What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1161131
SEPTEMBER 1-7, 2019 WHAT'S UP! 37 LARA JO HIGHTOWER NWA Democrat-Gazette T heatreSquared is known for its professional theater productions and groundbreaking new play festival — but did you know the organization also offers a plethora of acting classes, taught by professional actors? "When we talk about growing a theater company, it's about growing a love of theater, and it's about engaging with the community," says Morgan Hicks, T2 co-founder and director of education and program development. "We don't want to be the arbiters of 'This is good; this is bad.' We want people to be engaged in the art form and to be exploring it and to be something beyond just an observer. We want to interact with the community and, rather than them leaning back, we want them leaning forward, getting on their feet and on the stage." What that engagement looks like at T2: a slate of seven acting classes, taught by industry professionals, that run throughout the year. Teachers include professional actors such as University of Arkansas instructor Steven Marzolf and Jordan Haynes, learning programs and company manager at T2. Though there are several classes tailored specifically for those who might seek to become working actors — an audition class and Shakespeare instruction, for example — Hicks points out that there are several offerings ideal for people with varying backgrounds and career goals. "We have one student who keeps taking classes who has no interest in being an actor," says Hicks. "She says one thing that she challenges herself to do is get outside her comfort zone once or twice a month. It's a great way to meet new people in the community and make new friends. We also have some specific skill-building classes, like public speaking for non-actors, for people who have a business brain but don't necessarily have a background in speaking in front of people. That can be a major fear, and this class can help them get a confidence boost when they're making presentations in a boardroom or in front of their classes." The Rest Of The Best If the sight of school supplies on the shelves is making you nostalgic for your own school days, never fear — whether your interests tend toward the artistic, academic or recreational, there's a class in Northwest Arkansas with your name on it. We've listed a few of the options for both adults and children; now all you have to do is sign up, grab your No. 2 pencils, and hit the books! Fayetteville Arts Live Theatre 818 N. Sang Ave. 521-4932 info@artslivetheatre.com The After School Acting Academy at Arts Live starts on Sept. 23 and runs through Nov. 19. Classes are available for kindergarten through 12th grade. Local Color Studio Gallery 275 S. Archibald Yell Blvd. 461-8761 Group and private art lessons for kids (ages 7-18) and adults. Studio Leilani 254 N. Olive Ave. 442-4396 Classes for children and adults start in the fall. Lifelong Learning Fall classes teach everything from art to sewing FAQ Acting, Improv & Public Speaking WHEN — Classes run from one to five sessions, depending on type; see website for dates and times WHERE — TheatreSquared, 477 W. Spring St., Fayetteville COST — $50-$150 INFO — theatre2.org/classes Courtesy Photo See Classes Page 40 Students have a unique opportunity to take classes from professional theater artists at TheatreSquared, like this improv class, taught by T2 staff member and former Second City student Jordan Haynes. FEATURE