The
Western Stage announces opportunities for actors, directors and theatre
students of all experience levels in their upcoming Spring Fest of classes
and production projects, January 26 - June 4. The Spring Fest includes: the
annual One-Act Festival, Musical Theatre Projects, Acting Workshops, Intro
to Theatre and Chicano Theatre. For specific dates and registration
information, call 755-6987 or email: education@westernstage.org. (57 Word PSA or calendar listing)
What
is Spring Fest? It’s an opportunity for anyone—students, artists, and the
eternally curious—to engage in a deep exploration of the craft of theatre. The
regular TWS season is devoted to full stage production. The Spring offers
students and seasoned actors and directors an opportunity to experiment and
explore stagecraft in a conservatory setting. The classes, workshops, and
special events that take place at TWS during the Spring
provide an opportunity to slow down and take time to explain the mysteries of
the theatrical process.
The
centerpiece of the Spring has been the One-Act
Festival. Now in its fifth year, this program gives student directors an
opportunity to develop their craft under the mentorship of more experienced
professionals. In the past, all the shows in the festival were semi-produced
with lighting, costumes, and a partial set. Yet, this year marks a turn with
more opportunities for directors of every level.
The
One-Act Festival will now consist of three types of performances. There will be
staged reading of one-acts for beginning directors, black box productions with
the bare minimum needed for intermediate directors, and semi-produced one-acts
for more advanced directors. Performances will be offered free to public
audiences.
Anyone
interested in directing should submit his or her resume to TWS artistic
director Jon Patrick Selover.
TWS
is also offering classes in Chicano theatre, acting, and musical theatre.
The
Acting Projects class promises to be very dynamic. It will consist of a series
of workshops devoted to different acting skills. So, if a student is interested
in stage combat, characterization, improvisation, dialects, or scene work then
this class will definitely meet his or her need.
The
Musical Theatre Projects class will likewise teach students a variety of skills
that will enhance their abilities as a performer in this popular theatrical
genre. Students will learn how to improve their voice, move on stage, and be
more competitive in auditions. They will also get to test their new skills in
two recitals in which students will perform readings of a classic musical
piece.
Chicano
Theatre provides an introduction to a theatre form unique to
Finally,
the Spring Fest will also showcase a number of special events as it has in the
past and include special performances to celebrate Women’s History Month. 2003
featured two one-woman shows. Local actress Jill Jackson performed her
autobiographical piece Long Drink of Silence about her eccentric journey
through life and Marlie Avant performed William Luce’s The Belle of Amherst
about the tragic life of Emily Dickinson.
As
anyone can see, the Spring promises an abundance of
opportunities for performers and artists of every skill level to develop their
craft in a creative and professional environment. Anyone interested in
participating in any of these classes are encouraged to contact Melissa Chin
Parker at 755-6987 or Jeff Mcgrath at 755-6988.
Dan Tarker, Literary Associate