Long Wharf Theatre Studio, Second Term Of School For Aspiring Actors, Begins January 7

NEW HAVEN — Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein and Managing Director Michael Stotts have announced the second session of classes at Long Wharf Theatre Studio, a school for aspiring theatre artists young and old.

The acting and directing classes for kids and adults, taught by professional theatre artists, will continue to train students to collaborate, problem-solve and imagine. Enrollment is open, and classes will begin on Friday, January 7, in Long Wharf Theatre’s rehearsal studios, at 222 Sargent Drive.

Long Wharf Theatre Studio was launched in October 2004.  Over 30 students, ranging in age from 12 to 56, have participated in the six courses offered during the inaugural session, which concluded on December 11.

 “As funding for arts education continues to disappear from our schools, it is important for arts organizations to fill that void by providing other avenues of creative learning,” said Long Wharf Director of Education Kim Rubinstein. Managing Director Michael Stotts echoed Ms Rubinstein’s sentiment, stating: “This new program is not only an important outreach component of our mission, but it will help us to cultivate the theatre practitioners and audiences of the future.”  

Young Adult classes in the Winter 2005 semester will include:

*Colliding with Character, for grades 5 to 8, meeting Mondays, January 10 to March 14, from 4 to 6 pm each week. Cost is $180.

*Shakespeare Up Close, for students with some previous acting experience, meeting Saturdays, January 8 to March 5, from noon to 2 pm each week. Cost is $250.

*Long Wharf Theatre Teen Ensemble, for grades 9-12 (call for audition information and an appointment; 203-787-4284 extension 262). This group will begin by meeting Fridays, January 7 to March 4, from 4 to 6 pm, with a possibility of additional rehearsals added later in the process. Cost is $250.

*Private acting lesions will also be available, in one-hour classes on Saturdays, January 8 to March 5. Cost is $300. Call for full details.

Adult classes during the upcoming semester will include:

*Adult Scene Study, a unique opportunity to explore character and relationship development in scene-work from the plays of contemporary American playwrights including Tony Kushner, Lanford Wilson, Sam Shepard, Maria Irene Fornes and Terence McNally. The class will first study the techniques of Meisner and Viewpoints, and then apply those techniques to scenes worked on inside and outside of class.

The class will be taught by Kim Rubinstein, Long Wharf’s associate artistic director. Admission is by interview with Ms Rubinstein.

The class will meet Mondays, January 24 to March 14, from 7 to 10 pm, and cost is $275.

For more information about Long Wharf Theatre Studio, or to register for any of its five classes, contact Johanna Gruenhut, arts and education assistant, at 203-787-4284 extension 262, or Johanna.gruenhut@LongWharf.org.