BEGINNING ACTING APPLE SHAKES

About our Beginning Acting Apple Shakes Program: This class is a non-musical class introducing acting techniques using the works of William Shakespeare to middle and high school aged participants (AGES 11 - 18). The class encourages young artists' development by introducing students to the basics of acting techniques (emotional connection, character analysis, introductory stage combat, text analysis) as well as promoting ensemble collaboration and an introduction to performing Shakespeare. Participants will learn the historical context behind his works, the meaning behind the language, and the secret key that unlocks understanding Shakespeare. Participants will learn these more advanced skills through games, skill building exercises, and theatrical workshops. All students will be assigned scenes and monologues from some of the Bard’s Greatest Hits to use as a vessel as they learn how to utilize these new skills. The class will culminate in a Sharecase of their material to show off their artistic growth. This is an excellent class for drama-hungry youth interested in learning how to level-up their performances!

Fall 2025 Theme:
”How to Perform Shakespeare without Really Dying”

About the Theme: Shakespeare is famous for his works on many levels - comedy, tragedy, romance, and of course death scenes! This fall, our Beginning Acting class will focus on performing scenes and monologues surrounding the Bard’s most famous “death” scenes. Participants will receive training in staged combat, as well as Shakespeare’s verse, and basic acting techniques to perform these infamous stage moments to create a final in class share case for friends and family.

Participation Fee: $500
Participant Age Range: 11-18
Instructors: Emily Hills and Katharine Sonas
Class Days + Time: The first day of class is mandatory for participation.
Tuesday and Thursday Afternoons: 4:30-6:30 pm Tuesday September 2
Final in class “Sharecase”: November 20 (details to be determined)