SPRING SESSION OF ACTING CLASSES STARTS UP END OF MARCH

Those wishing to pursue a career in acting may choose from a variety of courses at The Media Theatre beginning the weekend of March 29. The Spring session of classes offer acting lessons weekly for children through adults. The Improvisation Class with Second City Training Center's Robert Huntington continues as well.

All Media Theatre acting classes follow the Sanford Meisner Technique, which is based on the premise that, as the legendary actingteacher stated, "Acting is living as truthfully as one can under an imaginary circumstance."

When you register for acting classes you are providing a revenue source which benefits Media Music Theatre Company, which is a non-profit organization.

The Media Theatre Photo January 2014

There are two levels of instruction for children, both one hour per week. Level One Acting takes place Saturdays at 9am for ages 5 to 9 starting March 29, or for those who are just starting out with an interest in theatre. The 10-week course is structured to include exercises which assist basic speaking and stage skills, learning stage directions, and developing an ability to work with others while gaining self-confidence and self-awareness. Fun theatre exercises are incorporated and each child works at their own pace.

  

Level Two Acting, which is also a 10-week course, takes place Tuesdays at 4:30pm starting April 1. Primarily for those ages 8-11, or for those with some stage experience, the class focuses on scene work which is created by the students and strengthened by the instructor. Focus and discipline are a large part of the class.

Teens have their Acting Class on Sundays at 6pm starting March 30. The 8-week 90 minute sessions focus on monologues previously written as well as composed by the students, plus scene work. All is done within a group setting, allowing the students to have one-on-one instruction as well as to learn by watching others. Teens are encouraged to discuss scene work and critique other students as part of the learning process.

The Adult Acting Class is a 90 minute 8-week course as well, Sundays at 7:30pm starting March 30. For ages 18 and up, it’s for those who wish to explore something new or wish to solidify their stage skills. Scene study with partners is the focus, as are monologues. The class is instrumental in developing renewed self-esteem and a stronger ability to deal with business associates. It is also a great class for those who have careers which deal with public speaking or who deal with the public on a day-to-day basis. No experience is necessary. 

All classes at The Media Theatre are under the supervision of Artistic Director Jesse Cline, who adds his own expertise to The New School, a conservatory-style music theatre education program for youth. Cline received the 2013 Best Director Award on Broadway World for his production of “Mame” starring Andrea McArdle. He has maintained the integrity and award-winning status of The Media Theatre’s Media Music Theatre Company for two decades. 

Roger Ricker instructs the children and teen classes, with Tim Haney teaching the adult course. The Improv Class is instructed by Robert Huntington, an alumni of Chicago’s famed Second City Training Center. It meets Tuesdays at 6:30pm for 8 weeks starting April 1. The 90 minute course will be fun and instrumental in building a quick rapport with other actors. For teens and adults, the Improv Class will be specifically designed to each participant’s level of experience. 

For information call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org to register.