Civic Theatre School: Artist Development Workshops

Designed for adults ages 18+

The Artist Development Workshops provide a creative environment for theatre artists seeking to strengthen their craft through continued study and collaborative exploration. Led by experienced industry professionals, these engaging workshops challenge participants to expand their artistic range, refining their technique while connecting with community, and enjoying enriching educational experiences in performance and beyond.

Fall Scene Study Workshop

INSTRUCTOR: Larry McCallister

WHEN: Mondays 7-9pm, September 14 – November 2

WHO: Adults 18+.

WHERE:Theatre514

COST: $150/person (Civic members); $200/person (non-members)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Artists will engage in an 8-week program designed to explore and hone acting and interactive scene study skills. Participants will be paired with partners, rehearse and work scenes in class with instructor Larry McCallister each week. A total of 3-4 scenes per person will be worked over the term of the class; the workshop will be a combination of assigned scenes and scenes chosen by actors with different pairings every scene. Participants will be expected to meet outside of class for rehearsal and work off-book for class presentation.

We are looking for actors committed to improving technique while exploring the space between character needs and actions in a variety of genres. A great opportunity to explore a range of characters and situations outside of full production rehearsals.

Class size will be limited to 16 to ensure meaningful work is done every week.
Introductory Long-Form Improv Class

INSTRUCTOR: Richie Warmkessel

WHEN: Tuesdays September 15-October 20, 7-9PM

WHO: Designed for Adults 18+

WHERE: Theatre514

COST: $150/person (Civic members); $200/person (non-members)

FINAL SHOWCASE: OCTOBER 20

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Whether you've never stepped on stage before or you're an experienced performer looking to sharpen your skills, this welcoming six-week Introductory Long-Form Improv class is designed to help you grow as an artist.

Over five weeks, students will build the skills needed to perform a long-form improv set in a fun, encouraging environment. Students will explore the fundamentals of Improv techniques: agreement, making bold choices, justification, editing, and discovering what makes an audience laugh. The class will culminate in a sixth-week showcase on Civic Theatre514 stage, where students will share what they've learned with friends, family, and the community.
No memorization, no pressure, just a supportive space to play, collaborate, and discover the joy of creating something from nothing. Whether you're looking to become a stronger actor, gain confidence, meet new people, or simply try something new, this class is a fun and welcoming place to start. Come discover the magic of saying, "Yes, and..."

Class size is limited to 12 students to ensure meaningful work is done every week.
Winter Play Writing Workshop

INSTRUCTOR: J. Gulotta

WHEN: Mondays, January 4–25, 7–9 PM

WHO: Adults 18+

WHERE: Theatre514

COST: $150 Civic Members | $200 Non-Members

FINAL SHOWCASE: Wednesday, January 27

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Develop your voice for the stage in this focused four-week playwriting workshop led by local playwright J. Gulotta. Through guided exercises, writing prompts, and collaborative feedback, participants will create an original 10-minute play while exploring character development, dialogue, structure, and theatrical storytelling. The workshop culminates in a public showcase of staged readings featuring participants’ completed works.

Meet The Instructors

Larry McCallister has worked in Los Angeles and regionally in the Midwest directing and working with actors for the past 40 years. He has a BA in English Lit from the University of Missouri and taught Acting for Non-Majors as part of the graduate program at Mizzou. He now makes his home in the Lehigh Valley with his husband Mathew Vipond.

Richie Warmkessel holds a BA in Theatre and over 15 years of training and experience as an improviser, stand-up comic, and actor. He has trained in the UCB style of long form improv and since 2013 has been a permanent fixture in the Lehigh Valley improv scene. He has appeared with various teams including The Associated Mess, Cat Sweaters, Naughty By Nurture, and The Giggle Tucks, as well as countless one off improv and sketch shows. His class will blend theatre and improv techniques to help performers of all levels feel confident and comfortable on stage.

J. Gulotta holds his BA in playwriting from Bennington College and an MFA from The Actors Studio Drama School. He is an accomplished playwright and has had his work performed and showcased at the SoLow Festival in Philadelphia and in Independence, KS. His award winning play Occupy Avenue premiered at The Metropolitan Playhouse in New York City.