Join us in our new home!

All classes and workshops are suitable for ages 16 and up and take place at 528 Main Street in South Portland. 

**Please note that tuition payments are non-refundable unless we have to cancel the class**

Semester 2: Nov 4-Dec 18

Intro to Acting – free class! – FULL –

Come experience what acting classes are all about in a FREE workshop hosted by Acorn Acting Academy Director Jared Culverhouse. Whether you are curious to know how an actor thinks or are wondering if an actor’s life is for you, we invite you to come to the Acorn Studio to participate in a series of acting games and theater exercises that will introduce you to many common acting terms. No experience necessary, but pre-registration required.

This session’s class is full, please check out our other classes below or look for the next free intro class in the New Year.

Acting for Ordinary People

An introductory course for everyone! If you’ve ever wondered what an actor does, this is the class for you! This class creates a fun and safe environment for beginning students looking to gain confidence in their public presentation skills while taking some first steps into acting. Students in the class will use monologues to explore the basic choices an actor must make while working on a role. The emphasis will be on doing — students will be performing in class regularly throughout the semester. No experience necessary!

Instructors: Tess VanHorn
When: Tuesdays (Nov 12-Dec 10) 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Acorn Studio
Price: $190 New Students, $160 Returning Students, $95 College Students

Acting For Ordinary People New
Acting for Ordinary People Returning
Acting for Ordinary People College Student

Monologues Workshop

Monologues can be incredibly difficult to find and prepare, however with the right tools this can become a valuable part of a performers arsenal. In this four week course where we will explore techniques for preparing a monologue audition. There will be text work each class and students will leave with material that has been selected for them by the instructor to use for future auditions. Sign up today and never miss an audition again because you aren’t ready.

Instructor: Jared Culverhouse
When: Mondays (Nov 11-Dec 2) from 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Acorn Studio
Price: $80

Audio Amplified: An Introduction to Audio Voicing Techniques and Applications

Maybe people have told you that you have a great voice, or you’ve fallen in love with audiobooks and podcasts, or you’d like to get into some voiceover work…But how? This introduction is just what you need. Now is your chance to sample some elements of audio narration and find out about breaking into a highly charged and changing industry. We will get into voice technique, online auditioning, and an introduction of some of the technical aspects of setting up a very simple home recording studio. No experience necessary.

Instructor: Kym Dakin
When: Saturday Nov 16, 11am-1pm
Where: Acorn Studio
Price: $50

Imagination and Instinct: The Spirit of Acting Technique

Learn to be SPONTANEOUS and AUTHENTIC in this informative exploration of the spirit that infuses every performance…IMAGINATION & INSTINCT!

Teacher Al D’Andrea and his students will use a variety of games, exercises, techniques and improvisations to take an in-depth look at how to develop a strong and fluid imagination and hone the actor’s instinct to bring spontaneity and authenticity to the actor’s work. 

Much of the teaching comes directly from Al’s studies with stage legend Stella Adler.

The workshop is ideal for experienced actors who seek to master their use of this important element of stagecraft, while beginning actors receive a strong foundation in understanding the many and varied aspects of these critical tools in the actor’s arsenal.  The class is open to all, ages 16 and up. 

Instructor: Al D’Andrea
When: Sundays (Dec 8-Jan19) 6-8:30pm
Where: Acorn Studio
Price: $150