Venice Theatre offering arts classes in Wellen Park

WELLEN PARK — Venice Theatre will be offering arts education courses in Solis Hall in Downtown Wellen Park, beginning Tuesday, May 7.

Course topics include acting, improv and the history of musical theatre.

"We know that folks from the array of Wellen Park neighborhoods visit Venice Theatre for entertainment and some have taken classes with us, but the potential for more engagement is boundless," Venice Theatre Executive Director Kristofer Geddie said.

For the first round of on-site classes in Downtown Wellen Park, the theatre is offering a six-week beginning acting class with the theatre's Director of Education and Community Engagement Sandy Davisson.

"Explore what we have to offer," Davission said. "Do not be intimidated. This will be an extremely supportive environment for the beginning-level actor or anyone who wants to brush up their skills."

Intro to Acting will meet on Tuesdays in Solis Hall from 5 p.m to 6:30 p.m.

Those looking to test the waters with a one-time experience can try drop-in improv classes with St. Pete-based improv expert Spencer Cross from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m on selected Thursdays.

Further, Geddie will teach his popular overview of musical theatre history, "A Complete History of Musical Theatre Abridged (with visuals)" beginning June 3 for seven weeks on Monday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information or to register, call 941-486-8679 or visit VeniceTheatre.org/education

All classes are held at Solis Hall, 19745 Wellen Park Blvd in Wellen Park. The theater's class descriptions include:

Intro to Acting with Sandy Davisson

Begins at 5 p.m. May 7 and runs for six weeks. Tuition: $175

There is much fun to be had in this adult acting class. Students will explore the actor's tools: voice, mind, body and imagination. Other topics will include introduction to monologues and scene study, and one of the most important principles of acting — "sending and receiving."

Drop In Improv with Spencer Cross

From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. May 30, June 25, July 10, and Aug. 1 Tuition: $39 per class

This Thursday evening "drop-in" improv class for adults caters to any and all experience levels with specially-crafted improv games, warm-ups, and exercises. Increase confidence, decrease anxiety and find community. Must be registered by noon two days prior to class.

A Complete History of Musical Theatre Abridged (with visuals)

Instructor: Kristofer Geddie

Begins at 6 p.m. June 3 and runs for seven weeks. Tuition: $175

In this Monday-night theatre appreciation class, exposure to the highlights and lowlights of musical theater over the past 285 years awaits. Students can expect seven weeks of a fast-paced romp through America’s truest art form — served through audio clips, video clips, anecdotes, and lots of discussion.