Main Stage Academy offers instruction in dancing, singing
and acting, but under the direction of owner and teacher Suzy Cropper, it offers much more for the students who are enrolled.
“I believe all children have talents and abilities,” said
Cropper. At Main Stage the students find out who they are. They develop
confidence to speak for themselves, not to be afraid of a crowd and can
interact with all generations. “They get a pretty well-rounded experience,”
Cropper added.
Main Stage Academy is located at 824 Roosevelt Trail in
the Sebago Plaza. It is not just a dance studio. They offer classes in voice,
piano, and acting as well. Cropper hires some of the most talented performers
in the area to teach classes for students from ages 4 to 18.
In many communities there is an emphasis on sports, but
Main Stage is offering an alternative or an addition to sports. Those who do
sports as well as acting, dance and singing find they are stronger and more agile
on the playing field, said Cropper.
There are two aspects to Main Stage. There are the
academy classes, which is training in individual disciplines. The specific
training helps students prepare for the performing tracks. The youngest students
are encouraged to take musical theater before getting involved in individual
classes. The academy classes have two recitals per year in January and June.
Classes run September to January and February to June. “They are learning twice
as much and can’t get bored,” said Cropper.
The company performing group, which is the second aspect,
work from September to June and are divided through an audition process by age
and ability. They learn specific songs and dances in musical reviews. They
travel away from the studio for shows including performances at Storyland in
Glen, NH. In the performing groups the students have costumes, microphones and
put all of their training together.
Each year the company performs The Polar Express
Christmas show. The audition group Stand Out teaches through performances about
bullying and other social issues that they share with school children and
others.
Each company group has a theme they work with, which
might be the eighties or radio hits, Muppets or movie themes, said Cropper.
Through music, dancing and acting, the students learn to
memorize content in a short period of time, they articulate well, project their
voice and learn to use their bodies in a healthy way. Keeping time to music
helps students in math and all of the skills they learn help them organize
their brain paths.
“They learn tools that help in everyday life,” said
Cropper.
Her favorite part of teaching is around the middle school
age when students “want to do it, not just because their parents want them to do
it. It’s exciting when they start to love it themselves.” Cropper loves working
with all students but finds satisfaction when a shy child surprises his or her
parents with the positive changes they have made in a four month class.
Cropper was a music, dance and theater major in college
and graduated with a bachelor’s of fine arts. She’s been teaching voice for 24
years. “It’s kind of just what I do,” she said.
“My greatest joy is seeing others
succeed as they rise above perceived limitations and work to realize their
potential. I love helping students
develop their talents so that they can tell their stories with skill and
confidence. Together we can dream big,
work hard, and experience the magic,” Suzy said.
Main Stage started in her house five years ago, but moved
to the new location two years ago, giving them more opportunities for classes.
Her husband Brice grew up singing and dancing and although he is an audiologist
by trade, he teaches acting at Main Stage and is one of the company’s biggest supporters.
“Brice and I traveled around the world singing and
dancing before we were mom and dad to five children,” Cropper said.
Academy classes will start September 12. Auditions for
the performing company groups will be on August 24. For more information or to
register for classes, visit www.mainstageacademy.com
or find them on Facebook or Instagram.
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