THEATER EDUCATION AND PRODUCTION IN NORTHFIELD, VT
2023 SPRING CLASSES
All classes will be held at Howe’s Hall at the United Church of Northfield, 58 S. Main St in Northfield. Howe's Hall is located downstairs as you come into the building. At this time, mask-wearing is optional for all of our classes; this policy is subject to change based on current health circumstances.
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We offer a 10% multiple class or sibling discount; if you are paying for more than one class, feel free to take 10% off of your total for all classes. You can also utilize this discount with the sliding scale- find where on the scale you would like to pay and then apply the discount to that amount.
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We encourage early registration to hold your spot. You may register by clicking the link below each class description. If you have any questions please email Maren at: maren@dirtroadtheater.com.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
CHECK: Dirt Road Theater, 1662 W. Hill Road, Northfield, VT 05663
VENMO: @dirtroadtheater
SPRING CLASSES
ACTING FOUNDATIONS (ages 5-8)
Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00 / 8 weeks: April 5th-May 31st (no class 4/26)
Sliding Scale: $80-$110
Taught by Maren Langdon Spillane (bio)
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This class gently introduces young actors to the world of theater through games, songs, stories, and silliness. We will explore how to use our bodies and voices to create characters, why working together and communicating is an important part of theater, and learn the basic skills needed for being onstage. This class is appropriate for beginning actors, as well as those with some experience.
BEGINNING PLAYWRITING (ages 11 and up, limited spots available)
Wednesdays, 5:30-7:00 / 8 weeks: April 5th-May 31st (no class 4/26)
Sliding Scale: $90-$120
Taught by Dominic Spillane (bio)
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Beginning playwriting is for anyone interested in creating and telling their own stories. We will discuss the differences between writing stories that are meant to be performed versus stories that are meant to be read, and playwriting versus screenwriting. Over the course of the class session, each student will be asked to write an original one-act play up to 20 minutes in length. During class we will share our progress with the group, get feedback, and continue writing. The session will culminate in a finished (or nearly finished) play that will be read publicly by actors from the DRT community to friends, family, and invited guests.
PLAYWRITING FOR TEENS AND ADULTS (ages 16 and up)
Wednesdays, 5:30-7:00 / 8 weeks: April 5th-May 31st (no class 4/26)
Sliding Scale: $90-$120
Taught by Tamar Cole (bio)
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This class will focus on all the elements of playwriting; character, setting, dialogue, situation, story, plot, conflict and resolution. Each week we will examine one of the elements, using exercises, prompts, readings, improv, etc. All attendees will develop their own ten-minute play or scene(s), or if already working on a script, we will work on further developing that play.
PLAY CREATION AND PERFORMANCE, LEVEL 1 (ages 9-12)
CURRENTLY FULL - Please register to join the wait list!
Sundays, 3:30-5:00 / 8 weeks: April 9th- June 4th (no class 4/23, additional rehearsals and performance on 6/4)
Sliding Scale: $100-$130
Taught by Dominic Spillane (bio)
This class will culminate in a staged reading of a short original play that we will create and develop over the course of the session. We will play many games and activities that will encourage the generation of ideas for our play, and then rehearse with the finished script. In addition to exploring what makes a compelling story and how to build it, we will spend time playing games and engaging in activities to support the strengthening of our ensemble and the skills necessary to bring our story to life, such as character development and stage awareness.
PLAY CREATION, LEVEL 2 (ages 13-18)
*pair with Play Performance, Level 2
CURRENTLY FULL - Please register to join the wait list!
Sundays, 5:15-6:45 / 6 weeks: March 12th-April 16th
Sliding Scale: $75-$100
Taught by Maren Langdon Spillane (bio)
This class will focus on the development of an original play that we will conceive as a group, focusing on the elements that create a good story. Though the play will be written by Maren, we will spend time reading drafts together, playing improv games to develop characters and relationships, and making changes based on our discoveries and discussions. This play will go on to be staged for the next 6-week class session, Play Performance Level 2, and will eventually be performed as DRT’s performance camp show for summer 2023! While we think taking both Play Creation and Play Performance is a great idea, so as to be part of the entire process, doing just one or the other works, too.
PLAY PERFORMANCE, LEVEL 2 (ages 13-18)
*pair with Play Creation, Level 2
CURRENTLY FULL - Please register to join the wait list!
Sunday, 5:15-6:45 / 6 weeks: April 30th -June 4th (no class 4/23 | Additional rehearsals and performance on 6/4)
Sliding Scale: $75-$100
Taught by Maren Langdon Spillane (bio)
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This class will use the script developed by the Play Creation Level 2 class and culminate in a staged reading performance of this brand-new play! We will use this process as a basis for exploring more advanced acting concepts, such as nuanced character development and performance techniques.This class will serve as a workshop for the piece, which will be further developed after the session and used as DRT's performance camp play for summer 2023! While we think taking both Play Creation and Play Performance is a great idea, so as to be part of the entire process, doing just one or the other works, too.
IMPROV CLUB FOR ADULTS
Sundays, 7:00-9:00 / 8 weeks: April 9th- May 28th
FREE
Loosely led by Maren and Dominic (bios)
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This group is meant for both the improv-savvy or improv-curious adult- really anyone who needs some laughter, quirkiness, and non-awkward social connection in their lives! Join us for 8 weeks of playful exploration as we develop the basic components of improvisation in a fun and stress-free environment. We love improv as a way to connect with others, explore the depths of our own creativity, and as an opportunity to laugh a lot harder than we do in our everyday lives. We’re excited to share it with you!