Class Offerings
Acting
This class harnesses the students’ innovation and creativity while simultaneously familiarizing them with Shakespeare’s texts. Participants will learn classical acting fundamentals and how to apply them to the text. Techniques include: Character creation, objectives and rhetoric.
Scene Study
Scene Study is the examination of Shakespeare’s work through the exploration of specific scenes from a variety of plays. The students work on developing characters and relationships, creating a setting and utilizing the language to tell the story. The focus is on the acting process without regard for result.
Voice & Speech
Students explore breathing, vocal technique, and acting intention in order to ring the rafters with their rich, articulate, and expressive voices!
Text Analysis
Many times, when an actor reads Shakespeare, it can seem like a foreign language. In text analysis, students will learn the fundamentals of working with classical text by participating in “table-work,” putting the knowledge to use as they navigate the landscape of word, image, idea, thought, and story, both individually and in groups. The command over poetry of verse will aid them as they examine and perform sonnets, rhetoric, monologues, and scene, turning meaning to action.
Stage Combat
Stage Combat is one of the most important and delicate storytelling tools for performing artists. A great stage fight can be mesmerizing, a poorly executed one can nearly ruin a play or film. This class will focus on the technique and principles of using unarmed stage violence as a tool for storytelling on the stage or screen.
Swordplay
Students will be introduced to the use of weapons for executing theatrical fight choreography. Students will use swords and learn to both parry and attack.
Drumming
Every day, students grab a djembe and take a place in their class’s own drum circle! Led by an experienced educator and performer, students learn the basics of this sacred instrument, practice traditional West African and contemporary rhythms, and develop improv techniques and their own creative expression. A favorite time of day for our students for its uplifting and meditative powers.
Improv
A fun and exciting introduction to the art of improv comedy that covers basic scene work, concepts, and vocabulary, such as “Yes, and”, listening, acceptance, and character. Through acting exercises and theatrical games in the style of Viola Spolin, students will learn improv fundamentals, create ensemble, hone creative energies, make new friends and laugh a lot too! No previous experience is needed. Promises to inspire and challenge every camper to help them develop a love and appreciation of improv and how they can continue to use those skills in other facets of acting.
Questions? Contact the Education Department | 626.356.3104