Calling all aspiring actors

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“To be, or not to be: that is the question: …”

No disrespect to William Shakespeare, but before you can be, you probably need to learn how.

And that’s why Arena Fair Theatre is teaming up with the Delaware Community Center YMCA to offer a series of basic types of theater classes for area residents in August and September.

Artistic Director Gregory L. Patterson said members of the Arena Fair Acting Troupe will lead each of the following classes: How to Audition, Youth Drama, and Advanced Drama & Stagecraft. Registration for each class is $60.

Patterson noted that the How to Audition class is unique because it’s never been offered before in Delaware County. He said the class is “near and dear” to his heart.

“I’ve had an extensive career in community theater and professional theater and I’ve learned that there are many ways to hold auditions for theatrical and musical projects,” he said. “But there are certain ones that are accepted throughout the entertainment industry. It’s not something that someone naturally knows, so they should be taught the best way to audition to make the best impact. You will be remembered for your talent and your appearance.”

How to Audition — open to those age 14 and older — will be offered the week of Aug. 6 at the YMCA, 1121 S. Houk Road. Following is the class schedule: 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12.

Topics for the interactive class include creating a proper resume, how to choose materials for use in the audition, and preparing photo head shots. Participants will receive coaching in delivering monologues as well as song selection and ensemble work.

A professional photographer will be available to take head shots of participants. That service is being provided for an additional fee of $12, Patterson said. Individuals will receive three to five different shots of themselves and two online photographs.

Patterson said the two-week Youth Drama class — open to young people in third through sixth grades — will begin Aug. 29 and will be held in the auditorium at the Willis Education Center, 74 W. William St. Classes will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday of each week. Young people with any level of experience, from beginners to more seasoned actors, are welcome to attend the class.

The students will present an original production of “Jack & the Beanstalk” to conclude the session on Sept. 10 at the Willis Auditorium.

Advanced Drama & Stagecraft is open to those in seventh grade up to adults. The two-week class starts Sept. 12 and will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Willis Auditorium. It will also conclude with a stage production, scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sept. 24.

Class topics include preparing a scene, staging, blocking, stage make-up, movement, and the history of the theater.

For information, visit www.arenafair.com. To register for classes, visit www.ymcacolumbus.org/delaware.

Arena Fair offering theater classes

By Andrew Carter

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Reach Andrew Carter at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @DelOhioEditor.

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