Media Theatre to Offer Variety of Acting Classes this Fall

With the fall season approaching quickly schools are getting back into session. This includes The Media Theatre's Acting Classes which go into full course mode starting the weekend of September 6. Produced and supervised by Media Music Theatre Company, the classes offer a semester of professional training for those just beginning or wishing to further their education.

All classes are based on The Meisner Technique which follows the basic structure that 'Acting is living as truthfully as one can under an imaginary circumstance.' Within this curriculum there is no 'character' or pretense and actors are placed in an environment which allows them to be who they are, building self-awareness and self-esteem within their own unique personality. The idea of 'copying' someone else's performance is pushed aside as actors create from within themselves to fulfill the required role they may be asked to portray.

Starting this year The Media Theatre will now offer three levels of classes for children. The popular Children's Class, for ages 6 and up, will continue on Saturday mornings at 9am beginning September 6 and continuing for ten weeks. This 10-week one-hour course is primarily for ages 6 to 9 who are just starting out or who have less stage experience than others in their age group. It features exercises for building basic speaking skills on stage (volume, diction), learning stage directions, and developing self-esteem. Fun improvisational style exercises are also utilized to build the concept that acting requires team work on occasion.

Level Two for Children will meet Tuesdays at 4:30 beginning September 9. This 10-week one-hour course is appropriate for children ages 8 to 11, or for those who have some onstage experience. The focus is primarily on student scene work to strengthen beginning acting skills. Theatre exercises are also implemented to enhance stage focus and discipline. Diction is a big part of this class, as well as following direction with one-on-one instruction within a group environment.

A new class this year is the Introduction to Theatre Class for ages 4 to 6 on Tuesdays at 3:30. The one hour weekly course is specifically designed for the youngest age group that has an interest in performing. The young children will learn by 'Acting Out' as they tell stories such as "Goldilocks" through performance. They may also be asked to act as if they are 'walking in the rain or snow' or to 'show what your favorite zoo animal does'. The class will instill within the students that being who they are is important and following instructions will be a major focus. Imagination will be a large ingredient of the Introduction to Theatre Class.

The Teen Acting Class will continue on Sundays at 6pm starting September 7. This eight-week 90-minute class is ideal for ages 12 and up. Each student is given one-on-one instruction within a group environment. Focus is on stage skills, following direction, and monologues. As the class progresses, the monologue is enhanced through continued study and performance. Improvisational Scene Work is also explored.

The Adult Class will meet Sundays at 7:30 beginning September 7. This eight-week 90-minute class is designed for the adult (18 and up) who wishes to explore acting for the first time or who wants to strengthen their stage skills. Scene study with partners and monologues are the focus.

Robert Huntington will continue his Improv Class for Teens and Adults on Tuesdays at 6:30pm starting September 9. Huntington studied at the famous Second City Improv School based in Chicago.

Roger Ricker, a stage veteran of over 85 productions and concerts at The Media Theatre, instructs the Children and Teen Classes. Tim Haney, who has been with the theatre since 1997, instructs the Adult Class.

Jesse Cline, the Artistic Director for Media Music Theatre Company, will once again supervise and instruct in The New School. The conservatory-style music theatre education program focuses on acting, vocal music, and movement for the stage. Registration for The New School is by invitation or audition only. There are still 7 spaces left for the 2014-15 season which meets on either Monday or Thursday afternoons from 4:30-6:30.

The Media Theatre will soon make an important announcement regarding an expansion of its education program for the new season.

To register for the Acting Classes, please call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org.

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