Enroll now for Fall 2021 Theatre at Mendocino College
Posted: Jun 10, 2021
I am so excited to share news about plans for in-person theatre classes and productions at Mendocino College for the upcoming Fall 2021 semester! I hope that the classes and productions listed below will entice you to celebrate a new beginning in our collective creative lives and to join us as we open our doors to in-person arts in our beautiful campus studios and theatres. As we make plans to reopen, please be assured that the facilities have been deeply cleaned, the ventilation systems have been upgraded and that all Covid safety requirements will be in place as we safely join back together to create theatre together!
First, about auditions…
COMING UP FOR AIR
Our fall 2021 production will be an original project written and created by members of theensemble. Under the direction of Ellen Weed, students in this ensemble will create an original performance to be showcased on October 8 & 9, 2021. The public presentations may be in the Little Theatre or on an outdoor stage, depending on Covid-safety recommendations at the time of the performance. This original project, tentativelybeing called Coming Up For Air, will express feelings about our time in social isolation and our emotions as we emerge back into contact with others. It will be an opportunity to translate the experiences we have had during the past year into art and performance. To participate as an actor / creator in this project, please contact Ellen Weed for a brief interview. You may call Ellen at 462-6366 or e-mail ellen.weed@att.net.
In March 2020 were a week away from opening this beautiful production when we were shut down by Covid-19. We plan to resurrect this production with as many of the original cast members as possible. But we will need to replace some actors and will be expanding the ensemble. So, this is your opportunity to be a part of this magical production.
Auditions for new actors will be held on Monday September 20 starting at 6 PM. Please come at 6 PM and plan on staying until 9 PM.
Life is always better while working on a Shakespeare play, and this one is truly his most enchanting (and accessible) comedy. Our version includes original music…Not all roles will sing or dance, but we do need singers & dancers! There are roles for a variety of ages (14 and older), genders and ethnicities, so please come join us! I will send an update closer to the auditions listing the specific roles for which we will be seeking new actors.
Please mark your calendars and plan to join us at auditions on September 20. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at redelman@mendocino.edu or 707-468-3172.
And now, about our exciting Fall 2021 classes! Please join us for any of these, or better yet contact me to set up a personalized “conservatory cohort” schedule in which you will take an array of courses and be part of conservatory cohort ensemble of theatre students.
Fall 2021 Theatre Classes:
THE 105A: Narrative Theatre (3 units; F 6-8 PM & Sat 11 AM-3 PM) This is the class associated with the production of Coming Up For Air listed above. Interview required. For more information and to interview for the show, call Ellen Weed at 462-6366 or e-mailellen.weed@att.net. Once you have Ellen’s permission, you can enroll in THE 105A, section 0267.
THE 135: Introduction to Scenic Design: (3 units; Mon & Wed 11-12:30)—A brand new class taught by Steve Decker; e-mail sdecker@mendocino.edu for more information!
THE 200: Intro to Theatre (3 units. Mon & Wed 9:30-11 AM) This is a lecture/discussion theatre appreciation class in which you will learn about theatre literature, history and practice. Fully transferable to CSU & UC and required for all theatre majors. Instructor: Reid Edelman.
THE 201: Intro to Film (3 units; fully online) This class always fills up quickly, so enroll early! Taught by Steve Decker asynchronously online. Also offered on the ground in Lake County taught by John Tomlinson and on coast taught by Diana Coryat).
THE 210B: Beginning Acting (3 units; Mon & Wed 4-5:50). This class introduces students to fundamental acting techniques and involves improvised exercises as well as scene study. Perfect for those new to acting, and also for experienced actors wishing to brush up on their craft. Required for all theatre and dance majors. Instructor Reid Edelman
THE 214A, B, & C: Physical Theatre (1 unit, Mon & Wed 2-3:20) This joyful and playful class focuses on physical expression and character physicality. So much of our modern theatre is language-based…this class will remind us that we have bodies, and those bodies have emotional and communicative potential. The work is appropriate for all levels and does not require any prior dance or physical training. A great companion course with THE 210B. Come play with us! Instructor Reid Edelman,
THE 216 A & B: Intro to Stage Lighting (3 units, Tue & Thur 9:30-noon): Come learn about the magic of theatrical lighting and develop skills for backstage theatre operations. Required for our new CTE Technical Theatre Certificate program. Fully transferable to CSU & UC. Instructor: Steve Decker
THE 217A,B,C or D: Costuming (2 or 3 units depending upon level, Tuesdays 6-10 PM). Participate in the creation of costumes for this year’s plays and also design and build your own special project. Required for our new CTE Technical Theatre Certificate program. Taught by Kathy Dingman-Katz.
THE 230A, B, C & D: Contemporary Dance (2 units; Tue & Thur 1:30-3:20): This class is essential for all both actors and dancers! A core conservatory cohort class. Instructor: Eryn Schon-Brunner
In addition, conservatory actors should also take:
MUS 230 A, B & C: Singing with Marilyn Simpson (1 unit; Mon and Wed 1-1:50 PM)
If you’d like to set up a meeting with me to plan your semester, or just need more information, just reply to this e-mail.
I look forward to celebrating the return of live theatre with you very soon!
Yours,
Reid Edelman
Mendocino College Theatre Director
