The Dramatist’s Toolbox with Matthew B. Zrebski
The class meets for four (4) Saturdays 11/16 – 12/14
no class on 11/30
Designed as an intro for the beginner or as a brush-up for the seasoned writer, this course focuses heavily on tools that will spark ideas on both what to write and how to write. Writer's block will never again be an excuse as numerous prompts and brainstorming exercises get introduced to keep the ideas flowing. Each writer will end this course with a minimum of two, ten-minute plays. They will also walk out with a notebook of exercises for future reference. No preparation is required. All material will be developed and written in class. Bringing an electronic device that can connect to the internet will be helpful so as to access online tools during the class.
The classes meet 10:00a – 1:00p
Matthew is a founding member of Playwrights West and has had numerous original plays produced locally and nationally. As Portland Center Stage at The Armory’s resident teaching artist, Matt serves as lead instructor for the Visions & Voices high school residency program and frequently leads adult playwriting workshops. He is a two-time recipient of the Rosenfield Playwriting award and has won Drammy Awards for his scripts To Cape and Ablaze: an a cappella musical thriller. He has been a guest instructor for Portland Actors Conservatory and Literary Arts' Writers in the Schools program. He holds a B.F.A. in acting, directing, and playwriting from Southern Methodist University.
Current & Upcoming
NASSIM
From Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour (creator of the Off-Broadway smash hit White Rabbit, Red Rabbit) comes an audacious new theatrical experiment, presented in collaboration with Boom Arts. Each night, a new, unrehearsed local performer joins the playwright on stage, while the script waits, unseen, in a sealed box... Touchingly autobiographical yet powerfully universal, NASSIM is a striking theatrical demonstration of how language can both divide and unite us.
Coriolanus
Shakespeare’s tragedy about the war hero Coriolanus and the fight between the elite and the deprived masses will be fueled by a dynamic female and non-binary ensemble with a muscular, movement-focused staging.
Piano Bar with Courtney Freed and David Saffert
Join us for this monthly event with local songstress Courtney Freed and Portland-based pianist David Saffert as they host a good old-fashioned PIANO BAR.
Improvisation Classes for Beginners
Whether you're looking to get more confident in social situations, think quicker on your feet, or get in touch with your imaginative side, these "one-off" improv classes will set you on the path to success!
Clyde’s
In this delicious comedy, the formerly incarcerated kitchen staff at Clyde’s are on a journey to craft the perfect sandwich. These loveable characters with big dreams serve up a heartwarming story that’s good to the last bite!
Acting for Adults Level III: Actors' Toolbox
Explore Anne Bogart’s viewpoints, Meisner’s technique of repetition, Adler’s emotional recall, Laban’s eight efforts, Lecoq’s seven levels of tension, Michael Chekhov’s psychological gestures and learn to apply these to text of your choosing.
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).
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