TASN is traditional in its cultivation of theatrical arts and extraordinary in its embrace of personal growth, creative expression and the exploration and open discussion of ideas. The philosophical foundation of all classes is based on creating a safe environment and the belief that everyone comes to class fully equipped to succeed. 

CLASS OFFERINGS INCLUDE:

Ongoing cold reading classes……………. With founder Marc Clopton 

Improvisation…………..Develop spontaneity, trust, & story building

Scene Study………………………. Explore text, environment, & social context

On Camera………………………………. Learn specifics of recorded work 

Audition / Monologue ………………… Solo performance 

Movement for the Stage……………… Your body as an instrument on the stage 

Intro to Storytelling…………………. Learn the basics of successful storytelling

Theater Songs …………………………. Voice training, movement, & staging

Writing The Ten Minute Play………………. Developing a 10-minute play

Playwriting by Ear ………… Sharpen your skills by listening to the words you write

Musical Theater…………………………. Voice training, movement, & staging

Script Analysis………………. Explore writer, director & actor perspectives

Character Development……………… Finding unique qualities of character 

Coaching Sessions……………………. With founder Marc Clopton and Charles Van Eman

 

ONGOING COLD READING CLASSES

WITH MARC CLOPTON

This is a workout class that purposely includes actors at every level of experience, from beginners to pro’s, and also offers invaluable opportunities for non-actors in the way of personal growth and discovery. Using plays and screenplays, students learn ways of reaching full expression and access to their own authenticity, along with simple techniques for breath control, focus and other performance skills.
I keep the environment safe for everyone to explore your own limitlessness.
The cold reading classes are ongoing. Six-week commitments are preferred.
Learn more about Marc Clopton here.

Payment options:
$35 per class  |  $195 for six classes  |  $360 for 12 classes      Sign Up
Wednesday’s 7 pm and Friday’s 10 am
Call 978-465-1229 or e-mail info@newburyportacting.org to register.

 

IMPROV CLASSES

WITH CHARLES VAN EMAN

• Become a better listener (to others and to your own ideas!)
• Learn to access your playful nature!
• Find your funny!
• Brush up on Improv skills and meet new people in your community!

Improv Chops- We will cover the basic “rules” of improv such as listening, Yes-Anding, and finding truth in comedy through a series of improv games and exercises over 5 weeks. We will explore the two-person scene. This course will culminate in a performance open to the public!
Learn more about Charles Van Eman here

Course Fee: $250
Tuesday’s 7 pm:  January 14 – February 11  with a performance Saturday February 15, 8:00pm
and then another course:
Monday’s 7 pm:  April 6 – May 4  with a performance Monday May 11, 8:00pm

Sign Up or email Charles at cvaneman@gmail.com
For more information e-mail cvaneman@gmail.com or info@newburyportacting.org or call 978-465-1229

Also join us for a
DAYTIME IMPROV CLASS

Thursday’s 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm  – on the following dates, on a class by class basis
January 16, February 20, March 26, April 23, May 21 & June 18
Take one or more or all classes
Fee: $35.00 per class

Sign Up or email Charles at cvaneman@gmail.com
For more information e-mail cvaneman@gmail.com or info@newburyportacting.org or call 978-465-1229

 

EVENING SCENE STUDY CLASS

WITH CHARLES VAN EMAN

A Scene Study class with Charles Van Eman is one of the most rewarding theatrical experiences this side of participating in a full-on play. With his guidance, you’ll analyze a script, develop your character, work with props and refine blocking. And, at the end of the six-week course, you’ll perform your scene at The Actors Studio of Newburyport’s (The Studio).
If your love of acting is just blossoming, you’ll learn skills, techniques and tips that build the foundation of your craft. If you’re an old friend of The Studio’s stage, Charlie’s class will reaffirm, refresh and invigorate your talents. Yes, there’s a bit of memorization and after class rehearsals are more than encouraged. But the end result is a perfect example of something that is more than the sum of its parts.
Learn more about Charles Van Eman here

Course Fee: $295
Thursday’s  7pm:  January 23 – February 27

Sign Up or email Charles at cvaneman@gmail.com
For more information e-mail cvaneman@gmail.com or info@newburyportacting.org or call 978-465-1229

Performance: Thursday March 5, 8pm  open to the public
Admission: $10 suggested donation.

and the next round:

Course Fee: $295
Thursday’s  7pm:  April 9 – May 14

Sign Up Sign Up or email Charles at cvaneman@gmail.com
For more information e-mail cvaneman@gmail.com or info@newburyportacting.org or call 978-465-1229

Performance: Thursday May 21, 8pm  open to the public
Admission: $10 suggested donation.

 

ON CAMERA – ACTING FOR TV AND FILM

WITH CHARLES VAN EMAN

In this six-week course, led by Charles Van Eman, students will be immersed in the creative and technical requirements of on-camera acting.  From script and character analysis, to auditioning and appropriate set etiquette, students will work on camera with commercial, TV, and film scripts, have the opportunity to review their taped scenes, and gain valuable knowledge and confidence in their craft. Space is limited.
Learn more about Charles Van Eman here

Course Fee: $320
Tuesday’s  7pm:  February 25 – March 31

Sign Up or email Charles at cvaneman@gmail.com
For more information e-mail cvaneman@gmail.com or info@newburyportacting.org or call 978-465-1229

 

AUDITION / MONOLOGUE WORKSHOP

WITH CHARLES VAN EMAN

Workshop your audition monologues and get them where you want them to be. Get notes on the process of auditioning and allowing your best work to shine when it matters most. Bring in memorized pieces that are ready to be fine tuned.
Learn more about Charles Van Eman here

Course Fee: $275
Saturday’s  10:00am – 2:00pm:  March 7 & March 14

Sign Up or email Charles at cvaneman@gmail.com
For more information e-mail cvaneman@gmail.com or info@newburyportacting.org or call 978-465-1229

 

MOVEMENT FOR THE STAGE

WITH KRISTEN LEDSON

Martha Graham reminded us that the body never lies. If you want to have full use of your instrument you have to be active in your physical choices.
Here’s a chance to explore movement possibilities that are authentic for you. You can expect to do improvisations, moving meditations, our own Ministry of Silly Walks, and exercises for flexibility and body awareness.  Engaging body, mind, and spirit, you will build confidence and stimulate your imagination.  While the emphasis is on process, we will conclude with a performance for invited guests.
Learn more about Kristen Ledson here

Course Fee: $175
Wednesday’s  3:00pm – 5:00pm:  January 29 & March 4, Performance Wednesday March 4 3:00pm

Sign Up 
For more information contact Kristen at kristen@ledson.org  

 

INTRO TO STORYTELLING

WITH KURT MULLEN

This class is designed for anyone who wants to take their first steps into live storytelling. The aim for each student is to learn the basics of successful storytelling, and to understand how fun, exciting, and satisfying it is to participate in this timeless art. We focus on true stories, told in the first-person — the same kinds of stories heard on the Moth Radio Hour (and, for that matter, at Newburyport’s own popular Full Moon Story Slam). We’ll look at examples from the Moth and from other corners of the storytelling universe, to identify the choices a good storyteller makes. Each student will leave this supporting, encouraging environment with a good story to tell, and with knowledge for getting better at it.
Learn more about Kurt Mullen here

Fee: $150
Sunday’s  4:00pm – 6:00pm:  April 19, 26, May 3, 10

Sign Up or Call 978-465-1229 or e-mail info@newburyportacting.org to register.

 

THEATRE SONGS
Singing as Acting

WITH ALLYN GAMBLE

Allyn Gamble offers a unique class in theatrical song presentation.  Bring in your favorite tune and she will guide you to your most powerful and sensitive performance.  Incorporating the tools of emotional preparation, focus, voice placement and breathing, your vocals will soar to new heights.  Allyn’s technique brings together the proper use of the vocal instrument and direct emotional communication with the audience.
Learn more about Allyn Gamble  here
                       stay tuned for the next scheduled classes

Fee: $225      Sign Up
Call 978-465-1229 or e-mail info@newburyportacting.org to register.

 

WRITING THE TEN MINUTE PLAY

WITH BRUCE MENIN

How much can a play reveal in ten minutes?  This workshop offers you a chance to find out.  Over the course of five sessions, we will consider the ten-minute play; understand it’s form, structure, source/inspiration, and the liberating opportunity it presents for cultural commentary. Add in, character development, conflict and conflict resolution to draft your own, original 10 minute play, in partnership or individually.  The plays created will be given a staged reading at The Actors Studio in Newburyport at the conclusion of the workshop.  The only requirement for participation is interest, writing implements, and a desire to stretch one’s self.  Experienced, new, and non-writers are welcome!

Playwright, Bruce Menin, sets the stage for this fun and engrossing ten-minute play-writing intensive.
Learn more about Bruce Menin here

Fee: $125
7 pm Tuesdays, January 28 – February 25 –  at Acting Out Productions (next door)
Performance date: Saturday, February 29, 8 pm – at The Studio

Sign Up or Call 978-465-1229 or e-mail info@newburyportacting.org to register.

 

PLAYWRITING BY EAR

WITH JOSH FAIGEN

• Sharpen your skills by listening to the words you write

Even though as playwrights we have so much to accomplish… character development. dramatic arcs, plot lines … we only have a single tool to work with: words. In this class, we will learn to listen to the language we write (since the words in a play are spoken). We will train our ears to hear the rhythms, tempos, and beats of our phrases, sentences and paragraphs. We will compare how we hear people speak in everyday life to how characters speak on stage. We will also use music as our guide.

This will be a true writing class, so participants must be open to in-class writing, “homework”, and sharing work with everyone in the class. We will cover topics such as: Ear Training; Rhythm and Tempo; Stress; Intonation; Repetition; Phonetics; Silences; Heightened Language; Profanity; Imagery; Metaphor; Humor; and Poetics. Anyone interested in play writing is welcome. Even actors.
Learn more about Josh Faigen here
                       stay tuned for the next scheduled classes

Fee: $195      Sign Up
Call 978-465-1229 or e-mail info@newburyportacting.org to register.

 

DAYTIME SCENE STUDY

WITH CHARLES VAN EMAN

From analyzing the script, developing your character, working with props, improvising, and ultimately performing your scene for an invited audience, this class allows each actor to hone in on a single piece from a play or a movie. The class will culminate in a performance at The Actors Studio of Newburyport. Scenes will be fully rehearsed with staging and costumes and may be performed memorized or with script in hand.
Learn more about Charles Van Eman here
                       stay tuned for the next scheduled classes

Sign Up or email Charles at cvaneman@gmail.com
For more information e-mail cvaneman@gmail.com or info@newburyportacting.org or call 978-465-1229

 

SO YOU WANT TO SING!

WITH MARTHA PEABODY & ALLYN GAMBLE

Free the natural voice inside you. Bring your favorite song. Martha and Allyn will help you take it from an idea in your head to a polished performance piece. Bring out your inner voice and release your true sound through relaxation, improvisation, breathing exercises and basic vocal technique. Explore your vocal potential, develop breath support, enhance body awareness, confidence and self-esteem as you sing with and perform for others. Limited to 10 students.
Learn more about Martha Peabody here.
Learn more about Allyn Gamble  here
                       stay tuned for the next scheduled classes

Sign Up
Call 978-465-1229 or e-mail info@newburyportacting.org to register.

 

MUSICAL THEATER WORKSHOP

WITH  ALLYN GAMBLE & MARTHA PEABODY

A chance to train with two of the best and most experienced vocal performers in our region: Martha Peabody and Allyn Gamble. The class focuses on vocal exercises and techniques, interpretation and development of musical theater scenes, exploring movement, character development, and musical drama fundamentals. The workshop will span nine weeks and will include one performance for an invited audience.
Learn more about Martha Peabody here.
Learn more about Allyn Gamble  here
                       stay tuned for the next scheduled classes

Sign Up
Call 978-465-1229 or e-mail info@newburyportacting.org to register.

 

SCRIPT ANALYSIS WORKSHOP

WITH CHARLES VAN EMAN & MARC CLOPTON

In this workshop, we will analyze a well-written play: looking at structure, dialogue, and exposition. We will focus on where the clues are to understanding the plot, rhythm, and pace of the story. We will look to the function of each scene and the importance of each character. Where does the playwright leave room for directorial interpretation and actors’ choices, and what are the specific guidelines that the director and actors must follow?
Please Note:
The play will have been selected and must be read by all participants before the first class.
Learn more about Marc Clopton here.
Learn more about Charles Van Eman here.
                       stay tuned for the next scheduled classes

Sign Up or email Charles at cvaneman@gmail.com
For more information e-mail cvaneman@gmail.com or info@newburyportacting.org or call 978-465-1229