Star Kidz, an after-school performing arts school in Westchester County, will offer its theater, singing, and acting classes at the JCC of Harrison beginning in the fall.
Star Kidz, an after-school preforming arts school for kids that focuses on singing, dancing, and acting, is opening a new location at the JCC in Harrison this fall. The school, which already has two other Westchester locations and a New York City presence, is dedicated to helping kids gain confidence through preforming. Alongside the launch of the new Harrison location, Star Kidz is also beginning to offer new classes for kids from pre-k through 12th grade.
Star Kidz takes a two-pronged approach to performance education, stressing both individualized study and group dynamics. “We really focus on the individual, as well as give kids the experience of working as part of a group,” says Kirstie Joseph, marketing director. “It’s that individualized attention that really makes Star Kidz unique.” This helps even the shyest of students become comfortable on stage, Joseph says. “Watching the growth of our students’ confidence on stage…is a big piece of who we are and what we do.”
One of the new classes that will be offered at the JCC is Create-A-Play, in which students will work with an experienced playwright and an acting teacher to write, direct, and star in their own stage production. Others are Glee Kids, “a show choir-like program” aimed at helping kids become “a triple threat,” Joseph says, and Get Your Dance On!, a musical theater, jazz, and hip-hop dance class. All Star Kidz classes are open to newcomers and to more serious students.
Registration for classes is now open online, and new families receive a $50 discount on fall registration. Classes run on a semester schedule that lines up with school semesters.
Main photo: As part of the Star Kidz program, children can gain confidence through performing.
