“The scene work is the most fun. It has really helped with the on-camera acting. Keeping it simple, listening to your scene partner, keep movement to a minimum. ” Mark Ferris, PRO Class
Carita Louise and Bronwyn Baz in Crimes of the Heart
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It's a mad mad mad mad time. Now more than ever we all need a good laugh. Using improv and some of the best written comic scripts around, you will discover your own sense of humor and comic timing, all the while developing skills that will help you lighten the mood and brighten your world. Find out how the pros do it and try it out yourself with an instructor whose experiences include theatre, film, TV, sketch comedy, and standup. Requirement: Students will need a strong wi-fi connection and be sure to download the Zoom app.
Maximum 10 students |
photo by Nancy McDonald, 2014 at London's Globe Theatre
Click for more information and to open the registration website.
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King Lear. Approaching this great tragedy may seem daunting, but the story is fascinating. Built on both an ancient tale and an Elizabethan prose romance, and with 11 significant roles, we have an incredible opportunity to dig into what is known as Shakespeare’s darkest play. You'll be assigned specific scenes and roles prior to each workshop, with time to discuss, to reflect, and share our own thoughts. No previous experience required. Online with Zoom and 3 hours each Saturday.
Since you’ll be in the comfort of your own home, be comfy, grab a cuppa and get ready to explore. You will need a strong wi-fi connection, and it works best if you download the Zoom app. Contact Nancy with any questions. |
Want to let all you talented students of Nancy McDonald’s classes know, you can Zoom too 🍄 My scene partner, Mark F. & I just spent an intense 6 wks. on Zoom in private coaching with Nancy studying/discovering/ performing two contrasting scenes from two very different plays. We learned so much; working in a tight space, proper lighting challenges, sound needs, features on [different devices] ( still learning). Useful for acting class, real film experience &/or brush up, & experiencing just how intimate Zoom can really be, when one is quite used to performing with the physicality of an open stage! Our scene work & rehearsing with Nancy is so fulfilling & uplifting, especially in these times when so many of us must social distance from the planks & each other. I definitely recommend Nancy’s classes. It’s old friends, new friends, the thrill of learning interesting material to add to your acting repertoire 🎭 & now brought to you in the comfort of your own surroundings- Zoom zoom. ~ Patricia Alston, private Zoom scene study
Comedy Class scene, Spring 2021
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We're back, baby! Acting for NonActors enters the world of Zoom! There's nothing better after this forced pandemic solitude than gathering together to explore the world of acting! Come and have fun while you learn theatre skills and techniques that will enhance your ability to think on your feet (or on your seat) and feel comfortable and relaxed in front of others. A great place to plunge in and give acting a try. It will leave you wanting more. Returning students welcome. You will need a strong wi-fi connection, and it works best if you download the Zoom app. Contact Nancy with any questions.
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Now on Zoom. Make them laugh in this fun exploration of comic acting. Using improv and some of the best written comic scripts around, you will discover your own sense of humor and comic timing, all the while developing skills that will help you lighten the mood and brighten your world. Find out how the pros do it and try it out yourself with an instructor whose comedic experience includes theatre, film, TV, sketch comedy, and standup. Requirement: Students will need a strong wi-fi connection and be sure to download the Zoom app.
Maximum 10 students |
Carita Louise and Bronwyn Baz in Crimes of the Heart
Click for more information and to open the registration website.
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photo by Nancy McDonald, 2014 at London's Globe Theatre
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Now online with Zoom. You'll be acting, reading, reflecting and sharing with others of all ages, seeing how this Elizabethan world and our world merge. No previous experience required. Since you’ll be in the comfort of your own home, be comfy, grab a cuppa and get ready to explore. You will need a strong wi-fi connection and it works best if you download the Zoom app.
Check here to see what our next play will be. |
Sir Alan Ayckbourn
“I enjoyed learning about Richard Rodgers and I enjoyed reading the scenes from the musicals. It helped me understand how much work goes into composing a musical.”
~ Kristin Howarth, actress and student in the ACTING BY PLAYWRIGHT: Getting to Know Richard Rodgers class
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This, our 7th one-day Shakespeare, is known as a “problem” play. But Shakespeare had no problem moving through the first part of a deep psychological tragedy to the bright romance of the pastoral ending. In The Winter’s Tale, one of his late plays, the playwright is at the top of his game, with a jealous and treacherous King who commits dark acts of brutality against his wife, his servants, his political opponents, and his own children. This Winter is very dark indeed, but it comes with the miraculous rescue of Spring, with all its new life and love. We will be exploring what makes this work meaningful to us today and how we can relate to those all-too human Elizabethans.
No previous experience required. You’ll be acting, reading, reflecting and sharing with others of all ages. Come dressed for comfort. BYO lunch for the break. |
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"The more you perform your story, the more comfortable you feel in your skin. I can take that confidence everywhere I go."
~ Graham Salisbury, author, Under the Blood Red Sun
Onstage at Lakewood Theatre, Stories for a Summer Evening
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"The more you perform your story, the more comfortable you feel in your skin. I can take that confidence everywhere I go."
~ Graham Salisbury, author, Under the Blood Red Sun
with Tank, the Shakespeare Actor Dog!
Neil Simon
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“I enjoyed learning about Richard Rodgers and I enjoyed reading the scenes from the musicals. It helped me understand how much work goes into composing a musical.” |
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An ongoing, in-depth class for actors who want to advance their acting skills while preparing themselves for work. Students work on scenes, monologues, auditions and storytelling, with a teacher who brings decades of experience in the professional world of NY and Hollywood. Meet and work with other actors to learn what’s going on locally. This class is designed for actors who are serious about pursuing professional acting opportunities. Prerequisite: FUNdamentals of Acting with Nancy McDonald or another foundational acting class. Note: If you have not taken the prerequisite class or have studied with Nancy before, she will want to have a phone conversation before you register. Returning students encouraged.
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Onstage at Lakewood Theatre, Stories for a Summer Evening
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We are the stories of our lives, but how we tell that story requires our own unique recipe. Start with story circle, add improv, a pinch of stand-up, a smidge of story theatre and a bit of drama and you have a true and rewarding concoction. Whether it’s storytelling, presentation, theatre, comedy or public speaking, learn to tell your story using the art of the actor in a non-threatening, creative environment.
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"The more you perform your story, the more comfortable you feel in your skin. I can take that confidence everywhere I go."
~ Graham Salisbury, author, Under the Blood Red Sun
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"Really enjoyed all the background on Christie. You made it interesting and made us own it by doing our own research. You also encouraged us to take risks and not worry about making mistakes. You made me fearless!" |
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During this month of April, 2016, the 400th Anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare, our Spring Shakespeare Workshop will be focusing on his final masterpiece, The Tempest.
With themes of revenge, forgiveness and reconciliation, this play is never out of date. The play is filled with magic, romance, sibling rivalry, father/daughter discord, disobedience, love, and of course, the wisdom that comes with age. Rather than just a reading of the play, we will be moving through it like actors preparing to perform, exploring what makes this work meaningful to us today and how we can relate to those all-too human Elizabethans. No previous experience required. Taught by the founder of New York City’s Shakespeare Stage Company, Nancy McDonald. You’ll be acting, reading, reflecting and sharing with others of all ages. Come dressed for comfort. BYO lunch at the break. |
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600 years ago, the Battle of Agincourt became the stuff of legend. And less than 200 years later, Shakespeare made this prince immortal.
Come join the exploration of one of William Shakespeare’s most influential and inspiring history plays, as we give voice to Henry V, Shakespeare's ideal monarch, on the actual 600th anniversary of the battle! Moving through the entire play, we will also explore what makes this work meaningful to us today and how timeless its lessons are. And yes, we will feast, and show our scars. No previous experience required. You’ll be acting, reading, reflecting and sharing with others of all ages. Come dressed for comfort. BYO lunch at the break. |
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