Meets: Tuesdays, 7:00pm-8:30pm
Oct. 17 through Dec. 19th
(8 classes over 10 weeks - no class Oct. 31st or Nov. 21st)
Instructor: Tyler Whidden, Associate Artistic Director
An exploration of the structure, plot designs, and execution of a series of classic and contemporary plays; some that follow basic structure and some that try to play with the form. This weekly discussion group will read a play a week and discuss how the playwright’s use of basic tools of playwriting (theme, dialogue, plot, character, etc.) and structure work to tell the play’s story and, more importantly, how those techniques can translate to other disciplines within theater. Perfect for playwrights, directors, actors, designers, and audience members.
Tyler
Whidden earned his MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard College and his
MFA in Playwriting from Ohio University. His plays include Occupation: Dad, Run Kingsbury Run, Dancing With N.E.D., and
he has been teaching playwriting at College of Wooster, Ohio
University, and Southern New Hampshire University for several years.
Directing Fundamentals with “The Hairy Ape” by Eugene O’Neill
Meets: Saturdays, 10:00am-12:00pm
Oct. 14th through Nov. 11th (Scripts provided)
Instructor: Ian Wolfgang Hinz, Director of “The Hairy Ape”
This 5 week class is for directors of all levels to dive into the process of getting a play into rehearsal and on its feet. You will focus on the upcoming production of “The Hairy Ape” as a class, breaking down the text to define your individual vision for the piece. Once this is articulated, you will refine your vision through exercises in design, casting, and other pre-work. Each director will then work on techniques for communicating their vision throughout the rehearsal process and tech to opening night! Each class will mirror the process of Ensemble’s production of “The Hairy Ape” culminating in tech weekend and including 2 free tickets to opening night November 17th at 8pm.
Auditioning Technique and Practice
Meets: Saturdays, 12:00pm-2:00pm
Oct. 14th through Nov. 11th (5 classes)
Instructor: Celeste Cosentino, Artistic Director
This
class will explore successful techniques for auditioning and getting
cast using a variety of disciplines to further develop and sharpen
acting instincts. Participants will work on monologues for general
auditions and will read pre-chosen sides with readers to complement
their work. Students can bring in existing pieces they want to improve
upon or we can start from scratch. Gain confidence with this exploration
of best practices to hone your auditioning skills. The class will
culminate with a presentation in front of a panel of local Cleveland
directors. Independent outside work is a required component of this
class.
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