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

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

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

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

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

Monologue ………………………………… Solo performance 

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

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 COMEDY CLASSES

WITH SARA FISHER & 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 Sara Fisher here.
Learn more about Charles Van Eman here

Monday’s 7 pm:  September 9 – October 14
Performance date:  Monday October 14   7pm     (open to the public, $10 suggested donation).
Course Fee: $250

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

 

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 five-week course, you’ll perform your scene at The Actors Studio of Newburyport’s (TASN).
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 with TASN’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

                       stay tuned for the next scheduled classes
NOTE: To assure enough time for selecting appropriate material for each student, you must register in advance. Thanks.

Sign Up
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 four sessions, we will consider the ten-minute play and 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 of Newburyport at the conclusion of the workshop. The only requirement for participation is interest, writing implements, and a desire to stretch one’s self-experience. New, and non-writers are welcome!
Playwright, Bruce Menin, sets the stage for this fun and engrossing ten-minute playwriting intensive.
                       stay tuned for the next scheduled classes

Fee: $125      Sign Up
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

Thursday’s  2 pm – 5 pm:  September 26 – October 31
Performance date:  Friday November 1   8pm     (open to the public, $10 suggested donation).
Course Fee: $295

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

 

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