Rubicon Theatre Announces Spring 2013 Acting Classes; Registration Deadline 2/27

Time to get yourself and your kids signed up for a fun, exciting learning experience.

Rubicon offers process-oriented acting classes for kids (beginning at age five) and adults. These programs focus on developing skills and technique, basic theatre terminology, building confidence and stage presence, learning proper voice techniques, developing an awareness of body language through character work, and other fundamental techniques through improvisation, scene study and theatre games. We operate in a nurturing environment where participants are encouraged to increase their comfort zone and participate at their own pace.

Classes provide participants the opportunity to study with "teaching artists." Teaching artists are Working Theatre professionals who hold a high level degree or experience in voice and speech, acting, playwriting, Shakespeare, movement or audition techniques. With an average class size of 10, these courses offer close interaction and individual attention and culminate with a final presentation of the student's work for family and friends.

Prices of classes range from $185-$310. The deadline to register is Wednesday, February 27, 2013. To read more about specific class information, such as starting/ending dates, pricing, and class synopses, visit the Education and Outreach section of www.rubicontheatre.org.

SPRING SCHEDULE:

Acting (Ages 5-7): A perfect introduction to the world of theatre! Students play imagination games and learn the elements of storytelling. This is an excellent class for young readers. On the last day of the workshop, family and friends are invited to a presentation of the students' work.

When: 8 Saturdays starting March 9, 2013 - May 4, 2013, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Final Presentation on Saturday, May 4 at 12:00pm

Tuition: $185

Instructor: Patti Strickland/Joey Sponseller

Acting (Ages 8-10): This is an introductory class that exposes students to scripted scenes and monologues. Students will learn memorization techniques, stage presence, listening and working together with a scene partner as they work on contemporary scripted material. Preliminary exposure to acting is beneficial, but not necessary. This is an excellent class for young actors who are ready to take the next step. On the last day of the workshop, family and friends are invited to a presentation of the students' work.

When: 8 Saturdays starting March 9, 2013 - May 4, 2013, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Final Presentation on Saturday, May 4 at 12:00pm

Tuition: $235

Instructor: Patti Strickland/Joey Sponseller

Acting (Ages 11-13): These fast-paced classes are challenging and great fun. In a nurturing environment, students learn self-assurance while acquiring intermediate acting skills. Script analysis and character development are taught through monologue and scene work, as well as theatre games, voice and movement exercises and improvisation. Individual attention is given to each student and the class culminates in a final presentation for parents, family and friends.

When: 8 Mondays starting March 4, 2013 - April 29, 2013, 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Final Presentation on Tuesday, April 30 at 7:00 pm

Tuition: $285

Instructor: BrIan McDonald/Joey Sponseller

Acting (Ages 14-18): These fast-paced classes are challenging and great fun. In a nurturing environment, students learn self-assurance while acquiring intermediate acting skills. Script analysis and character development are taught through monologue and scene work as well as theatre games, voice and movement exercises and improvisation. Individual attention is given to each student and the class culminates in a final presentation for parents, family and friends.

When: 8 Tuesdays starting March 5, 2013 - April 30, 2013, 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Final Presentation on Tuesday, April 30 at 7:00 pm

Tuition: $285

Instructor: BrIan McDonald

Acting (Ages 19+): This very popular class is perfect for students looking to further their skills or to try acting for the first time. Students focus on script analysis, character development, memorization techniques and stage presence while learning how to free the voice and body for individual expression. Contemporary scenes and monologues are chosen by the instructor for each student based on their personal needs and wishes. This is a fast-paced three-hour course that meets for 8 Mondays culminating in an informal final presentation for family and friends.

When: 8 Mondays starting March 4, 2013 - April 29, 2013, 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Final Presentation on Monday, April 29 at 7:00 pm

Tuition: $310

Instructor: BrIan McDonald

BRIan McDonald (Education and Outreach Director) directed Rubicon Theatre's productions of Bus Stop (nominated for an L.A. Stage Alliance Ovation Award for Best Production of a Play), Forever Plaid and A Rubicon Family Christmas. Other directing credits include Tennessee Williams' Talk to Me Like the Rain and Let Me Listen, Hooters, Our Town, Little Women, Bye Bye Birdie, HONK!, Babes in Arms, Once on This Island, Schoolhouse Rock, LIVE!, Seussical the Musical, Footloose, The Great White Way, Godspell, Free to Be You and Me and Hello! My Baby. Before moving to California, Brian appeared in the National Tours of Miss Saigon and Forever Plaid. Other acting credits include Room Service (Denver Center), Gifts of the Magi (Theatre Virginia), Master Harold...and the boys and Shaw's You Never Can Tell (Lyric Stage), Grease (La Mirada Performing Arts Center), 3hree (Ahmanson), Musical Theatre Guild's production of Saturday Night (Pasadena Playhouse and Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center) and The Importance of Being Earnest and Man of La Mancha (Rubicon). Brian received an LA Weekly award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Gaveston in Circle X's production of Brecht's Edward II directed by Michael Michetti. In 2007, Brian was honored to receive a Mayor's Arts Award as "Emerging Artist" from the City of San Buenaventura. This past year his work in the community has earned him the Phi Delta Kappa Community Partnership Award and an Honorary Service Award from the California State PTA. Brian has been on staff at Rubicon since 2002 and served as Production Manager and Associate Producer before becoming the Company's first Education and Outreach Director. He is the founder and program director of Rubicon's Summer Youth Program which offers training intensives in Musical Theatre, Drama and Technical Theatre. Brian is a B.F.A. graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music, Dance and Theatre.

Patricia Lynn-STRICKLAND is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts West. Her directing credits include over 100 productions and acting in numerous productions throughout Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. Patricia is a 2009 recipient of the City of Ventura Mayor's Arts Award for Arts Educator of the year, 2007 recipient of The City of Ventura Artist's Fellowship Award for directing, a 2005 recipient of The City of Ventura Artist's Fellowship Award for playwriting, a 2001 recipient of the REP award for Excellence in Performance, and a 1990 recipient of the County of Ventura Arts Commission's award for Outstanding Achievement in the Performing Arts. Ms. Strickland served as the Artistic Director for the Elite Theatre Company for 8 years. For the past ten years, she as served at the music and drama teacher at St. Bonaventure High School and Our Lady of Assumption School. Besides her extensive theatrical background, Ms. Strickland has an A.A. in Theater Arts from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (emphasis on Humanities/Business/Behavioral Sciences) from NYIT's Ellis College, and a Master's of Communication and Leadership from Gonzaga University.