These are some of the topics that will be covered in our Acting Classes

Concentration
As an actor, the ability to concentrate, stay focus, and be in the moment is crucial. The acting class will have many games/activities that will challenge and build the students’ ability to concentrate. Learning to stay more focused will benefit the students beyond performing.

Costumes and Props
Although we are an educational based program, and do not emphasize full scale performances featuring sets, costumes, and props, students will learn why these are important parts of performance and also learn how to successfully create a believable scene and characters without costumes and props through mime, physicality, and creativity.

Improvisation
Many of the games and activities that students will play in their acting class will be using improvisational techniques. Improvisation is the practice of being in the moment by reacting and acting in a scene that is unrehearsed and unscripted. Improv games range from simple to complicated scenes. Improv was brought into popularity by the TV show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?"

Monologues
Some instructors may choose to use monologues in their classes. A monologue is a short speech done alone by one character. Many auditions ask actors to present monologues. The monologues will allow the students to have the experience to work on memorizing lines and to on their own create a character emotionally and physically.

Movement
Acting is very physical. Students will learn to become more comfortable with their bodies. They will do exercises that will allow them to explore their imaginations and use their bodies to become all different types of characters.

 
Sense Memory
Sense memory is an acting technique that allows the performer to recall personal memories and feelings and then apply them to the creation of their character and the scene. Instructors will guide students of all levels as they explore their own creativity for expression of emotions to create believable performances.

Speech
Students will work on projecting their voice, enunciating their words clearly, and being comfortable speaking in front of a group. These are skills that will help them even outside of a theatre.

Stage Terminology
Students will learn the definitions and applications of words used in stage direction, including: upstage, downstage, center stage. Instructors’ goal is to give the students knowledge of these terms and make them comfortable so that they could apply them in a production setting.

Subtext
In more intermediate and advanced classes, students will learn to work beyond what is written or given in a scene or monologue. They will explore how a line may change greatly with slight changes in how it is said.