Improvisation & Acting For Life *In-Person*

Improvisation and acting are commonly associated with comedy and performance, but they're also great training for talking and listening, being in touch with feelings and situations and picking up on social cues, to name a few obvious applications in everyday life. This class will develop classic exercises from both traditions (acting and improvisation) in a playful spirit, and will include brief class conversations and reflections. The course is designed to be fun, thought-provoking, and to help foster an active sense of empathy and confidence. It's intended for both non-actors and actors interested in practicing spontaneity, ensemble work, or craft without a script. No experience is necessary: all are welcome. 

Instructor: Mark Hessler

Sections

Instructor

Mark Hessler has an S.B. in literature and physics, an Ed.M. in teaching and curriculum, and studied theater at the New Theatre and National Shakespeare conservatories and at CCAE. He has held a variety of jobs and roles in teaching, technology, and theatre. He participated in several long-running improvisation groups (Abneria, The Young Tongues) and has served as a judge in the METG/Boston Globe Massachusetts high school drama festival for many years. He is passionate about the value of theatre education for people from all walks of life.