Programs for Adults

Theater Education for Adults

All Levels Welcome

Are you a seasoned performer, looking for something new, or just eager to connect with a vibrant community? We have a class for you! Verge Theater takes pride in offering quality performance art classes, taught by working professionals, in a variety of styles that are unique to the Bozeman area. Whether you are seven or seventy, our nearly thirty years in Bozeman means this is a family, and we want you involved.

At Verge, we don't believe cost should ever be a barrier to the arts. We are happy to offer class scholarships in exchange for volunteer hours and/or by exchanging services like photography, video editing, set building, admin, box office, and more! We'd love to hear how you can fit into the Verge community!

To inquire about a scholarship please email our Education Director, Kate: kate@vergetheater.com

Musical Improv

WITH JACK WICKUM

Saturdays | May 4 - 25 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Ages 16 + | $150

A unique blend of improvisation techniques, vocal exploration, and basic music theory to help participants discover the joy of creating music on the spot. Participants will be learning basic music theory, how to craft melody and lyrics on the fly, and develop confidence in trusting their instincts. This class is open to; Aspiring musicians eager to explore improvisation. Actors and performers seeking to enhance their on-stage presence. Anyone interested in boosting confidence through musical expression. No prior musical experience is necessary. The workshop is open to individuals of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced musicians.

Acting for Film

WITH KATE BRITTON

So you want to work in film? Though many tools from theater acting apply, (scene analysis, being present with your acting partners, listening, pursuing objectives, etc.), acting on camera requires a sophisticated understanding of technical skills like eyelines, understanding your shot frame, lack of deviation of actions for continuity, and bringing down your performance so it comes across naturally. This class will cover all of this as well as: how to make a strong professional self-tape audition, how to make bad writing sound good, and what to expect on set so you do your job well. You will get comfortable being on camera, working with a reader, and working with a scene partner.

Acting the Song

WITH EMMA RATHE

In this class, you will learn how to make strong acting choices while singing any song you choose!  It doesn’t matter if you are just starting out or if you have been in the theater world for a while, this class will help anyone willing to come and play. We will work on storytelling through song, singing without fear of sounding perfect, and finding ways to connect to the music and ground ourselves in it. We will start to work on the specificity of the text and acting technique, then once you feel confident in the story, we will work on vocal technique to complete your piece. We will end the course using your piece to focus on audition prep/self-tape techniques. 

Adult Improv

WITH CHELSEA HOGAN

Improv is about working together to create something that has never existed before! Our classes introduce students to Improv and aid in establishing a solid improvisational foundation by focusing on the principles of acceptance, listening, and creative collaboration. We believe improv is at its best when the players are fully present with and for one another and when we give ourselves permission to play. It just so happens that the skills that make great improv are also valuable to our life off the stage. These classes will challenge you to rethink your assumptions about what you can't do. Sign up to meet new friends and have a blast!

Scene Study

WITH JENNA CIRALLI

This class offers the opportunity to deep dive into scene work. You’ll learn how to identify objectives, act from a truthful place, analyze material, and work with a scene partner. We'll incorporate the methods of Meisner, i.e. the "really talk, really listen" principle in order to bring naturalism to your scene. A genuine connection to your scene partner, while creating a three-dimensional character, will therefore be a main focus. Actors will find the difference between indicating performance vs. learning how to "live truthfully under imaginary circumstances," and bridge an emotionally truthful instrument to character choices.

The Actor Moves

WITH ISABEL SHAIDA

Whether you are a seasoned performer, new to acting, or just curious to try something new, exploring the relationship of your body to space has the potential to be life changing. Frequently actors end up approaching the work from the neck up. By grounding oneself in the entire body, and in the physical space, the performer will be brought into the present moment. This brings greater specificity to the work, and many more tools to the actor to create a compelling performance. Isabel will guide you through two established theatrical movement techniques that assist you in becoming an embodied performer.  All levels, bodies, and abilities welcomed and encouraged.