ADVANCED ACTING APPLE SHAKES
About our Advanced Acting Apple Shakes Program: This class is a non-musical class teaching the works of William Shakespeare to middle and high school aged participants (AGES 12 - 18). The class encourages the continuation of young artists' development by teaching advanced acting techniques (emotional authenticity, character connection and analysis, choreographed stage combat and romance, and advanced memorization) through games, skill building exercises, and specialized theatrical workshops. The extended program promotes teamwork and advanced performance quality, putting a strong focus on ensemble building and peer work to enhance overall performance quality. Participants learn the historical context of the play and playwright, advanced text analysis, and the performance practices of Elizabethan actors.
This program culminates in a full production of one of Shakespeare’s plays. All class participants are cast in roles after in-class “audition”, and then begin a traditional rehearsal process over a longer period of time to encourage full textual understanding and performance polish. This is an excellent class for drama-hungry youth who have built their foundational skills and are ready to learn how to put them into action!
class admittance is by audition only
2026-2027 Show:
The Winter’s Tale
About the Show: The Winter's Tale, classified as a tragicomedy or romance, blends tragedy and comedy through a story of jealousy, loss, and miraculous redemption. It begins with King Leontes of Sicilia's irrational jealousy leading to the imprisonment of his wife Hermione and the abandonment of their infant daughter, Perdita, who is raised by a shepherd in Bohemia. The play shifts dramatically after a 16-year gap, moving from tragedy to a joyful conclusion with the reunion of the family and the miraculous revival of Hermione's statue, exploring themes of time, art, nature, and forgiveness.
Auditions: Video Submissions due Tuesday September 8 by 5:00pm
Callbacks: By audition only Thursday September 10 6:30-8:30pm
if you are cast in this production you will receive a welcome email with a link to register.
Participation Fee: $1000
Participant Age Range: 12-18
Instructors: Emily Hills and Katharine Sonas
Class Days + Time:
Tuesday and Thursday Evenings from 6:30-8:30pm beginning Tuesday, September 15
Mandatory Stage Reading:
Tuesday, December 15
Off Book Deadline:
Tuesday, January 5
Extended Rehearsals:
Beginning January 5, 6:30-9:00pm
Beginning April 6, 6:00-9:00pm
Mandatory Technical Rehearsals:
Monday, April 19 5:00-9:00pm
Tuesday, April 20 5:00-9:00pm
Wednesday, April 21 5:00-9:00pm
Thursday, April 22 5:00-10:00pm
6 Mandatory Performances:
Friday, April 23 7:30pm
Saturday, April 24 7:30pm
Sunday, April 25 2:00pm
Friday, April 30 7:30pm
Saturday, May 1 2:00pm
Saturday, May 1 7:30pm
Mandatory Strike:
Sunday, May 1 12:00pm-5:00pm