Students will develop a foundational understanding of basic acting techniques, including voice modulation, physicality, and emotional expression.
Students will learn the principles of improvisation, such as the "Yes, and..." technique and making active choices during a performance.
Students will explore the concept of identity and point-of-view, enhancing their ability to create unique and compelling characters.
Students will gain proficiency in character development, focusing on objectives, actions, and given circumstances to bring characters to life.
Students will practice scene work, learning how to analyze and perform scripted scenes with attention to detail and authenticity.
Students will build confidence and improve their public speaking and presentation skills through interactive games and exercises.
Students will develop teamwork and collaborative storytelling skills, understanding the importance of working together to create engaging narratives.
Students will enhance their problem-solving abilities and empathy by exploring different perspectives and character motivations.

LYSIA MOGFORD
Lysia Mogford is an actor, comedian, and teaching artist based in Philadelphia PA. She is a recent graduate from Temple University with an acting degree. Since then, she has been acting locally, teaching in afterschool programs, directing local productions and films, and doing stand up and improv. Some of her most exciting recent projects are Love is Afoot, a world premier of an all new musical, performing at a character show at Philadelphia Improv theater, and now directing a production of King Lear coming up in February 2024. Her biggest passion is comedy! She is proficient in sketch comedy, improv, standup, and comedy writing. She looks to create theater that promotes equality, changes to the traditional theater mold, and most of all makes people laugh.

ASPACIA LINDSTROM:
My professional career has been enriched by studying contemporary and modern dance. In college, I was a member of the state theatre forensics team. This diverse experience provided the basis of my teaching style, which combines stage acting, improvisation, and original composition competition. Having developed successful afterschool programs in Polk, Lake, and Osceola counties for more than a decade, I am passionate about preserving the arts in schools. In Clermont, FL, I led the theater department at Astatula Elementary School, as well as, Florida Jr and Florida Thespians, theatre, and musical theatre at East Ridge Middle School. In addition to serving as Co-Chair for District 9 Junior Thespians, I founded Shut The Door Productions, LLC, which provides two-week summer drama camps in Florida. My passion for theatre and dance led me to graduate from the University of Houston with my MA in Theatre and Dance. I am looking forward to joining the Ferrell Studios family.

CHRISTIE DAVIS:
Christie Davis is delighted to collaborate with Ferrell Studios as an Arts Education Intern this summer! A rising sophomore at Princeton University, she is prospectively concentrating in Economics with minors in Political Economy, History, and Finance. As an actor, Christie has performed professionally as a wide array of characters in various genres, from musical comedies to dramatic straight plays and new works. Some favorite credits include The Fairy Godmother (Cinderella), The Narrator (Joseph), Beth March (Little Women), Winnifred the Woebegone (Once Upon a Mattress), and Jennie Mae Layman (The Diviners), a role for which Christie received a nomination for ‘Best Supporting Actor in a Play’ in the 2023 Regional Broadway Awards. Backstage, Christie has managed everything from sound, microphones, sets, and costumes to help produce the best show possible. In her hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, Christie developed and directed an after-school theatre program for middle schoolers that instructed and guided students in theatrical performance and professionalism. She feels that fine arts education programs are essential for all to practice creativity and explore our shared humanity. She is grateful for the opportunity to do such socially valuable work and help curate an environment that encourages students to embrace their individuality as integral to their craft. 

0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Homework
Frequency: Available upon request
Feedback: Available upon request
Details: Students may be asked to engage in short activities or assignments to practice their acting craft outside of class.
Assessment
Frequency: Available upon request
Details: Students will receive verbal individualized feedback from the instructor throughout class exercises, activities, and performances. Students may request written feedback at any time.
Grading
Frequency: Available upon request
Details: Grades and certificates of completion may be requested by the parent at the end of class.

Should a learner need a grade for this class, parents should inform the instructor within the first week.