Acting Department
Our Acting Classes are designed for students to learn the basics of acting, improvisation, and character study techniques. Without the pressure of a production, they are free to have fun exploring thought-provoking material, building confidence and gaining teamwork skills along the way. Beginners will feel welcomed and encouraged while more advanced students will be challenged and inspired. Subscribe to our Monthly Email Newsletter to find out when new classes are announced:
Class Offerings
Review the classes offered by Illuminate throughout the year.
Acting Up With Art
In this creative class, younger students will enjoy making an original piece of art using all kinds of materials, and then taking that piece and using it in an short scene. Students will be treated to a basic art class as well as basic acting! Taught by Evelyn Roca and Cara Sherrod. Click here to learn more about our instructors.
Playful Poetry
This class will provide a movement-based, eclectic exploration into words, feelings and expressions. Age appropriate weekly themes with movement as a focus while incorporating rhythm, art, and “making” into our adventures. A weekly poem will be created from our wordplay based upon our experience. For ages 4-7. Taught by Lynn Dubeau. Click here to read more about our instructors!
Musical Theatre
(ages 4-7 and 8-11)
In this class, we will explore some of the foundations of musical theater acting. We will play simple, age-appropriate improvisational and movement games that will help students prepare to be in a musical or other theatrical production. We will learn about emotions, rhythm, singing, character, and stage presence. The class will culminate in a small performance at the end-of-semester presentation!
Playmakers
In this imaginative class, students will have the opportunity to create an original play! Through improv, games, and collaboration, students will create a piece that has a beginning, middle, and end, while developing characters to tell the story in a fun way. The final “show” will be quick and easy – a perfect, no-pressure way to tiptoe onto stage. Taught by Cara Sherrod and Evelyn Roca. Click here to learn more about our instructors!
Dramatic Discoveries
This class will tackle the topics of science, music, literature, art, history, dance and agriculture. Children will be challenging themselves to find creative ways to present research that they have gathered about the predetermined themes. This may consist of a short presentation, creating short dialogues, skits, commercials, monologues, perhaps even a game show style activity.
Spotlight: Scene Study
In this energetic class, students will learn the basics of acting, improv, diction, character study, and scene analysis. Material will be chosen from classic plays and literature, as well as modern screenplays. Taught by illuminate alum Jack Bennett, for ages 8-11 and 12-18. Click here to learn more about our instructors.
Spotlight: Scene Study
In this course, we will study the time of William Shakespeare, his personal history, and how he crafted the English language to bring his plays to life. In this class, students will have fun while reading through one of Shakespeare’s classic comedies. At the end of the course, the students will act out an excerpt of the show so they can demonstrate how much they’ve learned while entertaining a crowd, just as Shakespeare intended. Taught by Melissa Lamb.
Playful Puppetry (ages 4-7)
​In this fun class, younger students will have the chance to explore basic Puppetry using their own stuffed animals, and eventually sock puppets. Students will learn all about creating a unique character and building a basic performance piece. Led by resident illuminate puppeteer Evelyn Roca, with assistance from the Puppetry Team. For ages 4-7. Click here to learn more about our instructors!