Offshoot offers several classes this fall

Offshoot Productions artistic director Susan M. Steadman, Ph.D., has announced that the Fayette County-based theater company will offer four acting classes through the Community School this fall. Classes will take place at the LaFayette Educational Center (the old Fayette County High School) in Fayetteville.

"Kids creating characters," for children in grades one and two, will be offered Wednesday afternoons from 3-3:45 p.m. Sessions run Sept. 20 - Oct. 25. Using creative dramatics and theater games,instructors from Offshoot Productions will guide youngsters in building characters and gaining confidence on stage.

"Voice and movement for young actors," designed for participants in grades three through five, will meet Wednesdays from 4 - 5 p.m., Sept. 20 - Oct. 25. This class teaches youngsters how to make the best of the performer's most important instruments: his or her own voice and body.

Working with scripted scenes and improvisations, participants will explore many important acting techniques, ranging from proper breathing and projection to "sharing the scene" and character movement.

"Acting in an ensemble," for young adults in grades six through 12, is scheduled for Monday evenings 7 - 8 p.m., Sept. 25 - Oct. 30. Anyone who has ever seen an excellent improvisation troupe has witnessed the magic of an acting ensemble. Using "story theater" scripts and improvisational techniques, participants will learn how to create an ensemble: theater wherein the whole is much greater than the sum of its parts.

Finally, "Taking Stage," for adults and teens 16 and older, will be Monday evenings from 8:10-9:10, Sept. 25 - Oct. 30. This nuts and bolts acting workshop covers such stage essentials as relaxation and concentration, character development, voice and movement, and creating "the illusion of the first time."

Each class costs $40. Registration information is available through the Community School, 770-460-3990, extension 135. For information on class content, phone Offshoot Productions at 770-631-2362 or e-mail to offshootpr@aol.com.