Taught by a working professional actor/director, this introduction to acting will lead the beginning student through the artistic process involved in acting for the stage and other media. Through exercises, study of technique, scene work and improvisation, the student will work to develop natural abilities and will become familiar with the working language and tools of the modern actor. Emphasis in this class will be on the physical self, mental preparation, the imagination, and discipline. Written work will include keeping a journal and writing a character analysis. Perfect attendance in this course is vital and mandatory.

Elective

Longtime professional actor/director Fred Sullivan (Boston critics Norton award winner, 35 year Trinity Rep veteran, Gamm Theatre, Commonwealth ShakespeareCompany and Lyric Stage) will guide an ensemble of students interested in making a play through a workshop process of producing a live original work for the stage. This process will culminate in a two live public performances of the production. 
 
Students in this course will be asked to: rehearse and perform assigned roles; accept assigned duties on graphic, projection and property/costume design, construction and stage management teams and crews. Everyone is responsible for stage and backstage work and to commit to a flexible rehearsal schedule outside of class meetings (goal is to rehearse 4 mornings a week so another morning class will prove disruptive; We will be as flexible and understanding as possible to still create something excellent together). We will pursue a guided study of the performance demands and techniques, collaboration, dramaturgical elements and production requirements of the work produced. This is a very popular class. Sign up, put on some comfortable clothes and come to the first class ready to play. Waiting list will be curated by the instructor.

Elective

This course, taught by a working professional actor/director with experience in stage, radio, tv and film, is centered on the belief that speaking skillfully in public is a way to self-discovery, self-improvement and self-confidence. It is also a tenet of this course that skillful public speaking is a fundamental element of a humane society. Students will deliver five major speeches, including self-written speeches of introduction, ceremonial speeches, informative speeches and persuasive speeches. The oral interpretation of literature will also be explored. Each class meeting will require every student's speaking participation in order to develop skills in the areas of voice, diction, managing speech anxiety, research and organization, use of microphones and video, and use of visual aids. The latter phase of this course will focus on concentration, credibility, and familiarity with argument, debate and parliamentary procedure. Attendance at each class is vital and mandatory; furthermore, students will be required to dress up for their presentations.

Elective