Adult Classes
PUPPET PERFORMANCE
Sundays, 12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M.
January 18th - March 29th (no class Feb. 15th)
Price:
$210
Description
Welcome to Puppet Performance! In this class, we will learn about the various forms of puppetry that are used in theatrical productions, including shadow puppets, marionettes, ventriloquist dummies and more! Students will get the chance to craft multiple puppets with their imagination and the aim to use them in a final showcase performance! Along with puppet performance, this class will act as an acting challenge for those committed to learning how to convincingly perform with a puppet as well as how to perform for younger audiences.
Instructor
Caleb is an actor and theater educator with a B.A. in Theater from SUNY Plattsburgh. He brings a wealth of experience to his work, particularly in youth-focused theater education. Prior to joining Royal River, Caleb worked extensively with the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine. His roles included performer, stage manager, technical theater intern, and after-school program educator. Through these experiences, Caleb has had the privilege of collaborating with young artists, fostering an environment where creativity, confidence, and teamwork can thrive. Caleb has also directed youth productions such as *Annie Jr.* at Stages and the TYA edition of *Tuck Everlasting* at Gorham Middle School. His dedication to his students shines through in the supportive and encouraging relationships he builds, creating spaces where young artists feel empowered to explore their creativity and grow as individuals. As a performer, Caleb has appeared in a variety of productions. Recent roles include Larry in The SpongeBob Musical at Lyric Music Theater, Gus in White at Mad Horse Theatre Company, and Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web at Maddy’s Theatre.
TECHNIQUE AND SCENE STUDY (Adult Intermediate)
Tuesdays, 10:00 am -12:00 pm
January 13th - March 24th (no class Feb. 17th),
Price:
$200
Description
Adult Ensemble is designed for students who have a foundational understanding of theater and wish to further develop their skills. This course offers a comprehensive exploration of performance techniques, character development, and script analysis. Students will engage in various exercises and activities that enhance their abilities in voice, movement, and improvisation. Through scene study and collaborative projects, participants will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and creativity in a supportive environment. This class encourages students to challenge themselves, refine their craft, and gain confidence in their artistic expression.
Instructor
Tyler Costigan is a Yarmouth-based actor, theatre maker, and teaching artist. Recent credits include The Legend of Georgia McBride (Mad Horse), The Woman in Black (Maples Repertory Theatre), and I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire (Out There Theatre Company). Recent directing credits include Pete the Cat: The Musical at Maddy's Theatre and Matilda Jr. at Jordan Small Middle School. Tyler teaches acting workshops for all ages and leads Dungeons & Dragons sessions at Royal River Community Players.
INTRO TO THEATRE (Adult Beginner)
Thursdays, 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
January 15th - March 5th (no class Jan. 26th and Feb. 19th)
Price:
$120
Description
Intro to Theater offers a weekly one-hour class designed for those intrigued by the performing arts, eager to enhance their acting skills, or seeking new social connections. Participants will delve into fundamental acting techniques, engage in improv games, acting exercises, and monologue work.
Instructor
Tyler Costigan is a Yarmouth-based actor, theatre maker, and teaching artist. Recent credits include The Legend of Georgia McBride (Mad Horse), The Woman in Black (Maples Repertory Theatre), and I’m Gonna Marry You Tobey Maguire (Out There Theatre Company). Recent directing credits include Pete the Cat: The Musical at Maddy's Theatre and Matilda Jr. at Jordan Small Middle School. Tyler teaches acting workshops for all ages and leads Dungeons & Dragons sessions at Royal River Community Players.
GENERATIONS IN VERSE (Spoken Word)
Fridays, 4:00 P.M. - 5:30 P.M.
February 6th - March 20th (no class Feb. 20th) 15 - October 27 (No class 10/13) - Performance on October 27th
Price:
Free
Description
Generations in Verse is BACK! Join our intergenerational spoken word poetry group, facilitated by former poet laureate of Portland, Maine, Maya Williams. Learn to write, refine, and perform impactful poetry while connecting with others. Participants will work on their pieces and contribute to a collective performance for the end of the program. The program ends with a live ticketed performance on March 20th at the Playhouse, where you’ll showcase your growth. Open to anyone 10 and older, this program encourages storytelling, self-expression, and building confidence. Whether you're experienced or a beginner, you’ll leave feeling inspired and proud of others and yourself.
Instructor
Maya is the seventh poet laureate of Portland, ME, and has an impressive list of achievements, including being one of three artists of color selected to represent Maine in The Kennedy Center's Arts Across America series in 2020, being named one of The Advocate's Champions of Pride in 2022, and receiving the Constance Carlson Public Humanities Prize from the Maine Humanities Council in 2024. Equally important, Maya has extensive experience teaching spoken word and performance to both children and adults. Maya fosters a fun and creatively safe environment where individuals feel free to take risks and express themselves.
ENCORE ENSEMBLE (Adult Musical Theater)
Saturdays, 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
January 17th - March 28th (no class Feb. 21st)
Price:
$230
Description
Explore storytelling through the lens of musical theater! Singers and actors of any experience are welcome to this class. We will range from learning musical solos and duets to strengthening audition material. Students in this class will have the chance to research and pick songs from a wide range of musical theater material, including shows such as Into the Woods, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Fun Home, Come From Away and more! Students may also bring musical theater material from their own audition book or repertoire to work on if they’d like. We will work with an accompanist to bring the music to life and then work through character motivation and understanding of song structure.
Instructor
Caleb is an actor and theater educator with a B.A. in Theater from SUNY Plattsburgh. He brings a wealth of experience to his work, particularly in youth-focused theater education. Prior to joining Royal River, Caleb worked extensively with the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine. His roles included performer, stage manager, technical theater intern, and after-school program educator. Through these experiences, Caleb has had the privilege of collaborating with young artists, fostering an environment where creativity, confidence, and teamwork can thrive. Caleb has also directed youth productions such as *Annie Jr.* at Stages and the TYA edition of *Tuck Everlasting* at Gorham Middle School. His dedication to his students shines through in the supportive and encouraging relationships he builds, creating spaces where young artists feel empowered to explore their creativity and grow as individuals. As a performer, Caleb has appeared in a variety of productions. Recent roles include Larry in The SpongeBob Musical at Lyric Music Theater, Gus in White at Mad Horse Theatre Company, and Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web at Maddy’s Theatre.
COSTUMING FOR COMMUNITY THEATER
Saturdays, 12:00 P.M. - 1:30 P.M.
March 21st - April 25th
Price:
$225
Description
Costuming for Community Theater offers individuals the opportunity to work with local costume designer Anna Halloran on how to develop a design plot for a show and what to prepare as a designer. Students will walk through production prep and work up to their own visions and costume plans for a variety of productions.
Instructor
Anna Halloran