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TAPIT/new works Ensemble Theater

TAPIT/new works Ensemble Theater creates, produces and performs original works, collaborating with theater, dance, music and visual artists; brings the arts to audiences of varied ages and backgrounds; encourages participation in the arts through outreach; and strives to enrich the lives of individuals and communities.

Classes are available in tap dance for ages 8 to 80. Private lessons by appointment. Rental space available for rehearsals, movement disciplines and theater classes.

This Season

Current Class Listings

Tap Dance - starts 6/18/12

Tap Class Information
TAPIT/new works is a place for serious instruction in rhythm tap dance. Along with professional performances and residencies, we offer tap dance classes, workshops and private lessons to students from age eight through adult.
TAPIT/new works policy of requiring students to be a minimum of 8 years old is based on principles of developmentally appropriate education and years of teaching experience. Beginning students are strongly advised to remain in Beginning Tap for one year before advancing to another level. Placement in any class is at the discretion of the instructor of the class. Instructors strive to be aware of individual needs and abilities.

For more information visit: http://www.tapitnewworks.org

Instruction emphasizes the musicality of tap dance, its rich traditions and rhythmic possibilities. Classes at TAPIT/new works are full of fun and excitement, and they are serious, too
Tap dance is a complex, exciting and challenging art form. Tap dance developed from the blend of African polyrhythmic movement and music and European step dancing, drawing also from North American folk dance. Jazz music and North American tap dance have traded measures since the beginning, with each of these arts forms in turn assimilating twists of time, phrasing, and rhythm.
RESPECT, TRUST AND OPENNESS GUIDE INSTRUCTION AT TAPIT/new works:
• Respect for any student at any level who wishes to pursue the art of tap;
• Respect for the integrity of the art form;
• Respect for the African-American masters of tap.
The facility offers a quality oak floor for instruction. For the health of the dancer, a proper floor is essential. For the integrity of the sound of tap dance, a proper floor is essential. Likewise, good shoes and good taps are necessary for good sound. Teachers are open to students’ questions and suggestions, comments and concerns. Students are invited to evaluate instruction on a regular basis, which helps us improve the quality of our programs.
SCHOLARSHIPS
are available through the Neil Allen Peckett Memorial Fund and are awarded to tap students on the basis of the student’s interest, dedication and financial need. If you are interested, please request scholarship application materials.
THESE QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS TEACH AT TAPIT/new works:
DONNA PECKETT is a tap dancer, choreographer, actor and devoted arts educator. The recipient of two Wisconsin Arts Board Choreographer’s Fellowships and a Wisconsin Dance Council Recognition Award, she has performed throughout the US and abroad. Peckett has worked with students of all ages. She has a BA in Art History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is on the faculty of the Theater Department of Edgewood College. She enjoys cooking and gardening.
DORIE TURPIN has danced all her life and taught at TAPIT/new works since 1990. Dorie has studied with many masters of tap at festivals and workshops around the country and performed her work in the Madison area. When she isn’t tapping, Dorie is an environmental engineer.
DANIELLE WARTHEN has made rhythm tap her main focus for the past 15 years. She was a member of Ann Kilkelly’s tap company Footnotes in Blacksburg, Virginia, and a teaching assistant for Ann through the Theater Department at Virginia Tech. Danielle obtained both her BA and Master’s degrees from Virginia Tech. She is currently a doctoral student in the English Department at UW-Madison.

Prism Summer Arts Program - starts 6/25/12

Prism Summer Arts Program
Just as a prism reveals the colors that combine to make white light, Prism, a summer arts program from TAPIT/new works, offers students ages 10–12 an in-depth experience with key elements of the arts. Participants enjoy hands-on workshops in drama and stage movement, scriptwriting and digital photography taught by experienced artists/educators. At the end of the 2-week program, the students’ work is showcased in a fun and friendly youth-centered presentation combining their acting, writing and photography. All workshop supplies are provided. Students will need to bring a daily snack. Please call 608.244.2938 or email info@tapitnewworks.org with questions.

Prism 2012 runs June 25 – July 6, 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Week 1 June 25 – 28: Monday, Tuesday Wednesday, Thursday
Week 2 July 2 – 6: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
(No workshops Wednesday, July 4)
All sessions take place at TAPIT/new works, 1957 Winnebago Street in Madison.
The cost is $200 per child. Please make payment by check to TAPIT/new works and mail to 1957 Winnebago Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53704.
Organization:
Outreach and community connection are very important for TAPIT/new works. Along with its national and international touring work for general audiences, the 27 year-old company offers two other successful summer youth arts programs for younger children – Kaleidoscope and Bubbles. Prism continues TAPIT/new works’ commitment to excellence in arts education.
Instructors
Donna Peckett, Producing Artistic Director of TAPIT/new works, award-winning choreographer, arts educator and actor, will teach drama and stage movement.
Danielle Dresden, Producing Artistic Director of TAPIT/new works, award-winning playwright, residency artist and arts administrator, will offer age-appropriate scriptwriting.
Nicole Cooke, photographer and owner of a portrait and commercial studio in Lake Mills, Wisconsin, teacher and artist, will teach creative digital photography techniques.

Kaleidoscope Summer Arts Program - starts 7/16/12

A kaleidoscope treats the viewer to a shimmering, shifting view of the world. The Kaleidoscope Summer Arts Program treats children ages 6-9 to a similarly enchanting experience.Participants learn basic music theory as they prepare songs and music. They do extensive drawing, painting and sculpture work. Dance elements and creative drama are introduced through the study of movement, character and performance practice.
Children are guided through this three-week intensive arts program by professional artists/educators: Donna Peckett, an award-winning choreographer and arts educator; Sue Moberly, art teacher, professional artist and co-author of the Madison Metropolitan School District’s elementary visual art standards; and Andrea Van Hof, music educator, flutist, general music teacher at Northside Intermediate School in the Milton School district and swim instructor at Lapham Elementary School in Madison.
The program culminates with an art exhibit and final sharing for family and friends, showcasing the children’s work.
SIGN UP EARLY: space is limited to 40
Kaleidoscope meets every Monday through Thursday morning from 9 AM to noon, from July 16th through August 2nd at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4100 Nakoma Road in Madison. The cost is $260 per child. Please make check payable to TAPIT/new works and mail to 1957 Winnebago Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53704. Please contact Donna Peckett, 608.244.2938.
SCHOLARSHIPS: A limited number of scholarships for the Kaleidoscope Program are available through the Neil Allen Peckett Memorial Fund. Contact TAPIT/new works at 608.244.2938 or info@tapitnewworks.org for information.
HISTORY
The Kaleidoscope Program was developed in 1991 by Barbara Goy, accomplished music educator and founder of Madison’s Preschool of the Arts. Designed to foster creative development in children, Kaleidoscope was sponsored by the University of Wisconsin Extension for 13 years. Barbara retired in 2002.
Today, Kaleidoscope is administered by TAPIT/new works, a Madison-based non-profit professional arts organization, founded in 1985 by Donna Peckett and Danielle Dresden.

Bubbles Summer Arts and Movement Workshop - starts 7/17/12

Bubbles Summer Arts and Movement Workshop
It’s fizzy and fun and educational, too. Bubbles is a dynamic summer enrichment program in visual arts, movement and creative drama, designed specifically for children ages 5-6. This active and child-centered program affirms the artistic expression of young children and promotes their individual development through quality arts education.
The program meets twice a week for three weeks. At the beginning of each Bubbles session, children gather together for a story-weaving activity. Then they enjoy two 40 minute workshops – one in art, one in movement and creative drama. Bubbles concludes with an open studio sharing of participants’ work for family and friends.
SIGN UP EARLY – space is limited
Summer 2012
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:00–3:30 PM
July 17 – August 2
The cost is $140 per child. Please make check payable to TAPIT/new works and mail to 1957 Winnebago Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53704. Please contact Donna Peckett, 608.244.2938 e-mail info@tapitnewworks.org.
INSTRUCTORS
Two qualified professional artist/educators provide the instruction and inspiration at the heart of Bubbles. Donna Peckett is an award-winning choreographer, professional actor and arts educator. Sue Moberly is an art teacher and co-author of the Madison Metropolitan School District’s visual arts standards.


Past Productions