on connecting to your songs as actors, bringing authenticity and spontaneity to your work each time you sing whether belting out a comedic 16 bars or delivering a heart-wrenching aria. By exploring different interpretations of songs, you will develop the confidence needed to trust your unique voice and find freedom in taking risks, resulting in a unique full performance every time you sing.

Class limited to: 8 students

Jason Cicci

Jason is an award-winning theatre and film artist. He has worked in the entertainment industry for over 30 years, making his mark as a writer, producer, creative consultant, and teaching artist.

Since 1998, his independent production company, Monday Morning Productions, has produced new works by established playwrights featuring award-winning performers.

His series "Cady Did," created for Tony Award winner Cady Huffman, was nominated for 12 Indie Series Awards, winning 5, including Best Comedy Series.

Nili Bassman

Nili Bassman has been honored to work with and learn from many brilliant directors including Scott Ellis, Marshall Mason, Sally Field, Michael Grief, Hugh Wilson, Phil Morrison, and more.

Credits includeBROADWAY: Chicago (Hunyak); Curtains (OBC); Never Gonna Dance (OBC); The Addams Family (workshop)FILM/TV: Blue Bloods, FBI: Most Wanted, The Blacklist, Shades of Blue, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, The Christmas Tree, The Strange Dark (2024)

Jessica Nivision

Jessica Nivison is a Connecticut-based performer, choreographer, and teaching artist. Currently,she is in her third year as the resident choreographer of FTC’s Summer Cabaret Workshop,working with ages 7–15!

Recent performance credits: Jesus Christ Superstar (Downtown Cabaret Theater), Much Ado About Nothing (Valley Shakespeare Festival), Sweeney Todd (Downtown Cabaret Theater), Hamlet (Hofstra University), Guys and Dolls (Center Stage Theater), and State Fair (Hofstra University).

She is a proud graduate of Hofstra University, Class of 2024, where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Acting Performance, with a minor in Musical Theater.