Florida Studio Theatre's is excited to reintroduce Adult Education classes beginning the week of September 28th. The newly revamped program, under the direction of Beth Duda, has something to offer everyone in the theatre spectrum. Interested Adults can experience Behind-the-Scenes at FST, a Play Reading Club and classes for the beginning Actor to the Advanced.
Associate Director of Education, Beth Duda commented "We are looking forward to a thriving adult program with plenty of opportunities for learning through classroom and performing experiences."
Theatre Appreciation
Behind the Scenes at FST
Join the professionals for a behind-the-scenes exploration of play creation. This program allows you to follow the visiting professional artists and FST staff from initial concept through the final performance. Throughout the Mainstage Season you will be invited to a series of readings, rehearsals and discussions. Join the professionals for: Script Analysis, Design Concept Meeting, First Read Through, with actors and designers, Play Panel Discussion, First Run Through (first time actors run through show in rehearsal), Tech Rehearsal and Dress Rehearsal
8 classes throughout the Winter Mainstage Season.
Space is limited to the first 75 applicants.
Fee: $59
Dates: TBA
Play Reading Club
Just like a book club, but with a focus on plays, Play Reading Club is for anyone with a interest in the theatre. We will meet weekly to read and analyze scripts. Participants will have reading assignments outside of class, and will discuss plays with an eye toward production and performance values. Subject matter will range from classic to new plays. Each class will be a mix of lively discussion and exploration. Maximum enrollment is limited to 25 participants per class.
Tuesdays 2 PM - 4 PM Session I - Begins Week of Sept. 28
Fee: $79 per 8 week session Session II - Begins Week of Nov. 30
4 Sessions: $239 Save $77 Session III - Begins Week of Feb. 1
Session IV - Begins Week of Apr. 5
Adult Acting Classes
Acting Level I and Acting Level II
Start your training by building a solid foundation. Learn the building blocks of a professional acting technique, from being comfortable in front of an audience to utilizing your mind, voice, and body to communicate truth on stage. This class is designed for full group participation, as well as one-on-one work. Students will be challenged with new material during each 8 week session. Meets once per week.
Mondays 7 PM - 9PM Session I - Begins Week of Sept. 28
Or Saturdays 1 PM - 3 PM Session II - Begins Week of Nov. 30
Fee: $199 per 8 week session Session III - Begins Week of Feb. 1
4 Sessions $597 Save $199 Session IV - Begins Week of Apr. 5
Adult Acting Scene & Play Performance
Strengthen your professional acting technique, through the exploration of contemporary scenes and short plays. Students will utilize objectives, text analysis, listening, physicality and focus to bring their work to life. Using in-class exercises, we will also focus on concentration, emotional connection and specificity, self-awareness, and self-confidence. Performance opportunities such as open classes and recitals will occur throughout the year. Students signing up for all four sessions will be challenged with an eye towards performing a one act play. Meets once per week.
Tuesdays 7 PM - 9 PM Session I - Begins Week of Sept. 28
Fee: $199 per 8 week session Session II - Begins Week of Nov. 30
4 Sessions $597 Save $199 Session III - Begins Week of Feb. 1
Session IV - Begins Week of Apr. 5
TrueSpeak (Stories of Our Lives)
Storytelling is exploding into a thriving genre all its own. Develop and perform your own true narratives in a friendly and supportive environment. Share your experiences to connect, teach, and entertain. Inspired by storytelling series, such as The Moth, and StoryCorp (as heard on NPR), TrueSpeak teaches skills needed to communicate truthfully and authentically. Performance opportunities such as open classes and recitals will occur throughout the year. Students signing up for all four sessions will be challenged to develop new stories in each session. Meets once per week.
Wednesdays 7 PM - 9 PM Session I - Begins Week of Sept. 28
Or Saturdays 11 AM - 1 PM Session II - Begins Week of Nov. 30
Fee: $199 per 8 week session Session III - Begins Week of Feb. 1
4 Sessions $597 Save $199 Session IV - Begins Week of Apr. 5
Adult Improv Classes
Introduction to Improvisation
Discover the freedom of spontaneity! Introduction to Improvisation is the launching ground for developing one's skills as an improv performer. Students are given the opportunity to explore creativity, hone presentation skills, and build self confidence through team work.
Mondays 7 PM - 9 PM Session I - Begins Week of Sept. 28
Or Saturday's 9 AM - 10:30 AM Session II - Begins Week of Nov. 30
Fee: $199 per 8 week session Session III - Begins Week of Feb. 1
4 Sessions $597 Save $199 Session IV - Begins Week of Apr. 5
Improvisation
Students are placed into an ensemble and continue to build the fundamentals of improvisation while advancing scenic and character skills. Students will discover their strengths while exploring different forms and styles of improvisation. This class is intended for those who have an immediate working knowledge of the rules and styles adhered to by FST Improv. Admission to this class is by instructor recommendation only.
Mondays 7 PM - 9 PM Session I - Begins Week of Sept. 28
Or Saturday's 9 AM - 10:30 AM Session II - Begins Week of Nov. 30
Fee: $199 per 8 week session Session III - Begins Week of Feb. 1
4 Sessions $597 Save $199 Session IV - Begins Week of Apr. 5
Improvisation for Performance
An in-depth class designed to develop and refine the individual's ability to work in an ensemble. Structured around performance, students perform regularly in the FST Cabaret. Special attention is paid to the individual performer's ability to create believable, emotionally based characters that have the ability to drive a scene forward though character modification and change. Admission to this class is by instructor recommendation only.
Thursdays 7 PM - 9 PM Session I - Begins Week of Sept. 28
Fee: $199 per 8 week session Session II - Begins Week of Nov. 30
4 Sessions $597 Save $199 Session III - Begins Week of Feb. 1
Session IV - Begins Week of Apr. 5
Sketch Comedy
Master the skills of writing sketch comedy. Learn basic scene structure, character development, establish action, and styles and genres of comedy. Weekly writing assignments and in-class exercises generate material and establish regular writing schedules. Class builds towards working with actors and other writers to create scenes for an ensemble sketch show.
Wednesdays 7 PM - 9 PM Session I - Begins Week of Sept. 28
Fee: $199 per 8 week session Session II - Begins Week of Nov. 30
4 Sessions $597 Save $199 Session III - Begins Week of Feb. 1
Session IV - Begins Week of Apr. 5
Senior Acting Classes
Senior Acting
Build a solid foundation of a professional acting technique, from being comfortable in front of an audience to utilizing your mind, voice, and body to communicate truth on stage. Meets once per week.
Thursdays 2 PM - 4 PM Session I - Begins Week of Sept. 28
Fee: $199 per 8 week session Session II - Begins Week of Nov. 30
4 Sessions $597 Save $199 Session III - Begins Week of Feb. 1
Session IV - Begins Week of Apr. 5
Show Choir
Love to sing? Join an ensemble that will give you an opportunity to express emotion through singing and movement. The choir will meet weekly to learn, practice, and perform a variety of songs selected from popular music and showtunes.
Wednesdays 2 PM - 4 PM Session I - Begins Week of Sept. 28
Fee: $79 per 8 week session Session II - Begins Week of Nov. 30
4 Sessions $239 Save $77 Session III - Begins Week of Feb. 1
Session IV - Begins Week of Apr. 5
Senior Improvisation
Learn the fundamentals of improvisation while exploring character development and scene structure. A great introduction to improvisation and performance.
Sundays 2 PM - 4 PM Session I - Begins Week of Sept. 28
Fee: $199 per 8 week session Session II - Begins Week of Nov. 30
4 Sessions $597 Save $199 Session III - Begins Week of Feb. 1
Session IV - Begins Week of Apr. 5
FST Master Classes
Acting
Strengthen your professional acting technique by participating in a series of master classes taught by visiting professionals working on FST's three stages and anchored by resident artists. Master professionals will offer an in-depth knowledge of their techniques, providing participants the chance to explore different methods from an intimate point of view.
Saturdays 2:30 PM - 4 PM
8 classes throughout Winter Mainstage Season
Fee: $299
Classes will alternate between lecture demonstrations and hands-on workshops exploring various acting techniques and methods.
Directing
Participants will learn a detailed overview of the mechanics and art of directing for the stage. Learn from the knowledge and experience of visiting professionals working on FST's three stages and anchored by resident artists in guiding productions from the printed page to full production.
Thursdays 7 PM - 9 PM
8 classes throughout Winter Mainstage Season
Fee: $299
Classes will alternate between lecture demonstrations and hands-on workshops exploring various acting techniques and methods.
All classes are held in FST's professional rehearsal studios in the heart of downtown Sarasota. 1241 North Palm Avenue. Prices range from $59 - $299. Reservations can be made by contacting FST's Education department at 941.366.1350 or by visiting www.floridastudiotheatre.org .
The adult teaching staff is comprised of a core of theatre professionals trained to teach free from personal dictates. Our methodology helps each person find his or her own "door" to creative achievement. In addition, guest artists and teachers visit throughout the session.
Known as Sarasota's Contemporary Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre was founded in 1973 by Jon Spelman. Starting out as a small touring company, FST traveled to places such as migrant camps and prisons. The company eventually settled down into a permanent home, acquiring the former Woman's Club building - now renamed the Keating Theatre. In the years that followed, Florida Studio Theatre established itself as a major force in American Theatre, presenting contemporary theatre in its three theatre venues: the Keating Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret and its newest space, the Gompertz Theatre.
Even with its growth, Florida Studio Theatre remains firmly committed to making the arts accessible and affordable to a broad-based audience. Under Richard Hopkins, Artistic Director and CEO, FST develops theatre that speaks to our living, evolving, and dynamically changing world. As FST grows and expands, it continues to provide audiences with challenging, contemporary drama and innovative programs.
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