Classes start September 14th!

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COVID-19 Phase 2/3 Policy
Metropolitan Performing Arts takes the health of our staff and students seriously and it is of utmost importance in all our decisions. We continue to follow all public health and safety guidelines. Before entering the facility, all students/parents agree to our COVID procedures.

• Class size limited to 5 students per 1-2 instructors.
• Students may arrive no earlier than 5 minutes before class and be picked up no later than 5 minutes after class. Arrive on time. Students arriving late might not be able to enter the facility.
• Students will enter through the front door (main entrance from parking lot) and exit through the back door (around the building off gravel road).
• We ask that parents do not enter the facility. In exceptional circumstances, a parent may contact the office to make accommodations.
• Upon arrival, students will have their temperature taken and asked the following:
  • In the past 14 days, have you been in close contact with a positive cast of Covid-19?
  • In the past 3 days have you or anyone in your family had;
    • A cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat?
    • A fever or loss of taste or smell?
    • Vomiting or diarrhea?
• Students may bring only necessary, class related items inside the facility. This is limited to clothing/shoes, water bottle, scripts, notebook, pencil, and sheet music.
• Students must sanitize hands before entering the classroom and sanitize between each rotation (if applicable).
• Masks must always be worn inside the facility. Classrooms will have markings on the floor to indicate social distancing where teachers may choose to have a “mask off” break (dance classes only). Private students may take off their mask once they are inside their designated area.
• Students should use the restroom at home, immediately before class. Restrooms will be used when only absolutely necessary.
• Anyone not following rules will be asked to leave the facility.

Our current safety precautions are:

• Upon arrival, all staff and students screened via health survey and temperature checks.
• Limitations to occupancy for each class
• Daily facility cleaning
• All door handles, floors, commonly touched surfaces, and classrooms disinfected (medical grade) between each class.
• Hand sanitizer available throughout the facility.
• Public restrooms cleaned after each use.
• All visitors, staff and students required to wear a mask.
• Plexiglas barrier installed in the music room for private lessons.
• Extra supply of masks on hand
• Communal areas, including the green room and backstage will remain closed and off limits.
• Signage posted throughout the facility re-enforcing social distancing standards.
• 15-minute buffer between classes to allow for deep cleaning.

If you or someone you have close contact with has been exposed to, is currently quarantined, or is suspected of exposure to COVID-19 you must inform MPA. As always, your privacy will be respected. If anyone in your household has been diagnosed with COVID-10, do not enter the facility.
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Thank you for your kind consideration and assistance in maintaining a safe environment for everyone. 

INTENSIVES

FILM PRODUCTION (In-Person) Ages 10+

​Create, direct, film, edit, produce, and star in your own short film!  Get hands on experience working with real professionals. Select a scene, one-act, monologues, dance, song or write an original piece. MPA will bring in filmmakers, designers, and crew members each week to guide students in producing, directing, how to use camera equipment, how to work with a green screen, design and work lights, audio, film editing and production management. Each group will also be assigned a top-notch directing/acting coach for support from beginning to end. Groups meet a minimum of 3 hours per week but can sign up for as many available time slots as they want to work on their project. Final films will be premiered at the MPA movie festival in December 2020 then uploaded to the MPA YouTube Page to later be shared with friends and family. Groups will be no larger than 5 students. When enrolling, you may select your preferred coach and write in the names of students you wish to be paired with.

Tuition - $525 (Minimum/Maximum requirement of 5 students per group)
Financial Assistance Available Here

Groups meet a minimum of 3 hours per week but can sign up for as many available time slots as they want to work on their project. 
Mondays 1:00pm-3:00pm, 8:00pm-9:00pm
Tuesdays 1:00pm-2:00pm, 8:00pm-9:00pm
Wednesdays 1:00pm-6:00pm, 8:00pm-9:00pm
Thursdays 1:00pm-9:00pm
Fridays 6:00pm-9:00pm
Saturdays 10am-5:00pm

September 14-October 4th | Producing, Management, Direction & Casting
October 5-25 |Marketing & Design (Lighting, Audio, Stage, Costume & Makeup)
October 26-November 15 | Rehearsal
November 9-December 9 | Filming & Editing
December 10-20 | Premiere & Post-production Discussion
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SHOW CHOIR “HAMILTON” (ONLINE) Ages 8+

​Sing and dance your way through the music of the Broadway sensation “Hamilton” in this online performance-based class! Show choirs are powerhouse performing groups combining high-energy movement with tight vocal harmonies and expressive vitality. Show choir gives everyone the chance to shine! For this online class students will be expected to rehearse and record their vocal parts at home. The final performance will be premiered on the MPA Facebook and YouTube pages, later available to share with friends and family.

Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays 4pm-5:30pm via zoom for 6 weeks.
September 15, 17, 22, 24, 29. October 1, 6, 8, 12, 15, 20 & 22.

Tuition - $150 (Minimum requirement of 10 students for class to happen)
Financial Assistance Available Here

​Taught by Jimmie Herrod and Shannon Jung
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Jimmie Herrod is a musician and actor currenlty residing in New York City. Jimmie is a vocalist with locally beloved international superstars Pink Martini, for the Grammy-nominated ODESZA for their national television debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and recently debut his second solo album. After graduating Cornish with a degree in composition and performance, Herrod pursued a Master of Music in jazz studies from Portland State University and made a name for himself as a theater artist in Seattle. Authoritative Broadway World deemed his 2015, gender-bending performance as Tunny’s Extraordinary Girl in American Idiot by Seattle’s ArtsWest “a performance for the ages.” Jimmie has served as an adjunct professor of voice for the PSU jazz program and performed with the Oregon Symphony, 5th Avenue theater Seattle, NWCT, Staged!, Portland Opera and Seattle Rock Orchestra. 

Shannon Jung is a dancer, actor, choreographer, and arts educator based out of the Vancouver/Portland area. An alumna of Western Washington University, she is a double major in Theater (acting) and Dance (performance). She has trained heavily in tap, modern, musical theater, ballet, devising, Suzuki, viewpointing, and Stanislavski Technique. Since 2013, Shannon has been choreographing and teaching tap technique, as well as various workshops. Recent MPA choreography credits include: Matilda (2019), Willy Wonka (2018), The Fantasticks (2017), and Aladdin (2017). Other choreography credits include: Young Frankenstein (2018), 1776 (2017), Peter and the Star Catchers (2016), and Twisted (2015).

SHOW CHOIR “wHITE CHRISTMAS” (ONLINE) AGES 8+

​Sing and dance your way through the music of the popular movie musical “White Christmas” in this online performance-based class! Show choirs are powerhouse performing groups combining high-energy movement with tight vocal harmonies and expressive vitality. Show choir gives everyone the chance to shine! For this online class students will be expected to rehearse and record their vocal parts at home. The final performance will be premiered at the MPA movie festival, later available to share with friends and family on the MPA YouTube page. 

Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays 4pm-5:30pm via zoom for 6 weeks.
October 27, 29. November 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 19. December 1, 3, 8, 10.

Tuition - $150 (Minimum requirement of 10 students for class to happen)
Financial Assistance Available Here

Taught by Kris Heller and Shannon Jung

Shannon Jung is a dancer, actor, choreographer, and arts educator based out of the Vancouver/Portland area. An alumna of Western Washington University, she is a double major in Theater (acting) and Dance (performance). She has trained heavily in tap, modern, musical theater, ballet, devising, Suzuki, viewpointing, and Stanislavski Technique. Since 2013, Shannon has been choreographing and teaching tap technique, as well as various workshops. Recent MPA choreography credits include: Matilda (2019), Willy Wonka (2018), The Fantasticks (2017), and Aladdin (2017). Other choreography credits include: Young Frankenstein (2018), 1776 (2017), Peter and the Star Catchers (2016), and Twisted (2015).

​Originally from Ohio, Kristin Heller received her Bachelor of Arts and Communications in Theater Arts from Bowling Green State University. She moved from Ohio to Chicago, IL and  was Artistic Director of a non-profit theater company that focused on new play development. In 2009, she moved to Portland, OR to pursue her Master in Theatre, graduating in 2011. Kristin has apprenticed under world renowned directors such as Tito Capobianco, David Edwards and Elizabeth Bachman. She has worked as Acting, Dance, and Directing faculty for the Tyrolean Opera Program in Maurach Austria. Kristin has worked summers as Acting, Dance and Directing faculty at the Napa Music Festival and recently directed Mozart’s ‘Cosi fan tutte’ with Ping and Wolf Opera in Portland, Or, touring to Hood River, OR. Kristin is currently directing ‘Hello Dolly’ with Sherwood Foundation of the Arts.  Currently, she privately coaches voice, flute, acting, acting for singers, and Public Speaking, as well as, instructs larger Master classes on Auditioning, and Acting. She is also a voiceover actor for audio books. http://kristinheller.com

WEEKLY CLASSES

acting fundamentals (In-person) ages 6+

Learn how to act! Students will actively participate in theater games, storytelling, short monologues and simple scene work.  Acting Fundamentals emphasizes ensemble-building, imaginative play, expanding creativity, strengthening self-confidence and self-discipline, memorization techniques, cultivating personal responsibility, and strategies for successful collaboration. Students will engage in work with an emphasis on pursuing actions, intentions, active listening and responding bringing greater truth, spontaneity, and specificity to their acting. The term for this class is 12 Weeks.
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Tuesdays- September 15, 22, 29. October 6, 13, 20, 27. November 3, 10, 17. December 1, 8.
Wednesdays- September 16, 23, 30. October 7, 14, 21, 28. November 4, 11, 18. December 2, 9.

Tuition $120 (Minimum/Maximum 5 kids)
Financial Assistance Available Here

Acting Technique w/ William Johnson
           Tuesdays | 6-9 | 5:00pm-5:45pm
           Tuesdays | Ages 10-13 | 6:00pm-6:45pm

Acting Technique w/ Jeffrey Puukka
             Wednesdays | Ages 13-18 | 6:00pm-6:45pm - CANCELLED, stay tuned for upcoming online workshop opportunity
             Wednesdays | Ages 13-18 | 7:00pm-7:45pm - CANCELLED, stay tuned for upcoming online workshop opportunity

After graduating from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City, William Johnson went on to get his bachelor's degree in Theater Education from Western Washington University. Since 2014 Will has been teaching Acting, Acrobatics, and Theater Technology in the Vancouver area having the opportunity to work in all aspects of the theater from play-writing to performance. Previous credits include: Midsummer Night's Dream (Puck), Jack Sprat World Tour (Jack), Town of Gruff (Playwright), Madeline's Christmas (Director), and many more.

Jeffrey Puukka is curious and passionate about actor training, and joined Metropolitan Performing Arts Academy to teach Acting Fundamentals in 2017.  Additionally, Jeffrey teaches the highly popular and successful Monday Night Acting Lab at Mt. Hood Community College, and is also a mentor and adjudicator for high school competitive speakers.  Jeffrey has directed thirty-something theatre productions in the Portland metro area over the past 15 years.  Favorites include “Women of Troy” which he adapted from Euripides and directed in 2015, “Elective Affinities” (Portland, the Edinburgh Fringe, and Cambodia), and “Dracula” (Portland, 2004).

Character Development through D&D (OnLine) 11+

Develop a character from the ground up through roleplaying. This 6 week class aims to explore emotional development of a character, improvisation, voice acting, problem solving, and unsurprisingly roleplaying! Stimulate the imagination and level-up your acting. 
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             Wednesdays | 7:00pm-8:30pm |  w/ Will Johnson
             Thursdays | 7:00pm-8:30pm | w/ Kris Heller                    

SESSION 1
Tuesday- September 15, 22, 29. October 6, 13, 20 
Wednesday- September 16, 23, 30. October 7, 14, 21, 
Thursday- September 17, 24. October 1, 8, 15, 22, 

SESSION 2
Tuesday - October 27. November 3, 10, 17. December 1, 8.
Wednesday - October 28. November 4, 11, 18. December 2, 9.
Thursday - October 29. November 5, 12, 19. December 3. 10.

Tuition $120 (Minimum 6 kids). Includes polyhedral dice set.
​Financial Assistance Available Here

IMPROV (IN-PERSON) AGES 11+

Learn the craft of improvisation! Students will discover the fundamentals of improv, improve storytelling skills, learn techniques to think quickly on their feet and be more creative. This fun course is designed for all skill levels! Through coaching, warm-up exercises, creative performance games and basic short-form scene-work, students will learn how to be more spontaneous, trusting and cooperative in a fun, creative atmosphere. This is a a 12 week class. 

Tuesdays | 7:15pm-8:00pm
​Tuesday- September 15, 22, 29. October 6, 13, 20, 27. November 3, 10, 17. December 1, 8.

Tuition $120 (Minimum/Maximum 5 kids)
Financial Assistance Available Here

Taught by Kristin Heller and William Johnson

JAZZ DANCE (ONLINE)

Students will learn the fundamentals of Jazz technique such as isolations of the body, improving performance quality and developing complex rhythms and patterns. Classes include proper warm ups, stretches, isolations, across-the-floor progressions, combinations and choreography. As students progress through each level, curriculum will become increasingly more complex and intricate. This class is 12 weeks online via zoom. 

Prerequisite: Jazz 1/2 w/ Kemba or 2+ years experience at another studio)

Wednesdays | Level 2 | 6:00pm-7:00pm | w/ Kemba Shannon
Wednesdays | Level 3 | 7:15pm-8:15pm | w/ Kemba Shannon

Wednesdays- September 16, 23, 30. October 7, 14, 21, 28. November 4, 11, 18. December 2, 9.
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Kemba Shannon received her BFA from Towson State University and trained at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater,  Martha Graham School,  the Edge, Lula Washington,  Peridance,  and Morgan State University.  She has taught dance classes at UCLA,  Loyola Marymount,  El Camino College and Portland State University among others. Kemba‘s stage credits include: The Lion King (LA cast), The Color Purple (Broadway cast), Cirque du Soleil (Zumanity), Aida and FAME. Kemba‘s ambition and drive have won her world recognition with icons MADONNA (“Drowned World Tour”), PINK (Try This World Tour”), Celine Dion ( Taking Chances World Tour”), RIHANNA (Nike Rockstar World Tour), Kanye West, R. Kelly and FANTASIA just to name a few. Her television credits include: American Dreams (NBC), Oscars (“Chicago” Performance), MTV Music Awards (Pink performance ), the Emmys (Kristin Bell performance), World Music Awards (Kanye West & R. Kelly), NAACP Awards and the Grammy’s. Kemba‘s multifaceted dance style continues to inspire her students to be fierce and dance with their heart and soul.

tap dance (in-person)

Tap classes are designed to develop rhythm, style and sound. Exercises focus on building flexibility of the knee and ankles, coordination, and speed of movement. The class emphasis is on developing proper tap technique and producing clear tap sounds. As students progress through each level, curriculum will become increasingly more complex and intricate. This is a 12 week class. Tap shoes required. 

Mondays | Level 1/2 | Ages 10+ | 4:00pm-4:45pm | w/ Shannon Jung
Mondays | Level 2/3| Ages 10+ | 7:15pm-8:00pm | w/ Shannon Jung

Tuition $120 (Minimum/Maximum 5 kids)
Financial Assistance Available Here

Monday – September 14, 21, 28. October 5, 12, 19, 26. November 2, 9, 16, 30. December 7.

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING (IN-PERSON) ​

This class is designed to help shed that excess fat while building strength and endurance. Get your cardio exercise, body weight exercises, core training and stretching on for a complete workout.

Monday's | Level 1/2 | Ages 10+ | 5:00pm-5:45pm | w/ Shannon Jung
Monday – September 14, 21, 28. October 5, 12, 19, 26. November 2, 9, 16, 30. December 7.

​Tuition $120 (Minimum/Maximum 5 kids)
Financial Assistance Available Here

PRIVATE LESSONS

TAP LESSONS (in-person or online) all ages

​One-on-one tap lessons focusing on strength, conditioning, rhythm, style and sound. Exercises focus on building flexibility of the knee and ankles, coordination, and speed of movement. The class emphasis is on developing proper tap technique and producing clear tap sounds. No previous experience necessary. For beginner, intermediate or advanced. Kids, teens and adults.

Students enroll for 10 lessons and are scheduled based on student/teacher availability. ​

$30/half hour

VOCAL & PIANO LESSONS (In-person) all ages

Weekly one-on-one half hour or hour private lessons working on the fundamentals of good singing. Students will work on proper breath, support, posture, correct tone, placement of sound, vocal range, vocal breaks, projection, endurance and vocal control. Private lessons help students gain skill and confidence as a solo singer. Whether you plan on singing in a musical, at church, in choir or star in your own YouTube channel lessons take your voice to the next level. For beginner, intermediate or advanced. Lessons are for all ages!

Learn how to play the piano in a structured environment covering your needs as a pianist. Weekly one-on-one half hour or hour lessons cover proper piano technique, music counting, theory, good hand and finger position, scales, technical warm-ups, interpretation and ways to practice effectively. Whether you want to play Disney Hits, classic rock or Mozart, private lessons help students gain skill and confidence in a musical instrument. Lessons are for all ages!

Tuesdays 4:00pm-4:30pm- w/ Kristin Heller (OPEN)
Tuesdays 4:40pm-5:10pm- w/ Kristin Heller (OPEN)
Tuesdays 5:20pm-5:50pm- w/ Kristin Heller (OPEN)
Tuesdays 6:05pm-7:05pm- w/ Kristin Heller (FILLED)

Tuesday- September 15, 22, 29. October 6, 13, 20, 27. November 3, 10, 17. December 1, 8.

​$30/half hour

vocal & piano lessons (online) all ages

Weekly one-on-one half hour or hour private lessons working on the fundamentals of good singing. Students will work on proper breath, support, posture, correct tone, placement of sound, vocal range, vocal breaks, projection, endurance and vocal control. Private lessons help students gain skill and confidence as a solo singer. Whether you plan on singing in a musical, at church, in choir or star in your own YouTube channel lessons take your voice to the next level. For beginner, intermediate or advanced. Lessons are for all ages!

Learn how to play the piano in a structured environment covering your needs as a pianist. Weekly one-on-one half hour or hour lessons cover proper piano technique, music counting, theory, good hand and finger position, scales, technical warm-ups, interpretation and ways to practice effectively. Whether you want to play Disney Hits, classic rock or Mozart, private lessons help students gain skill and confidence in a musical instrument. Lessons are for all ages!

Students enroll for 10 lessons and are scheduled based on student/teacher availability. 

​$30/half hour