The classes offer professional training for those just beginning or wishing to further their education. Instruction is 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.
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| A scene from Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs at The Media Theatre. All youth registered for acting classes are invited to appear in the children's shows on Media's stage. |
The Media Theatre will continue to offer two separate levels for children. The popular Children’s Class, for ages 6 and up, will meet on Saturday mornings at 9am beginning April 2 and continuing for ten weeks. This one-hour weekly course is primarily for ages 5 to 8 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. Imagination is a major ingredient of this class.
Level Two for Children will meet Tuesdays at 4:30 beginning April 5. 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 group or scene work to strengthen acting skills. Theatre exercises are also implemented to enhance stage focus and discipline.
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| Ben Pedersen, Jolie Jaffe, and Jacob Shapiro in a scene from the recent "To Kill A Mockingbird" |
The Teen Acting Class will continue on Sundays at 6pm starting April 3. 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, scripted scene work with partners, and monologues. Improvisational Scene Work is also explored, and becomes a major part of the focus as the weeks progress, enhancing the ability to 'react quickly as you would without over-analyzing'.
The Adult Class will meet Tuesdays at 7:30 starting April 5. 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. The class also enhances those whose careers involve any type of public speaking.
For those who have been students in the classes, The Media Theatre reminds participants that each semester, while based on similar structure, is completely different as classes are built to reflect the personalities of each student within the group setting. Therefore, for example, if a child repeats the Saturday morning class or any of the classes offered, it is never exactly the same. Students are also dealt with and instructed within their own personal level.
The Children's, Teen, and Adult Acting Classes require no audition or interview. Roger Ricker, a stage veteran of over 90 productions at The Media Theatre, instructs the Children and Teen Classes. Tim Haney, who has been with the theatre since 1997, instructs the Adult Class.
The Media Theatre also has several dance classes to choose from, which are ongoing. Purchase a Dance Card for $120 (good for 10 classes). Please call for information.
To register for the Acting Classes, please call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. Email rer764@gmail.com with specific questions or request information.
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