Sondra Morton's Act Too Players Gears Up for Master Class Series

For Sondra Morton, the owner and artistic director Act Too Players, every day has its own special set of challenges and sources of inspiration - and, quite frankly, she'd have it no other way. In fact, she thrives on the pace and excitement that is all in a day's work as she inspires and trains budding thespians in Middle Tennessee through the company's efforts.

Since 2002 (with more than 50 productions to their credit), Act Too artists have pursued their creative dreams while learning more every day about what it means to be involved in theater.

"My vision for Act Too Players derives from my passion to inspire local youth," Morton explains. "My hope for every student is that their passions and dreams are nurtured in a safe environment and through this they build self-confidence that spans every expect of life. The culmination of the semester ends with a fully-staged production and there is nothing more gratifying than seeing my students rise to the occasion and understand the magic of musical theater."

Last weekend, the four casts of Act Too's fall semester productions of Alice in Wonderland and Into the Woods closed out their performances, with the spring semester now in the works. As a part of the new semester, Act Too Players is adding a new wrinkle to their offerings, one that might attract even more participation from community members: a Master Class Series, featuring a wide variety of topics covered by theater industry professionals like Melinda Doolittle (the singer/actress who first rose to fame on American Idol), Maryanna Clarke (artistic director of Tennessee Women's Theater Project) and Denice Hicks (artistic director of Nashville Shakespeare Festival). Beginning on Tuesday, February 8, the Master Class Series will continue throughout the coming months, providing participants a unique view of what a life in the theater is really all about.

"The Master Class Series was developed to provide students the opportunity to learn from industry experts," Morton suggests. "Many of our students are training to become professionals in the performance industry and welcome the opportunity to learn from what our experts have to say."

The cost of the Master Class Series is $15 per class - or with the purchase of an Act Too Players Punch Card, participants have the opportunity to come to ten classes of their choice. The cost of the card is $100, offering a savings of $50. The card is transferable and classes are open to students of all ages, including parents and other adults. (To register for classes, go to www.acttooplayers.com)

"Our experts have years of experience in their fields and are thrilled to be coming to teach in this Master Class Series. All of these individuals are well known throughout the Nashville community," Morton says. "This is a truly wonderful experience for all of the Act Too Players students and guests. Life doesn't stop and neither should learning. All attendees will gain invaluable insight into the ares of performance, music, voice work and modeling."

Initially planned for Act Too Players' students, it was quickly decided that the Master Class Series should be offered to anyone interested in learning more about theater and performance - adults, parents, students and professionals alike.

"We believe that actors are students of life and should always be open to learning with the intention of gaining a deeper, richer understanding of their passions," Morton maintains.

The Master Class Series is just another indication that Act Too Players is obviously doing something right: "We've seen a considerable amount of growth in the past nine years and with this growth we have received more and more positive responses from both parents and students," Morton says. "Our objectives with the shows have grown to incorporate the entire spectrum of producing shows. We have fully-staged productions with sets, costumes, props, lights and sound, which in large part is due to the partnership between Act Too Players and the Boiler Room Theatre. Every semester I am extremely pleased with the hard work from the students and their willingness to learn and trust the process."

Since 2002, Act Too Players has produced such shows as Urinetown, Into the Woods and Disney's Beauty and the Beast.

"Due to the growth of the program, I sometimes double cast the shows," Morton explains. "For the fall semester, I had two casts of both Into the Woods and Alice in Wonderland Jr., which presents its unique benefits and difficulties."

So how does Sondra Morton manage to maintain her equilibrium under such pressures? Or, more succinctly, how does she stay sane? It's simple, she says: "I have none!"

"Actually, it's due to having a dedicated team of teachers," she says. "This spring semester, I have a strong team of teachers that includes Jamey Green, Bakari King, Jayme Smith, Ian Smith and Pam Atha. My sanity remains because Act Too Players - and its mission - is my passion. Every day I look forward to teaching classes and I want my students to have every opportunity possible and feel blessed to have them in my life."

For further details about Act Too Players's semester offerings and its upcoming Master Class Series, visit the company website at www.acttooplayers.com.

 

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