Enrollment Now Open for Spring Classes at Rubicon Theatre Company

VENTURA, Calif. - Feb. 20, 2018 - PRLog -- Enrollment is now open for spring acting classes at Rubicon Theatre Company for adults and children ages 5 and older. Classes will be taught by Rubicon Associate Artistic Director Brian McDonald, an award-winning professional actor and director and graduate of Boston Conservatory, whose credits include national tours and work with prestigious regional theatre companies including Denver Center Theatre for the Performing Arts, McCoy-Rigby at La Mirada, Musical Theatre Guild at Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center, and Rubicon. A previous recipient of the City of Ventura's Mayor's Arts Award for Emerging Artist, McDonald heads Rubicon's Education and Outreach programs and is has directed numerous summer and mainstage productions. McDonald currently stars in Rubicon's acclaimed production of Buyer & Cellar.

These process-oriented programs consist of vocal, physical and mental exercises; character analysis and development; scene study; theatre games, improvisation and audition technique. Classes provide opportunities for participants to think creatively and open themselves to new ideas and modes of expression. Each class culminates with a final presentation of the students' work for family and friends.

Says McDonald, "We limit our class size in order to provide individual attention a nurturing environment where participants are able to participate and grow at their own pace."

Costs range from $180-$240. Class descriptions, dates and prices are below, with further details online under Education on the Rubicon website: www.rubicontheatre.org

SPRING SESSION

Acting (Ages 5-7):  In this fun introduction to the world of live theatre, students play imagination games, learn elements of storytelling, and develop reading and interpretive skills. On the last day of the workshop, family and friends are invited to a presentation of the students' work.

When: 6 Saturdays
March 10, 2018 – April 14, 2018
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Tuition: $180

Acting (Ages 8-12): This introductory class exposes students to scripted scenes and monologues. Students learn fundamentals related to vocal production and body awareness on stage, memorization techniques, how to analyze a script, and how to listen and work with a scene partners. Some prior acting experience is beneficial but not necessary. This is an excellent class for young actors who are ready to take their abilities to the next level. On the last day of the workshop, family and friends are invited to a presentation of the students' work.

When: 6 Saturdays
March 10, 2018 – April 14, 2018
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Tuition: $200

Acting (Ages 13-18): These fast-paced classes are challenging and great fun. In a nurturing environment, students develop greater confidence while acquiring intermediate acting skills. Script analysis and character development are taught through monologue and scene work as well as theatre games, voice and movement exercises and improvisation. Individual attention is given to each student and the class culminates in a final presentation for parents, family and friends.

When: 6 Mondays
March 5, 2018 – April 9, 2018
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Tuition: $220

Acting (Ages 19+): This very popular class helps new and experienced students develop and refine their skills. Exercises help participants learn how to free their body and voice, find "neutral" and develop multi-layered, fully expressed characters physically, intellectually and emotionally. Contemporary scenes and monologues are chosen by the instructor for each student based on their aspirations and interests. This is a fast-paced three-hour course that meets for six Mondays culminating in an informal final presentation for family and friends.

When: 6 Mondays
March 5, 2018 – April 9, 2018
6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Tuition: $240

More about the Instructor

BRIAN McDONALD recently starred in the one-man show Buyer & Cellar at Rubicon Theatre. He has appeared in the National Tours of Miss Saigon and Forever Plaid, the latter of which he also directed for various regional theatres including Rubicon. Other past Rubicon directing credits include the World Premiere of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, Other Desert Cities (5 Stage Scene LA Awards including Outstanding Direction and Production), A Tuna Christmas (in which he also appeared), The Sunset Limited, Bus Stop (five Ovation nominations including Best Play), "Master Harold"… and the boys (three Ovation nominations including Best Play, Indy Award and Stage Scene LA Award for Direction), and the World Premiere musical Hello! My Baby, written and conceived by Cheri Steinkellner. He also conceived and directed A Rubicon Family Christmas Concert (2008, 2009, 2012, 2013). As an actor, Brian has appeared on the Rubicon stage in the concert version of Merrily We Roll Along, Forever Plaid, The Importance of Being Earnest, Man of LaMancha, A Tuna Christmas and the one-man show The SantaLand Diaries. In 2007, Brian was honored to receive a Mayor's Arts Award as "Emerging Artist" from the City of San Buenaventura. His work in the community has earned him the Phi Delta Kappa Community Partnership Award and an Honorary Service Award from the California State PTA. Brian has been on staff at Rubicon since 2002 and served as Production Manager and Associate Producer before becoming the Company's first Education and Outreach Director. He is the founder and program director of Rubicon's Summer Youth Program, which offer training intensives in Musical Theatre, Shakespeare, Acting and Technical Theatre. Brian is a B.F.A. graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music, Dance and Theatre.