Connections Workshops are Back! 

We have an exciting line up of new workshops and guest instructors for Winter/Spring.

Connections Acting Workshops are for adults (18+), and all skill levels are welcome and encouraged to attend. All classes are filled with fun, interactive activities and class sizes are small to allow for a full experience for all participants. Except for the Scene Study multi-session workshop, all workshops are stand-alone topics; take one or all! 

When: Workshops meet Saturday mornings from 10:00 – 12:30 

Cost: $25.00

Registration: Click on the “Get Tickets” link. Space is limited to 12 per session so reserve your place early. 

Instructors, Topics and Schedule: 
April 25th – 10:00 – 12:30  
Charlie Newsome - Introduction to Lighting

In this class you will learn about the basic lighting equipment used in theater. We will examine the various parts of a theatrical lighting fixture and what they do. We will explain the purpose of a lighting plot, how to read and interpret it, and why we use them. And finally we will physically go through the process of hanging and focusing lights based on a lighting plot.

May 2nd – 10:00 – 12:30  
Charlie Newsome - Programming Lighting Controls

In this class we will focus on the concepts surrounding DMX & dimmers, and how to use the ETC Element light board to patch a light rig, build cues, and create effects.

May 9th – 10:00 12:30 
Marc Beaudin – Four Gates: A Path to Acting 

Acting – the art of sharing the true within the imaginary – can be seen as a process that depends on progressing through four distinct activities: the Four Gates. Prepare. Embody. Listen. React. Each Gate leads to the next, and the more fully one is developed, the more effective the next will be. This workshop, open to adults of any level of experience (including none), will explore each of these Gates – practicing specific techniques that will allow it to become a natural part of the actor’s process leading to powerful, engaging and authentic performances. We will take lessons from some of the legendary experts of theatre like Stella Adler, Sanford Meisner, William Esper, Uta Hagen, and others, while heeding the advice of novelist James Joyce: “Every moment of inspiration must be paid for in advance,” and haiku poet Bashō, “Master technique, then forget it.” Marc Beaudin has worked in theatre for nearly 30 years as a director, educator, scenic designer, and technical director at venues ranging from unheated warehouses and art galleries to a 1000-seat, state-of-the-art symphony hall. Directing favorites include Macbeth, Fear & Misery of the 3rd Reich, The Exonerated, Amadeus, No Exit (at the Blue Slipper), and the Northwest premiere of Born with Teeth (with Bozeman Actors Theatre). He has taught numerous workshops in acting, directing and lighting design for institutions in Michigan and Montana.

May 16th – 10:00 – 12:30  
Charlie Newsome - Designing with Light

In this class we will outline the creative process for developing a design concept, a light plot, and cues for a theatrical performance. We will discuss color, texture, shadow, and other qualities of light on a stage.

For any questions: Please contact Katie Mangett at  katie.mangett@blueslipper.org