All classes and workshops are suitable for ages 16 and up.
All participants in the in-person classes must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination at the first class session in order to participate.
Please note that tuition payments are non-refundable unless we have to cancel the class or the class has to move to an online-only format due to public health considerations
IMPROV FOR ALL AGES
In-person class at First Parish Unitarian Church, 425 Congress St. Portland
5 weeks, Tuesdays, Nov 22 to Dec 20; 6:00-8:00pm
Instructor: Jen Whitley
All students: $110
This class is for the shiny new beginner improvisor or for those who already have improv experience. Using the ‘Yes, And’ rule of improv, students will explore and learn skills through improv exercises, as well as learn how to start improvised scenes. Students will learn from listening and being in the moment that great scenes can be built on truth and presence. The emphasis for this class is to have fun, no pressure to be funny!
Instructor:
JEN WHITLEY has performed and taught improv all over New England for over twelve years. She has trained in classes at Improv Boston, Upright Citizens Brigade (NYC), Improv Acadia and has taken countless workshops to hone her skills. Teaching improv is a delight for Jen as she enjoys watching students surprise themselves while discovering their innate improv abilities. Jen has been performing with Stranger Than Fiction (Portsmouth, NH) for ten seasons and is also a current member of Yes & Co. (Portland, ME). In her spare time she can be found trying out yoga poses while hiking, and playing improvised songs on the ukulele, usually not simultaneously.
CONTEMPORARY SCENE STUDY
In-person workshop for intermediate actors at Mayo Street Arts in PortlandWednesday, Sept 21, 6:00-9:00pm POSTPONED
CHECK BACK FOR NEW DATE
Instructor: Dave Register
All Students: $75
This contemporary scene study workshop is designed for intermediate-level actors who wish to sharpen their craft and deepen their understanding of the current theater. Actors will be assigned a two-person scene in advance to review and prepare with a scene partner. On workshop day, actors will rehearse their scenes for the larger group; instructor will provide students with scene analysis techniques to assist with “breaking down” their material, and offer unique coaching methods to elevate each actor to their most instinctive and organic level of performance. Workshop size will be kept deliberately small in order to give each actor specialized, one-on-one attention.
Instructor:
DAVE REGISTER is an actor and theater educator based in NYC and Portland, ME. He was an original company member of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts 1 & 2 on Broadway, and starred in A View From the Bridge (dir. Ivo van Hove) at the Kennedy Center and Center Theatre Group in Los Angeles. Last spring he originated the role of Carter Smith in John Proctor is the Villain at Studio Theatre (dir. Marti Lyons); his other NYC and regional credits include works at Classic Stage Company, Ars Nova, Lincoln Center Director’s Lab, Westport Country Playhouse and Portland Stage Company. He has appeared on TV in Madam Secretary, FBI, Graves and recurs in the upcoming Amazon Prime series Fallout. Dave is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Portland Theater Festival, which is currently running its inaugural season through Labor Day. MFA: Columbia University
Gift Certificates Available
Give the gift of an Acorn class! Use the links below to purchase a gift certificate for one of our classes.