Stage Combat (8+ )

Actors will work with the basics of Unarmed Combat in Beginners Class, Rapier and Main Gauche in Classic Stage Combat Class, using professional stage combat weapons. (Photo above from King Lear)

Intermediate (Ages: 8-10)

In this age group we begin working with speech creatively, developing basic characters, and practicing acting fundamentals. Actors develop their creative powers and verbal fluency in classical theatre. We give instruction in verbal and physical theatre styles and techniques. (Photo above from Love's Labor's Lost)

Classic (Ages: 11 and up)

In this group our actors deepen their knowledge of play literature and techniques for creating "real" and stylized characters. We continue to work with vocal techniques for presentation and how to work with the demands of different playing spaces and audiences.  (Photo above from King Lear)

Advanced Acting and Beginning Directing (Invitation only)

This group is for ongoing actors who show exceptional dedication and ability in performing and who are willing to expand their talents into the realm of directing. Several of our young actors have made considerable contributions as assistant directors for the Summer and Winter Shakefest productions.  (Photo above from King Lear)

Ensemble (Master Group) (Invitation Only)

Ensemble Master Class actors will work with new audition techniques, performing in a special December Staged Reading of modern plays,  as well as performing in their own full production in the Spring.  (Top photo from Antigone in The Tangled Web; bottom still from Lumina movie Kitty Rashomon). Past productions include Electra by Jean Giraudoux, The Lady's Not For Burning by Christopher Fry,  Macbeth by William Shakespeare,  Son of The Surreal Plays by David Minton, and Troy Women by Karen Hartman. Internships (with stipends) for Summer Stock Theatre camps will be offered each year to selected students from this group.