The Massachusetts theatrical program Rehearsal for Live will be bringing back a full complement of its musical theatre classes for the fall season, dubbed the Freelance Players.
The Freelance Players program is aimed at children aged 8 to 16, and teaches skills such as acting, music and dance with a larger goal of raising self-esteem and creating a sense of community. This year, its classes will adopt a largely virtual format, with seminars taking place through online platforms, although the organization has said it could hold small in-person meetings later in the semester. The course will culminate in a performance live-streamed online, adding a new-generation twist to the typical recital.
The program consists of several “troupes”, each working towards their own production. Some, like The Players Troupe or the new Freelance in the Spotlight program, are aimed specifically at students age 12 or above. Rehearsal for Life is based in Jamaica Plain and aims to attract young students from areas like Canton and Boston for the Freelance Players as well as its Urban Improv program and special events like this spring’s Banned in Boston show. Courses like this also sometimes involve technical elements like stage management or designing programs using printing services.
Virtual classes for the Freelance Players will begin on September 16 and run through the week of November 16.
