The Shakespeare Theatre Company

Summer Master Acting Classes

Todd Quick as Duke of Gloucester and Michael Hayden as King Henry V in the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of William Shakespeare’s 'Henry V,' directed by David Muse. Photo by Scott Suchman.

Tuition and Discounts

Tuition: All summer classes are $370.

Discounts*:
Early Registration: Receive $25 off tuition when you register by June 17!
Multiple Session: Receive 15% off tuition when you register for two or more classes!
Organizational Discounts: Available for members of The Actors’ Center or Actors’ Equity Association.
For more information view our discount policy.

*Only one discount may be applied per registration. Early registration is automatically applied when you register online. For all other discounts, call the Education Hotline at 202.547.5688 to register.

Summer 2011 Course List

Acting for Business ProfessionalsRegister

Mondays and Wednesdays, July 6 – 25 from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Instructor: Dat Ngo
Prerequisite: No prior training/experience is required.

Whether it’s the boardroom or lunchroom, client or co-worker, maximize the potential of every meeting, presentation and negotiation in the business world! In a fun, comfortable, interactive environment, learn how to listen and communicate more effectively and become more relaxed, present and persuasive in public through the study of techniques used by actors and directors in the theatre.

Introduction to Acting Register

Mondays and Wednesdays, July 6 – 25 from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Instructors: Michelle Jackson
Prerequisite: No prior training/experience is required.

Always wanted to try your hand at acting, but never had the chance? The journey begins here with the student’s exploration of the actor’s vocal, physical and psychological instrument, the key skills and core understandings from which to pursue further study. Lessons will include interactive, physical workshops on communication, character, objectives, tactics and given circumstances. The class culminates with a performance for invited guests.

Improvisation Register

Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 5 – 21 from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Instructors: Jim Gagne
Prerequisite: No prior training/experience is required.

Using your own creativity and imagination to create motivated characters and dynamic scenes in the moment, this course provides participants with an exciting new skill set and vocabulary that can add spontaneity to any performance.

Owning the Character Register

Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 5 – 21* from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
(*The second class will be held on Wednesday, July 6; there will be no class on July 7)
Instructors: Naomi Jacobson
Prerequisite: Prior training/experience is required; Master Acting Class students should have taken Introduction to Acting or Acting Basics and Fundamentals of Scene Study (or equivalent).

Put your own stamp on a character! This class will explore the “how” of creating characters for the theatre modeled on the cast of characters that already exist within us. Create deeply complex, fully realized, emotionally-connected characters by exploring and incorporating your own personal attributes, vulnerabilities, inspirations and images.

Shakespeare Scene Study Register

Mondays and Wednesdays, July 6 – 25 from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Instructors: Esther Williamson
Prerequisite: Prior training/experience is required; Master Acting Class students should have taken Introduction to Acting and Fundamentals of Scene Study (or equivalent).

The actor’s process takes center stage in this Shakespeare scene study class. Scene work begins with textual analysis, focusing on tools to unlock the acting clues hidden in Shakespeare’s verse. Next we explore rehearsal techniques that lead students to make their boldest, most dynamic choices. Active listening, observation and investment in given circumstances are the final keys applied to students’ work.

Movement for the Actor Register

Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 5 – 21 from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Instructors: John Michael McDonald

Prerequisite: Prior training/experience is required; Master Acting Class students should have taken Introduction to Acting or Acting Basics (or equivalent).
The main point is that the body tells a story, whether we want it to or not, so we might as well be in control of the story it tells. To do that, we must first become aware of the body and its movement, then free ourselves from bad habits and unnatural norms, and then the body becomes expressive, a tool for storytelling and for moving audiences.

Stage Combat: Swashbuckling Register

Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 5 – 21 from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Instructor: Casey Kaleba
Prerequisite: Prior training/experience is not required, but Master Acting Class students who have taken Introduction to Acting, Fundamentals of Scene Study and/or Shakespeare Scene Study will find this prior training beneficial.

Featured in big-screen hits like Pirates of the Caribbean and very popular in Shakespeare's time, the rapier was not only a weapon but also an essential part of a gentleman's attire. In this class we will explore the history of the rapier and its application on the stage. We will begin with the basics of swordplay, emphasizing safety and technique, and end with a choreographed duel.