Shakespeare Theatre Sets Spring Academy Classes

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is proud to announce the Shakespeare Theatre Academy, offering teen and adult classes and workshops in a variety of disciplines connected with classic theatre, will begin its third year this March. Participants work under the instruction of The Shakespeare Theatre's renowned artistic staff and guest teaching artists. "Whether a student is taking his or her first theatre class or this experience is just one step on an ever-evolving theatrical exploration, The Shakespeare Theatre Academy provides compelling, enriching, and fun opportunities for the hidden artist in everyone," said Director of Education Brian B. Crowe.

Crowe, a frequent Main Stage director, will host the popular Shakespeare Book Club which he describes as "a book-club meets the film Dead Poet's Society meets an evening out with friends," an ideal class for both Bard-ophiles and Shakespeare-novices alike.

Most classes will be held in the Theatre's state-of-the-art support facility in Florham Park. "Academy students will utilize the same facilities that our professional company enjoys including classrooms, a large Green Room, and a specialized rehearsal space," says Crowe. To register or find more information about The Shakespeare Theatre Academy, call 973-845-6745 or email classes@shakespearenj.org.

In TEEN ACTORS WORKSHOP (grades 8-12), students will learn acting fundamentals through a variety of theater games, seminars, exercises, and scene work to discover the power of language and self-expression - all while using a variety of classic texts including Shakespeare.

The Shakespeare Theatre Academy's adult classes (ages 18 and older) include:

ADULT SCENE STUDY: PERFORMING SHAKESPEARE (ages 18 and up): Designed for novice and early-level actors, this eight-week series provides a first step into the intricacies of this master playwright's works. Through monologue and scene work, participants will focus on the skills necessary to bring life to the classics, utilizing the genius of the Bard's text.

Crowe describes the SHAKESPEARE BOOK CLUB: Reading the Bard Aloud as "book-club meets the film Dead Poet's Society meets an evening out with friends." These read-aloud sessions will delve into the compelling characters, conflicts, and universal truths that have made Shakespeare the object of global fascination for over four centuries. Participants will enjoy libations and snacks with fellow readers in a fun, casual, and social atmosphere, while exploring four different plays, including Love's Labour's Lost ahead of its arrival on the Theatre's Outdoor Stage this summer.

Specialty workshops for the family (ages 12 and up. Students under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent):

Guest artist Stephen Davis, a professor at Centenary College, will share the secrets of fantastic stage and special effects make-up in STAGE MAKE-UP: Fairies, Fantasy, and the Fountain of Youth.

Nothing is quite as theatrical as a mask. Students in MASK-MAKING 101 will explore various mask-making techniques - from making a plaster cast of a face to the sculpting effects which give each mask a true personality.

To register or find more information about The Shakespeare Theatre Academy, call 973-845-6745 or email classes@shakespearenj.org.