Blue Slipper Theatre Hosts Theatre Workshop Series

The Blue Slipper Theatre, 113 E. Callender, Livingston, will host workshops in acting, set-building and play directing this July and August. The workshops, facilitated by director/designer/playwright Marc Beaudin, are open to those of any experience level (including none), ages 15 and up.  Cost is $25 per session.  Registration is required and can be made at info@crowvoice.com or by leaving a message at (406) 222-7720.

The series kicks off with a two-session Acting Workshop on Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm.  The July 23 session focuses on the audition; offering tips and techniques to give more successful readings and taking the mystery and fear out of the process.  It will also cover the basics of the stage from directions, terminology and personnel to blocking, vocal projection and pacing.

The July 24 session builds upon the concepts learned the day before; focusing on fleshing out a character and living the scene.  It covers discovering a character's personality, motivations, subtext and path, as well as identifying beats, arcs and dramatic units.  It then examines the concept of The Moment: what it is, why it's absolutely vital, and (most importantly) how to find it, create it and stay in it.

Next in the series is a Set-Building Workshop on Saturday, August 6, 1:00 – 4:00 pm.  Participants will learn the basics of set design, tool use, stage carpentry, and scenic painting.   Safety and terminology will also be covered.

The series will end with a Directing Workshop on Saturday, August 13, 1:00 – 4:00 pm.  This session will cover script analysis, research and developing a production vision. Participants will learn techniques for building a rehearsal schedule, managing the production team, casting, blocking and guiding actors toward a successful and artistically rewarding experience.

Those interested may sign up for any sessions, or all four. It is encouraged; however, that those planning to take the directing workshop first attend both acting workshops.

Teaching the series is Marc Beaudin, a director, designer, playwright and educator who has directed and/or designed over 40 stage productions and has taught artistic workshops to hundreds of students for many years.  Six of his shows have been named to the Top 10 Arts Events of the Year by Michigan’s Saginaw News.  This fall, he will be directing his play Frankenstein, Inc., a modern adaptation of the Mary Shelly classic, at the Blue Slipper.  More information can be found at Crowoice.com/theatre.htm.

Acting Workshop at Pit and Balcony

Pit & Balcony Hosts Acting Workshop

Pit and Balcony Community Theatre, 805 N. Hamilton, Saginaw, will host a two-session acting workshop on Saturdays, February 12 and 19, from 1:00 to 5:00 pm.  The workshop, facilitated by director/playwright Marc Beaudin, is open to those of any experience level (including none), ages 16 and up.  Cost is $25 per session.  Registration is required and can be made by calling 754-6587.

The February 12 session focuses on the audition; offering tips and techniques to give more successful readings and taking the mystery and fear out of the process.  It will also cover the basics of the stage from directions, terminology and personnel to blocking, vocal projection and pacing.  Finally, it will explore the beginnings of building a character, creating relationship and finding motivation.  This session lays the foundation for what's covered in the next one.

The February 19 session focuses on fleshing out a character and living the scene.  It details how to analyze a script to discover a character's personality, motivations, subtext and path, as well as identifying beats, arcs and dramatic units.  It then examines the concept of The Moment: what it is, why it's absolutely vital, and (most importantly) how to find it, create it and stay in it.

Marc Beaudin is a director, designer and educator who has directed numerous productions at six different venues and has taught artistic workshops to hundreds of students for many years.  Four of his shows have been named to the Top 10 Arts Events of the Year by The Saginaw News.  Originally from Michigan, he now lives in southwest Montana, and is temporarily back in the area, directing The Woman in Black at Pit and Balcony.  More information can be found at CrowVoice.com/theatre.htm.