WORKSHOPS AND EDUCATION

The Iowa Theatre Artists Company, as part of its educational mission, has staff members available at various times during the year, for a number of workshops, classes, and residencies in communities throughout the state of Iowa. Currently, we are offering the following:

PLAY DIRECTING-- This workshop by Tom Johnson will be tailored to meet the needs of your group and is appropriate for professional companies, community theatre groups, and educational institutions. This is an “on-your-feet," participation workshop that examines the fundamentals of good play directing.

SO YOU THINK YOU WANT TO START A THEATRE—The process of starting a non-profit theatre is discussed in a frank and honest format. Tom Johnson has been involved in starting two such companies from scratch and has had over 40 years of professional involvement with the management of professional theatres. This workshop is appropriate for any group who wants a clear understanding of what’s involved before they launch into starting a theatre company.

PROFESSIONAL ACTING—Meg Merckens leads a discussion of the theatre profession from the point of view of a union actor. This workshop has a question and answer format and focuses on the realities of making it in a very difficult profession. This workshop is most appropriate for educational institutions, and groups of aspiring professional performers.

ACTING FOR THE STAGE—This workshop is offered in three forms: Acting for the Beginner, Intermediate Acting, and Advanced Acting. These workshop are team taught by Tom Johnson and Meg Merckens, and are on-your-feet, participation classes with an emphasis on fundamentals, improvisation as a learning device, and scene study.

MUSIC IN THE THEATRE--There are a number of musicians and musical directors affiliated with ITAC, who are well qualified to present various workshops and master classes in musical performance. Let us arrange one to fit your needs.

CREATE YOUR OWN—Meg, Tom and the other professionals in the company are available to present specialized, tailor-made workshops. Whether yours is a professional group, a community theatre, or an educational theatre, ITAC can design a workshop that is just right for your group.

GUEST SPEAKER CLEARINGHOUSE—Contact ITAC about arranging one or more of our Iowa Theatre Artists and affiliate artists to speak for your group or organization.

OUR FEES--Fees for the workshops and classes vary according to subject matter, personnel involved, travel distance, and length of the workshop. Contact Tom Johnson, describe what programs you have in mind and get a quote on all-inclusive costs. In certain circumstances, fee reductions and scholarships are available for qualifying groups.


BALLROOM DANCE CLASSES
at the Iowa Theatre Artists’ Performing Arts Center Amana Iowa

Dance Class information - Fall of 2009
MONDAY Evenings (Note New Day!!)
Sept. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5, 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9 (this schedule skips Columbus Day on October 12)
Cost: $80.00 per couple for the 8-week course
(Ask about our "Special Rate" if you take both classes!)

Basic Ballroom Dance II - Feel confident at weddings and social events. Come learn more basic ballroom dances in a fun, casual atmosphere. Continue learning more steps in the Swing, Foxtrot and Waltz . Learn to lead and follow using proper dance posture and technique. (6:30 pm - 7:45 pm)

Beginning Latin Ballroom Dance - Add some spice to your dancing. Learn to dance the beginning steps of the Cha Cha, Rumba and Mambo/Salsa. Latin styling and technique will be emphasized to help you feel comfortable on the dance floor. (8:00 pm - 9:15 pm)

Partners recommended.
Please bring a clean pair of shoes to dance in. Leather or flexible soles recommended. Video cameras encouraged. The steps will be reviewed briefly at the end of each evening and students can tape the teachers dancing. This will aid student's practice.

Doug and Jill Beardsley will be the teachers once again, having taught the spring session at ITAC and receiving enthusiastic response to their excellent teaching style and technique. The Beardsley's are new to the Iowa City area. They have been dancing together since 1980. The met on the internationally acclaimed Brigham Young University touring ballroom dance company. They were trained in both the international competitive style and social style of Ballroom and Latin dance. The have been performing and teaching regularly throughout their careers. They are excited to be in Iowa to share their love of dance here. If you have questions about the class, contact the Beardsley's at 319-337-4745.

Class size will be limited to keep teacher/student interaction at its best. To book your spot in one of the above classes, call The Iowa Theatre Artists Company: 319-622-3222.

Yoga
Tuesdays 6:30-7:30pm
$40for an 8 week session

It doesn't matter if you've never done yoga before or have done it for a while. Yoga is for everyone. If you are interested, please call the instructor, Penni at 622-6357 or email ptberger@southslope.net. We will keep running 8 week sessions as long as there is interest.