Maryland Ensemble Theatre's Ensemble School Begins 2/11

Maryland Ensemble Theatre (MET) has announced its winter schedule of classes for The Ensemble School. Taught by working actors and directors, The Ensemble School is a training ground for professional and aspiring actors of all skill levels with classes for students from age seven to adult. All classes are 12-week sessions that begin on or after February 11, meet once a week and are limited to 12 students. All classes are held at Maryland Ensemble Theatre located in the historic FSK Hotel at 31 W Patrick Street in downtown Frederick. "We provide a safe and productive training ground for actors of all ages -- a place where they can take risks and learn the skills they'll need for a life on the stage", said Gené Fouché, the Director of The Ensemble School.

The Youth Classes this semester include Acting Out taught by Melissa Baughman. Open to ages 7-9 the class features games and exercises that build self confidence and encourage the creative mind. This class has a rotating curriculum, so returning students will continue to be challenged. Mellisa Baughman, a director with Landless Theatre Company, will also teach the Performance Skills class for ages 10-12. Students in this class will use improv, scene work, vocal techniques and explore ensemble-based movement to create realistic acting within an ensemble structure.

Teen Improv for ages 13 -17 will be taught by Caitlyn Joy, a veteran of The Ensemble School and a graduate of the Theatre program at Towson. The class offers an hour of short and long form improv games and scenes that encourage on-the-spot thinking, creativity and fun!

Maryland Ensemble Theatre's Associate Artistic Director Julie Herber will teach Teen Acting for ages 13 -17. Students will leave this class with skills to tackle any role they may encounter. The course will explore core concepts in understanding the actor's process. Scene study will incorporate script analysis and research, along with characterization, to assist students in preparing for any role.

"It's important for our professional theatre company to train the next generation of actors. Caitlyn Joy, one of our current instructors, began classes with us when she was 10, premiered professionally on our stage at the age of 11 and is now back acting and teaching with us after pursuing her theatre degree.", offered Gené Fouché.

The Ensemble School will be offering two classes for adults. Adult Improv will be taught by current member of The Comedy Pigs, Laura Stark, who has has performed with improv troupes in DC and NYC. Students in the class will explore both short form and long form improv. Acting for Film will be taught by Reiner Prochaska. Mr. Prochaska teaches English and Screenwriting at Towson University where he is a member of the faculty. Students will learn techniques for acting and auditioning in front of a camera. Throughout the semester students will learn to analyze a text for scene work, which will be filmed to provide each actor with an acting reel for auditioning.

The MET will be holding an Open House on January 30 from 4:30 - 6:00pm. The Open House will offer prospective students the chance to meet the instructors and see the theatre and classrooms.

Since 1995 The Ensemble School has been offering classes to students who have gone on to work on stage, tv and film in NYC, Chicago and Hollywood. In addition to The Ensemble School, MET offers thought-provoking theatre, fun family entertainment, artist residency programs for public schools and the side-splitting Comedy Pigs. The MET is an artistic leader in the region and at the forefront of the creation of Frederick's Theater District.

For more information on The Ensemble School including class schedules and tuition rates please visit marylandensemble.org or call 301-694-4744.

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