Paul Ellis offers college prep acting workshops

SUGAR LOAF — Beginning this spring, Paul Ellis, producer of Air Pirates Radio Theater and director of The Young Actors Program, is offering college preparation training for juniors and seniors in high school. Actors will be directed in areas of selecting the appropriate monologues for them and the schools to which they are applying.

These workshops are specially geared to high school juniors and seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in theatre and will be auditioning for college performing arts programs.

"Colleges are looking for performers with whom they can build a long-lasting relationship," said Ellis in a press release. "Student and faculty are going to be working together intensely for four years. This relationship all starts with your audition. This is your one time to make a first impression. Being prepared is the answer."

There are two options available this spring, the goal for each is the same; however, individual sessions are more focused. Each program is designed for preparation for a college audition. The first step is selecting the right material. Colleges ask for up to four prepared monologues, dramatic and comic, contemporary and classical. Students will learn how to connect to their material, make big, bold choices, and test their performance abilities in a safe and encouraging environment. Working on monologues, the student will discover his/her strengths and weaknesses. They will be coached on text, character, emotional, and physical attributes and directed for a college presentation.

Programs available
Small group (4):- This is a group workshop consisting of four two-hour sessions with no more than four students in each session. Students will prepare and complete four monologues. Each actor will perform using prepared material in a group format. $150 Thursday workshops.

One-on-one: This is individual coaching minimum of four, two- hour sessions. Student will prepare and complete four monologues. During this time, they will also research specific college requirements and prepare for those individual schools. $200 by appointment.

For information or to register, call Ellis at 845-469-7563.