1. We’re rooted in the same beliefs as Montessori

 Simply Theatre was founded in Geneva in 2005 by Jenna Melling, a qualified AMI Montessori teacher, a passionate performer; and lover of the performing arts.

 The Montessori principles of education for life are at the heart of Simply Theatre’s approach and our values and so, we place great importance on the work we do with even the youngest of our students.

 2. We bring a professional approach to our delivery and we provide unparalleled performance opportunities

 We run our rehearsal room run to professional standards, promoting values of equality, safety, respect, listening and co-operation.

Our students have the opportunity to take part in audition-based plays and musicals. By nature, the auditions are tough but we want the quality of the production to be high and for students to aspire to be in a production – and so we ask them to prepare meticulously, to read emails and blogs about preparing for auditions that will come out around the times of auditions.

We bring in well-known, external directors to direct our academy students (we recently had Chris Wheeler, producer at The Curve On Tour, to direct our students in Shrek The Musical which we put on at The Casino Theatre, Geneva).

3. Our curriculum has been developed to meet the specific needs of our students

We have a specially designed rolling curriculum across all age groups and course types. Each year, our choice of material, genre and focus changes, allowing students to spend three terms exploring and developing a specific set of new skills and experiences, and realise them through performance.

 Because we’re catering to English speaking children in Switzerland, we understand that many of our students may not be with us for years – our objective is to offer just as complete and exciting opportunities for those who may be with us for 1-2 years as well as those who may be with us for 10.

4. We play an important role in the community

One of the things we most frequently hear about from our students is the friendships that are nurtured at Simply Theatre. Our students are split across many schools –but one thing that they all experience is the out-of-school friendships they make. The rehearsal room encourages students to cast their inhibitions aside and so, there’s a sense of camaraderie as students learn to put themselves in someone else’s shoes – whether that be in the rehearsal room or on the stage. 

5. We passionately care about the future of our students

At Simply Theatre we’re actively interested in the future of all our students and we encourage every student to talk to us for careers advice – be that about a career in, or outside of the Performing Arts. We get involved in writing references for universities and giving interview coaching – particularly for Oxbridge candidates or other candidates where an interview is an inherent part of the selection process.

If they’re interested in going to drama school then we’ll help our students with that. (2 of our students have recently got into the Tisch School Of The Arts in New York!) Or, if students are interested in work experience or an internship– whether for a short or for longer time, there is no-one we’d rather have than a Simply Theatre trained member of the team!

6. We bring cultural experiences to Switzerland

To further build the sense of community, to make theatre accessible to English speakers who live in Geneva; and to inspire the young we bring a programme of children’s theatre from professional touring companies to families in Switzerland; and a Cabaret programme for the older members of the family!

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our approach to the Performing Arts. If you’re based in Geneva, Zurich or Zug and know a child who could benefit from one of our courses take a look at what’s on offer at here – or contact us to discuss your requirements.

The post 6 Reasons why Simply Theatre’s approach to the Performing Arts is different first appeared on Simply Theatre.

Paula and Floris managed to find 5 minutes to tell us about their experiences!

What made you decide to apply to Tisch?

PAULA: Ever since I went to NYC in grade 9 I was convinced I needed to study in New York. Now I know people say there are other schools besides NYU but NYU allows the possibility for me to study what I love and take a second Major in the College of Arts and Sciences – and it’s in Soho! So, close to Broadway and Times Square. The possibilities for auditions and castings are so much greater when you’re so close!

FLORIS: I’ve loved performing ever since my first theatre experience – Tarzan at age 9. I knew it was what I wanted to pursue and I pushed as high as I could – and I’m grateful it paid off!

What did you make of the audition process?

PAULA: I didn’t like the fact that I had to send audition tapes because I couldn’t afford to fly over for a weekend – and, since I sent out audition tapes to 6 universities, it was also expensive. I had to make the most of sending video tapes -the stress of this, however, is – when you have a technical problem (which I did with the dance part of NYU’s application because the camera filming me ran out of film and I didn’t realise till after the second recording and you can only watch the choreography twice before the link disappears)! So I had to make do with the footage I had despite not being able to show my second attempt when I actually knew the choreography!

 FLORIS: The whole thing was intense! I made sure to get outside help, knowing that “practise makes permanent”, and that I only had one big shot. I told myself to have fun and to make the most of the amazing experience.

 How do you feel your Simply Theatre experience has prepared you for the audition process?

PAULA: Doing LAMDA in previous years helped me with learning monologues and Jo (Simply Theatre Zurich) helped me choose a monologue for my audition process. Stefanie (Simply Theatre Zurich) also helped me make a modern dance routine to send off to other universities.

FLORIS: The performance experiences offered by Simply Theatre have been absolutely invaluable to me. I’ve been able to work with West End Directors (crazy!) and learn more from the incredible teachers I’ve had the past 8 years. I have been lucky enough to have Allison Bryan (Simply Theatre Geneva vocal coach) guide me every step of the way and I can truthfully say she has taught and inspired me more than anyone else on this planet.

What have been some of your favourite roles at Simply Theatre?

PAULA: One of my favourite roles was Hippolyta, it wasn’t a large one – but it was a fun and interesting character to play – especially my 2 minute costume change into a wedding dress and everything! Being a part of the Joseph And The Technicolor Dreamcoat cast was also a great and favourable experience as it was also my first with Simply!

FLORIS: My all -time favourite was Fagin! I also loved flying in Peter Pan and sweating off my moustache as the Pirate King. Being Shrek was an unforgettable experience overall, especially the 3 hour makeup process!

Now you have been through the process of “getting into drama school” what advice would you give to our younger up and coming students?

PAULA: Take every upcoming opportunity – every audition, every performance opportunity, take it! Don’t let anyone bring you down, you have to believe in yourself and work hard for the impossible because it might not be impossible, it might just look that way!

 FLORIS: Find material that truly speaks to you – it makes all the difference. Don’t pick it only because it shows you off. Take every opportunity offered to you – be it ensemble or lead – and just have fun!

What are your dreams now?

PAULA: To be on Broadway, hopefully maybe to play Elphaba one day or Cathy in an off-Broadway production in The Last Five Years – the music from that musical is my absolute favourite!

FLORIS: My dream is to one day be on Broadway and originate a role. I also hope that one day I’ll get to stand on stage again alongside some of the incredible friends I’ve made at Simply Theatre.

The post 2 Simply Theatre students gain places at prestigious New York University Tisch School of the Arts first appeared on Simply Theatre.