Bradford Little Theatre is offering a series of four, two-hour acting workshops that will be held on Saturdays during the month of January.
The classes will be under the direction of local actress Sharon Rula Backos.
Backos is a method trained, Actors Equity actress, playwright, and acting instructor with an MFA in performance. She has been teaching acting for over 25 years and has taught at Pitt-Bradford and Jamestown Community College and has held acting workshops in the area in the past. She is also a touring member of Enchanté Cabaret.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity to the members of our community. It will be a great way for local actors to hone their skills and for first timers to come out and have fun while learning about acting,” said BLT Board President Kristin Asinger.
There will be two classes available each Saturday in January — one for kids ages 7 through 14 and another for teens and adults ages 14 and older.
The classes will take place on Jan. 6, 13, 20, and 27 at Togi’s Playhouse, 18 Welch Ave, in Bradford. The kids class will be held from 10am-noon and the teen/adult class will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. each week.
The first two weeks of the class will be what Backos calls “Emotion Explosion” which is a series of improvisational exercises and games to get actors thinking and engaging.
“Emotion Explosion classes are designed to help with spontaneity, thinking fast on your feet, being in the moment, listening and using your imagination,” explained Backos.
The second two weeks of class is titled “Acting Like You Mean It” and actors will dive into scene work and character development.
“The ‘Acting Like You Mean It’ classes are designed to teach an actor to work a script and understand dialogue and characterization. There is also a focus on memorization, which helps the brain, sensory work, and using your body as an instrument for acting,” Backos said.
The last classes, on Jan. 27 will include a short performance for friends and family of the students to show off what was learned.
The classes are open to anyone interested regardless of experience. Class space is limited to 10 people per class and registration is required. The classes will cost $15 per week or $50 for the full month paid in advance. The registration form is available at www.bradfordlittletheatre.org. Register and pay in advance to reserve a place. Walk-ins will be accepted each week if space is available.
For more information call Chelsea Place at 814-598-9956.
