CLASSES FOR YOUTH AND ADULTS

GRSF YOUTH CLASSES

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

Support also comes from the Slaggie Family Foundation and the Elizabeth Callender King Foundation.

for Middle and High School Students

These programs are for students entering 7th-12th grade to grow as young artists and learn new skills while engaging with professional company members. Acting students learn to approach Shakespeare’s text the same way our professional actors do: applying principles of scansion, acting technique, and text analysis. Design students work alongside professionals to develop their own approach to sets, costumes, and lighting. Film students will take part in the creation of a fully-produced short film, as director, camera operator, sound/lighting technicians, and other on-set duties. At the end of each summer, the community is invited to see a showcase of the work created by our students.

Please note: If you are planning to request a scholarship for your student, please contact Aaron A. Young (managingdirector@grsf.org) before registering.

GRSF’s youth classes are supported by grants from the Slaggie Family Foundation and the Elizabeth Callender King Foundation.

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shakespeare for young actors

SYA students will focus on basic principles of acting, scansion, text analysis, acting Shakespeare for the camera, basic video lighting/composition, and improv. This class culminates in a final presentation in late July.

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Shakespeare for young designers

SYD students study the fundamentals of theatrical design as well as exploring Art Direction and Wardrobe Styling for the camera. This class culminates in a final presentation in late July.

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for GRADE SCHOOL STUDENTS

Will’s Creative Drama (Age 4 – 2nd Grade)

In this half-day class for our youngest creators, students will be introduced to theatre and storytelling through games and familiar folktales and fables. They will learn basic theater exercises which promote confidence, foster positive group dynamics and ignite the imagination. Students will work together to build a safe, respectful, and FUN atmosphere – developing collaboration and concentration skills throughout the week. The program will culminate in a final presentation for friends and families.

Will’s Power Players (Grades 3-6)

In this full-day, week-long class, students will play imaginative games, act out scenes, and create performances based on folktales, fairy tales, fables, and mythology. Students will be introduced to basic theater exercises that promote confidence, foster positive group dynamics, and bolster the imagination.  WPP works on building a respectful community in a safe, supportive atmosphere. Students learn to showcase their natural talents and improve their observation and concentration skills. Class will culminate in a final presentation for friends and families at the end of the week.

Please note: If you are planning to request a scholarship for your student, please contact Aaron A. Young (managingdirector@grsf.org) before registering.

For Adults


the great river collegium

Each summer, the Festival supports a group of 15-30 adult learners who have organized a Collegium to study the plays in each GRSF season. The group will meet once a week over 10 weeks from March through May to study Much Ado about Nothing and Hamlet. Actors, directors, and designers are invited to classes to augment script studies. Tuition: $30 for each session. $60 for both.