Now is the time to sign up for fall theatre classes!  This semester I am teaching THE 200: Intro to Theatre, THE 214A,B & C: Physical Theatre and THE 210B: Beginning Acting.  I’ll also be directing our remount of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

I would so love to see you in one or more of these classes:

THE 210B: Beginning Acting: meets Mon & Wed from 4-5:50 in the college Little Theatre.  The class introduces fundamental acting techniques and involves improvised exercises as well as scene study.  It is perfect for those new to acting, and also for experienced actors wishing to brush up on their craft.  It is required for all theatre and dance majors, and is fully transferrable to both CSU & UC..  What better way to emerge from social isolation than to join with a small group of actors to focus on improving theatre & life skills such as listening, playfulness,  spontaneity, and creativity.  If you have already completed this course, talk ask me about enrolling as an auditor. 3 units.

THE 214A, B,  & C: Physical Theatre:  meets Mon & Wed from 2-3:20 PM in the large dance studio, but many of our activities will occur outdoors!  This joyful 1 unit class focuses on physical expression and character physicality. It is a truly fun class in which almost all the work happens during class…no stress to take home!  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!

And finally,

THE 200: Intro to Theatre: meets Mon & Wed from 9:30-11 AM.  This is a lecture/discussion theatre appreciation class in which you will learn about theatre literature, history and practice.  It is fully transferable and required for all theatre majors.  It also fulfills the CSU arts requirement.  If you are considering becoming a theatre major, this is the gateway course.  Also, if you just are curious about how all the various arts & crafts of theatre come together to make theatre magic, this is also the course for you!

These are just the courses I am teaching.  There are so many more! For more detailed information about all our wonderful theatre offerings, go to: https://www.facebook.com/events/842036656737329?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22page%22%7D]%7D.   If you’d like to meet with me to discuss course options or plan a schedule, I am available.  I’d love to share the details of our fabulous theatre conservatory cohort experience and/or tell you about our upcoming fall semester productions and auditions.  Please send me an e-mail (redelman@mendocino.edu) or call (707-468-3172) if you have any questions or if I can assist in any way.

If you wish to enroll, please do so now, as it is vital for our program to have students enrolled early!  Starting next week, you can enroll in person at the college Admissions & Records Office.  They will be open in person Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 9AM-1 PM and Tue & Thursday from 2-6 PM.  Alternately, if you wish to enroll online and need assistance, just call Betsy at 468—3211 and she will be happy to walk you through the online registration process over the phone.

For information about becoming involved in our upcoming productions, please read on below…

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.  An original ensemble-created project, 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.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

In March 2020 we were a week away from opening this beautiful production when we were shut down by Covid-19.  We plan to resurrect the production with as many of the original cast members as possible.  But we need to replace some actors and will expand 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!  If you have questions, please contact me at redelman@mendocino.edu or 707-468-3172.

Hoping to see you very soon,

Reid Edelman

Mendocino College Theatre Director