PATAsphere celebrates 5 years of performing arts education in Dallas with new musical, summer training, and more
From a press release:
PATAsphere, a nonprofit organization based in Dallas also known as PATA, is a one-of-a-kind, intensive performing arts training academy. Founded in 2014 by Dr. Cari Tellis, a voice specialist and professor at Misericordia University, PATA was created to bring state-of-the-art instruction in voice, dance, and drama to both beginner and established performers ages 7-18 in Northeastern Pennsylvania and the greater tri-state area.
The only academy of its kind, PATA’s nationally renowned training coaches and staff utilize cutting-edge training methods that integrate the artistry and magic of performance with key principles of anatomy, physiology, and current learning theories. This unique training approach sets PATA apart from other local, regional, and national performing arts programs.
For five years, PATA has not only trained young performers to sing, dance, and act, but it has instilled them with fundamental knowledge regarding vocal biomechanics, physical movement, and interpersonal effectiveness. These young performers are aware that mechanics combined with artistry give them the freedom to choose the way they want to sing, act, and dance during a particular performance. This fundamental understanding of anatomy, physiology, and physical movement also promotes vocal health, vocal awareness, and safety, making it more likely that these young people will be able to perform for as long as they desire.
The distinctive training offered at PATA cultivates highly skilled, versatile performers who are capable of making mature, impressive performance choices from a very young age. The techniques taught at PATA not only train young performers to take the stage with confidence and skill, but also foster critical thinking and interpersonal effectiveness, preparing them to communicate maturely with kindness, empathy, and respect, both in and outside the theater.
Since its foundation, PATA has created and produced three full-length original musicals – “A Musing Tale,” “Just a Penny,” and “North Star Alley.” Brilliant playwright and poet O.R. Barone writes the scripts and includes one poem per scene; his poetry is then passed along to the PATA songwriting team – Katharine McElroy Manasco, Ryan Burdick, Noah Sunday-Lefkowitz, and Cari Tellis.
This exceptional team of songwriters and musicians transform Barone’s poetry into lyrics and compose accompaniments to create original songs. This talented creative team has written 58 original songs since 2016. PATA’s fourth full-length original musical, “In Search of Marjee,” will premiere this summer and will feature an additional 16 brand new original songs.
PATA showcases some of its original songs, as well as its talented young performers and staff, at an annual spring fundraising concert. This year, PATAsphere’s fifth annual Spring Fundraising Concert will be held on Saturday, June 1 at 6 p.m. at the Dallas Performing Arts Center in Dallas High School (2030 Conyngham Ave., Dallas). Tickets for this one-night-only event, which are $15 for general admission and $10 for students and senior citizens, will be available at the door.
“In Search of Marjee” will make its debut following Summer PATA 2019, a three-week intensive training program for performers 7-18 years old. The young performers who attend Summer PATA will have the invaluable experience of being a part of the original cast of this exciting new original musical.
Held Monday, July 15 through Sunday, Aug. 4, Summer PATA runs daily Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for performers ages 7-11 and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. for performers ages 12-18. Performances of “In Search of Marjee” will be held at the Dallas Performing Arts Center on Friday, Aug. 2 at 6 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 3 at 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 4 at 2 p.m. Performances are open to the public.
For more information or to register for Summer PATA 2019, visit gopata.org or contact Cari Tellis at pata.ctellis@gmail.com.
