Non-Stop Character Development
This class students to work on observation, listening, spontaneity, and vocal and physical expression in a supportive, dynamic environment. Let's practice necessary theatre and life skills while preparing a theatrical production.
Megan McQueen
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(51)
What's included
6 live meetings
6 in-class hoursClass Experience
In each class, we will practice observing, listening, being spontaneous, and expressing ourselves vocally and physically. We will use a similar routine each meeting. All activities will adapt to individual learner's needs with a focus on an enjoyable, dynamic experience. 1) We'll start each acting class with an interesting quote about a concept we will explore through various interactive activities. This may relate to being present, improving memory, storytelling through movement, unlocking creativity, or any other concept that assists actors. 2) Our first activity will warm up our bodies. We will move together as prompted by a game (participants can modify as needed for available space or physical needs). 3) We will continue with a language-focused activity. 4) Next, we will integrate physicality and language in a speed-focused game. 5) We will delve more deeply into the skills associated with the day's theme by completing several more lengthy activities. 6) We'll conclude with a collective reflection on the day's activities. One of our meetings will be to discuss the theatrical material I have licensed for us to study. One of our meetings will be to create costumes and props for our theatrical work. I am an energetic, passionate instructor who loves to guide students in creating an environment that recognizes and strengthens each person within the unique group. Students needn't have acting experience, nor specific skills or talents. Their backgrounds and knowledge will shape the class experience. We will work together to inspire each other to learn and grow throughout the course.
Learning Goals
1) We will create a safe and fun environment in which each of us feels comfortable expressing ourselves. (including silencing our own inner critic)
2) Each day, we will encounter a concept, quote, or game that is new to us.
3) We'll acknowledge "'we' is better than 'me'" as we improve as individuals and as a group in observing, interacting, and expressing during each meeting while having fun creating an artistic product.
As Meryl Streep said, "I'm curious about other people. That's the essence of my acting. I'm interested in what it would be like to be you." Let's be curious together!
Other Details
Supply List
To fully participate, students will likely enjoy having a few feet of space to move freely in. They will gain the most by being able to move and speak playfully without bothering others.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Students will be provided a script for a theatrical production I have licensed.
Joined August, 2020
4.9
51reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
In addition to acting over 20 leading roles ranging from Donna in "Mamma Mia" to The Witch in "Into the Woods," I've assisted actors in creating director characters vocally and physically as the director and / or musical director for such shows as "Once Upon a Mattress," "Schoolhouse Rock, Live," "Kiss Me, Kate," "Disney's Beauty and the Beast," "Chicago," "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," and "Shrek."
I trained my voice extensively as an actor and singer while earning a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance and a minor n theatre from New Mexico State University. I've been guided by over 20 directors with varied techniques for movement and voice for at least a dozen companies in New Mexico, Texas, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. I earned a Master of Education degree while teaching music and theatre for 15 years. I've taught hundreds of students from five to 75 years old. I've taught online for several years, in addition to having taught college and high school acting, theatre, musical theatre, and choir for a total of 14 years.
Of particular use for this course, I've performed in and directed musicals such as "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change," "The Musical of Musicals The Musical," and "Five Course Love" which required me to create numerous distinct characters from scene to scene within one production. (As seen in the video for this course.)
Reviews
Live Group Class
$150
for 6 classes1x per week, 6 weeks
60 min
Completed by 19 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-15
5-12 learners per class
