Performance Network Announces March 2015 Classes

Performance Network has a history of offering ambitious and challenging educational programming, and coming this spring the theatre will present nine classes to satisfy every student's needs.

From the week of March 2 through the week of April 20, students can learn new skills and/or fine tune current techniques with some of the best theatre instructors in Michigan. Classes start at $300 and run for eight weeks. Reservations may be made online at www.pntheatre.org/classes or by calling the box office at 734­-663-­0681.

All classes are on sale now. There is a second free class demonstration on February 2, 2015 for anyone wishing to meet the teachers and experience a sampling of what is to come.

Class descriptions are as follows:

Voice and Movement (Mondays with Sandra Birch beginning March 2, 2015 from 7­ to 10pm; $300)

This course is designed for all actors who wish to connect their bodies and voices more fully with their acting work. We will be exploring together the fundamentals of movement as it relates to the theatre. Vital training for all actors and sadly missing from many in Michigan. Where the primary means of creation occurs through the body rather than just through the mind. We will use games, improvisation, some tumbling, ballet (don't panic) and stretch and strength exercises. All geared to help newcomers follow a developmental journey. The basic pattern of moving from impulse to gesture to word. We will also be learning the fundamentals of the Linklater technique for voice. The approach is designed to liberate the natural voice rather than to develop a vocal technique. Very relaxing work after the movement portion of class. Lots of breath awareness, imagery work and letting go. "In our perception of our own voices there is a vital difference to be observed between what is "natural" and what is "familiar". The objective is a voice in direct contact with emotional impulses, shaped by the intellect but not inhibited by it. The natural voice is transparent­ revealing, not describing inner impulses of emotion and thought directly and spontaneously. The person is heard, not the persons voice"­ Kristin Linklater

Acting I: Fundamentals (Thursdays with Barton Bund beginning March 5, 2015 from 7 to 10pm; $300)

A dynamic introduction to working in the field.

This class will include:

- How to rehearse and prepare effectively

- Physical and vocal techniques for theatre, film and commercial work

- Scene work

- Improvisation

- Building a character and making strong choices

- Successful audition preparation

- Understanding the business of acting

Acting II: Intermediate (Wednesdays with Joey Albright beginning March 4, 2015 from 7 to 10pm; $300)

In this class the student will continue to work on the process and craft of acting. We will, through monologue and scene study, learn which questions to ask, and how to commit to your answers. We will work on making the dialogue personal, learning how to internalize and make the words our own. We will continue to work these fundamentals, with the goal of a seamless and believable performance. We will practice active listening, using breath and living from moment to moment within the play.

Scene Study: Advanced (Tuesdays with Sandra Birch beginning March 3, 2015 from 7­ to 10pm; $300)

This class is designed for the more experienced performer. We will put all the fundamental tools learned in the other classes together adding scripted material. Tackling scenic obligations, making choices, understanding them and making them clear to yourself. Fulfilling the emotional and physical life of the material. Outside class rehearsals with scene partners and memorization will be mandatory so you can bring a rehearsed piece of work to class to be discussed and worked with everyone in class together. Failure and success are an integral part of the never ending growth process. As you catalogue all those things you find out about yourself related to preparation, getting ready to act and, in fact acting, we will discover what works and what doesn't work as it relates to an actual scene.

No Fear Monologues (Saturdays with Kelly Komlen beginning March 7, 2015 from 11am to ­1pm; $300)

This class is for anyone looking to develop or hone and fine tune their auditioning skills ­ whether you've been auditioning for years or have never been on an audition. Professional theatre auditions, undergraduate or graduate theatre school auditions. This class will help you develop ease and self­confidence in a general audition and artistic honesty in call back and cold read auditions. The focus of this class will be on what is appropriate and where to find material. Building an audition arsenal of different genres and styles. At the end of the semester, you will have at least a few different monologues ready to audition with and you will have the opportunity to present some of your monologues for area artistic directors, theatre directors and collegiate theatre professionals and get their feedback.

Kids Act Workshop (Saturdays with Beth Torrey beginning March 7, 2015 from 11am­ to 1pm; $300)

Come and have fun on Saturday mornings learning all about acting in live theatre! We will play games, do movement/voice exercises, work on script work, practice storytelling and create an ensemble: all things professional actors do! This class is a fun introduction for the kid who would like to see what it is like to be on stage and part of an acting ensemble. No previous experience is required. We will do a showcase at the end of the last class so parents can see what we have created! Come join the fun and make " gains" with us!

After School Boot Camp (Mondays­ Thursdays with Sandra Birch and Joey Albright beginning March 2, 2015 from 4 to­ 6pm; $700)

Interview required for the serious 7­12th grade theatre student. Monday and Wednesday focus on Voice and Movement with Sandra Birch. Tuesday and Thursday focus on acting and the rehearsing of a script hand picked for the students who are in the class. This is going to be a special experience for those young actors who are involved.

Monday Monologues (Mondays with Ruth Crawford beginning March 2, 2015 from 7­ to 10pm; $300)

The right monologue can get you the job. It's about showing your audience (i.e.: potential employers) your strengths as an actor. We use monologues throughout our careers, not only for theatre auditions, but also for casting and theatrical agents. Choosing material that is right for you is a key part of the process. Students are asked to bring at least one memorized piece to the first class and, if need be, Ruth will offer other monologues that will suit your "type" better to enhance your audition.

Musical Theatre/Cabaret (Tuesdays with Naz Edwards beginning March 3, 2015 from 7­ to 10pm; $400)

This class is for the high school aged and adult theatre student and will focus on musical interpretation through song and vocal technique for all genres: musical theatre, pop, jazz, folk. Preparation. Imagination. Concentration. How to use it all to give your best audition and performance. Naz will have a pianist part of the time.

Class descriptions may be found online at www.pntheatre.org/classes. For information on tickets and events at the Network or to donate, go to www.pntheatre.org or call the box office at 734­663­0681. Performance Network Theatre is located at 120 E. Huron St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104.