Online classes for learners of all ages are back beginning the week of February 16,2021! Check out the free classes for kids and adult classes with members of our Artistic Staff including Artistic Director Jason Loewith, Associate Artistic Director for Music Theatre, Chris Youstra, and Senior Associate Artistic Director Jason King Jones. Scroll below to get a preview of the class schedule with something for everyone in your household to unleash their creativity.
Winter After-School Education Classes for Grades 4 - 12
After school classes are February 16–March 25, 2021
SUGGESTED DONATION: $15 per session
Hello My Name is... (Grades 4-5)
Tuesdays, 4:00pm-5:00pm EST
Students will choose characters, based on their favorite source material, to develop their acting skills through games and improv activities. Students will work toward writing and performing an original monologue for their characters.
Create and Collaborate (Grades 6th - 8th)
Thursdays, 4:00pm-5:00pm
Students will learn how to communicate and express themselves through theatre activities and training. Additionally, through devising and creative writing, music, movement, and technology, students will collaborate on making an original virtual theatrical event.
BRICK BY BRICK: An Actor’s Foundation (Grades 9-12)
Wednesdays, 4:00pm-5:00pm EST
Students will learn how to use an actor’s tools (beats, tactics, intention, action, and more) to break down text and support their performance. They will start with monologues and build into scenework over this 6-week course, learning along the way how to use these tools to support their unique takes on each piece. Monologues and scenes will be hand-picked by OTC staff so high schoolers can come away with the foundational techniques of acting as well as some great material to use in their future as actors.
Adult Learning Opportunities
Can’t wait to get back to the theater? Neither can we! In the meantime, spend some evenings with the people at Olney Theatre Center as they explore exciting topics and stimulate great conversations.
RE-IMAGINING A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM WITH SENIOR ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR JASON KING JONES
Monday, 5:00pm - 6:30pm, February 15 – March 22, 2021
Class Fee: $150/$75 for members
As we all look ahead to the reopening of our campus and the upcoming Summer Shakespeare performance of National Players’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream, join Senior Associate Artistic Director Jason King Jones as he explores a variety of productions of “The Dream” over the past few decades. We’ll examine productions directed by Sir Peter Hall, Sir Peter Brook, Dominic Dromgoole, Michael Hoffman, Emma Rice, Nicholas Hytner, and Julie Taymor; then we’ll explore how Danielle Drakes will interpret the play for National Players’ Tour 72. In each class we’ll view portions of these productions and examine their similarities, their radical differences, and how these choices re-imagine the play. No expertise in Shakespeare required, merely a love of creativity.
SEASON PLANNING WITH ARTISTIC DIRECTOR JASON LOEWITH
Thursdays, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm, February 18 – March 25, 2021
Class Fee: $150/$75 for members
Join Artistic Director Jason Loewith as he takes on you the magical, mystifying journey of choosing the plays for a season at Olney Theatre Center! After reviewing how it’s done and the status of the upcoming 21-22 season, we’ll read four new (and new-ish) plays and one or two musicals, considering each for a slot in the 2022-23 roster. Plays will be available to read upon registration. No prior experience needed, except a love of theater. Participants don't need to attend every class (but you'll be happy if you do!).
Fridays, 6:00pm - 7:00pm, February 26 – March 26, 2021 All Five Classes $150/$75 for members Individual Weeks: $35/$20 for members Director of Music Theater Chris Youstra continues an exploration of music theater - but this time from the inside! Over 5 weeks, Chris welcomes 5 veterans of the Olney Theatre stage to discuss not just their careers, but their experience within these iconic pieces of history. These conversations will be informative, entertaining and a special peek behind the show curtain. Plus, an opportunity for questions and answers -- this is a series not to be missed! February 26 :Margo Seibert (OTC's Fiddler on the Roof) discusses her fascinating career including creating a lead role on Broadway - Adrian in Rocky (written by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Aherns, creators of Ragtime). March 5: Marcos Santana (Director of OTC's In the Heights/Singing in the Rain) joins the conversation with his illustrious career as a dancer, choreographer and director, particularly in the original production of In the Heights. March 12: Alan Wiggins (OTC's Grease/Joseph and the...) will be a part of the discussion as soon after being on the Olney stage, he was seen in both The Lion King and in the original production of Beautiful:The Carole King Musical. March 19: George Dvorsky (OTC's Sound of Music/How to Succeed...) will offer insight about creating a brand new Sondheim work Passion, with a side journey discussing his voice work on Disney's masterpieces Beauty & The Beast, Pocohantas and Mulan. March 26: Caroline Bowman (OTC's Grease) has played many iconic roles, and, in particular, we will discuss her exciting experiences playing Elphaba in Wicked on Broadway.
INSIDE THE BROADWAY SHOW WITH ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR CHRIS YOUSTRA
