Acting classes for youths

Staff report

SALEM

Salem Community Theatre is offering youth acting classes for three age groups June 11-16.

The classes, which will be taught by Patricia M. Fagan, will be on five consecutive days, with a work sharing session on June 16 for parents and family. Classes will be divided into three age groups: grades 1-3, grades 4-6 and grades 7-12.

All classes are $50 per student, and class size is limited. For information and registration, call Fagan at 330-788-1498, the theater office at 330-332-9688, or go to salemcommunitytheatre.org.

Here are the classes:

Grades 1-3 (9:30-10:30 a.m.), Tales from the Treasure Chest: Participants will select costume pieces, props, musical instruments, puppets and other items to create a new story each day. This class stresses developing the imagination, creative movement, verbal and listening skills and self confidence.

Grades 4-6 (11 a.m.-noon), It Was a Dark and Stormy Night: Students will learn the basics of acting, stage skills and performance techniques through the use of classic improvisational games and drama exercises. They will then apply those skills to create, rehearse and perform their own original mystery story. Emphasis is on learning to be comfortable on stage, team work and self esteem.

Grades 7-12 (noon-1 p.m., Acting 101: This class covers the fundamentals of vocal techniques, body awareness, improvisation, character building, stage skills, script analysis and auditioning. For both new and experienced actors.