Studio of the Sooner Theatre

For families in Norman and the wider Oklahoma community, The Studio of the Sooner Theatre stands as a beacon for aspiring young performers. More than just a place for classes, it's a vibrant hub where children and teenagers can explore their creativity, hone their talents, and develop a lifelong love for the performing arts. This esteemed institution, an extension of the historic Sooner Theatre, offers a rich curriculum designed to nurture every student, from the curious beginner to the seasoned stage veteran.

The Studio's mission is deeply rooted in providing comprehensive, year-round performing arts education. It's a place where discipline meets delight, and where the magic of theatre comes alive for students aged 3 to 18. While one review mentioned a challenging experience, the overwhelming sentiment from the local community, as reflected in another customer's joyful comment, is overwhelmingly positive: "Love everything about this place!! My little girl is so ready for the Fall production!" This excitement speaks volumes about the engaging and rewarding atmosphere cultivated at The Studio.

At The Studio of the Sooner Theatre, it's understood that involvement in the performing arts builds more than just stage presence; it fosters confidence, teamwork, and invaluable communication skills. These are qualities that serve young Oklahomans well in all aspects of life, whether they pursue a career in the arts or simply carry the lessons learned into other endeavors. For those seeking quality instruction and a supportive environment for their budding artists, The Studio is a cherished local resource.

The Studio of the Sooner Theatre is conveniently located at 110 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069, USA. This prime address places it right in the heart of Norman's historic Downtown Walker Arts District, making it an easily accessible destination for residents throughout Norman and the surrounding communities. Its close proximity to the main Sooner Theatre itself (located at 101 E Main St) means that students and families are immersed in a vibrant cultural area.

Being on Main Street ensures excellent visibility and straightforward navigation. For those traveling by car, downtown Norman offers various parking options, including street parking and nearby public lots, making drop-off and pick-up manageable for busy parents. The central location also means it’s often within walking distance of local shops, eateries, and other attractions, allowing families to combine a trip to The Studio with other downtown activities. This accessibility significantly enhances its appeal as a local hub for performing arts education.

The Studio of the Sooner Theatre provides a diverse and extensive range of performing arts classes and camps throughout the year, catering to students from age 3 to 18. Their curriculum is designed to offer in-depth instruction across various disciplines, fostering well-rounded performers. Key services include:

• Musical Theatre Classes: These classes focus on integrating singing, acting, and dancing, teaching students how to tell a story through a combination of these art forms. They are a core offering, allowing students to develop triple-threat skills.

• Acting Classes: Students learn fundamental acting techniques, character development, improvisation, and stage presence, preparing them for theatrical productions.

• Musical Theatre Ballet/Jazz: Combining classical ballet technique with the dynamic energy of jazz, these classes are tailored specifically for musical theatre performance, emphasizing the dance styles commonly seen on stage.

• Tap Dance: Instruction in tap dance, focusing on rhythm, percussive footwork, and musicality.

• Hip Hop Dance: High-energy classes that explore contemporary urban dance styles, emphasizing rhythm, coordination, and individual expression.

• Vocal Instruction: Classes dedicated to developing singing technique, breath control, pitch, and vocal projection, essential for musical theatre and general performance.

• Improv: Workshops and classes focused on improvisation techniques, building quick thinking, creativity, and collaborative skills.

• Magic: Unique offerings that delve into the art of magic, adding another fascinating dimension to performing arts education.

• Summer Camps: A wide variety of specialized summer camps for different age groups and interests, including production camps where students audition, rehearse, and perform a full show within a condensed timeframe. Past camps have covered themes like "Green Wand," "Blue Wand," "Orange Wand," and "Purple Wand" indicating varied magical or performance-based themes. In FY 2019, The Studio offered 55 camps and year-round classes, demonstrating their extensive summer programming.

• Year-Round Classes: A consistent schedule of classes offered throughout the academic year, allowing for continuous learning and skill development.

• Performance Opportunities: Students in production classes and camps have numerous opportunities to perform on stage, often culminating in public shows at The Sooner Theatre itself or other venues, providing invaluable real-world experience.

• Scholarship Program: The Sooner Theatre's educational program, which includes The Studio, awards significant scholarships to students who might otherwise be unable to afford tuition or fees, ensuring access to performing arts education for a broader segment of the community. In FY 2019, over $42,500 in scholarships were awarded.

• Venue Rental: Beyond its educational programs, the Studio space itself, with its hardwood floors and exposed brick walls, is available for rent for various events such as business meetings, luncheons, or receptions, offering catering options.

The Studio of the Sooner Theatre boasts several compelling features and highlights that make it a cornerstone of performing arts education in Norman:

• Historic Connection: As an extension of the iconic Sooner Theatre, The Studio benefits from a rich heritage. The Sooner Theatre, a Spanish Gothic Style building constructed in 1929, was the first theatre in the region to show talking pictures and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. This connection provides students with a sense of tradition and access to a professional, historically significant performance venue.

• Comprehensive Performing Arts Curriculum: The Studio offers a wide array of classes beyond just dance, including musical theatre, acting, vocal instruction, improvisation, and even magic. This diverse offering ensures that students can explore multiple facets of performance, becoming well-rounded artists.

• Youth-Focused Programs: Catering specifically to ages 3 to 18, the programs are designed with age-appropriate instruction, fostering creativity and skill development from a young age through to pre-professional levels. Their growth from one summer camp with 31 participants to 55 camps and year-round classes serving over 960 students (as of FY 2019) demonstrates their success in reaching youth.

• Experienced Instructors: While specific instructor bios are usually on their site, the long-standing reputation of The Sooner Theatre suggests a commitment to qualified educators. Customer reviews praising "incredible teachers" and "kind" instructors further underscore the quality of instruction.

• Performance Opportunities: A key highlight is the emphasis on practical application through performances. Students regularly get to participate in productions, which helps them build confidence, stage presence, and a sense of accomplishment.

• Community Integration: The Studio actively contributes to the local arts scene. The Sooner Theatre, as a whole, hosts a theatrical season of community theatre productions and a Main Event Concert Series featuring nationally touring artists, offering students exposure to professional-level performances and the chance to be part of a vibrant arts community.

• Commitment to Accessibility: The scholarship program is a significant highlight, demonstrating a commitment to making performing arts education accessible to students regardless of their financial background. This inclusive approach strengthens the local arts community by reaching a wider pool of talent.

• Versatile Studio Space: The Studio itself is noted as a "beautiful, unique space" with hardwood floors and exposed brick walls, making it not only a great learning environment but also a desirable rental venue for various community events.

For more information about The Studio of the Sooner Theatre, including class schedules, enrollment, and event inquiries, you can reach them using the following contact details:

Address: 110 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069, USA

Phone: (405) 321-9600

Mobile Phone: +1 405-321-9600

Email: studio@soonertheatre.com (as found for inquiries related to their EPIC Charter Schools vendor listing, indicating a general contact for Studio programs).

For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information, including registration for classes and camps, it is highly recommended to visit the official website of The Sooner Theatre, which typically hosts detailed information about The Studio's programs.

For residents of Norman and the wider Oklahoma City metropolitan area, The Studio of the Sooner Theatre offers an invaluable resource for performing arts education. Its deep roots within the historic Sooner Theatre provide a unique and inspiring environment, connecting young students to a legacy of artistic excellence right in their hometown. This makes it particularly suitable for locals who appreciate history and community.

The extensive range of classes, from musical theatre and acting to various dance styles and even magic, ensures that there's something to ignite every child's passion. Whether your child dreams of Broadway or simply wants to gain confidence and express themselves creatively, The Studio provides a nurturing space to achieve those goals. The highly positive feedback from parents who "love everything about this place" and praise the "incredible teachers" underscores the supportive and effective learning environment provided.

Furthermore, the accessibility of its downtown Norman location, coupled with the myriad of performance opportunities and a commitment to scholarships, makes quality performing arts education attainable for many local families. The Studio of the Sooner Theatre is not just teaching steps or lines; it's cultivating well-rounded individuals who are disciplined, confident, and appreciative of the arts. By investing in The Studio, local families are investing in their children's future, enriching their lives with creativity, and contributing to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Norman. It truly is a local gem for anyone looking to foster a love for the performing arts.

Studio of the Sooner Theatre

110 E Main St, Norman, OK 73069, USA