Maryland Ensemble Theatre Announces Fall 2014 Classes at The Ensemble School

Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) is proud to announce its fall schedule of classes for The Ensemble School. Taught by working actors and directors, The Ensemble School is a training ground for professional and aspiring actors of all skill levels with classes for students from age seven to adult. All classes are 12-week sessions that begin on or after September 9, meet once a week and are limited to 12 students. All classes are held at Maryland Ensemble Theatre located in the historic FSK Hotel at 31 W Patrick Street in downtown Frederick.

"We provide a safe and productive training ground for actors of all ages -- a place where they can take risks and learn the skills they'll need for a life on the stage," said Gené Fouché, the Director of The Ensemble School. "The opening of our Stage2 space will give Ensemble School students an opportunity to perform. Once that opens we will be adding fall and spring productions for plays and improv shows featuring our students. We will also be adding musical theatre workshops, so this is a year of growth for our ensemble and our school."

The Youth Classes this semester include Acting Out! (Mondays 4:30-5:30pm) taught by Caitlyn Joy. Open to ages 7-9 the class features games and exercises that build self confidence and encourage the creative mind. This class has a rotating curriculum, so returning students will continue to be challenged. Caitlyn Joy, a veteran of The Ensemble School and a graduate of the Theatre program at Towson, will also teach the Performance Skills (Mondays 5:45-6:45) class for ages 10-12. Students in this class will use improv, scene work, vocal techniques and explore ensemble-based movement to create realistic acting within an ensemble structure. Teen Improv (Wednesdays 4:30-5:30pm) for ages 13 -17 will also be taught by Caitlyn Joy. The class offers an hour of short and long form improv games and scenes that encourage on-the-spot thinking, creativity and fun!

"It's important for our professional theatre company to train the next generation of actors. Caitlyn Joy began classes with us when she was 10, premiered professionally on our stage at the age of 11 and is now back acting and teaching with us after pursuing her theatre degree," offered Gené Fouché.

MET's Associate Artistic Director Julie Herber will teach Teen Acting (Wednesdays 5:30-7pm) for ages 13 -17. Students will leave this class with skills to tackle any role they may encounter. The course will explore core concepts in understanding the actor's process. Scene study will incorporate script analysis and research, along with characterization, to assist students in preparing for any role.

The Ensemble School will be offering two classes for adults. Adult Improv will be taught by current member of The Comedy Pigs, Laura Stark, who has has performed with improv troupes in DC and NYC. Students in the class will explore both short form and long form improv.

Scene Study - Building a Character (Tuesdays 6-7:30pm) will be taught by MET company member Vanessa Strickland. Students will leave this class with skills to tackle any role they may encounter. The course will explore core concepts in understanding the actor's process. Scene study will incorporate script analysis and research, along with characterization, to assist students in preparing for any role. "Vanessa's positive energy and endless talent will be a wonderful addition to our team," said Fouché.

In addition The Ensemble School has added music lessons taught by MET Ensemble Member and long time music instructor, Thom Huenger. There are private lessons for voice, piano, guitar and music theory. There will also be group guitar lessons for ages 12-17 (Thursdays 6-7pm) and for adults (Thursdays 7-8pm). For more info on music classes you can contact Huenger directly at 301-401-9189 or thom.huenger@gmail.com.

The MET will be holding an Open House on August 27 from 4:30 - 6:00pm. The Open House will offer prospective students the chance to meet the instructors and see the theatre and classrooms.

Since 1995 The Ensemble School has been offering classes to students who have gone on to work on stage, tv and film in NYC, Chicago and Hollywood. In addition to The Ensemble School, MET offers thought-provoking theatre, fun family entertainment, artist residency programs for public schools and the side-splitting comedy. For more information on The Ensemble School including class schedules and tuition rates, visit marylandensemble.org or call 301-694-4744.

---

Fall 2014 Classes:
(*New classes begin week of September 8 and run for 12 weeks)

ADULT CLASSES

Scene Study - Building a Character * Tuesdays * 6:00-7:30pm * $220

Students will leave this class with skills to tackle any role they may encounter. The course will explore core concepts in understanding the actor's process. Scene study will incorporate script analysis and research, along with characterization, to assist students in preparing for any role.

Adult Improv * Tuesdays * 7:30-9pm * $220

This class will review improv basics and lay a foundation for future growth and study. Students will explore both short form and long form improv. This class has a revolving curriculum, so returning students will continue to be challenged. If you are enrolling for both adult classes, please choose the package when checking out for a significant savings.

YOUTH CLASSES

Acting Out! (Ages 7-9) * Mondays * 4:30-5:30pm * $180

Students will stimulate their imaginations with theatre games and exercises that build self confidence and encourage the creative mind. Children's literature will serve as a foundation for introducing character and analysis. This class has a rotating curriculum, so returning students will continue to be challenged.

Performance Skills (Ages 10-12) * Mondays * 5:45-6:45 pm * $180

Students will use improv, scene work, vocal techniques and explore ensemble-based movement to create realistic acting within an ensemble structure. This class has a rotating curriculum, so returning students will continue to be challenged.

Teen Improv (Ages 13-17) * Wednesdays * 4:30-5:30pm * $180

An hour of short and long form improv games and scenes that encourage on-the-spot thinking, creativity and fun! This semester we will also be delving into various other forms of improvisational-based creation. If you are enrolling for both teen classes, please choose the package when checking out for a significant savings.

Teen Acting (Ages 13-17) * Wednesdays * 5:30-7pm * $220

Students will leave this class with skills to tackle any role they may encounter. The course will explore core concepts in understanding the actor's process. Scene study will incorporate script analysis and research, along with characterization, to assist students in preparing for any role.

If you are enrolling for both teen classes, please choose the package when checking out for a significant savings.

MUSIC CLASSES

For more information on private music lessons or Group Guitar you can contact Thom Huenger directly at 301-401-9189 or at Thom.Huenger@gmail.com.