Class Act Performing Arts Studio

For aspiring young performers and their families in New Jersey, Class Act Performing Arts Studio in South Orange Village stands as a well-established institution dedicated to cultivating talent in dance, musical theater, and acting. It aims to provide a comprehensive foundation for students looking to excel in the performing arts. Many who have grown up within its walls speak of learning invaluable lessons and forging lifelong friendships, considering it a "second home" where creativity flourishes.

Located in the vibrant community of South Orange, this studio offers a structured environment designed to prepare students for the professional world of performing arts. It emphasizes integrity and professionalism, aiming to instill these values alongside technical skills. For New Jersey families seeking a place where their children can not only develop their artistic abilities but also gain important life skills and build confidence, Class Act Performing Arts Studio strives to provide a stable and dedicated setting. It is a place where passion for performance is nurtured and celebrated.

Class Act Performing Arts Studio is located at 128 Irvington Ave, South Orange Village, NJ 07079, USA. This address places the studio in the heart of South Orange Village, a vibrant and diverse community in Essex County, New Jersey. Irvington Avenue is a well-trafficked road, making the studio relatively easy to find for residents throughout South Orange and the wider New Jersey region.

South Orange Village benefits from excellent accessibility, which contributes to the convenience of reaching Class Act Performing Arts Studio for local users. For those traveling by car, Irvington Avenue provides clear routes, and parking options are typically available in the vicinity, which is a practical consideration in a bustling village setting. Furthermore, South Orange is well-served by NJ Transit, with bus routes that traverse Irvington Avenue and the South Orange train station offering direct commuter rail access to New York City and other parts of New Jersey. This robust public transportation network ensures that students and families from various neighborhoods in South Orange and surrounding towns in Essex County can reach the studio with ease, making it a highly accessible choice for performing arts education in New Jersey.

Class Act Performing Arts Studio offers a diverse range of programs and classes catering to various age groups and skill levels within the performing arts, including dance, musical theater, and acting.

• Musical Theatre Company (MTC): An intensive training program for students aged 8 and up, focusing on vocal, musical, and acting technique, alongside a core curriculum of leveled dance classes. MTC students have required and optional performance opportunities.
• Dance Company (DC): An intensive training program for students aged 8 and up, with a core curriculum of leveled dance classes. DC students also have performance opportunities.
• Core Dance Disciplines by Age:
  • Early Elementary School (Ages 3-6): Classes like "Dance Combo," "Kids on Broadway," and "Hip Hop Totz."
  • Late Elementary School (Ages 7-10): Offerings across various dance styles.
  • Middle School/High School (Ages 10-18): Advanced classes for experienced dancers.
• Specific Dance Styles Offered: Ballet/Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Acro & Jumps/Turns.
• Acting & Drama Classes: Dedicated instruction in theatrical performance.
• Musical Theatre Classes: Integrated training in dance, acting, and singing.
• Adult Dance Classes (18+): Including "Open Ballet" and "Broadway Jazz," with opportunities to perform in annual showcases.
• Beginning Class Level Series (Ages 6-12): For dancers transitioning from children's programs or beginners seeking a full hour of instruction in specific genres like Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap & Musical Theater.
• Open Level Class Series (Ages 12 & Up): Designed for tweens and teens, providing flexibility in styles such as Ballet, Jazz, Lyrical, Tap & Musical Theater.
• Leveled Class Series (Ages 6 & Up): For experienced dancers ready for increased training and commitment, with instructor-determined placement in progressing levels across various genres including Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, and Lyrical.
• Private Coaching: Available for more personalized instruction in various disciplines.
• Performance Opportunities: Students in both MTC and DC, as well as adult classes, have opportunities for annual performances and other showcases.
• Audition-Based Entry for Company Programs: To ensure high-quality training, MTC and DC students are accepted by audition only, emphasizing commitment, work ethic, and integrity.

Class Act Performing Arts Studio possesses several notable features and highlights that are frequently mentioned by its long-term students and families, painting a picture of its core values and impact.

• Professionalism and Integrity: The studio is highly praised for its "very professional" teachers who "practice what they preach: integrity and professionalism." This focus on ethical conduct alongside artistic training is a significant highlight.
• Preparation for the Professional World: Students feel "prepared to enter the professional world" after training at Class Act. This suggests a curriculum and teaching approach that goes beyond hobby-level instruction, focusing on a strong technical foundation and real-world readiness.
• Nurturing and Stable Environment: Despite the rigorous training, the studio maintains a "friendly stable environment," which is crucial for fostering creativity and growth in young performers. It's described as a "second home," indicating a deeply supportive atmosphere.
• Lifelong Friendships: Many students report making "the most amazing lifelong friendships" at the studio, highlighting its role as a community builder and a place where lasting bonds are formed.
• Cultivating Creativity: The studio is recognized for its ability to "cultivate creativity" among its students, ensuring that technical training is balanced with artistic expression.
• Experienced and Dedicated Staff: Testimonials frequently praise the "amazing" teachers, and the studio leadership (like Page and Calen mentioned in a review) are clearly impactful figures in students' lives. The faculty page indicates a team of professional instructors with significant experience.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Offering classes across dance styles (Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Acro), musical theater, and acting, the studio provides a holistic performing arts education, allowing students to explore various facets of their talents.
• Intensive Company Programs: The audition-only Musical Theatre Company and Dance Company offer dedicated students rigorous training and consistent performance opportunities, indicating a commitment to developing high-level performers.
• Performance Opportunities: With required and optional performance opportunities for company students, and annual performances for adult classes, students gain valuable stage experience.

However, it is important to acknowledge that some concerns have been raised regarding inclusivity and class environment. One former student's review highlighted feelings of not being welcomed as a student of color, experiences of isolation, perceived favoritism towards white students in class placement, and instances of insensitive comments by staff. Additionally, there was a serious allegation of an incorrect charge to a parent's bank account. Prospective students, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, may wish to inquire about the studio's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and their policies for addressing student concerns to ensure it aligns with their expectations for a supportive learning space.

For more information about class schedules, audition details for company programs, or to speak with the administrative team at Class Act Performing Arts Studio, please use the following contact details:

Address: 128 Irvington Ave, South Orange Village, NJ 07079, USA

Phone: (973) 789-0191

Mobile Phone: +1 973-789-0191

We recommend reaching out directly to the studio for the most current information regarding their diverse program offerings, registration processes, and to discuss any specific needs or questions you may have. Given the emphasis on a professional and dedicated learning environment, direct communication would be the best way to determine if Class Act Performing Arts Studio is the right fit for your aspiring performer's journey.

For locals in New Jersey, particularly those in South Orange Village and surrounding Essex County communities, Class Act Performing Arts Studio presents a significant opportunity for comprehensive performing arts education. Its suitability for the local community is shaped by its long-standing presence and specialized offerings.

Firstly, for New Jersey families seeking rigorous and professional training in dance, musical theater, and acting, Class Act offers a robust curriculum designed to prepare students for higher levels of performance. The emphasis on "integrity and professionalism" within a "friendly stable environment" suggests a focus on developing well-rounded individuals who are disciplined both artistically and personally. This commitment to holistic development can be very appealing to parents who want their children to gain more than just technical skills from their extracurricular activities.

Secondly, the studio's role as a place where students forge "lifelong friendships" and consider it a "second home" speaks to its success in building a strong community. For locals, finding an extracurricular activity that fosters deep social connections and a sense of belonging is highly valued. This aspect of Class Act Performing Arts Studio provides a supportive network for young performers as they navigate their artistic journeys.

However, it's crucial for prospective local users to consider all feedback, including concerns raised about inclusivity and favoritism. While many praise the professional and nurturing aspects, one reviewer's experience highlights the importance of open communication and ensuring that a studio's environment aligns with every family's values concerning diversity and equitable treatment. For New Jersey families, especially those from diverse backgrounds, directly engaging with the studio, observing a class, and discussing their policies on inclusivity would be a prudent step.

In conclusion, for those in New Jersey who prioritize intensive, professional training in the performing arts within a generally structured and dedicated environment, Class Act Performing Arts Studio offers substantial opportunities for growth and skill development. Its established presence in South Orange provides a convenient and accessible option for cultivating young talent in the local community.

Class Act Performing Arts Studio

128 Irvington Ave, South Orange Village, NJ 07079, USA