An improvisation-based acting program and solo and ensemble musical theatre workshop is coming to Players by the Sea. Each program is geared toward middle and high school students. Executive Director of Players by the Sea Theatre in Jacksonville Beach, Suzanne Hudson-Smith has focused the past year on rebuilding an education program.
“We believe that theatre is transformative for our young actors. They begin to realize that theatre is powerful in building self-esteem, teamwork, expression and focus,” Hudson-Smith said.
Fall into Fall, a 16-week program, stresses ensemble acting and character development, promoting empathy, risk-taking, emotional literacy and dramatic presence. Actors will put these skills to the test through a production of the comedy “CUT” on Dec. 12 and 13.
The program begins with auditions from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25 at Players by the Sea Theatre, 106 6th St. N. in Jacksonville Beach. Students should prepare a two-minute story that they are emotionally invested in. Classes will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. each Wednesday from Aug. 28 to Dec. 13.
Guest teacher and director Barbara Colaciello teaches communication, collaboration and critical thinking through a process-oriented study of theater and improvisation at BABS’LAB. Colaciello was the educational & outreach director of Players by the Sea from 2005 to 2014. Players welcomes her back as guest director for the Fall 2019 season.
A Fall Musical Theatre Intensive for grades 5 through 12 will be led by Jereme Raickett and Andrew Sardoni. Raickett is production manager at Players and a talented performer-vocalist seen in shows at the Alhambra Theatre. Sardoni is a talented musician who was the assistant musical director for “Let’s Put on a Musical!” this summer.
These directors will lead a 12-week course designed so students receive individualized attention in learning vocal technique, stage presence, audition etiquette and presentation skills. Starting Aug.27th, classes for fifth through eighth graders will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday and ninth through twelfth graders will be every Thursday at the same time. The course ends with students presenting a Musical Theatre Showcase on Nov. 15 and 16.
Tuition for each program is $320. For more information, visit playersbythesea.org or call (904) 249.0289 to register.