Fall Theater Classes at Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center

Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center will hold theater classes for children and adults 11 years and older. The classes will run from Sept. 18-Nov. 14. There are four programs: "Marionette Theater," "Incredible Improv," "Public Speaking and Theater Games," and "Multicultural Monologues and Scenes."

The first class, "Marionette Theater," will run from 4-5:30 p.m. Thursdays. Students will design and build their own marionettes. They will cooperatively write a script and perform a play for friends and family during the last session. The class is for children aged 11-15.

"Incredible Improv" is a program for all students interested in improvisation, especially those who have special needs. Students will play theater games and create improvised scenes. Acting exercises will develop confidence and performance skills. The program is for people 16 and older and will run 7-8 p.m. Fridays.

Students enrolled in "Public Speaking and Theater Games" will develop their public speaking abilities through improvisational activities and theater games. Some of the topics that will be covered include improving voice and diction, crafting speeches, and eliminating stage fright. The skills that are learned will help with job and college interviews, presentations and sales pitches. This program is for people 14 and older and will run 7-8 p.m. Thursdays.

"Multicultural Monologues and Scenes" is aimed at those 16 and older. Beginner and intermediate actors who have had difficulty finding roles because of race, disability, economic status or other reasons are invited to write monologues based on their stories as well as perform scenes from plays with partners. Some of the topics that will be covered include voice, movement, motivation, given circumstances, and audition techniques. This class will run 8-9 p.m. Fridays.


"Marionette Theater" costs $200 per person. "Incredible Improv" costs $75 per person. "Public Speaking and Theater Games" costs $100 per person, as does "Multicultural Monologues and Scenes." To register, visit the Dragonfly Multicultural Arts Center website.

All classes will be taught by experienced educators and theater professionals, and overseen by a NJ certified theater instructor.