THE THEATRE LAB COURSE CATALOG SUMMER/FALL 2016

Transcription

1 THE THEATRE LAB COURSE CATALOG SUMMER/FALL 2016 WINNER MAYOR S ARTS AWARD INNOVATION IN THE ARTS

2 COURSE SCHEDULE SUMMER/FALL 2016 Non-Member/Member SUMMER SESSION IV: JUN JUL Advanced Acting for the Camera Wednesdays, Jun 15 Jul 27 (7 sessions) Anyone Can Act Saturday, Jun 18 or Jul 23 (one-day class) 7 10pm John Judy $350/ $ 315 1:30 3:30pm George Grant $50 Auditioning Thursdays, Jun 16 Jul pm George Grant $320/ $ 288 Auditioning for Musical Theatre Tuesdays, Jun 14 Jul 26 No class Jun pm Kate Fisher $320/ $ 288 Beginning Scene Study Saturdays, Jun 18 Jul 23 10am 1pm George Grant $320/ $ 288 History of the Theatre Saturdays, Jun 25 Jul 30 10am 1pm Kim Schraf $320/ $ 288 Intermediate Scene Study Mondays, Jun 13 Jul 25 No class July pm Michael Russotto $320/ $ 288 for the Camera Thursdays, Jun 16 Jul pm John Judy $320/ $ 288 on Wednesdays on Saturdays Wednesdays, Jun 15 Jul :30pm George Grant $290/ $ 261 Saturdays, Jun 18 Jul 23 10am 12:30pm Dorothy Neumann $290/ $ 261 Musical Theatre Intensive for Teens Wednesdays, Jun 15 Jul pm Tracy Lynn Olivera $320/ $ 288 On-Camera Acting for Kids Saturdays, Jun 18 Jul :30am John Judy $240/ $ 216 On-Camera Acting for Teens Saturdays, Jun 18 Jul pm John Judy $270/ $ 243 Shakespeare Scene Study Wednesdays, Jun 15 Jul 27 No class July pm Buzz Mauro $320/ $ 288 Voice and Speech Saturdays, Jun 18 Jul 23 10am 12pm Tonya Beckman $270/ $ 243 EARLY FALL SESSION V: SEP OCT Acting in a Professional Production Thursdays, Saturdays and Tuesdays, Sep 15 Oct 20 No class Oct 6 11 Actions and Objectives Tuesdays and Saturdays, Oct 4 Oct 25 No class Oct 11 (Yom Kippur) Anyone Can Act Saturday, Sep 10 or Oct 22 (one-day class) Th 7 10pm; Sat 10am 2pm; Tues 6:30 10pm Tues 7 10pm; Sat 10am 1pm Deb Gottesman $370/ $ 333 Naomi Jacobson $320/ $ 288 1:30 3:30pm George Grant $50 Auditioning for Teens Saturdays, Sep 17 Oct 22 10am 1pm George Grant $290/ $ 261 Auditioning for the Camera Tuesdays, Sep 13 Oct 25 No class Oct 11 (Yom Kippur) Beginning Scene Study Wednesdays, Sep 14 Oct 26 No class Oct 12 (Yom Kippur) Creating Your Own Cabaret Act Saturdays, Sep 17 Oct 22 Plus performance Sun Oct 23, 6 10pm Dialect Wednesdays, Sep 14 Oct 26 No class Oct 12 (Yom Kippur) 7 10pm Michael Gabel $320/ $ pm Buzz Mauro $320/ $ am 1:30pm George Fulginiti-Shakar and Steven Cupo $370/ $ pm Tonya Beckman $320/ $ 288 for the Camera Thursdays, Sep 15 Oct pm John Judy $320/ $ 288 on Wednesdays on Thursdays Wednesdays, Sep 14 Oct 26 No class Oct 12 (Yom Kippur) Non-Member/Member 7 9:30pm George Grant $290/ $ 261 Thursdays, Sep 15 Oct :30pm George Grant $290/ $ 261 Musical Theatre Intensive for Teens Saturdays, Sep 17 Oct 22 10am 1pm Tracy Lynn Olivera $320/ $ 288

3 EARLY FALL SESSION V: SEP OCT (CONTINUED) Playwriting from the Gut Tuesdays, Sep 13 Oct 25 No class Oct 11 (Yom Kippur) 7 9:30pm Renee Calarco $290/ $ 261 Singing for Actors Thursdays, Sep 15 Oct pm Tracy Lynn Olivera $320/ $ 288 Non-Member/Member LATE FALL SESSION VI: NOV DEC Acting Fundamentals for Kids Saturdays, Nov 5 Dec 17 No class Nov 26 (Thanksgiving weekend) Acting in Commercials and Industrials Thursdays, Nov 3 Dec 15 No class Nov 24 (Thanksgiving weekend) 10am 12pm Amal Saade $270/ $ pm John Judy $320/ $ 288 Acting with a Director Mondays, Oct 31 Dec pm Michael Russotto $320/ $ 288 Anyone Can Act Saturday, Nov 12 or Dec 3 (one-day class) Auditioning from the Director s Point of View Beginning Scene Study Wednesdays, Nov 2 Dec 14 No class Nov 23 (Thanksgiving weekend) Drama Workshop Saturdays, Nov 5 Dec 17 No class Nov 26 (Thanksgiving weekend) Getting Started in TV and Film Wednesdays, Nov 2 Dec 14 No class Nov 23 (Thanksgiving weekend) Improvisation for the Actor Saturdays, Nov 5 Dec 17 No class Nov 26 (Thanksgiving weekend) Saturdays, Nov 5 Dec 17 No class Nov 26 (Thanksgiving weekend) 1:30 3:30pm George Grant $50 Tuesdays, Nov 1 Dec pm Randy Baker $320/ $ pm George Grant $320/ $ am 1pm MaryBeth Wise $320/ $ :30pm Brenna McDonough $290/ $ am 1pm George Grant $320/ $ am 12:30pm Dorothy Neumann $290/ $ 261 Public Speaking the Actor s Way Tuesdays, Nov 15 Dec 6 11:30am 1:30pm Deb Gottesman $240/ $ 216 Scene Study for Teens Saturdays, Nov 5 Dec 17 No class Nov 26 (Thanksgiving weekend) 10am 12pm Terah Herman $270/ $ 243 Viewpoints Mondays, Oct 31 Dec 5 7 9pm Marietta Hedges $270/ $ 243 REGISTER ONLINE AT OR CALL

4 FROM THE THEATRE LAB DIRECTORS ClintonBPhotography THE THEATRE LAB is Washington, DC s largest and most comprehensive independent institution for training in the dramatic arts. Ever since teaching our first class together in 1992 (an early version of the Drama Workshop, with five students, in a tiny donated office space), we ve focused on bringing the artistic and real-life benefits of high-quality theatre training to as many people as we can reach, and enrollments now exceed 1800 a year. Our philosophy has always been that beginners and professionals alike can benefit from rigorous standards and an atmosphere of encouragement and real teaching. That s why small classes and individualized attention from the area s most accomplished and dedicated theatre artists have been hallmarks of Theatre Lab training since Because we believe the benefits of that training should be accessible to everyone, and not only those who can afford to pay, this year we will continue to expand our award-winning scholarship and outreach programs that serve financially disadvantaged youth and adults, incarcerated and at-risk youth, homeless women, wounded veterans, and other groups for whom the arts are often out of reach. For an exciting, in-depth look at the transformational impact of one of our programs, see the recently released feature documentary How I Got Over, available on Netflix. Whether you re a professional actor or someone who just loves the theatre and wants to explore it further, we hope you ll take advantage of the many opportunities The Theatre Lab s great facility and top-notch faculty have to offer. Please feel free to call if you have questions! Deb Gottesman and Buzz Mauro 2

5 TABLE OF CONTENTS CHOOSING THE CLASS THAT S RIGHT FOR YOU PAGE 4 THE HONORS CONSERVATORY PAGE 5 FACULTY PAGE 6 COURSES PAGE 9 DON T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN, HAVE FUN AND BOND WITH SOME REALLY NICE PEOPLE. YOUTH PROGRAMS PAGE 17 SERVING OUR COMMUNITY PAGE 19 RECENT STUDENT EVALUATION POLICIES PAGE 20 REFERRAL DISCOUNTS PAGE 20 MEMBERSHIP PAGE 20 3

6 CHOOSING THE CLASS THAT S RIGHT FOR YOU With classes in acting for the stage and screen, musical theatre, playwriting, directing, and applied acting, The Theatre Lab is proud to offer the area s most comprehensive theatre arts curriculum. Most courses do not have prerequisites, which means many directions are open to students at every level of training. These recommendations are suggestions only, but might help you shape the unique training program that is right for you. Some courses require an audition and/or permission of the instructor. See course descriptions for details. WHAT CLASS SHOULD YOU TAKE? If you want to try acting because it sounds like fun If you re interested in acting for its personal and professional benefits If you currently act or would like to act professionally or in community theatre If you re interested in acting in musical theatre If you re interested in acting in film and TV If you re interested in other aspects of theatre and performance Anyone Can Act Drama Workshop Beginning Scene Study Acting Fundamentals for Kids Scene Study for Teens On-Camera Acting for Kids or Teens Anyone Can Act Drama Workshop Beginning Scene Study Comedy Improv Voice and Speech Public Speaking the Actor s Way INTRODUCTORY Drama Workshop Beginning Scene Study Scene Study for Teens NEXT STEPS Intermediate Scene Study Actions and Objectives Improvisation for the Actor Acting with a Director Comedy Improv Voice and Speech Singing for Actors Viewpoints Auditioning for Teens PROFESSIONAL SKILL-BUILDING Auditioning Auditioning from the Director s Point of View Shakespeare Scene Study Scenes in Performance Dialect Acting in a Professional Production The Honors Conservatory INTRODUCTORY Drama Workshop Beginning Scene Study NEXT STEPS Auditioning for Musical Theatre Creating Your Own Cabaret Act Musical Theatre Intensive for Teens INTRODUCTORY Drama Workshop Beginning Scene Study On-Camera Acting for Kids or Teens NEXT STEPS Getting Started in TV and Film for the Camera PROFESSIONAL SKILL-BUILDING Advanced Acting for the Camera Acting in Commercials and Industrials Auditioning for the Camera Public Speaking the Actor s Way Comedy Improv Playwriting from the Gut History of the Theatre 4

7 THE HONORS ACTING CONSERVATORY IF YOU WANT TO SPEND A YEAR DEDICATED TO LEARNING AND GROWING AS AN ACTOR WITH A GROUP OF LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE, THIS IS AN AMAZING PLACE TO DO IT. A RECENT HONORS GRADUATE ISN T IT TIME YOU TOOK CHARGE OF YOUR ACTING CAREER? THE HONORS ACTING CONSERVATORY AT THE THEATRE LAB is a structured professional training program for those serious about entering the acting profession. Each year ten students pursue a comprehensive curriculum with Washington s best acting teachers, under the supervision of Theatre Lab Directors Deb Gottesman and Buzz Mauro and popular instructor Kim Schraf. All Honors students meet as a group every Monday night for a full year of scene study and improvisation, exploring a wide variety of theatrical styles important for professional work. Students take additional Theatre Lab classes throughout the year to build specific skills outside the focus of the core Monday night work. All classes and rehearsals take place on weekday evenings and during the day on weekends. Students are continually advised and evaluated on their progress, and the program culminates in public performances of small-cast plays and a showcase for an invited audience of top area artistic and casting directors. Approximately 85% of Honors Conservatory alumni have performed professionally since graduation, many in prestigious venues such as The Shakespeare Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, Ford s Theatre, Arena Stage and Theater J. Admission is by application and audition. Applications for calendar year 2017 are due in October For complete information, visit A year to focus intensively on your acting, without quitting your day job yet A truly comprehensive course of study, including theatre history Advanced training in process and technique Fellow students as dedicated as you are Extensive access to The Theatre Lab s acclaimed faculty and curriculum Special workshops with top professionals from Washington and beyond Personal and professional guidance throughout the year Regular progress evaluations A wide variety of performance opportunities A final showcase for the area s most influential directors and casting directors 5

8 OUR DISTINGUISHED FACULTY THE TEACHERS ARE INVESTED IN YOUR GROWTH. EXTREMELY KNOWLEDGEABLE & EXPERIENCED. RECENT STUDENT EVALUATION Buzz Mauro Honors Acting Beginning Scene Study Shakespeare Scene Study Buzz Mauro is a founder and Co-Director of The Theatre Lab and a Helen Hayes Award nominee who has performed with Signature Theatre, Ford s, Studio, The Shakespeare Theatre, Woolly Mammoth, and many other companies. He received his B.A. from Yale University and has an M.F.A. in Acting from Catholic University. In 2003 he received the Linowes Leadership Award for his contributions to arts education in Washington. Along with Deb Gottesman he is the founder of Center Stage Communications, a unique consulting firm specializing in the application of acting techniques to the business world. Together they are the authors of three books on applied acting: The Interview Rehearsal Book, Taking Center Stage, and The Best Answer, all published by Berkley Books, a division of Penguin Putnam. Deb Gottesman Honors Acting Acting in a Professional Production Public Speaking the Actor s Way Deb Gottesman is a founder and Co- Director of The Theatre Lab. She is also a professional actress who has performed frequently at Woolly Mammoth Theatre as well as at Arena Stage, Signature Theatre, Keegan Theatre, Theater Alliance, and with the Washington Shakespeare Company, among many others. She has directed more than twenty productions at The Theatre Lab, including Ragtime, Les Misérables, West Side Story, The Laramie Project, and My Soul Look Back and Wonder (which premiered at Kennedy Center s Terrace Theater and is now the subject of a feature length documentary by Academy Award-nominated Producer and Director Nicole Boxer), as well as productions for Catholic University s Musical Theatre Department and National Geographic. Deb received her M.F.A. from Catholic University and has taught drama at the Round House Theatre, Woolly Mammoth and American University. She is a 2003 recipient of the prestigious Linowes Leadership Award for her contributions to arts education. Along with Buzz Mauro, she has co-authored three books on applied acting, all published by Penguin Putnam. Randy Baker Auditioning from the Director s Point of View Randy Baker is a director, playwright and the co-artistic director of Rorschach Theatre (rorschachtheatre.com), where he has directed numerous shows. Randy has also directed at Washington Shakespeare Company, Source Theatre, Inkwell Theatre, First Draft, NCDA s Actors Repertory Theatre, Imagination Stage, Wayward Theatre, Cherry Red Productions, Young Playwrights Theater American University and Catholic University, among others. Plays he has written have been produced and developed at Rorschach Theatre, Source Theatre, Theater J, Arena Stage, Theater Alliance, American University, George Washington University, The National New Play Network, Inkwell Theatre, Houston s Wordsmyth Theater and Manhattan Theatre Works, among others. He recently completed his residency at Arena Stage where he was an inaugural member of The Playwright s Arena, a part of Arena Stage s American Voices New Play Institute. He has also directed Theatre Lab s teen summer acting institute numerous times. He received his MFA from Goddard College and teaches at the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts and American University. Tonya Beckman Voice and Speech Dialect Honors Voice Tonya Beckman has appeared as an actor at Shakespeare Theatre Company, Ford s Theatre, Folger Theatre, Round House Theatre, Arena Stage, Studio Theatre, Theater J, Taffety Punk, Olney Theatre, Forum Theatre, and the Kennedy Center. Regional credits include Cleveland Play House, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Center Stage, Fulton Theatre, Purple Rose Theatre Company, Human Race Theatre Co, Totem Pole Playhouse, and Door Shakespeare, among others. She has taught at George Washington University, Baldwin-Wallace College, Ohio University, Shepherd University, Duke Ellington School for the Arts, Everyman Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Imagination Stage, The Actors Center, and the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival. Local dialect coaching credits include productions for Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Theater J, Lean and Hungry Theatre, Longacre Lea, The Theatre Lab, and Constellation Theatre. Tonya holds an MFA from Ohio University s Professional Actor Training Program and a BFA from University of Wisconsin. She is a company member at Taffety Punk Theatre Company. Renee Calarco Playwriting from the Gut Renee Calarco is a playwright and teacher. Her plays include Our National Museum of the Unforeseen Tragedy, G-d s Honest Truth, The Religion Thing (2013 nominee for the Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play), Short Order Stories (2007 recipient of the Charles MacArthur Award), The Mating of Angela Weiss,Bleed, First Stop: Niagara Falls, The 12 Days of Christmas, and others. Her plays have been produced, developed, and commissioned by The Welders, Theater J, Charter Theater, Geva Theatre, Project Y, Adventure Theatre, Pinky Swear Productions, Doorway Arts Ensemble, The Jewish Plays Project, and the Source Theatre Festival. Renee teaches both playwriting and comedy improv at The Theatre Lab. She s a founding member of The Welders and a proud member of The Dramatists Guild. 6

9 Steven Cupo Creating Your Own Cabaret Act Steven is probably best remembered by Washington audiences as the Emcee in Signature Theatre s highly successful Cabaret, for which he received the Helen Hayes Award as Best Actor in a Musical and a nod as one of Washingtonian Magazine s best performances in the past 25 years. He has appeared Off-Broadway in Rabboni and Success, and in tours of The Fantasticks, Hair, Pippin, and Godspell. In the Washington area he has been seen at The Kennedy Center (Sweeney Todd with Brian Stokes Mitchell and Christine Baranski); Arena Stage (Damn Yankees and Señor Discretion Himself); Ford s Theatre (The Magnificent Yankee with James Whitmore); Signature Theatre (Kiss of the Spider Woman, Into the Woods, Urinetown, Follies, Forum, Grand Hotel); and Source Theatre (The Importance of Being Earnest and The Harvey Milk Show, for which he received a Helen Hayes Nomination). Steven is on the Board of Directors of the DC Cabaret Network. Kate Fisher Auditioning for Musical Theatre Kate Fisher is a singing actress whose career spans Broadway, National Tours, symphony orchestras, commercials, voiceovers, and teaching master classes. Kate has been seen as Cosette in Les Misérables both on Broadway and with its national tour. She originated the role of Jo March in the First National Tour of the musical Little Women. Favorite roles include Anna Leonowens, The King and I (North Shore Music Theatre {IRNE nomination}); Abigail Adams, 1776 (Ford s); Eliza Doolittle, My Fair Lady (Arizona Theatre Co. {AriZoni nom.}); Marian Paroo, The Music Man (Kansas City Starlight); Maria Von Trapp, The Sound of Music (North Carolina Theatre Co.); Emma Carew, Jekyll and Hyde (Arvada Center {Ovation nom.}) & Bathsheba Everdene, Far From the Madding Crowd (NYMF). She has been a soloist with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Ravinia, Birdland, & Joe s Pub. Kate has done numerous national commercials & leading voice work in animated film. She is a Northwestern University graduate. George Fulginiti-Shakar Creating Your Own Cabaret Act George Fulginiti-Shakar is one of the area s most respected music directors, conductors, pianists, and teachers. He has received Helen Hayes Awards for his music direction of Oklahoma and Cabaret at Arena Stage, and in addition has received seven Helen Hayes Award nominations for his work on such shows as Camelot and South Pacific at Arena Stage and The Oedipus Plays at the Shakespeare Theatre. He was invited to the Eugene O Neill Theatre Center s National Music Theatre Conference as music director, and has performed extensively as music director and pianist for cabaret artists here and in New York. Mr. Fulginiti- Shakar is also on the board of the DC Cabaret Network, is a cofounder of the Alliance for New Music Theatre, and is on the faculty of the Studio Acting Conservatory. He received the Who s Who Award from Cabaret Ville Magazine for being a Pioneer of Cabaret in the United States. Michael Gabel Auditioning for the Camera Michael Gabel currently appears on the HBO series Veep and in the recurring role of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court on House of Cards. He has appeared in over 60 films and numerous television shows, including five years of voice work for the series The Wire. Michael has taught acting at American University, Catholic University, Montgomery College and The Smithsonian Institution. He has been the recipient of two AIR Awards (Achievement in Radio - Talent Division), the 2009 and hr Film Festival Award for Best Acting, and picked up his 6th Peer Award (Acting on Camera - Male Dramatic) for his portrayal of the title role in The Gravedigger. He was awarded the 2012 Best Supporting Actor at the Prestigious LA Web Series Festival and costarred with Annet Mahendru (of The Americans) as The Administrator in the feature film Sally Pacholok. George Grant Anyone Can Act Beginning Scene Study Improvisation for the Actor Auditioning Auditioning for Teens George Grant made his professional theatre debut in 1979 at The Goodman Theatre in An Enemy of the People directed by Gregory Mosher. Locally he has appeared at The Shakespeare Theatre Company (with Patrick Stewart), Washington Shakespeare Company, Catalyst Theater Company, and many others. His recent forays into directing include the wildly successful Am I Black Enough Yet?, originally mounted in 2008 and remounted in 2009, for Charter Theatre Company, Bulletins from Fatland for Horizons Theatre Company, his own adaptation of Antigone for Actor s Repertory Theatre at The National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, where he is a Senior Faculty Member, and Leader of the Pack for Totem Pole Playhouse in Fayetteville, PA. Marietta Hedges Viewpoints Marietta Hedges is an actress, director and teacher. She is associate professor of acting at Catholic University and Head of the MFA Acting Program. She has worked as an actress in theatre, film and television in London, China, New York, San Francisco, and the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area. Marietta played the role of Karen in the HBO award winning film Money Matters. She originated the roles of slain civil rights worker Viola Liuzzo and KKK infiltrator and FBI informant Gary Thomas Rowe in the solo show Selma 65, which premiered at La MaMa, Etc., in NYC in 2014, and subsequently toured the country in Terah Herman Scene Study for Teens Before joining the staff of The Theatre Lab as Program and Development Manager, Terah was the Education Associate and Summer Camp Director at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Previously she has taught at Imagination Stage, West Chester Academy of Music, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, The University of Kentucky, Explorium of Lexington and The Center of Science and Industry. She is the recipient of the National Theatre Conference Emerging Artist Award. She holds a bachelor s degree in Theatre Performance from Capital University and a Master s degree in Theatre Arts from The University of Kentucky. Naomi Jacobson Actions and Objectives Naomi Jacobson holds a Masters Degree in Acting from Temple University and has been a professional actress and teacher for the last 25 years. A Woolly Mammoth Company Member, she s performed at The Shakespeare Theatre Company, Arena Stage, the Kennedy Center, Signature Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, Round House Theatre, as well as Arizona Theatre Company, The Goodman, Milwaukee Repertory, Delaware Theatre Co., and the Berkshire Theatre Festival. Naomi has taught acting at George Washington University, University of Maryland, Catholic University and many professional theatres in the area. She s coached all kinds of professionals in public speaking from architects, lawyers, preachers and vice presidents of major corporations. She has received two Helen Hayes Awards along with twelve nominations for her work as an actress, as well as a Lunt-Fontanne Fellowship and an Individual Artist Grant from the D.C. Arts Commission. John Judy for the Camera Advanced Acting for the Camera Acting in Commercials and Industrials On-Camera Acting for Kids and Teens John Judy is a DC area actor-writer-director who has performed on stages here as well as in Los Angeles and Chicago. His more notable credits include House of Cards, Homicide: Life on the Street and writing and performing in over 150 original sketch shows MORE FACULTY >> 7

10 OUR DISTINGUISHED FACULTY CONTINUED at the IO West Theatre in Hollywood. In DC John has taught at Imagination Stage (formerly BAPA), the Rockville Jewish Community Center and the Smithsonian Associates Summer Program. John s most recent projects include HBO s Veep, National Geographic Channel s Killing Kennedy, Lovely Molly, a supernatural thriller from the creators of The Blair Witch Project, and the on-going role of the Detective in Murder Mystery USA s touring company. Brenna McDonough Getting Started in TV and Film Brenna McDonough is a full-time professional actor and author. Her work includes commercials, corporate videos, indie, feature films and voice over work. She founded her own studio, On-Camera Training, in 1995 in Silver Spring, MD. Brenna began her career in her home town of Chicago where she was a student of Paul Sills at Second City. She then studied and worked in Los Angeles and New York before settling in the Washington, DC area. She has taught her on-camera acting class at New York University and the University of Maryland as well as Shakespeare Theatre. She and her actor husband are the co-authors of You Can Work On-Camera. This book is used in several universities including George Washington U. and NCDA. Brenna is an active member of The Actors Center. Dorothy Neumann Dorothy Neumann is a pioneer in the small professional theatre circuit, having directed in the Washington area for over 37 years. She received three Helen Hayes nominations for Outstanding Direction for Top Girls, Johnny Bull (both Horizons productions) and Unidentified Human Remains at Signature and served as Artistic Director for D.C. Stage and Goosebump Theatre. An Artistic Associate at Source Theatre, Horizons and Signature in past years, Dot has taught at The Theatre Lab almost since its inception, in addition to being an adjunct faculty member for American University. Most recently she has joined the seasonal staff at Clear Space Theatre Company in Rehoboth where she has directed Cabaret, Shirley Valentine, La Cage Aux Folles, On Golden Pond and Love, Loss and What I Wore. Dot recently published a book of poetry,truth Serum. Tracy Lynn Olivera Singing for Actors Musical Theatre Intensive for Teens A classically trained singer, Tracy Olivera has appeared in many musicals and plays, including the Broadway run of Ragtime. At Signature Theatre she has been seen in Company, Gypsy, Les Misérables (Helen Hayes nomination), ACE, Merrily We Roll Along (Helen Hayes nomination), Follies, and Sweeney Todd. She has also performed at the Kennedy Center in Sunday in the Park with George, Passion, Merrily We Roll Along, and Ragtime; at Ford s in Hello Dolly and Liberty Smith; at Studio Theatre in Bachelorette; at Olney Theatre Center in Cinderella and The Sound of Music; at MetroStage in The Last Five Years; and in Candide at the Shakespeare Theatre and at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago. Tracy is also a member of Rorschach Theatre Company and has taught at Catholic University, Signature Theatre for Stage One and Overtures, Adventure Theatre/ MTC, and Imagination Stage. Her new self-titled CD will be available in February. Michael Russotto Intermediate Scene Study Acting with a Director Michael Russotto is a longtime Washington actor and director, who has appeared in shows on many local stages, including Arena Stage, The Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, The Kennedy Center, Theater J, Olney Theatre Center, Signature Theatre, Theatre Alliance, The Folger Theatre, MetroStage, Rep Stage and Studio Theatre. Recent roles include The Chronicler in Falling Out of Time and Merv in The Sisters Rosensweig, both at Theater J, and Richard in Hay Fever, at Olney Theatre Center. He was recently nominated for a Helen Hayes Award in the category of Outstanding Lead actor for his work in The Whale at Rep Stage. Michael has directed at The Actors Theatre of Washington (cofounder), MetroStage, Source Theatre, The Washington Shakespeare Company, Studio Theatre, Theater Lab, and The National Academy of Dramatic Arts. He is an Associate Artist at Olney Theatre Center, and a member of the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Acting Company. In addition, Michael is a narrator of recorded books for the Library of Congress. Amal Saade Acting Fundamentals for Kids Amal Saade has been teaching on the Theatre Lab youth faculty since 2007, and the Life Stories faculty since She is currently on the theater faculty at the Lab School of Washington, and has also taught at ArtStream, Inc., Imagination Stage, and Jamestown Elementary School. She is a graduate of The Theatre Lab s Honors Acting Conservatory, and has performed at theaters including Theater J, Olney Theatre, 1st Stage, Rorschach Theatre, Taffety Punk, Young Playwright s Theatre, and The Source Theatre Festival. She holds a Masters in Theatre Education from Catholic University. Kim Schraf Honors Acting History of the Theatre Kim Schraf has performed at Arena Stage, The Kennedy Center, Studio Theatre, Ford s, Round House, Signature, Woolly Mammoth, Everyman, Theater J, The Theatre of the First Amendment, and the Edinburgh Festival in Scotland. Credits include starring roles in The Laramie Project and The Widow Lincoln at Ford s Theatre; Angels in America at Signature; Skylight, Frozen, and The Apple Family Plays at Studio; Measure for Pleasure, Freedomland and The Gene Pool at Woolly Mammoth; and Proof and Light Up the Sky at Everyman. A graduate of St. John s College in Annapolis, she has been teaching since 1984, most recently at the Parkmont School. She is also a successful narrator of audio books and a speech coach. Kim helped launch the Honors Conservatory for The Theatre Lab in 2006 and continues to serve as one of its directors. MaryBeth Wise Drama Workshop MaryBeth Wise is an actor, teacher and narrator of audio books. Her acting credits include How to Write a New Book for the Bible at Round House Theatre, Body Awareness at Theater J, Frozen at Studio Secondstage, The Importance of Being Earnest at Arena Stage, The Mineola Twins at Woolly Mammoth Theatre, Midwives with Roundhouse Theatre, Perfect Pie and Piaf with Potomac Theatre Project, Vita and Virginia at Rep Stage, and numerous productions at Olney Theatre including Annie Sullivan in The Miracle Worker (Helen Hayes Award nomination). She has performed with The Shakespeare Theatre, Ford s Theatre, The Kennedy Center, and The Folger Theatre. MaryBeth has toured nationally with the Kennedy Center and the National Players, and internationally with Music Tours, Inc. and USIA. She is a narrator of audio books for the Library of Congress, received her BA from Barry University, and holds an MFA in Acting from Catholic University. 8

11 The Theatre Lab offers a variety of intensive theatre courses designed to meet the needs of students at all levels of experience. Classes meet once a week for six weeks unless otherwise indicated. REGISTER ONLINE AT OR CALL COURSES THE THEATRE LAB IS A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN COME AND WORK HARD BUT ALSO HAVE FUN AND GROW. RECENT STUDENT EVALUATION COURSE SECTIONS BEGINNING ACTING PAGE 10 SCENE STUDY PAGE 11 IMPROVISATION PAGE 11 APPLIED ACTING PAGE 12 AUDITION SKILLS PAGE 12 FILM AND TV PAGE 13 MUSICAL THEATRE PAGE 14 PERFORMANCE CLASSES PAGE 14 PLAYWRITING PAGE 15 SEMINARS PAGE 15 TECHNIQUE PAGE 15 YOUTH CLASSES PAGE 16 9

12 COURSES CONTINUED BEGINNING ACTING Anyone Can Act I loved this class. I ve never taken an acting course or done anything acting-related and this was a great way to gain a little exposure. Myth: Acting is about talent and talent is something you re born with. Reality: Acting is a craft that anyone can learn at any age. Acting is also a fun and deeply satisfying activity, and Washington has more opportunities for doing it than practically anywhere else. Take two hours on a Saturday and learn some fundamentals while having a great time with other people who want to explore different sides of themselves. Get in on the act! Choose from: n Saturday, Jun 18, 1:30pm 3:30pm n Saturday, Jul 23, 1:30pm 3:30pm n Saturday, Sep 10, 1:30pm 3:30pm n Saturday, Oct 22, 1:30pm 3:30pm n Saturday, Nov 12, 1:30pm 3:30pm n Saturday, Dec 3, 1:30pm 3:30pm Instructor: George Grant Tuition: $ 50 I m ready to take more acting courses! Really appreciated the wisdom and advice from the instructor. Very important in making the students feel comfortable. A fun and fast-paced introduction to what acting is all about, with plenty of practice in improvisation, scene study and theatre games. For anyone who s ever wanted to give acting a try or those who haven t done it since that one time in high school. Students also learn the basics of auditioning and the business of acting. This class is designed to prepare students for either the Drama Workshop or Beginning Scene Study as the next step. n Wednesdays, Jun 15 Jul 20, 7 9:30pm Instructor: George Grant n Saturdays, Jun 18 Jul 23, 10am 12:30pm Instructor: Dorothy Neumann n Wednesdays, Sep 14 Oct 26, 7 9:30pm No class Oct 12 (Yom Kippur) Instructor: George Grant n Thursdays, Sep 15 Oct 20, 7 9:30pm Instructor: George Grant n Saturdays, Nov 5 Dec 17, 10am 12:30pm No class Nov 26 (Thanksgiving weekend) Instructor: Dorothy Neumann Tuition: Non-Members $290/Members $ 261 Drama Workshop Taking this course is a great way for individuals to step out of their comfort zone and rid themselves of any inhibitions they may have. A good follow-up to, a first course for those looking for a more intensive introduction, or a refresher for those with previous experience this course uses a wide variety of improvisational techniques to explore the actor s process, from activating needs to developing a complex character. Great for loosening up your body and voice, building self confidence, and unleashing your creative spirit. Taken together or in succession, this course and Beginning Scene Study constitute essential training in the basics of the actor s craft. n Saturdays, Nov 5 Dec 17, 10am 1pm No class Nov 26 (Thanksgiving weekend) Instructor: MaryBeth Wise Tuition: Non-Members $ 320/Members $ 288 Beginning Scene Study Helped us all achieve an increase in our skill levels without dumbing it down. Each student was tasked with work that was specific to them. An intensive introduction to scripted work through preparation and performance of scenes and monologues. Emphasis on learning effective rehearsal techniques and expanding the actor s range. Requires approximately 3 5 hours of rehearsal with an assigned partner outside of class each week. Taken together or in succession, this course and the Drama Workshop constitute essential training in the basics of the actor s craft. n Saturdays, Jun 18 Jul 23, 10am 1pm Instructor: George Grant n Wednesdays, Sep 14 Oct 26, 7 10pm No class Oct 12 (Yom Kippur) Instructor: Buzz Mauro n Wednesdays, Nov 2 Dec 14, 7 10pm No class Nov 23 (Thanksgiving weekend) Instructor: George Grant Tuition: Non-Members $ 320/Members $ 288 A GREAT WAY FOR INDIVIDUALS TO STEP OUT OF THEIR COMFORT ZONE AND RID THEMSELVES OF ANY INHIBITIONS 10

13 SCENE STUDY Note: All Scene Study courses require approximately 3 5 hours of rehearsal with a partner outside of class each week unless otherwise noted. Partners are generally assigned on the first day of class. Intermediate Scene Study I liked the immediate feedback, the instructor s energy, expertise in direction and invested interest in our growth as actors. A contemporary acting course for students with some scene study experience. The goal is to build upon existing acting skills, helping students learn to identify objectives in a script, pursue actions in a scene, and create believable characters through specific physical and vocal choices. Participants will work with scene partners on weekly presentations of challenging scenes, with individualized attention given by the instructor to both current strengths and opportunities for growth. n Mondays, Jun 13 Jul 25, 7 10pm No class July 4 Instructor: Michael Russotto Tuition: Non-Members $320/Members $ 288 NEW! Shakespeare Scene Study Intensive work on iconic characters and scenes from the world s greatest plays. Attention to all aspects of playing Shakespeare, including which aspects of contemporary acting technique can be transferred and which can t, as well as issues unique to the work of the Bard. Students will explore Shakespeare s text with specific rehearsal techniques between classes each week, with a focus on exploiting Shakespeare s many clues to internal and external action. For students with some scene study experience, but a love of Shakespeare would be a fine substitute for any particular experience in Shakespearean acting. n Wednesdays, Jun 15 Jul 27, 7 10pm No class July 20 Instructor: Buzz Mauro Tuition: Non-Members $ 320/Members $ 288 Acting with a Director Intermediate-level scene study with special emphasis on working with the director. Students will improve acting range, strengthen ability to take direction and make committed acting choices, and work with a variety of guest directors from DC s professional theatre community. n Mondays, Oct 31 Dec 5, 7 10pm Instructor: Michael Russotto Tuition: Non-Members $320/Members $ 288 NEW! Actions and Objectives A practical course for the actor. Using improv and excerpts from plays, this class will explore the power of actions and objectives as tools to spark creativity, believability and growth. For actors with some scene study experience. n Tuesdays and Saturdays, Oct 4 Oct 25, Tues 7 10pm, Sat 10am 1pm No class Oct 11 (Yom Kippur) Instructor: Naomi Jacobson Tuition: Non-Members $320/Members $ 288 See also Beginning Scene Study under BEGINNING ACTING, Scene Study for Teens under YOUTH CLASSES, and Acting In a Professional Production under PERFORMANCE CLASSES. IMPROVISATION Improvisation for the Actor Really loved the class and how the instructor made sure to connect what we did with how it related to scene work and other skills. An intensive course that focuses on the development of each student s unique imagination, using improvisation as a tool for actors to explore their creativity, rather than as a performance end in itself. An excellent follow-up course for students who enjoyed the Drama Workshop or other similar, improv-based acting courses, or for actors (and others) who want to develop their full powers of creative self-expression on stage or in real life. n Saturdays, Nov 5 Dec 17, 10am 1pm No class Nov 26 (Thanksgiving weekend) Instructor: George Grant Tuition: Non-Members $ 320/Members $ 288 See also Drama Workshop under BEGINNING ACTING MORE COURSES >> All quotes are from recent course evaluations in the students own words. 11

14 COURSES CONTINUED APPLIED ACTING Public Speaking the Actor s Way Some of the best value for time and money of any educational experience I ve had. Four lunchtime classes. An innovative approach to powerful public speaking, taught by a pioneer in the field of applied acting. This course leads participants through a series of actingbased physical, vocal and psychological exercises designed to promote spoken communication that leaves a lasting impact on an audience. From writing a dramatic speech to defining strong objectives to building confidence through a reliable rehearsal process, this course is for anyone who wants to know what it takes to please a crowd. Required text: Taking Center Stage: Masterful Public Speaking Using Acting Skills You Never Knew You Had by Deb Gottesman and Buzz Mauro n Tuesdays, Nov 15 Dec 6, 11:30am 1:30pm (4 classes) Instructor: Deb Gottesman Tuition: Non-Members $ 240/Members $ 216 AUDITION SKILLS Auditioning Great notes and insights from the instructor. Class size was great we all got a lot of attention and opportunity to observe. An intensive course in audition preparation. Course will focus on developing monologue material, mastering both the technical and the artistic aspects of a professional audition, and learning to experience each audition as a welcome performance opportunity. n Thursdays, Jun 16 Jul 21, 7 10pm Instructor: George Grant Tuition: Non-Members $ 320/Members $ 288 NEW! Auditioning from the Director s Point of View Taught by a professional director, this course is designed to help actors understand what goes through the minds of those on the other side of the table. Students will work on monologues and cold readings, taking adjustments as you would in an actual audition, and hearing honest feedback on how to improve both your acting and your professionalism. n Tuesdays, Nov 1 Dec 6, 7 10pm Instructor: Randy Baker Tuition: Non-Members $ 320/Members $ 288 See also Auditioning for Musical Theatre under MUSICAL THEATRE, Auditioning for the Camera under FILM AND TV, and Auditioning for Teens under YOUTH CLASSES. PRIVATE COACHING: The Theatre Lab s faculty comprises some of the area s top acting talent. Give us a call and we ll connect you with a great coach whose schedule works with yours. ONE-NIGHT CLASSES: The Theatre Lab offers an ongoing series of one-night classes focusing on special topics in acting, musical theatre, film and television, the business of the business, and more. One-night classes offer both hands-on training and learn-bywatching opportunities for novices and professionals alike. Classes and presentations have been offered by Emmy Award winner Holland Taylor, Academy Award nominee Bruce Dern, Woolly Mammoth Artistic Director Howard Shalwitz, and Signature Theatre Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer. Call or visit us on the web for info on upcoming classes. CLASSES NOT OFFERED THIS TIME AROUND: The Theatre Lab offers the most comprehensive theatre curriculum in the metropolitan area with more than 50 courses each year in acting, directing, playwriting, screenwriting, musical theatre, theatre history, and public speaking. Not all courses are currently offered, but many will return soon. Be sure to check online ( for continuations of your favorite courses, classes in special aspects of musical theatre and screen acting, courses that culminate in performance, and more. 12

15 FILM AND TV Getting Started in TV and Film Instructions were always clear and helpful. The instructor s experience was the most valuable aspect of the course. This class will cover the ins and outs of all aspects of the film industry in our area. All aspects of the industry will be covered including commercials, corporate videos, indie and feature films, and where to look for auditions, jobs and performance opportunities. Class will include mastering the mystery of the self tape audition. Students will work on-camera for weeks 5 and 6 for playback and evaluation. Wednesdays, Nov 2 Dec 14, 7 9:30pm n No class Nov 23 (Thanksgiving weekend) Instructor: Brenna McDonough Tuition: Non-Members $ 290/Members $ 261 for the Camera It s clear the instructor knows the business, and draws from personal experience and uses examples to give students the best possible feedback. An intensive course devoted to acting for film and television. The class will include audition techniques, the role of commercial spokesperson, specifics of industrial film work, and techniques for approaching film and television scripts. All class work will be filmed as it might be on a real set and then critiqued. n Thursdays, Jun 16 Jul 21, 7 10pm Instructor: John Judy n Thursdays, Sep 15 Oct 20, 7 10pm Instructor: John Judy Tuition: Non-Members $ 320/Members $ 288 Auditioning for the Camera A splendid course with just the right balance between on-camera work and discussion of that work. An exploration of the numerous elements that go into a successful audition for the screen. Topics will include preparation, appropriate dress, demeanor, techniques for quick character analysis, cold readings, call backs, and screen tests. All students will work toward a final cold read and screen test. Acting in Commercials and Industrials Learned a lot of new tips that I will definitely use next time I get in front of the camera. Thanks for having this amazing class here at The Theatre Lab! If you ve ever seen a corporate training video (think of the preflight instructions you see on passenger planes) then you ve seen an industrial film. You may not know the actors names, but they re making a living with their talent. In this class students will learn to apply the same tools one brings to a three-act play to a 30-second commercial or a three-minute instructional video. Students will go through the process of cold-reading scripts for auditions as well as shooting their performances and reviewing them on TV afterwards. The goal of this class is to get students proficient at the types of material that provide a substantial amount of the paid acting work in the DC-Baltimore market. n Thursdays, Nov 3 Dec 15, 7 10pm No class Nov 24 (Thanksgiving weekend) Instructor: John Judy Tuition: Non-Members $ 320/Members $ 288 Advanced Acting for the Camera The instructor was honest and candid with feedback without being harsh and gave great career advice. This class is different each time it s offered, because it is designed each time for the specific students in the class. The class begins with a review of basic on-camera technique, followed by attention to advanced audition techniques. The rest of the course will focus on areas of special interest to the students. Past topics have included: Advanced Audition Techniques, Auditioning for Stonehenge, Memorization Techniques, Acting with One or No Eyes, Two- and Three-Character Scenes, and many others. All class work will be filmed and scrutinized. Seven weeks. For actors who are serious about working in film, television, industrials and commercials. Prerequisite: One on-camera class or permission of instructor. n Wednesdays, Jun 15 Jul 27, 7 10pm (Seven weeks) Instructor: John Judy Tuition: Non-Members $ 350/Members $ 315 n Tuesdays, Sep 13 Oct 25, 7 10pm No class Oct 11 (Yom Kippur) See also On-Camera Acting for Kids or Teens under FILM AND TV. Instructor: Michael Gabel Tuition: Non-Members $320/Members $ 288 MORE COURSES >> All quotes are from recent course evaluations in the students own words. 13

16 COURSES CONTINUED MUSICAL THEATRE Auditioning for Musical Theatre I grew so much vocally and theatrically in such a short amount of time. I loved the relaxing atmosphere. This class focuses on preparing the actor for musical theatre audition and performance, through careful attention to each actor/singer s strengths and weaknesses. Emphasis will be on music and text interpretation, singing and performance techniques, relaxing and unleashing the voice, and selection of strong material. Students bring at least one memorized musical theatre song to the first class, along with the piano sheet music in the appropriate key, and will work on several songs over the six weeks of the course. n Tuesdays, Jun 14 Jul 26, 7 10pm No class Jun 21 Instructor: Kate Fisher Tuition: Non-Members $ 320/Members $ 288 Creating Your Own Cabaret Act From the first class I knew I was in the right place. Each week was so rich and packed with incredible insight and feedback. A hands-on course exploring all the elements of creating a successful cabaret act. The grand finale is a showcase featuring individual mini-sets developed over the course of the class. Topics include: choosing material that s right for you, song performance, designing your cabaret, microphone technique, and marketing your act. Prerequisite: Previous experience as a solo vocalist. Come to the first class with three prepared songs with piano music. n Saturdays, Sep 17 Oct 22, 10am 1:30pm Plus performance Sun Oct 23, 6 10pm Instructors: Steven Cupo and George Fulginiti-Shakar Tuition: Non-Members $ 370/Members $ 333 I GREW SO MUCH VOCALLY AND THEATRICALLY IN SUCH A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME. I LOVED THE RELAXING ATMOSPHERE. NEW! Singing for Actors A class for people who are not yet musical theatre stars. If you re an actor who would like more skills and confidence in the musical theatre realm, whether you have some musical experience already or are just getting started, this is the class for you. It s taught by one of Washington s hottest musical theatre performers, but geared toward people who think of themselves more as actors than as singers. n Thursdays, Sep 15 Oct 20, 7 10pm Instructor: Tracy Lynn Olivera Tuition: Non-Members $ 320/Members $ 288 See also Musical Theatre Intensive for Teens under YOUTH CLASSES. PERFORMANCE CLASSES Acting in a Professional Production The best aspect is the opportunity to watch professional actors and directors work and to work with them, and then most importantly to actually perform. Prepare, rehearse, and perform in a series of staged readings on the stage of the Washington Stage Guild, one of DC s most respected theatrical venues, working with professional directors and actors as part of a core company of students playing substantial roles. Issues explored in the class include the expectations involved in professional work, how to make strong acting choices within a compressed schedule, and the specific demands of staged readings versus full productions. This session explores dramatic adaptations of great world literature, including Pride and Prejudice, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Salman Rushdie s Midnight s Children. Many roles for all types. By audition; call to schedule. n Thursdays, Saturdays and Tuesdays, Sep 15 Oct 20 Class Th 7 10pm; Rehearsal Sat 10am 2pm; Performance Tues 6:30 10pm No class Oct 6 11 Instructor: Deb Gottesman Tuition: Non-Members $ 370/Members $ All quotes are from recent course evaluations in the students own words.

17 PLAYWRITING Playwriting from the Gut This course was really eye-opening. The different ways the instructor showed us to tap into our creativity were great. An interactive workshop that covers many aspects of playwriting, including characterization, dialogue, stage directions, plot, script formats, and marketing. Using improvisation, theater games, and speed-writing, students will find new ways to write and revise their scripts. By the final class, all students will have written a 10-minute play, which receives a reading by professional actors. n Tuesdays, Sep 13 Oct 25, 7 9:30pm No class Oct 11 (Yom Kippur) Instructor: Renee Calarco Tuition: Non-Members $ 290/Members $ 261 SEMINARS History of the Theatre Easily one of the best, if not the best, classes I have taken at The Theatre Lab. I came out of this class with a deeper sense of theatre history and a burning desire to learn more. Our lively and popular crash course in the history of the western theatre from its origins to the present. Readings, film excerpts and discussions will center on the major periods, playwrights, actors, and styles, with an eye to developing a firm grounding in the traditions and influences that are most important for actors and other theatre professionals working today. Required for Honors students; open to all. n Saturdays, Jun 25 Jul 30, 10am 1pm Instructor: Kim Schraf Tuition: Non-Members $320/Members $ 288 I CAME OUT OF THIS CLASS WITH A DEEPER SENSE OF THEATRE HISTORY AND A BURNING DESIRE TO LEARN MORE TECHNIQUE Voice and Speech I liked the structured process through each step (breathing, resonance, etc.). A very helpful way of building skills. Basic skills in body awareness, vocal production, and stress reduction. Particular attention will be paid to posture, breathing, basic ideas for healthful vocal production, and the mind-body connection. Great for public speakers, performers, and anyone who wants to learn to communicate with poise and confidence. n Saturdays, Jun 18 Jul 23, 10am 12pm Instructor: Tonya Beckman Tuition: Non-Members $ 270/Members $ 243 Dialect Class was incredibly fun and useful in enhancing my craft. Wonderful to have an instructor who takes time to give thorough feedback. Techniques for learning any English language dialect, with a focus on standard British ( Received Pronunciation ). Students will study specifics of this dialect and explore one other dialect of their own choosing, while learning the general principles of dialect acquisition, including sound placement, consonant and vowel substitutions, and how to find and use available audio and video resources. n Wednesdays, Sep 14 Oct 26, 7 10pm No class Oct 12 (Yom Kippur) Instructor: Tonya Beckman Tuition: Non-Members $ 320/Members $ 288 NEW! Viewpoints Viewpoints is a popular and powerful technique, originally developed by legendary acting teacher Anne Bogart, that takes a physical and vocal approach to creating theater and also serves as an actor training methodology that fosters listening, focus and collaboration. In this workshop students will work primarily with the physical Viewpoints (Spatial Relationship, Kinesthetic Response, Shape, Gesture, Repetition, Architecture, Tempo, Duration, and Topography), but will delve into some vocal Viewpoint work (Pitch, Dynamic, Acceleration/Deceleration, Silence, and Timbre) as well. Students will apply the work to short monologues and scenes. Come dressed to move. n Mondays, Oct 31 Dec 5, 7 9 pm Instructor: Marietta Hedges Tuition: Non-Members $ 270/Members $ 243 MORE COURSES >> 15

18 COURSES CONTINUED YOUTH CLASSES 16 Acting Fundamentals for Kids We did a lot of acting and interesting activities and the instructor was very nice. A fun introduction to the foundations of acting for young actors. Through a combination of improvisational games and scene work, students learn the tools that are instrumental to any actor, such as developing believable characters, playing an objective, finding truth and focus on stage, and making bold choices. Perfect for both the theater newbie and those already bitten by the drama bug! n Saturdays, Nov 5 Dec 17, 10am 12pm No class Nov 26 (Thanksgiving weekend) Instructor: Amal Saade Tuition: Non-Members $ 270/Members $ 243 Scene Study for Teens Much more real attention to acting than I ever get at school. This course guides teenagers through all aspects of scripted work, including how to analyze and interpret text, connect with other actors, make strong physical and vocal choices, develop fully realized characters, and make the most of rehearsal time. For students in grades n Saturdays, Nov 5 Dec 17, 10am 12pm No class Nov 26 (Thanksgiving weekend) Instructor: Terah Herman Tuition: Non-Members $ 270/Members $ 243 NEW! Auditioning for Teens Great for students who need to audition for school shows, summer institutes, or college programs, or who just want to work on acting skills without having to find a scene partner. Covers all aspects of auditioning, including monologues, cold reading, and professional self-presentation. n Saturdays, Sep 17 Oct 22, 10am 1pm Instructor: George Grant Tuition: Non-Members $ 290/Members $ 261 MUCH MORE REAL ATTENTION TO ACTING THAN I EVER GET AT SCHOOL NEW! Musical Theatre Intensive for Teens For teens with some musical training or experience. This course will take your skills to the next level through intensive work on the singing and acting of the musical theatre repertoire. n Wednesdays, Jun 15 Jul 20, 7 10pm Instructor: Tracy Lynn Olivera n Saturdays, Sep 17 Oct 22, 10am 1pm Instructor: Tracy Lynn Olivera Tuition: Non-Members $ 320/Members $ 288 On-Camera Acting for Kids I learned that camera acting is astronomically different from stage acting. It was great learning new things. For students in grades 3 6. A fun course in acting for the camera, encompassing lots of substantive training. All kids will be videotaped and get to watch themselves in playback. No experience required. May profitably be taken more than once. n Saturdays, Jun 18 Jul 23, 10 11:30am Instructor: John Judy Tuition: Non-Members $ 240/Members $ 216 On-Camera Acting for Teens Really enjoyed this class, helped me come out of the box more. I would take this again. For students in grades All aspects of performing on camera. Student work will be videotaped, followed by playback and critique, with an eye toward developing the specific skills required for TV and film. May profitably be taken more than once. n Saturdays, Jun 18 Jul 23, 12 2pm Instructor: John Judy Tuition: Non-Members $ 270/Members $ 243 See also Auditioning for Teens under AUDITION SKILLS, Musical Theatre Intensive for Teens under MUSICAL THEATRE, and vacation-time Youth Programs on p. 18. REALLY ENJOYED THIS CLASS All quotes are from recent course evaluations in the students own words.

19 YOUTH PROGRAMS FOR A LEARNING EXPERIENCE YOU LL NEVER FORGET, GET IN ON THE ACT! The President s Committee on the Arts and Humanities has recognized The Theatre Lab as one of the 50 top arts- and humanities-based programs in the country serving youth beyond school hours. Each year, more than 300 young people from all over the metropolitan area take part in The Theatre Lab s summer acting camps and theatre institutes and our popular school holiday camps. The secret to the success of our programs? We offer serious theatre training, taught by experienced teachers and theatre professionals, in a unique environment that s friendly, supportive, and incredibly fun. Whether exploring mime and comedy in the kids program, delving into contemporary scene work and improvisation in the teen acting institute, or performing in a full production as part of the musical theatre institute, participants throw themselves into The Theatre Lab s programs with abandon. And we hear a similar refrain at the end of every session: students tell us they ve grown both as artists and as people. Theatre Lab youth programs are open to anyone who is interested in learning about the craft. Students at all levels of experience are welcomed. Enrollment is limited, however, and kids (grades 1 8) are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis for our summer acting camp. Admission to teen programs is by application and audition. MORE YOUTH PROGRAMS >> See for more information about youth programs 17

20 YOUTH PROGRAMS CONTINUED FOR KIDS FOR TEENS The Summer Acting Camp for Kids The Theatre Lab s Summer Acting Camp for Kids is a fun, highenergy program that allows young people to fully engage their imagination as they experience the thrill of creating live theatre. From learning the basic techniques of acting for the stage, to developing improvisation and circus skills, to putting it all together in a public performance, it s a summer your child will never forget. Serves grades 1 5. n Offered in two-week sessions throughout the summer: June 27 August 19 n One-week sessions: June and August Musical Theatre and Acting Camps for Tweens The Theatre Lab has created special programs just for kids in grades 6 8! Each camp will culminate in a full production to be performed for friends, family and our younger camp groups. Tween Theatre Camp is open to experienced performers as well as first-timers. There are many wonderful roles for all types. As with all Theatre Lab camps, there will be training in improv, scene study and movement along with show rehearsal and performance. Participants will make their own costumes and scenery and there will even be techie opportunities for kids who prefer to work behind the scenes. n Musical Theatre Camp: June 27 July 22 n Acting Camp: July 25 August 19 n One-week Improv Camps: June and August School s Out Holiday Camps The Theatre Lab offers a series of fun and exciting drama camps for kids in grades 1 6 during winter and spring break. Modeled on our award-winning Summer Acting Camp for Kids, our days of drama feature exercises in improvisation, storytelling, movement, arts and crafts and even an end-of-the-day mini-performance. n Come for a day or stay for the week. n Next up: Winter Break Camp, December 22, 23, and The Summer Acting Institute for Teens The Theatre Lab s Summer Acting Institute for Teens, for students ages 13 19, is designed to immerse young adults in the art of acting, from mastering the essential principles of the craft to participating in a public performance of a contemporary play. This summer students will perform columbinus at acclaimed Theater J. n Offered in one four-week session: July 25 August 19 Application at The Musical Theatre Institute for Teens The Musical Theatre Institute for Teens, for students ages 13 19, is an intensive four-week training program in which participants rehearse and perform a full musical production under the guidance of seasoned directors and performers. The idea behind the institute is to enable young artists to explore challenging, socially relevant material from the contemporary musical theatre world as they receive the intensive voice, movement and acting training essential for professional level performance. In 2016, students will perform Jesus Christ Superstar and Carousel. Offered in two four-week sessions: n June 27 July 23 n July 25 August 20 Application at See page 16 for YOUTH CLASSES that meet once a week. 18

21 SERVING OUR COMMUNITY TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH THEATRE EDUCATION Our philosophy is simple, practical and egalitarian: everyone can perform and performance enhances everyone. That s why we make theatre training with the area s top professionals accessible to everyone not only to those who can afford it or choose to seek it out. The Theatre Lab s groundbreaking arts education, scholarship and outreach programs serving economically and educationally disadvantaged youth and adults have earned its Directors the prestigious Linowes Leadership Award, recognizing D.C. s unsung heroes working to improve communities, and the Mayor s Arts Award for Innovation in the Arts. YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP FUND The Theatre Lab works with area public schools and many of DC s most respected grassroots organizations to identify youth to receive full or partial scholarships. The Theatre Lab will award more than $ 85,000 in scholarships in 2016 to enable disadvantaged children and teens to attend our acting and musical theatre programs offered in the summer and on school holidays. FINANCIAL AID The Theatre Lab offers need-based financial aid and work/study awards to the general public. To apply, please visit our website at and fill out the online application forms, or call us at LIFE STORIES Everyone has a story to tell and a voice that deserves to be heard. The Theatre Lab s Life Stories program brings the artistic and real-life benefits of dramatic expression to traditionally underserved populations. Through free training in acting, film and storytelling, students ages 11 to 102 learn to use their real-life experiences as a springboard for creating original dramatic works for the stage and screen. By discovering their unique voices and sharing their experiences, Life Stories participants build their skills in creative thinking, communication, and teamwork as well as becoming reconnected to peers, family, and community. Since launching this program in 2000, we have offered life-changing creative opportunities to more than 3,000 adults and youth. Populations served include seniors in assisted living facilities; homeless women and teens in substance abuse recovery; adolescents attending school in the area s most distressed communities; youth who are sexual minorities; incarcerated teens; children undergoing treatment at NIH; and wounded veterans. How I Got Over, an award-winning feature documentary about one of our Life Stories programs, is now on Netflix. Current Life Stories partners include Bright Futures/Teen Mothers (of Family Matters), The Homeless Children s Playtime Project, The National Center for Children and Families, New Beginnings Youth Correctional Facility, Columbia Heights Education Campus, Paso Nuevo Afterschool Program, Phoenix House, Potomac Job Corps Center, the Children s Inn at NIH, N Street Village Recovery Housing Unit, Stoddart Baptist Global Care Aging Services, and the Wounded Warriors Project. THE LIFE STORIES INSTITUTE September 29 October A four-day intensive learning experience for educators, social service providers, theatre artists and others interested in connecting individuals in their communities to the transformative power of the dramatic arts. Become a certified instructor of the award-winning Life Stories curriculum. Enrollment limited. More info: 19

22 POLICIES, REFERRAL DISCOUNTS, AND MEMBERSHIP 20 CLASS POLICIES Full tuition must be paid before the first class meeting. If you require a payment plan, please call us at Note that we can only arrange payment plans that result in full payment before the class begins. If you withdraw from a class more than 48 hours before it begins, you will receive a full refund minus a $40 processing fee. As of 48 hours before the class begins, tuition is non-refundable. A $25 fee will be charged for returned checks. The Theatre Lab offers a 10% discount on tuition for seniors over 60, Actors Center members, and Theatre Lab members. Please call our office ( ) if you would like to register with the Actors Center discount or the senior discount. We also offer an Early Bird discount for early registrations; see website for details. Discounts are not valid in combination with other discounts. Mature teens 15 and older may register for adult classes with instructor permission. Auditing of classes is not allowed. Classes may occasionally be cancelled due to underenrollment. Students will be notified of cancellations in advance and offered either a full refund or credit toward a future Theatre Lab class. Classes cancelled due to inclement weather or other reasons will be rescheduled if students, instructor, and space are available, but sometimes rescheduling will not be possible. Tuition is non-refundable. Weather cancellations will be posted on our Facebook page. If you have questions about a possible weather cancellation, call us at The Theatre Lab reserves the right to use photos and videos taken in our classes for promotional purposes only. The Theatre Lab reserves the right to make faculty substitutions in any of our classes. The Theatre Lab complies with all applicable laws governing discrimination. BRING A FRIEND AND GET A DISCOUNT! Through The Theatre Lab s referral program, any student who has completed at least one class and refers a new student gets a $ 25 credit toward a future class! And the new student gets $ 25 off their first class! Both credits take effect as soon as the referred student signs up, and they re good for a full year from that date. So tell a friend! THE THEATRE LAB MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM Theatre Lab Membership is a great way to get connected to Washington s thriving theatre scene and support the work of The Theatre Lab at the same time. The benefits of membership include a 10% discount on all Theatre Lab classes, as well as substantial discounts at some of the Washington area s most prestigious theatres, including The Shakespeare Theatre, Round House, and Theater J. Members also enjoy a 10% discount at Teaism, the offical restaurant of The Theatre Lab! PLEASE JOIN US! JUST $ 60/YEAR. CALL OR SIGN UP ONLINE AT

23 FUNDERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS REGISTER ONLINE AT OR CALL The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts receives generous support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government sources, including: PREMIER SPONSORS ( $ 20,000+) Beech Street Foundation The City Fund of The Community Foundation of the National Capital Region DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities Harman Family Foundation Lillian Kamen Fund Phillip Graham Fund National Endowment for the Arts Art Works PLATINUM SPONSORS ( $ 10,000+) Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Development Finance International, Inc. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Matching Grant Hattie M. Strong Foundation William J. and Dorothy K. O Neill Foundation The Osprey Fund Share Fund Louise P. Zanar Fund of CFNCR GOLD SPONSORS ( $ 5,000+) Dena Kohn Memorial Scholarship Fund Ethan Schwartz Mitzvah Project Nelson Mullins Riley Scarborough LLP Pizzeria Paradiso Rotary Foundation of Washington DC Sanford and Doris Slavin Foundation SILVER SPONSORS ( $ 3,500+) PEPCO United Way of the National Capital Area BRONZE SPONSORS ( $ 2,000+) The Alvord Foundation Association of American Medical Colleges Capitol Hill Community Foundation Crowell & Moring Foundation Dimick Foundation Eagle Bank NBC4 Rachel Liba Cardozo Foundation Menick-Friese Group Subject Matter COPPER SPONSORS ( $ 1,000+) American Institutes for Research Bernstein-Lipsett Family Fund The John Bickford Foundation Marshall B. Coyne Foundation Jane Pesci-Townsend Fund Anthony Lucas Spindletop Foundation Special thanks to the hundreds of individual donors who help fund our work in the community, and to the supporters of our Jane Pesci-Townsend and Kathy Angelakos Memorial Funds. Funded in part by the D.C. Commission on the Arts & Humanities, an agency supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. Mary Mitchelson, Chair George Cohen Victoria Fortune Marta Goldsmith Deb Gottesman Abrahem Helal Chris Hunt Stan Kelly Amy Kossoff Tom Lee Harv Lester Buzz Mauro Tim O Toole Michael Rodgers Nancy Sainburg Andrea Sharrin Jack Stein Diane Willkens ADVISORY BOARD William S. Cohen Eric D. Schaeffer TRUSTEES EMERITI Jeffrey Bauman Laura Einstein Roberta Gottesman Eugene H. Rotberg Shar Taylor STAFF Deb Gottesman Director Buzz Mauro Director Gigi Smith Program Administrator Dane Petersen Marketing and Events Manager Terah Herman Program and Development Manager Elizabeth Houvener Finance and Human Resources Manager Angelo Merenda IT and Technical Director Elizabeth Gannaway Intern CONTACT US TH Street, NW Washington, DC PHONE: FAX: contact@theatrelab.org United Way of the National Capital Area PHOTOGRAPHS BY Clinton Brandhagen, Teresa Castracane, Colin Hovde, Gary Kohn, Ryan Maxwell, John Milewski, Emily Mills, Paul Oberle, Lauren Oleskie, and Jonathan Timmes DESIGN BY Alice Lewis

24 The Theatre Lab 733 8th Street NW, Washington, DC NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID WASHINGTON, DC PERMIT # TH STREET NW (BETWEEN G & H STREETS) The Theatre Lab School of the Dramatic Arts is easily accessible by Metro: About one block from the Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro station on the Red, Yellow and Green Lines. A PRICELESS LEARNING EXPERIENCE. RECENT STUDENT EVALUATION