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 1: Sept 5-Nov 5, 2019

Semester 2: Nov 4-Dec 18

Intro to Acting – free class!

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.

Pre-register here!

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!

Instructor: Jared Culverhouse
When: Semester 1: Mondays (Sept 9-Oct 7) 6:30-8:30pm, Semester 2: Tuesdays (Nov 12-Dec 10)
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

Advanced Scene Study

This class is for the more advanced actors that have taken an Intro to Acting and an Acting II class. This class will be a scene study with other experienced actors focusing on script analysis, character development, and creation of character. If you are a very experienced actor interested in taking the course and have not completed the above mentioned requirements please contact Jared Culverhouse at jaredculverhouse.acorn@gmail.com and we can discuss your fit in the class. This class will culminate in a showcase for the public at the end of the course.

Instructor: Karen Ball Cabot
When: Wednesdays (Sept 18-Oct 23) from 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Acorn Studio
Price: $140

Playwriting

If you’ve ever had trouble knowing where to begin with a story idea, this is the class for you. This 4-week session will include techniques for how to start a new play and how to connect the beginning to rest of the piece in creative and powerful ways! Participants should be comfortable with the basics of playwriting and bring a notebook and pen or something else to write with. The course culminates with a staged reading by actors of the pieces in progress on November 5th.

Instructor: Dan Burson
When: Tuesdays (Oct 8-Nov 5) from 6:30-9pm
Where: Acorn Studio
Price: $95

Acting II

This is for students who have taken Acting for Ordinary People or are somewhat comfortable with being in front of an audience. Whether you are a seasoned vet, or have been in a play or two come and work on scenes and a variety of exercises that will help you grow as a performer. This class is a nice gentle step into the upper level courses the academy offers.

Instructor: Lyndsey Higgins
When: Thursdays (Oct 24-Dec 5) from 6:30-8:30pm *no class on Halloween
Where: Acorn Studio
Price: $190 New Students, $160 Returning Students, $95 College Students

Acting II New Student
Acting II Returning Student
Acting II College Student

Advanced Scene Study Workshop: Comedies

This class is for the more advanced actors that have at least taken an Intro to Acting and an Acting II class. This class will be a scene study with other experienced actors focusing on script analysis, character development, and creation of character. If you are a very experienced actor interested in taking the course and have not completed the above mentioned requirements please contact Jared Culverhouse at jaredculverhouse.acorn@gmail.com and we can discuss your fit in the class. This class will culminate in a showcase for the public at the end of the course. This course will be exploring scripts of comedic plays from classic and contemporary playwrights.

Instructor: Jared Culverhouse
When: Wednesdays (Nov 6-Dec 18) from 6:30-8:30pm *no class on Nov 27
Where: Acorn Studio
Price: $140

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