Master Class Monday
Presented by Newtown Arts Company and the Newtown Theatre
Master Class Monday is an arts-education series, with an emphasis on theater and film, for children and adults with an interest in learning new skills, honing current skills, or just having fun with like-minded people. All experience levels are welcome.
Each session is limited to 25 participants and will focus on a different area of performance, production, or creative expression. Instructors are all industry professionals from New York, Philadelphia, and our very own community. The instructors are not only masters in their craft but also a boatload of fun!
This is the opportunity to try something you’ve always been curious about, dive a little deeper into your work, or even lay the groundwork for turning your passion into a profession.
Cost is $250 per registrant for the entire eight-week series (dates are NOT always consecutive). Scholarships may be available to those who qualify. There are no refunds for missed classes.
Spring 2024 Session Dates and Topics
IMPROV 101: INTRODUCTION TO IMPROV
Monday, March 25, 2024
INSTRUCTOR: Shannon O'Neill, veteran actor, improviser and writer, who regularly performs with and was Artistic Director for The Upright Citizen's Brigade in New York City; you may also recognize her from hit TV shows such as Broad City, High Maintenance, and The Other Two.
Youth session (ages 10-14): 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Adult session (ages 15-99): 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
technology for the theatre
Monday, April 1, 2024
Use lighting, audio, video and special FX technology to enhance your show, create environment and even trick your audience!
INSTRUCTORS: Charlie Santella (ETCP Certified Entertainment Electrician) works as a lighting director and touring lighting crew chief from community theater to stadium tours.
Nick Gackenbach (Dante Networks and Shure Certified) is the head of audio at Temple University and a freelance Audio Designer and Engineer with experience ranging from community theater, to corporate events, to national touring acts.
Youth session (ages 10-14): 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Adult session (ages 15-99): 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
storytelling
Monday, April 8, 2024
Play ALL the parts! Learn the fundamentals of storytelling and how to define a character quickly by exploring action, dialogue and gesture.
INSTRUCTOR: Navida Stein is an award-winning storyteller, actress, musician and writer. Navida not only tells personal stories, but also stories from around the world at such venues as New York Public Libraries, the Hans Christian Anderson statue in Central Park and at Scandinavia House.
Youth session (ages 10-14): 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Adult session (ages 15-99): 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
broadway dance: storytelling, technique…and all that jazz!
Monday, April 22, 2024
INSTRUCTOR: Thayne Jasperson, original and current B'way cast member of Hamilton; Thayne's other Broadway credits include Matilda, Newsies, and Finding Neverland.
Youth session (ages 10-14): 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Adult session (ages 15-99): 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
get sitcom savvy (part I)
Monday, April 29, 2024
Learn the inside scoop on how your favorite televison shows are made and become the star of your own Situational Comedy.
INSTRUCTOR: Jason Shipman is a Los Angeles-based, single and multi-cam, comedy director for shows such as the Emmy nominated Bunk'd (Disney) and Just Add Magic (Amazon.) He is also a seasoned onset coach for popular shows on HBO, Netflix, Amazon, Disney, Nickelodeon, Apple Kids, SyFy and Universal, among others.
Youth session (ages 10-14): 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Adult session (ages 15-99): 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
get sitcom savvy (part 2)
Monday, May 6, 2024
Learn the inside scoop on how your favorite televison shows are made and become the star of your own Situational Comedy.
INSTRUCTOR: Jason Shipman is a Los Angeles-based, single and multi-cam, comedy director for shows such as the Emmy nominated Bunk'd (Disney) and Just Add Magic (Amazon.) He is also a seasoned onset coach for popular shows on HBO, Netflix, Amazon, Disney, Nickelodeon, Apple Kids, SyFy and Universal, among others.
Youth session (ages 10-14): 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Adult session (ages 15-99): 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Dance call!
Monday, May 13, 2024
Come warm up your body and learn a theatre/jazz combination!
INSTRUCTOR: Patrice Soriero is the Founder and Artistic Director of Steps on Broadway in NYC. She has choreographed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, regionally and has taught nationally and internationally. Patrice is also the director of the apprenticeship program at Bucks County Playhouse.
Youth session (ages 10-14): 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Adult session (ages 15-99): 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
creating story on film
Monday, May 20, 2024
Part on-camera acting, part collaborative storytelling, part naturalistic improv, this class explores how to create for the camera.
INSTRUCTOR: Ted Schneider is a director, writer, actor, screenwriting instructor, script consultant and teacher. His films have been featured in and won awards at such festivals as Flicker’s Rhode Island International Film Festival, Trenton International Film Festival, March on Washington Film Festival, and the Arizona International Film Festival.
Youth session (ages 10-14): 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Adult session (ages 15-99): 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.