The Marion Art Center with Watermelon Alligator Theatre Company, and Instructors Garrett Olson and Jess Wilson, present a series of theater workshops including a free informational session on Saturday, January 20. Cost for each session is $40 for MAC members and $50 for nonmembers, and those enrolling in all three paid sessions receive 10% off registration. The fourth and final session is free and open to all. A foul weather date is February 10. See all details and register online at marionartcenter.org/events. Attend any or all of the following workshops:
Session One, 10 am-12 pm, Theatre Tips and Tricks: You Want to be in the Theatre but Not on Stage: Do you love theatre, but hate the spotlight? There are lots of ways to be involved besides appearing on stage. In this 2 hour informative workshop you will have a relaxed and casual conversation with experienced theatre professionals. From box office and front of house staff to backstage crew, from designers to marketers to scenic artists to hair & makeup… it takes a lot of people to create the shows you love to applaud. Join us for an introductory look at what goes on “behind the scenes.” Workshop participants are encouraged to bring any and all questions regarding all aspects of theatre.
Session Two, 1 pm-3 pm, Theatre Tips and Tricks: You Think You Want to Try Acting: Have you dreamed of being in front of the camera, up on stage or standing in the spotlight? Not sure where to begin? In this 2 hour informative workshop you will get a very basic overview of the first steps, from theatre terms and the difference between stage and film acting to how to get started with headshots, monologues, best audition practices, stage etiquette and self-care. This workshop will be an informative and casual conversation with professional working actors. Join us for an introductory look at “What’s next?” so you can turn your dream of acting into reality. Workshop participants are encouraged to bring any and all questions regarding acting.
Session Three, 3:30 pm-5:30 pm, The Actor As Advocate: This fast paced, 2-hour master class in self-advocacy and consent-based practices, including intimacy and fight safety is designed to motivate the participants and encourage them to make themselves priority one. Actors need to be safe and confident to do their best work, whether on stage, film set or recording studio and having the tools to be their own best advocate is important. The focus of this workshop is to empower each person to advocate for themselves with confidence, flair and ease. Participants will be brought into an immediate discussion regarding the most common reasons why they may fear speaking up for themselves or others and how to address it head on. The instructors who will be leading the workshop are professional actors, directors, and teaching artists who have many years of experience as advocates for individuals, organizations, and social causes. This class is a fully inclusive experience for students of all levels of experience and abilities. Workshop participants are encouraged to bring any and all questions.
Session Four: 6 pm-7 pm, Taste Of what’s To Come (free and open to all. Advanced registration recommended): During this hour, Garrett and Jess will give a brief demonstration and synopsis of upcoming theater classes and workshops at the MAC.