Arts - Workhouse Theatre classes and workshops - Workhouse Theatre classes and workshops: something for everyone

    To increasingly large numbers of the Camden neighborhoods, Workhouse Theatre Company (WTC) represents an opportunity to attend and participate in quality - and now award-winning - plays at The Warren. But the educational offerings by the Northside's only resident theatre company actually predate its earliest staged productions.

    In 2003, Jeff Redman began offering theatre classes at Patrick Henry High in an effort to contribute to the performance side of a just-then-emerging Northside arts scene. The classes brought in aspiring theatre artists from throughout the Twin Cities, including a select few that emerged to form, with Redman, the original company which later became Workhouse Theatre. "Those early classes were really the model for everything we've done since that time," muses Jeff Redman, now artistic director of the company. "Not only do we bring in new artists and new talent with every effort we undertake, but every new person that gets involved - whether they're from Camden or not - is contributing to a positive transformation of the community."

    With that goal in mind, this year WTC has expanded their educational program tremendously, to a set of 12 workshop and class offerings over an eight month period. Catering to both the theatre newcomer (Beginning Theatre and Acting, a WTC mainstay) to those with more experience (Advanced Long-Form Improv, with a "previous improvisation experience" prerequisite), the 2008-2009 series can accommodate nearly anyone, so long as they have a simple interest in the field of theatre.

    On the immediate horizon is the December 8 workshop, Decoding Shakespeare, taught by Camden's own Diane Mountford, who is artistic director of the Minnesota Shakespeare Project and has three WTC directing credits under her belt. This class, intended for those with substantial experience in theatre, will tackle how to get inside Shakepeare's texts using book-work techniques. Other classes, such as January's Intro to Scenic Design (taught by Camden's Sarah Leigh), or spring's The Secret Life of Puppets (instructed by Circus Minimus and intended for youth in grades 4-6) are appropriate for those with little or no experience in theatre.

    For info on any of Workhouse Theatre's class or workshop offerings visit http://www.workhousetheatre.org/site/classes.php. Specific class dates, times and fees are available, as well as detailed class descriptions and a downloadable registration form. Inquiries may also be sent to education@workhousetheatre.org. Those registering are urged to do so early in order guarantee a spot.