MEDIA THEATRE HAS ACTING AND PIANO LESSONS IN 2014

Those wishing to pursue a career in acting or singing may choose from a variety of courses at The Media Theatre beginning the weekend of January 11, 2014. The Winter classes offer acting lessons weekly for children through adults as well as a new Improvisation Class with an instructor from Second City Training Center. The professional music theatre also now has private piano lessons, and the New School Music Theatre Education Program begins its next session mid-January.

All Media Theatre acting classes follow the Sanford Meisner Technique, which is based on the premise that, as the legendary acting teacher stated, "Acting is living as truthfully as one can under an imaginary circumstance."

Private piano lessons are instructed by the theatre’s new Music Director Scott Anthony, who holds an MFA in Piano. Instruction is available at various times. 

When you register for acting classes, The New School, or the new instruction in piano you are providing a revenue source which benefits Media Music Theatre Company, which is a non-profit organization.

There are two levels of instruction for children, both one hour per week. Level One Acting takes place Saturdays at 9am for ages 5 to 9, or for those who are just starting out with an interest in theatre. The 10-week course is structured to include exercises which assist basic speaking and stage skills, learning stage directions, and developing an ability to work with others while gaining self-confidence and self-awareness.

Level Two Acting, which is also a 10-week course, takes place Tuesdays at 4:30pm. Primarily for those ages 8-11, or for those with some stage experience, the class focuses on scene work which is created by the students and strengthened by the instructor. Focus and discipline are a large part of the class.

Teens have their Acting Class on Sundays at 6pm. The 8-week 90 minute sessions focus on monologues previously written as well as composed by the students, plus scene work. As study progresses the monologues are strengthened through  performance, and the scene work is enhanced. All is done within a group setting, allowing the students to have one-on-one instruction as well as to learn by watching others.

The Adult Acting Class is a 90 minute 8-week course as well, Sundays at 7:30pm. For ages 18 and up, it’s for those who wish to explore something new or wish to solidify their stage skills. Scene study with partners is the focus, as are monologues. The class is instrumental in developing renewed self-esteem and a stronger ability to deal with business associates. It is also a great class for those who have careers which deal with public speaking or who deal with the public on a day-to-day basis. No experience is necessary. 

The new Improv Class will be instructed by Robert Huntington, an alumni of Chicago’s famed Second City Training Center. It meets Tuesdays at 6:30pm for 8 weeks. The 90 minute course will be fun and instrumental in building a quick rapport with other actors. For teens and adults, the class will be specifically designed to each participant’s level of experience. Robert Huntington will bring his expertise from Second City’s conservatory program and from working with Improv Olympic and the Victory Gardens in Chicago.

All classes at The Media Theatre are under the supervision of Artistic Director Jesse Cline, who adds his own expertise to The New School, a conservatory-style music theatre education program for youth. Cline is nominated for Best Director on Broadway World for his production of “Mame” starring Andrea McArdle. He has maintained the integrity and award-winning status of The Media Theatre’s Media Music Theatre Company for two decades. The New School is accepting registrations for its second semester which begins mid-January. 

For information on Acting Classes, Piano Lessons, or The New School at The Media Theatre, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org to register. The New School is by audition or invitation only. All other classes are open to registration.