Florida Studio Theatre Announces Fall 2013 Adult Education Classes

Florida Studio Theatre announces a new season of workshop offerings for the fall, in addition to its dynamic class offerings for adults in acting, play reading, playwriting, improv and more!

All people need a forum for self-expression, a vibrant place to grow and learn. Whether exploring spontaneity in an Improvisation class or portraying truth on stage in an Acting class, we come together, in the richness of the theatrical environment to explore the process of art and the movement of life.

FST's professional teaching artists teach the Stanislavski method of acting, which embodies the belief that every person is a deep canvas where life experience, emotion, and empathy paint the characters of life, thus bringing truth on stage. The adult teaching staff is comprised of a core of theatre professionals trained to teach free from personal dictates. FST School's methodology helps each person find his or her own "door" to creative achievement. There are three different categories of expertise taught at FST: Theatre Appreciation, Acting and Improvisation.

Theatre Appreciation classes are available for those who want to learn more, but don't want to be on stage. Director of Education Beth Duda states, "Florida Studio Theatre has designed an array of classes for our Adult students who would like a deeper exploration into the world of theatre. These classes enhance the play going experience for our students, while at the same time enriching their understanding of theatre arts. Our Behind the Scenes class gives the student a chance to watch the process of what it takes to build a show from the selection of the script through the performance. Adults interested in Playreading, Playwriting, or Play Production can find classes that are guided by Florida Studio Theatre's team of Teaching Artists."

Jason Cannon, FST's Associate Artist says, "The Adult Acting program at FST is designed to embody our mission: to challenge and entertain. The experienced actor can flesh out their training with in-depth scene work in Adult Intensive, or learn show business inside tips and specialized skills from seasoned professionals in our exciting new Master Class Monday series. For those just starting out we have our revamped No Fear Acting class, an expanded 16-week course that provides all the basic tools you need for self-expression on the stage."

Not only does FST offer courses in acting, but also in Improvisation. Rebecca Hopkins, Managing Director and founder of FST Improv, states, "FST's Improv program is a complete foundation in the principles of scenic improvisation as practiced at FST. This year-long program covers all elements of the improvisational process. Students begin in Intro to Improvisation with ensemble, environment, and object work and end in Improv for Performance by rehearsing and performing their own fully improvised shows. The program is structured in a way to meet a student's training needs based on the experience they have. Additionally, classes such as The Improviser's Guide to the Galaxy allow experienced performers to explore their craft at a deeper level. Learning the complexity of platforms, tilts, character development, and the group mind, they have all the tools necessary to stage longer pieces with recurring themes, and a richer world in a moment."

All classes are held in FST's professional rehearsal studios in the heart of downtown Sarasota at 1241 North Palm Avenue. Reservations can be made by contacting FST's Education department at 941.366.1350 or by visiting www.floridastudiotheatre.org.

SESSION I: September 16 - November 10
SESSION II: November 11 - January 26
SESSION III: January 27 - March 30
SESSION IV: March 31 - May 26

Theatre Appreciation

Behind the Scenes at FST | Dates/times vary

Join the professionals for a behind-the-scenes exploration of play creation. This program allows you to follow the visiting professional artists and FST staff from the initial concept through the final performance. Throughout the Mainstage Season you will be invited to a series of readings, rehearsals, and discussions.

Play Reading Seminar | Fridays 10:00am - 12:00pm

A reading club focused on exploring the towering works of the theatre canon. Learn more about the plays that are the foundation of dramatic literature. Once a week, the class will read a classic play and share discussion about its current relevance and impact on how we understand theater, and our world. Space is limited to the first 15 applicants.

Reader's Circle | Wednesdays 2:00pm - 4:00pm

A book club focused on the newest and most cutting edge plays coming to FST. Once a week the class will read a new play that has received strong reviews from FST staff and may even be under consideration for development and production; a lively mix of discussion and analysis.

Theatre Writing

Playwriting Workshop | Thursdays 2:00pm - 4:00pm

For writers interested in developing work for the stage. The class will read and discuss short plays and scenes written by each other. We will examine audience expectations, theatrical conventions and the basic crafting elements involved in hooking an audience. We will also discuss how to liberate yourself in writing and how to maximize the dramatic possibilities for your play.

Adult Acting Classes

No Fear Acting | Wednesdays 7:00pm - 9:00pm

The most thorough introduction to Acting Class you will experience. Unleash your inner actor and lay the groundwork for all your future performances and classes. Start your training with a solid foundation and learn the building blocks of mind, heart, body, and voice.

No Fear Acting for Seniors | Tuesdays 10:00am - 12:00pm

Want to take a class with people your age? Try this class, tailored to our older generation. Still an in-depth Acting Class, this session will teach the same skill sets of No Fear Acting and will help you learn the building blocks of mind, heart, body and voice.

Adult Intensive | Saturdays 12:00pm - 2:00pm

This class will focus on different styles of acting, ranging from Greek/Classical through Shakespeare, and Realism up through modern comedy. Focus will be on scene work, requiring memorization and detailed character analysis.

Acting for the Camera | Thursdays 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Designed for students with some previous acting experience either in the classroom or on stage. Each 16-week session will focus on techniques necessary to translate emotional honesty onto film. Class work will be recorded and instruction will focus on film and audition etiquette, the filmmaking process and how to book a job.

Spoken Word: Sarasota | 1st & 3rd Mondays 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Spoken Word is poetry intended for onstage performance, rather than exclusively designed for the page. While often associated with hip-hop culture, it also has strong ties to storytelling, modern poetry, post-modern performance, and monologue theatre, as well as jazz, blues, and folk music. This class will give guidance on preparing material and rehearsing original Spoken Word pieces. Students, once they have displayed proficiency, may have an opportunity to perform in Spoken Word: Sarasota events.

Master Class Mondays | 4th Monday 7:00pm - 9:00pm

A series of 8 classes on the fourth Monday of each month, September through April. Led by FST professionals and guest artists, each month will focus on a specific topic. Topics may include: Auditioning, Mask Work, Emotional Intelligence, Lyrical Interpretation, Puppetry, The Art of the Callback, The Business of Show Business, Devising/Ensemble Work, Voiceovers, Suzuki, Script Analysis or others!

Adult Improv Classes

Introduction to Improvisation | Tuesdays 7:00pm - 9:00pm or Mondays 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Discover the freedom of spontaneity! Introduction to Improvisation is the launching ground for developing one's skills as an Improv performer. Students are given the opportunity to explore creativity, hone presentation skills and build self confidence. This class focuses on playing together, energy, teamwork, making others look good, and the basic tenet of "Yes, and..."

Improvisation | Wednesdays 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Students are placed into an ensemble and learn to build on the fundamentals of Improvisation. The class introduces narrative storytelling and scenework. The focus is on building scenes with beginning, middle, and end as well as the importance of relationship. As sessions continue, the class focuses on working with scene partners to create characters with a purpose and stories of substance. Introduction class or previous improv experience required to join this class.

Improvisation for Performance | Thursdays 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Let's put it all together! An in-depth class designed to develop and refine the individual's ability to work in an ensemble. Structured around performance, students will perform regularly in FST's Goldstein Cabaret. Special attention is paid to the individual performer's ability to create believable, emotionally based characters that have the ability to drive a scene forward through character modification and change. Admission to this class is by instructor recommendation only.

Scenic Improv | Wednesdays 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Become a better improviser by concentrating on strong scenic work. This class focuses on building fully realized scenes by learning to play emotionally with your partner. Learn how to know your character, how character evolves with relationship and how to make honest choices that advance your scene.

The Improviser's Guide to the Galaxy | Tuesdays 7:00pm - 9:00pm

All the world's a stage and it can be a scary place when you're making everything up. This all-encompassing journey into longform will go into great depth about what it takes to be a great improviser in your own little world with tons of exercises, direct feedback, and biweekly epiphanies. Covering all the steps from the "RULES" of improv to scene structure, story telling, character creation, and long-form narrative, this class favors the bold and heaps the most benefits on those willing to fail, have fun, and work as an ensemble. For the experienced Improvisor.

Known as Sarasota's Contemporary Theatre, Florida Studio Theatre was founded in 1973 by Jon Spelman. Starting out as a small touring company, FST traveled to places such as migrant camps and prisons. The company eventually settled down into a permanent home, acquiring the former Woman's Club building - now renamed the Keating Theatre. In the years that followed, Florida Studio Theatre established itself as a major force in American theatre, presenting Contemporary Theatre in its four theatre venues: the Keating Theatre, the newly renovated Gompertz Theatre, the Goldstein Cabaret and the new John C. Court Cabaret.

Even with its growth, Florida Studio Theatre remains firmly committed to making the arts accessible and affordable to a broad-based audience. Under Richard Hopkins, Artistic Director and CEO, FST develops theatre that speaks to our living, evolving and dynamically changing world. As FST grows and expands, it continues to provide audiences with challenging, contemporary drama and innovative programs.

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