Trollwood Academy

TROLLWOOD ACADEMY
Grades 8-12

(all grades refer to the 2024-2025 school year)

Period 1 (9:00am-10:20am):

Dance for Stage
Step-Ball-Change! Master a plethora of combinations from iconic Broadway musicals and improve upon your dance skills and retention. Cover a mix of classic and contemporary musical theatre styles and steps to strengthen your overall dance ability while increasing expressiveness and acting the song. This class is a great opportunity for those aiming to hone their dance audition skills.

Musical Theatre Vocal Studies – The Eras
Join us on a journey through the evolution of musical theatre, focusing on vocal techniques and repertoire from different eras of Broadway. In this class, you’ll explore iconic songs from the Golden Age to contemporary hits, while honing your vocal skills in a variety of musical styles. You’ll study the unique vocal demands of each period, learning how to adapt your voice to fit the character and style of different shows. Through group performances, solo work, and vocal exercises, you’ll build confidence, improve vocal range and technique, and gain a deeper understanding of musical theatre history. Whether you’re belting showstoppers from the ’50s, performing the powerful ballads of the ’80s, or interpreting modern-day hits, this class will help you develop a versatile vocal toolkit for musical theatre performances. No prior musical theatre experience is required—just a passion for singing and a love for Broadway!

Film Studies
Love watching movies? Want to better understand what makes them so incredible? This class will screen and analyze clips from popular movies, breaking down storytelling secrets such as the importance of setting, how camera movement underlines a scene, how to disguise exposition, how costuming, lighting, and even the actors’ blocking all help to establish a tone–and much, much more! From classics to contemporary films, we will explore every genre to find out why we all love going to the movies so much! Popcorn is optional.

Scene Study
The Acting Scene Study class is all about bringing scripts to life! You’ll dive into classic and modern scenes, exploring different characters and discovering how to make bold, authentic choices. Working with classmates, you’ll learn how to analyze a scene, explore emotions, and develop your acting skills through hands-on rehearsal and performance. This class will help you build confidence, improve your stage presence, and have fun while mastering the craft of acting. Perfect for anyone ready to take their performance to the next level!

Period 2 (10:30am-11:50am):

Jazz Dance
This high-energy course is perfect for dancers of all levels who want to explore the exciting world of jazz dance. You’ll learn the fundamentals of jazz technique, including isolations, turns, jumps, and kicks, while building strength, flexibility, and rhythm. Throughout the month, you’ll work on fun choreography to upbeat jazz and contemporary music, all while improving your performance skills. Whether you’re a beginner or have some dance experience, this class is designed to get you moving, having fun, and growing as a dancer. Come join us for a fast-paced, creative summer of jazz!

Intermediate/Advanced Improv
Say “YES!” to intricate and extended challenges, exploring longer, more complex handles (games with particular structures and rules) leading to long form improvisation. Building upon foundational principles, students will level up their spontaneity skills and enhance relationships, status, and plot and perform longer open scenes. Expect to tackle more stimulating theatrical puzzles – both collaboratively and individually. We will dive deeper into interactive audience engagement, analyze the effectiveness of scenes, master attentive listening, and take our time to build a story.

CLOSED – Conservatory – Musical Theatre (June 23-July 2. Sign up for both periods 2 & 3)
For our most advanced musical theatre student, this program is tailored to elevate your “triple threat” skills. Gain insights from industry professionals to further develop your acting, dance, and vocal talents. Expand your repertoire and deepen your understanding of the professional realm of Musical Theatre through personalized guidance and workshops. Collaborate with fellow artists, combining your skills to create show-stopping numbers that will “wow” any audience!

Vocal Jazz
The Vocal Jazz class is an exciting opportunity for singers to explore the unique style and rhythms of jazz music! In this class, you’ll dive into the art of improvisation, learn classic jazz standards, and develop your ability to harmonize with others. Through vocal exercises, group performances, and solo opportunities, you’ll focus on techniques such as scat singing, phrasing, and vocal runs, all while enhancing your understanding of jazz history and its impact on modern music. Whether you’re new to jazz or have some experience, this class will help you build confidence, strengthen your vocal skills, and have fun bringing the smooth, soulful sound of jazz to life!

No Fear Shakespeare
This class is the perfect way to bring Shakespeare’s timeless plays to life without the intimidation! In this fun and interactive class, you’ll dive into the language and stories of the Bard, using modern translations and creative activities to break down the text and make it accessible. Through group readings, acting exercises, and scene work, you’ll explore the themes, characters, and humor of Shakespeare’s plays in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand. Whether you’re tackling a comedy like A Midsummer Night’s Dream or a tragedy like Macbeth, this class will help you gain confidence in reading and performing Shakespeare, all while having a blast!

Stagecraft
Explore the technical side of theater production in this hands-on course designed for students passionate about behind-the-scenes work. You’ll dive into the essential elements of set design, lighting, sound, and stage management, gaining practical skills in every aspect of live performance. Over the course of four weeks, you’ll build and paint set pieces, program lighting cues, design soundscapes, and manage backstage logistics during mock performances. Work collaboratively with your peers on team-based projects, and put your skills to the test in a final showcase where you’ll help create a fully realized theatrical scene. This class is ideal for students looking to deepen their understanding of technical theater and explore potential careers in design, production, or stagecraft. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your creativity, teamwork skills, and enthusiasm for making theater come alive!

Period 3 (1:00pm-2:20pm):

Broadway Balanced
Start the day off right and turn the spotlight on your well-being! Find your “center” stage and discover the power of mindfulness through various exercises and practices including vison board creation, daily stretching, and other healthy habits. As performers, it is so important to take care of both our body and mind to enhance our lives and performance. This wellness class is designed to support actors, singers, dancers, and other creatives within the demanding but exhilarating world of theatre and the arts.

CLOSED – Conservatory – Musical Theatre (June 23-July 2. Sign up for both periods 2 & 3)
For our most advanced musical theatre student, this program is tailored to elevate your “triple threat” skills. Gain insights from industry professionals to further develop your acting, dance, and vocal talents. Expand your repertoire and deepen your understanding of the professional realm of Musical Theatre through personalized guidance and workshops. Collaborate with fellow artists, combining your skills to create show-stopping numbers that will “wow” any audience!

2-D Animation
The 2-D Animation class is your chance to bring your creativity to life through the magic of animation! In this hands-on class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of 2-D animation, from sketching characters and storyboards to mastering software tools. You’ll explore the principles of animation, such as timing, movement, and character design, and work on exciting projects like creating your own animated short. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, you’ll get the opportunity to experiment, collaborate, and develop your skills while telling your own unique stories through animation. Get ready to transform your drawings into moving art in this fun, fast-paced class!

Duets to Quartets
This vocal intensive will combine your passion for musical theatre and love of working with your peers to tell a story! Grow your acting and vocal chops and explore the possibilities of emotive singing and expressing nuanced feelings of characters within musical narratives. Together with a partner or small group, learn the power of giving and receiving while blending your voices. Sing classic or modern favorites such as “Anything You Can Do”, or “Sincerely, Me”, or “The I Love You Song”. Have fun with friends while mastering your stage presence and vocal abilities. Duets and trios and quartets! Oh my!

Period 4 (2:30pm-3:50pm):

Tap Dance
Get your toes tapping and your heels clicking in this class where you will continue to build skills and confidence in tap steps, foot patterns, and tap improvisation while jamming to catchy tunes! For the more experienced tapper, this class will build upon the fundamentals, focusing on increased levels of difficulty and cleaner sound that will reiterate your love for making music with your feet!

NOTE: This class requires a pair of tap shoes to bring to class each day. If you are unable to purchase or provide a pair, please contact Student Services and share your shoe size as we may have options for you to borrow from our inventory.

On Camera Acting & Auditioning
Gain acting skills and confidence in front of the camera, whether for film, television, or social media. With the professional world expecting self-tapes more and more, this class gives actors the chance to learn and practice screen acting techniques in a safe and supportive environment. All actors will get the experience of working in front of a camera, as well as learn tips such as how to “hit your mark”, pace your performance, work within the framing of close-ups or wides and more. Students will get the opportunity to act for the Filmmaking class short films as a part of their final projects. Lights. Camera. Action!

Voice & Movement for the Actor
Do you sometimes feel awkward on stage? Do you have a hard time projecting and articulating your lines? Do you feel like your voice and movements aren’t expressing your full range of emotion? Then this class is for you! Learn how to release inhibitions and integrate movement, sound, and emotion in your performance. Learn how to increase your stage presence with greater movement and voice freedom!

Filmmaking
For those that are interested in stepping up their moviemaking game, this class will delve further into how to write, produce, direct and edit your own 10-15 minute narrative project in collaboration with the On Camera Acting & Auditioning class. Whether you’re looking to recreate a scene from your favorite movie, make a music video, or write and create your own short film, this class will give you the tools you need to push your filmmaking skills to the next level. Learn to use more sophisticated editing software, as well as analyze clips from big budget Hollywood movies and more!

Songwriting
Immerse yourself in the art of songwriting! Hone your craft in both music and lyric writing. Expect an interactive and engaging experience where you will receive expert support and feedback on your original material. Discover essential tools and techniques needed to bring your musical ideas to life and learn the ropes of recording your music.

TROLLWOOD ACADEMY INSTRUCTORS

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Scott McClure
Film

Scott McClure is a filmmaker, writer, and actor. A Fargo native, he created a popular web-series and a considerable following on YouTube. Currently, he is working on several film projects with Trollwood Alumni and colleagues. He’s excited to be back again in 2024 for yet another year as a June session instructor and The Trollwood Players Director.

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Ginny Glaser
Acting & Stage Makeup

Ginny Glaser is a Los Angeles based performer with 20 years of experience as an actress, recording artist, and lyricist. She is a Trollwood alumnus, performing in the Mainstage Musical for five years in such roles as Dorothy (The Wiz), Millie (Thoroughly Modern Millie), Narrator (Joseph), and Hodel (Fiddler on the Roof). She’s thrilled to be spending her time with her Fargo friends and family this summer!

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Katie Damico
Vocals

Katie Damico is super excited to be returning for another summer at Trollwood! Katie just finished her 21st year of teaching and currently is the 7-8 choir director at Horizon East Middle School in Moorhead. In addition to her full-time teaching job, Katie also vocal directs the fall musical at Fargo North High School and is an assistant speech coach at Moorhead High School. During her many years working for Trollwood, she has vocal directed and stage directed and taught for many of the programs, including Winter Academy, TTA, TA, Artspark! Katie lives in Moorhead with her husband Daniel, and two children, Isaiah and Lily.

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Ayden Smith
Acting & Songwriting

Ayden Smith is an actor and musician in Fargo. Growing up in Wahpeton, he moved to Fargo to attend NDSU for Vocal Music and Theatre. Ayden spends his time performing in a variety of productions around the area, writing songs, and singing karaoke. He is excited to return to Trollwood to teach classes in June and Stage Manage Matilda Jr. with The Totally Trollwood Musical.

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Eve Hanson
Dance

Eve is a performing artist currently working in the Twin Cities, and is a Trollwood Performing Arts School Alumna. She graduated from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a Bachelor of Arts in History. In 2023, she graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Masters of Education in Secondary Social Studies and just finished her first year of teaching at Spring Lake Park High School. Her experiences working and performing with both visiting and local professional artists with the U of M Dance Theatre have helped her expand her artistic possibilities and facilitate growth in choreographing, movement exploration and technical expertise. When not performing, Eve engages in the arts by teaching and taking dance classes and directing youth theater in the Twin Cities. Eve values the dynamic culture of the dance and arts community in the Twin Cities and highly regards their commitment to increasing visibility and connection. She is eager to immerse herself in the Fargo arts arena and work with students in Broadway Balanced, TA and TTA Dance Improv and Choreography, and Tap classes this summer at Trollwood!

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Clothing for Trollwood Academy:

Clothes should be comfortable and movable.  Athletic wear works great!
Tops –Tank top, t-shirt, sweatshirt
Bottoms – Sweatpants, long shorts, leggings
Footwear – Appropriate shoes for the class:
Dance:  Ballet, jazz, or clean tennis shoes. Tap shoes if you are taking that section.
(If you need help acquiring dance shoes, please contact Student Services)
Acting, Improv, Musical Theatre, Other:  Clean tennis shoe.  NO sandals or flip-flops.

Please dress in layers as it can be colder in the mornings and hotter in the afternoons!

TROLLWOOD ACADEMY

Grade 8 through 2025 graduated seniors
(all grades refer to 2024-2025 school year)

Trollwood Academy exposes students to the performing arts in several curricular areas.  The applicable standards and benchmarks for this program are listed below.  Not all standards and benchmarks will be addressed in each four week session, but a significant number of them will be represented.

MUSIC

Standard 1: Singing
Students sing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.

9-12.1.1. Sing with expression and technical accuracy.
9-12.1.2. Sing music written in four or more parts, with and without accompaniment.
9-12.1.3. Sing in small ensembles with one student per part.

Standard 2: Instrumental Performance
Students perform on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.

*This standard is not applicable in Trollwood Academy.

Standard 3: Improvisation
Students improvise melodies, variations, and accompaniments.

9-12.3.1. Improvise stylistically appropriate harmonizing parts.
9-12.3.2. Improvise rhythmic and melodic variations.
9-12.3.3. Improvise original melodies over given chord progressions.

Standard 4: Composition
Students compose and arrange music within specified guidelines.

9-12.4.1. Compose music in several distinct styles.
9-12.4.2. Arrange pieces for voices or instruments other than those for which the pieces were written in ways that preserve or enhance the expressive effect of the music.

Standard 5: Reading Music
Students read and notate music.

9-12.5.1. Know how to read a score of up to four staves.

Standard 6: Listening
Students listen to, analyze, and describe music.

9-12.6.1. Know the uses of the elements of music in the analysis of compositions representing diverse genres and cultures.
9-12.6.2. Understand technical vocabulary of music.

Standard 7: Evaluating Music
Students evaluate music and music performances.

9-12.7.1. Develop specific criteria for making informed, critical evaluations of the quality and effectiveness of performances, compositions, arrangements, and improvisations.
9-12.7.2. Evaluate a given musical work in terms of its aesthetic qualities.

Standard 8: Music and Other Disciplines
Students understand the relationship between music, the other arts, and other disciplines.

9-12.8.1. Know how artistic elements and processes are used in similar and distinctive ways in the various arts.
9-12.8.2. Understand the ways in which the principles and concepts of various disciplines outside the arts are related to those of music.

Standard 9: Music, History, and Culture
Students understand music in relation to history and culture.

9-12.9.1. Know representative examples of music from a variety of cultures and historical periods.
9-12.9.2. Know sources of American music, the evolution of these genres, and musicians associated with them.
9-12.9.3. Know various roles that musicians perform and representative individuals who have functioned in each role.

DRAMA

Standard 1: Dramatic Literature
Students comprehend a wide variety of dramatic literature.

9-12.1.1. Know elements of dramatic literature.
9-12.1.2. Know and describe the elements of scripting.
9-12.1.3. Understand the impact of choice of medium.

Standard 2: Acting
Students use fundamental acting skills.

9-12.2.1.Understand the physical, emotional, and social dimensions of characters found in dramatic texts from various genres and media.
9-12.2.2. Know various classical and contemporary acting techniques and methods.
9-12.2.3. Know how characters as an ensemble communicate with audiences.

Standard 3: Production
Students use fundamental production skills.

9-12.3.1. Use technical elements to design a production plan for a scene or play.
9-12.3.2. Perform publicly and house management duties.
9-12.3.3. Manage a technical element of a scene or play.

Standard 4: Cultural Context of Drama
Students understand drama’s role in cultural and human experiences.

9-12.4.1. Know the historical, social, and cultural factors that influence the theatre.
9-12.4.2. Know characteristics of dramatic genres from a variety of cultures.

Standard 5: Consumer of Theatre
Students understand how to be knowledgeable consumers of theatre.

9-12.5.1. Understand the relationship between production elements and the director’s interpretation of the playwright’s script.
9-12.5.2. Understand the relationship of background research for a production to the audience’s comprehension and enjoyment of the production.

Standard 6: Drama and Human Development
Students understand the role of theatre in human development.

9-12.6.1. Use Understand how drama influences the development of creative thinking skills, critical thinking skills, and social skills throughout one’s life.

Standard 7: Drama and Other Disciplines
Students understand the connections between drama and other disciplines.

9-12.7.1. Know how elements of drama are used in similar and distinctive ways in various arts.
9-12.7.2. Know the ways in which drama influences other disciplines.
9-12.7.3. Know the ways in which other disciplines influence drama.

DANCE

Standard 1: Movement Elements
Students understand the role of movement elements and skills in dance.

9-12.1.1. Use appropriate technique in dance.
9-12.1.2. Know complex steps and patterns from various dance styles and traditions.
9-12.1.3. Understand the importance of using various complex time elements.
9-12.1.4. Understand the principles governing combinations and variations in a broad dynamic range.
9-12.1.5. Understand why it is important to project in dance.

Standard 2: Choreography
Students understand choreographic principles, processes, and structures.

9-12.2.1. Understand the importance of structures and forms of movement.
9-12.2.2. Understand the use of improvisation to generate movement.

Standard 3: Dance and Meaning
Students understand dance as a way to create and communicate meaning.

9-12.3.1. Understand how movement choices are used to relate abstract ideas and themes in dance.
9-12.3.2. Understand how interpretation of dance can be influenced by personal experience.

Standard 4: Dance and Thinking Skills
Students apply critical and creative thinking skills in dance.

9-12.4.1. Establish a set of aesthetic criteria for evaluation.
9-12.4.2. Formulate and answer aesthetic questions.

Standard 5: Dance, History, and Culture
Students understand the historical development of dance and its relationship to various cultures.

9-12.5.1. Know the similarities and differences among various contemporary theatrical forms of dance.
9-12.5.2. Know dance pioneers as an index to the artistic and social values of civilization.
9-12.5.3. Understand how dance and dancers are portrayed in contemporary media.
9-12.5.4. Know the traditions and techniques of classical dance forms.

Standard 6: Dance and Personal Wellness
Students understand the connection between dance and personal wellness.

9-12.6.1. Know how lifestyle choices affect dancers.
9-12.6.2. Understand the significance of historical and cultural images of the body in dance.

Standard 7: Dance and Other Disciplines
Students understand the connections between dance and other disciplines.

9-12.7.1. Know how dance is similar to and different from other disciplines.
9-12.7.2. Know how technology can be used to reinforce, enhance, or alter dances.

VISUAL ARTS

Standard 1: Media, Techniques, and Processes
Students understand and apply media, techniques, and processes.

9-12.1.1. Use visual art media, techniques, and processes to accomplish a purpose in their own works of art.
9-12.1.2. Understand how to create works of visual art that communicate an idea in one or more visual art media.
9-12.1.3. Use visual art materials and tools in a safe and responsible manner.

Standard 2: Structure and Function
Students understand how works of art are structured and how visual art has a variety of functions.

9-12.2.1. Understand how the visual art structures and functions are used to accomplish personal, commercial, societal, or other art intentions.
9-12.2.2. Analyze and understand visual art organizational structures and what makes them effective or ineffective in the communication of ideas.

Standard 3: Subject Matter, Themes, Symbols, and Ideas in Visual Art
Students know a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas.

9-12.3.1. Understand how to interpret, integrate, and apply subjects, themes, symbols, and ideas in works of art.

Standard 4: Visual Art, History, and Culture
Students understand the visual arts in relation to history and culture.

9-12.4.1. Understand works of art among a variety of historical and cultural contexts in terms of characteristics, functions, and purposes of visual art.
9-12.4.2. Understand relationships among works of art in terms of history, aesthetics, and cultures.

Standard 5: Merits of Visual Art
Students understand the characteristics and merit of one’s own works of art and the visual artwork of others.

9-12.5.1. Understand various intentions of those creating works of art.
9-12.5.2. Understand how works of art are created and their relationships to historical and cultural contexts.
9-12.5.3. Understand how one’s own work of art has purpose and meaning.

Standard 6: Connections
Students make connections between the visual arts and other disciplines.

9-12.6.1. Understand and compare the similarities between the visual arts and the other arts disciplines (performing arts, literature, practical arts) that show common themes, historical periods, and cultural context.
9-12.6.2. Understand and compare the relationship between the visual arts and other disciplines in the curriculum.