Workshops

Have you wanted to hone your acting or directing skills? Maybe you are not always satisfied with your audition. Or, do you avoid auditions, acting or directing because you think you don't know how. This season, beginning in September, the Players will be offering monthly workshops on a variety of topics to be given by very experienced, qualified actors and directors including Wayland Bunnell, Sharon Lajoie, Betty Thomson, Wally Pineault and many more. They will cover a wide range of subjects, i.e., acting, auditioning, various aspects of directing, makeup, Shakespeare as well as others. The workshops will be held at the Studio and seating may be limited, so sign on early. There may be a small fee ($3.00 - $5.00) for each workshop to cover printing, class materials and mailing costs. The fall schedule is as follows:

If you want to direct, are already directing, or are just curious about the process this workshop will be helpful, useful and informative. Lecture, discussion, practical scene work and exercises will make for a full day of exploration into the world of directing.

What's a show about? What is a character arc? Should I tell an actor how I want a line to sound? What do I need to know about lighting? Technical elements? Rehearsal schedules? Preparation?

We will cover a lot. Come and join and explore. Dress in comfortable clothing, bring your lunch and learn.

Have you ever left an audition feeling you could have done it better? Or, maybe you avoid auditions altogether because you aren't comfortable with them? This workshop will give you tips and techniques on how to approach an audition with greater confidence and skill. Using lecture, demonstrations, and class exercises, you will learn:

As an added bonus, those who want, can take the opportunity to learn a few basic dance steps, frequently used by choreographers, valuable for musical auditions or just to give you poise when moving on stage. Wear loose comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes. No boots, clogs or thongs. There will be a lunch break, so bring your lunch. Have a really good time

This beginning acting workshop will explore how the actor works with actions to bring the character to life. Exercises from Stella Adier's text The Techniques of Acting will be used as well as scene work. Each participant is asked to bring a 2 page scene from a play in which there is a character they wish to explore. Please make sure the scene has only 2 characters. Also, wear loose, comfortable clothing (no jeans, please). Wear comfortable shoes (no boots) that allow you to grip the floor, i.e. sneakers, dance shoes. There will be a lunch break, so brown bag it.

For further information about any of the above workshops, or to register, please contact Jeannemarie Colgan at 225-2887, or email Wayland Bunnell at wtarrytown@aol.com. Or download and print this registration form and mail it to Jeannemarie at the address indicated.

Scene Workshops, which are generally held on Saturday afternoons, provide opportunities for would-be stage directors to get hands-on experience directing a short scene. This is also an excellent opportunity for actors to hone their skills.

Directors are provided with a script, actors, and a stage manager to assist with the production. More experienced directors may be permitted to choose their own scenes and/or personnel. Directors work the scene from noon to around 4, and the scenes are presented at 5:00.

If you are a current directing candidate (or would just like to try your hand at directing), an actor, or a stage manager (novice or experienced), and would like to participate in one of these workshop, please contact Betty Lent. (Note: Experienced actors may also submit a 10-15 minute scene in which they would like to perform.)

Playwrights' Workshop

The Community Players Playwrights Workshop supports and encourages writing for the stage and screen. Members bring in portions of works, completed works, and works-in-progress for reading, comment and suggestions. Once a year, the writers' group may choose a work or selection of works by workshop members to propose to the board for a fully-staged production.

Since 1998, the Workshop has staged six profitable and well-received full productions of original works:

I GO POGO, by Doug Schwarz

HELEN'S KITCHEN, by Merle Drown

A MEDIEVAL ROMANCE, by John Conlon

TARGETS, by Kevin Barrett

(Best Original Play, NH Theater Awards, 2003)

THE SHARPSHOOTER, by Tom Dunn

THE BOYS FROM LOST NATION, NEW HAMPSHIRE, by George Kelly

(Best Original Drama, NH Theater Awards, 2006)

The Workshop also stages periodic readings of completed works and works-in-progress.

For membership or other information, please contact George Kelly, 603-224-0073.