CLASSES FILLED WITH DRAMA; TEACHER SHARES LOVE OF THEATER WITH CHILDREN DURING SUMMER.

Byline: Angela Randazzo Daily News Staff Writer

Sitting in a semicircle, the youngsters took turns at center stage. One delivered her lines too fast and seemingly all in one breath, another mumbled and a third stopped with a deer-in-the-headlights look that could only mean she forgot her lines.

But so what, it's only the third week of Stephanie Angelini's acting class and this is what rehearsals are all about.

``I'm learning how to stay in character and how to memorize lines better,'' said Devan Mardyks, 10 and one of two boys in the class of 18.

``We don't have any stars in our class, every one gets a turn to shine,'' said Angelini, drama coach and founder of the Gold Coast Theater Conservatory.

This summer, the conservatory offers two five-week programs - a musical theater workshop for children ages 9-12 and a summer stock workshop for ages 12-17. The classes began July 13 and will run through Aug. 13. In both workshops, students learn theater techniques and fundamentals while preparing a production. The musical theater workshop will culminate in excerpts from ``King Bob's New Clothes,'' based on the book by comedian Dom Deluise. The performance will take place Aug. 13 at the Forum Theatre in the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza.

Angelini, who has been teaching children's theater for 15 years, started the conservatory three years ago. She stresses teamwork to her aspiring actors.

``It's important for the kids to get a sense of teamwork, not only trusting your fellow actors on stage but having them trust you,'' Angelini said.

While the children are learning the basics - stage right and stage left - they also are learning more important fundamentals.

``Along with teamwork, professionalism, discipline and focus are the traits that will make kids great cab drivers or doctors or whatever they chose to be,'' Angelini said.

Angelini prefers that her students write their own monologues and lets them have fun when they are creating a character.

``The kids have a strong voice in what we do. I suggest, then I let them bring in their own ideas,'' Angelini said.

Twelve-year-old Kaley McMahon, a student from Agoura Hills, agreed.

``Ms. Angelini lets you find your own character instead of telling you what your character should be. It's a better learning experience,'' McMahon said.

Angelini brings a lifetime of experience in the theater to her students.

She wasn't born in a trunk, but close to it - her mother was doing summer stock in Ohio when she came into the world. Angelini's acting career brought her to Hollywood, where she worked on TV and in film.

Three years ago, Angelini and her husband, Richard, moved their family to Westlake Village. The mother of three has passed her love of theater to her children. Daughter Katie, age 10, is taking the workshop.

``It's a lot of fun, you make new friends and learn how to feel more secure on stage'' she said.

For class information, call [phone].

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4 Photos

PHOTO (1--Color--Ran in Conejo Edition only) Drama instructor Stephanie Angelini assists Spencer LaFrenaye with his steps during a summer theater class in Thousand Oaks.

(2--Color) Katie Angelini, left, and Kaley McMahon share a chuckle while watching a fellow drama classmate perform at a workshop for children in Thousand Oaks.

(3--Color) Lisa Kestenbaum, left, and Rebecca Levy rehearse at the Arts Council.

(4) Sidney Youngblood, 12, memorizes dialogue during a summer theater class held in Thousand Oaks.

Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News