Our classes for adults range in skill level from those trying acting for the very first time, to those looking to up their stage performance skills, to those ready to write and perform their own comedy material.
NEW – Musical Accompaniment – 14+
Calling all musicians! Bring your skills to OST and learn how to accompany live performers in this new, unique course. Musical theatre calls for collaborative, flexible musicians who can help both the material and the singers shine. In this 9-week course, students will improve their sight reading, timing, and sensitivity to live performers.
Students must already know how to play an instrument and have some level of comfort sight reading sheet music. Keyboards are provided by OST; other instruments must be provided by students.
Comedy Workshop – now in partnership with the Ottawa Fringe
Learn techniques of stand-up comedy and the mechanics of humour, and workshop your own solo piece! This class is perfect for anyone interested in creating their own comedy work, stand-up style or otherwise. It will consist of group activities and teaching of comedy styles and skills, as well as provide a structured and supportive environment for workshopping your own material.
Offered in partnership with the Ottawa Fringe, this class will culminate in a performance as a part of the festival in June.
Adult Acting Foundations
With an emphasis on play, physicality, character and emotion, be prepared to learn as you have fun! Students will learn foundational skills in voice and movement, and in script analysis, using class exercises, monologues, and scenes to build their acting toolkit. This class is perfect as a stand-alone course in acting essentials, or as preparation for the Adult Stage Performance class in the winter.
Adult Stage Performance
Bring your performance skills to the stage as you work as a team to put on a show! Perfect as a follow-up to our fall Adult Acting Foundations class, or as a stand-alone class for those who are ready to focus on stage performance. Students will be taught acting skills in the context of their show characters and will rehearse a play for performance in the OST Student Showcase in May.
While almost all courses at OST provide equal stage time to all students, Adult Stage Performance does not guarantee equal lines or stage time. This class is for all skill levels, but roles will be assigned based on skill levels and other casting needs. However, there are no small roles in theatre, and every student will receive a great experience from this class in a collaborative environment.
NEW – Adult Improv
Say YES to creativity in the moment, working as a team in this class that will keep you on your toes! Improv skills are life skills, and can benefit anyone in their artistic, professional, or personal journey. Learn improvisation basics; voice, movement, and characterization; and many styles of improv game. Have a tonne of fun while working together to improve technique, leading to a studio performance in March.
Audition Masterclass with Director Laurel Smith
How do you find an audition piece that best reflects your talents? How do you create a sense of character and interpretation? What are producers and directors looking for in an audition? How can you create a memorable audition? Each participant will be coached on a monologue suitable for audition purposes. Learning the skills of approaching the monologue through character development, script analysis and audition protocols. Participants are asked to bring one memorized monologue of their choice which will be performed for the whole class.
Sunday, September 15th, 2024
10am to 6pm
Scene Study Masterclass with Director Laurel Smith
Working with your colleagues, we will explore the techniques of how to play a scene, including preparation, character development and scene analysis. Learn how to break down a scene into its core elements, by exploring beats, pauses, cues and other metrics. Learn how to propel a scene a with a natural rhythm and authenticity that makes the scene compelling for you, your fellow performer and your audience. This professional development workshop is for adult actors with some experience (at the professional or community theatre level.) You will be matched with a scene partner. Please come prepared to work with your partner on a scene that will be sent to you prior to the class.
Sunday, October 20th, 2024
10am to 6pm
