Venice Theatre Now Offering Online Classes for All Ages

Registration is open for Venice Theatre’s online classes. A variety of online classes for students in kindergarten through adults will begin the week of June 8 and can be viewed at VeniceTheatre,org. Registration and payment can also be completed on the website.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and questions regarding whether it would be safe to hold in-person classes, the theatre canceled three classes that were set to begin in June and early July (Musical Theatre Camp Session 1; Musical Theatre Experience, Getting To Know Once Upon a Mattress;  and Summer TechFest for grades 7-12). Other in-person classes for later in the summer are still being planned at this point, and can be viewed at VeniceTheatre.org. For students interested in those on-site classes, the theatre is accepting a $50 deposit to reserve a place in class.

In the meantime, the theatre’s Director of Education & Outreach, Sandy Davisson, is excited to offer rich learning experiences for students online. Davisson says, “Our department went through a great deal of planning and preparation and testing to make sure we could provide a valuable experience for students to learn about theatre online. I’m delighted to say that our trial classes were extremely well-received and we’re ready to open up to the public what is – for us – a new style of teaching and learning.”

The following classes are being offered:

FOR GRADES K-2
Storybook Adventures
INSTRUCTOR: KELLY DUYN
Join Kelly as she takes the Kindergarten and Grade 2 students through some of the best-loved fairy tale classics, helping students build characters and worlds. Kelly will send an interactive activity home via email that will coincide with each lesson.
3 – 4 p.m. Tuesdays June 9, 16, 23, 30 | Tuition: $40 

FOR GRADES 3-5
Creative Drama Online
INSTRUCTOR: LUKE MCFATRICH
Join Luke for fun acting games and exercises that will hone your acting skills in the comfort of your own home.
3 – 4 p.m. Tuesdays June 9, 16, 23, 30 | Tuition: $40 

FOR GRADES 6-8
Digital Performance
INSTRUCTOR: KELLY DUYN
Does quarantine and COVID-19 have your creativity ready to burst?!?! This class is designed to let your voice be heard. Students will use subject matter of their choice to create their own video (approx. 2-3 mins.) based on the topics of discussion, using graphics, effects, sound, music, color, and more to bring additional pizzaz to their piece. Class requirement: Each student must have a working knowledge of video, video editing, attachments, special effects, etc. (Students may use editing software of their choice.) We’ll be moving fast so come with your ideas ready to go!
4- 5 p.m. Thursdays June 11, 18, 25, July 2 | Tuition: $50 

FOR HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE AGED STUDENTS
Performance Art … The Video Experience!
INSTRUCTOR: BRAD WAGES
This class is designed to let your voice be heard. Students choose relevant topics in today’s society important to them. Past performances spoke out on abuse, isolation, bullying, AIDS, and more. This year, each student will create their own video (approx. 2-3 mins.) based on the topics of discussion, using graphics, effects, sound, music, color, and more to heighten the emotion of the piece, as guided by the instructor. Class requirement: Each student must have a working knowledge of video, video editing, attachments, special effects, etc.
4:30 – 6 p.m. Mondays & Thursdays June 8, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29, July 2 | Tuition: $120 

FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS & ADULTS
From “The Black Crook” to “Hadestown” … Musical Theatre History
INSTRUCTOR: KRISTOFER GEDDIE
In this theatre appreciation class, exposure to the highlights and lowlights of Musical Theatre over the past 285 years await you. Eight weeks of a fast-paced romp through America’s truest art form – served through audio clips, video clips, anecdotes, and lots of discussion, all from the comfort of your home. Join Kristofer Geddie for this popular Musical Theatre History Class.
4 – 5 p.m. Fridays June 12, 19, 26 July 3, 10,17, 24, 31 | Tuition: $80

MORE FOR ADULTS
Dance on a Dime … Limited Space Choreography!
INSTRUCTOR: BRAD WAGES
Brad knows we all need to get up off that couch! So he wants to invite you to “Dance on a Dime.” He will explore choreography and movement in a small space to keep you active and entertained. He promises to share basic choreography, focusing on torso, arms, emotions and patterns. All this while showing you how not to trip over your furniture! Class requirement: Students need about an 8-foot area for class.
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Mondays June 8, 15, 22, 29 | Tuition: $40 

Building your Song Book!
INSTRUCTOR: MICHELLE KASANOFSKY
Creating your vocal audition book is important so you are ready for anything at any time! In this class VT’s own Michelle Kasanofsky will go through your book, find out what you are missing, what style is best for you, and help you to fill in the holes. Classes will include some one-on-one time with Michelle for individual work.
6:30- 7:30 p.m. Mondays June 8, 15, 22, 29 | Tuition: $40 

A Story in You! Original Monologue Writing
INSTRUCTOR: SANDY DAVISSON
There is a story in all of us – especially now! Through writing original monologues, this class encourages you to write honestly about what matters to you. It is not about technical writing, but about the story that is in each of us.
3 – 4 p.m. Tuesdays June 9, 16, 23, 30 | Tuition: $40 

Scoring the Script
INSTRUCTOR: BRAD WAGES
Add depth & breadth to your acting with our own Director/Choreographer Brad Wages as you learn how to score your script for dramatic acting choices.
2 – 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays June 10, 17, 24, July 1 | Tuition: $40 

Script Writing for Children’s Performance
INSTRUCTOR: KELLY DUYN
Learn the basic structure of script writing for children’s performance and get feedback from your peers on the work you develop within the class.
5 – 6 p.m. Wednesdays June 10, 17, 24, July 1 | Tuition: $40 

More information about all classes is available at VeniceTheatre.org or by contacting Assistant Director of Education and Outreach, Kelly Duyn, at 941-486-8679 or kellyduyn@venicetheatre.net.