Kendall Wells Offers Stage and Film Combat Classes at Lakewood Theatre, 1/19-2/9

Do you want to learn the sword fighting skills used in The Hobbit, Pirates of the Caribbean or Romeo and Juliet? Or are you an actor who wants to learn on-camera and stage stunt-fighting skills? Film and stage fight director Kendall Wells will conduct two different series of classes at Lakewood Theatre Company, January 19 - February 9, 2013.

SWORD FIGHTING FOR STAGE AND FILM is designed for ages 13 - 17.

Ever wonder how they make sword fights look so real in films like The Hobbit or stage productions of Romeo and Juliet? This class will cover the basics of how sword fights work with hands on training. We'll go through attacks, parries, footwork, and learn fight scenes that could be used on stage or Hollywood set.

FIGHT PERFORMANCE FOR FILM, TV AND STAGE for college and adult ages.

Portland is often in need of actors with on-camera and stage stunt-fighting skills. If you have the skill, it can help get you the part. If you don't, you're just another actor auditioning. These classes will provide you with knowledge of fight skills that will give you an edge over the competition. We'll cover what's used most often in modern film and television, look at choreography through a camera and watch playback, and dissect the anatomy of a fight. Loads of fun, extremely educational, and a rare and valuable skill to have as an actor.

Instructor Kendall Wells is an actor and fight director based out of Portland and Los Angeles. He is one of only two people certified to teach De Longis Performance & Combat Arts, created by fight master Anthony De Longis, whom Kendall has been studying with for nine years. Kendall's credits include Grimm, Leverage, Deadliest Warrior, DirecTV, LA Opera, and many more. In Portland, he was given a Drammy Award for fight choreography for NW Classical Theatre Company's Macbeth.

Each session will be conducted on Saturdays, January 19 - February 9. Fee for each 4-week offering is $85. Class times: 3:30-4:30 for Sword Fighting and 4:30-5:30 for Fight Performance.

Other LTC classes for the winter term include the following:

YOUTH

GRIMM to GLEE TV Ages 8-12
Instructor: Sandra Peabody $165
Tuesdays, Jan. 22 - Mar. 12, 4:30 - 6:00 PM

Have fun while acting in front of the camera and performing shows. Practice improvisation, presentation and audition skills using commercial, film and TV scripts (both comedy and drama). Instant video feedback helps students critique themselves while they develop confidence and poise. Parents are invited to attend the last class in action! Instructor Sandra Peabody is an Emmy-award winning writer/producer/director and manages young talent for voice over, film and television work.

TV/FILM ACTING Ages 13-18
Instructor: Sandra Peabody, $165
Tuesdays Jan. 22 - Mar. 12, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Act in front of the camera and practice improvisation, presentation and audition skills using commercial, film and TV scripts (both comedy and drama). Instant video feedback helps students critique themselves while they develop confidence and poise. Parents are invited to attend the last class in action!

COLLEGE & ADULT

SPEAKING WITH CHARISMA: On and Off Camera Ages 18 - Adults
Instructor: Sandra Peabody, $145
Tuesdays Jan. 29 - Mar. 5, 7:30 - 9:00 PM

Do you want to improve your image, speaking and presentation skills? Practice impromptu and prepared dialogue to perfect your interviews, public speaking, business speeches, auditions, website videos and reporting skills on camera and off. Learn how to become a more dynamic speaker with organized material that maintains audience interest. Build confidence and learn acting techniques adapted for public speakers to enhance your presentations. Instructor: Sandra Peabody has worked over 25 years coaching students in various professions to become effective and more powerful communicators. All levels of experience are invited to join.

ACTING FOR NON-ACTORS Ages 18 - Adult
Instructor: Nancy McDonald, $150
Mondays Jan. 21 - Mar. 11, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

There's nothing better on a cold dark winter night than gathering together to explore the world of acting! Come and have fun while you learn theatre skills and techniques that will enhance your ability to think on your feet and feel comfortable and relaxed in front of others. Returning students are welcome.

HOW TO TELL YOUR STORY Ages 18 - Adult
Instructor: Nancy McDonald, $150
Thursdays Jan. 24 - Mar. 14, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

You are the stories of your life, but how you tell that story requires your own unique recipe. Start with story circle, add improv, a pinch of standup, a smidge of story theatre and a bit of drama and you have a true and rewarding concoction. Whether it's a love story, an anecdote, a business presentation or lessons learned, you can enhance the ability to tell your own story using the art and courage of the actor in a non-threatening, creative environment.

REGISTRATION: Class size is limited. Pre-registration is required for most classes. Call 503-635-3901 to pre-register. Classes will be at the Lakewood Center for the Arts, 368 S. State Street in Lake Oswego. For more information, visit www.lakewood-center.org.

Founded as a not-for-profit organization in 1952, Lakewood Theatre Company is a professional theatre dedicated to the study and presentation of drama in all its forms; the training and development of actors; and the creation, maintenance and operation of a theatre in which to present plays and other forms of entertainment. Lakewood Theatre Company is the oldest continually operated, not-for-profit theatre company in the Portland Metropolitan area. It annually provides more than 400 theatre artists the opportunity to learn and display their craft and attracts more than 40,000 people to its shows.

Pictured: Kendall Wells, instructor of new stage and film combat classes at Lakewood in January 2013.