Robert & Judi Newman Center for Theatre Education MAP
ACTING SKILLS-BUILDING CLASSES
These multi-level classes support actors in developing new techniques and exploring new skills.
Add to your toolbox. Hone your craft.
Auditioning
Theatre Audition Intensive
2 session, 3 hours | Tuition: $200
Level: Advanced
Don’t miss the chance to share your work with DCPA Casting Director Grady Soapes as you work on both monologues and scenes in an audition scenarios. The first week will focus on presenting two contrasting monologues, and the second week will focus on sides provided, in setting up a “callback” scenario. Mr. Soapes will provide specific feedback to individuals, helping you develop and hone your skills so you can confidently land your next park.
Voice & Speech
Dialect Workshop: Modern London English Dialect & RP British Dialect
6-week course, 2 hours per class | Tuition: $345
Level: Intro
Often referred to as “Estuary English”, we will focus on the London English that is spoken today. The focus will be a deep dive into understanding the differences between modern London and the more traditional stage dialect of British RP, oft used and heard in the plays of Oscar Wilde, Bernard Shaw and so many others. Both dialects will be valuable assets to an actors toolkit! We will do film and play readings in class, practicing the two dialects in depth. You will learn the articulation sound changes, rhythm, word stress, and resonance differences between each dialect.
Introduction to Voice for the Stage
6-week course, 2 hours per class | Tuition: $345
Level: Intro
In this course, students will immerse themselves in the work of Fitzmaurice Voicework: breath, anatomy of the voice, destructuring, and restructuring. Learn how to relax the body while speaking, so you can access the fullness of your breath and voice to prepare for the athletic use of voice needed for the stage. Take part in a series of exercises to free the body and voice from habitual tension and make connections between thoughts, images, words, and sounds. Students will engage with text to embody these practices over the course of the class.
Acting on Camera
Introduction to On Camera
6-week course, 3 hours per class | Tuition: $430
Level: Intro
Get ready to approach the work when the director calls, “Action!” Learn to apply basic acting techniques to on-camera skills and build confidence in front of the camera. Focus will center on “to camera” technique and short scene work. Actors will continue to apply core craft elements of acting along with the technical asks of on camera work.
On Camera Level 2
6-week course, 3 hours per class | Tuition: $430
Formerly titled “Approaching a Play: The Craft of Acting”
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: Intro to Acting on Camera or [instructor approval](mailto: education@dcpa.org)
After building confidence and ease on camera in Introduction to On Camera, dive more fully into the technical and creative sides of the medium. Utilizing current TV and film scripts, actors will work with scene partners to create work that is truly in the moment, with a focus on character development and truth for the camera. Explore different camera angles, strengthen your on-set awareness, and learn how to be an asset on set.
Improvisation
Improvisation: Building Characters and Relationships
6-week course, 2 hours per class | Tuition: $345
Level: Intro
In this class, students will explore a variety of techniques for creating strong, believable characters and relationships on the spot. Using a mix of improv exercises, short-form games, and long-form structures, students will practice the art of making clear character choices and connecting with their scene partners. Students will learn how to identify and heighten key character and relationship traits within a scene, and how those choices naturally shape relationships as scenes unfold. With a focus on clarity, play, and collaboration, students will build practical tools they can use immediately on stage.
Improvisation Sampler: Say Yes Series!
6 sessions, 2 hours per class | Tuition: $345
Join us in this 6 session, 3 week improvisation sampler to explore the fundamentals and beyond in our daytime offerings! Each session will focus on a specific focus in improvisation to explore and celebrate; sign up for one, two, or all three! Students can register for these workshops individually or as a package.
SAY YES! TO IMPROVISED ENSEMBLE
2 sessions • $145 • 2hr class time
Improv has something to offer everyone! In this two-part workshop, participants will explore the core principles of improvised ensemble work through group games and exercises. Learn strategies to strengthen connections and trust within an ensemble, develop confidence to move forward without knowing what comes next, and discover the depth and joy of investing in shared imagination. Group activities will tap into the lightheartedness and resiliency of play that support success on and off stage. Say “yes” to this experience!
SAY YES! TO IMPROVISED WORLD BUILDING
2 sessions • $145 • 2hr class time
There is a whole world surrounding improvised characters and story, and you get to co-create it! Improvisation provides moment-to-moment opportunities to explore and expand the world in which characters exist. In this two-part workshop, participants will delve into the discovery and development of objectives, relationships, and storytelling through engaging with and expanding the environment. Walk away with multiple tools to deepen your presence and connection to yourself, others, and the world around YOU.
SAY YES! TO SCRIPTED & UNSCRIPTED TECHNIQUES
2 sessions • $145 • 2 hr class time
At the heart of powerful performance is the ability to act and react authentically. This two–part workshop will explore scene work through both “text driven” and “improvised” approaches that utilize physicality, action, and environment. Students will explore different acting techniques to discover both specific, planned choices and in–the–moment choices to elevate scenes and character development. When used together, structure and spontaneity combine to support powerful choices, organic adjustments, and grounded, joyful discovery in the craft of acting! All materials will be provided in class.
Movement
Strike a Prose: Physical Acting & Movement with Shakespeare’s Biggest Characters
4-week course, 3 hours per class | Tuition: $345
Level: Intro
As actors, unlocking the physical life of a character is a wonderful key to creating the deep connections that make theatrical storytelling so compelling. Discover the magic of truly connective work by jumping into some of the boldest bodies of the bard through a variety of physical theatre and movement techniques. Cultivate the freedom to make big choices and activate text through physical exploration of imagination, presence, and play. This class is for anyone, at any level in their journey, who wants to deepen their connection to dynamic presence on stage by unlocking tension and inhibitions and investing in physical freedom and whole-body listening. Join us!
Stage Combat: Unarmed Combat
11 sessions, 3 hours per class | Tuition: $575
Prerequisites: Two previous DCPA Education Classes, or instructor approval. Please inquire at education@dcpa.org
From bar room brawls to martial arts melees, the stories told with unarmed stage combat are eclectic, exciting, and energized! Join us for this certification course to learn the essential elements and storytelling skills to safely bring dramatic combat to life!
We’ll concentrate on core concepts – including falling, punching, kicking and contact work – while rehearsing fight sequences and scenes for the stage. Get a taste for this valuable physical acting skill and resumé boost as you build confidence through hands-on work.
We will cover all the basic safeties necessary to perform action as well as the techniques needed to connect the action to the word and deliver a well-acted fight scene. Course will conclude with an adjudication for the Society of American Fight Directors and a certification good for three years.
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More to Explore
Introductory Classes
Inclusive, welcoming classes designed to help you explore, create, and connect with fellow creatives.
Specialty Classes
Throughout the year, we program 1-2 day workshops, master classes, and other specialty courses taught by visiting artists and local experts.
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