SHARON—Sharon Playhouse is offering a series of hands-on workshops designed to spark would-be thespians’ passion, build their skills and leave them feeling inspired. Whether participants are new to the stage or a seasoned performer, the classes promise something for everyone.
A fun-filled day of acting, singing, dancing and creativity for younger performers, ages 8 to 11 years old, is to be offered Monday, Jan. 20, from 9:30 to 3:30 p.m. in a one-day camp. Instructors will be Sarah Cuoco and Beckie Wallace and there is a maximum of 22 students. The cost is $130.
The day culminates in a special sharing where students can showcase their newfound skills for family and friends.
In Audition with Confidence, children ages 8 to 14 will learn tricks to stand out in any audition and walk in with confidence. The class, slated for Saturday, Jan. 25, from 3 to 5 p.m., will be taught by Education and Associate Artistic Director Michael Kevin Baldwin.
Through interactive exercises in cold reading and public speaking, young people will build skills that boost their presence and help them shine under pressure. There is a maximum of 20 participants. The fee is $30.
An Audition Masterclass with Ricky Oliver for ages 15 and older will be held Friday, Jan. 24, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oliver, who teaches Sharon Playhouse’s popular Studying the Scene class, will guide young people through the art of crafting standout audition pieces, whether they are working on a monologue or a musical theater song.
They should bring a memorized monologue (no longer than two minutes) or 16 to 32 bars of a musical theater song with accompanying sheet music. This workshop is an opportunity to hone audition skills and prepare for the Sharon Playhouse’s upcoming 2025 season, which will include two musicals and two plays.
Cost for the class is $50.
Play Soiree: “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” offers an opportunity to dive into this iconic play with guided scene work and acting exercises for youths ages 15 and older on Friday, Feb. 7, at 6:30 p.m.
Participants will partake in a table read of Tennessee Williams’ explosive drama. Roles will be assigned and shared on the evening of the reading with the goal of breathing life into this timeless classic. The bar will be open, and one free drink is included. Participation fee is $20; 40 participants maximum.
Education and Associate Artistic Director Michael Kevin Baldwin, with Kent Burnham and Tracy Liz Miller, co-producing artistic directors of Connecticut Theatre Exchange, will lead the session.
Three sequential Improv Workshops with Yale University’s Purple Crayon will be held Feb. 1 for ages 8-11, 12-18 and 18 and older on Feb. 1. The cost per class is $25.
To sign up for any of these programs go to www.sharonplayhouse.org/classes.
