Karitos Theatre Arts Faculty Bios and Classes 2009

George Halitzka (Louisville, KY) is a professional writer, director, and theatre educator. Favorite directing projects include Christmas Presence (Drama by George/ Highland Vineyard, Louisville), The Ranger Ned Story (Pacific Theatre, Vancouver, BC), Crucifix (Drama Inc., Chicago), and From Garden to Tomb (Church of the Open Door, Cleveland). George has taught theatre workshops to hundreds of people around the country. Visit him online at www.dramabygeorge.com.

Acting for Directors
If the director’s job is to bring the best out of the performers, then he or she should know how the actors operate! We’ll cover the bare necessities of “Method Acting,” the technique used by skilled thespians around the world to bring characters to life.

Script Analysis for Dummies
Maybe you’ve heard people talk about analyzing a script as the first step towards bringing it to life onstage. But what does it mean, and how can a director effectively “do his homework” without sacrificing his day job? We’ll talk about the fundamental parts of a story, and give directors a toolbox for breaking down a script (without spending hours of on the task).

“Where Do I Put My Actors?”
The director’s first job in rehearsal—in collaboration with his actors—is to determine the movement for his play. We’ll cover concepts and techniques that you can use to craft blocking that’s full of dramatic impact!

Coaching Your Actors Towards Stronger Performances
Have you ever noticed a problem with an actor during polishing rehearsals, but not known how to solve it? This class will present an overview of common acting mistakes, and give you tools to fix them.

Directing Practice
Apply the techniques you’ve learned to stage part of a drama sketch with your classmates! Don’t skip out on this session—you’ll learn the most if you apply the knowledge you’ve gained so far before you head home.

Emergent Drama
Does drama still have a place in the Church, even with the “emerging” generations? Pick up some exciting ideas for crafting drama that will continue to excite and transform your congregation—even the teens and twenty-somethings.

 

Jack & Edie Hill (Rockford, IL) both have advanced degrees in theatre and met in a Christian Evangelistic theatre company called Creation, I.N.C. Edie is a published writer and musician and a committed church minister, and has taught theatre and humanities at Lutheran High School in Rockford. Jack has over 25 years of experience in fine arts ministry, administration, performing and directing. He is a founding member of Acacia Theatre Company and has served as Fine Arts Pastor for two churches in Illinois. Jack and Edie bring a wealth of knowledge—and humor—to their classes.

Improv I (Jack)
Do you watch Whose Line is it, anyway? and think, “I can do that!”? Then this is the class for you. Basics of improvisation will be taught while using fun theater games and exercises. Improv is also a great way to develop your own material for use as sermon illustrations.

Improv II (Jack)
A continuation of Improv I. If you’ve never had an improv class, please plan on taking Improv I before coming to this class.

When the Head, Hands, and Feet Meet (Edie)
How in the world do leaders handle the diversity within a creative team without turning into heartless dictators or losing any kind of forward momentum? How do members of a creative, diverse team contribute to a vibrant ministry without turning into a modern version of Cain and Able? Come explore some basics in diversity training and conflict management from a Christian perspective. Learn some tips to help you to be prepared to manage effectively the different talents and perspectives on your teams.

 

Phillip Hoagland (Louisville, KY) has an A.B. Cum Laude in Theatre and English from Wabash College, and an M.A.T. from University of Louisville. He chairs the Theatre Arts and Humanities departments at Seneca High School in Louisville. His theatrical experience includes directing, producing, set and lighting design, stage management, audience relations, music, acting, dancing, and public speaking. Other training includes ballet, mime, improvisation, stage and stadium rigging, and stage combat. Phil and his wife, Maura, are ordained ministers and the founders of Adveniat Regnum Tuum (A.R.T.) Ministries.

 

Carl Peters (Columbus, OH) holds a B.S.W. from the University of South Florida, and an honorary Doctor of Humanities from Trinity College of Ministerial Arts in Aba, Nigeria. He has written or co-authored several full-length plays, including a soon-to-be-released musical. Although he is best known for his ability to make scripture come alive through biblical characters who converse with the audience, he also teaches on the Hebrew roots of our Christian faith and is an internationally acclaimed shofar player. Carl and his wife, Yvonne, are presently on staff with Christian Assembly in Columbus as Worship Watch Directors, helping to restore the tabernacle of David in their church and city.

Vocal Excellence
The identification of phrasing within a script or score is a critical part of accurately interpreting and effectively delivering one’s text. Carl will present a non-threatening, painless discussion of phrasing, breathing, pronunciation and enunciation, etc. This class is a must for actors who have had little or no professional voice training, and can help you land parts in musicals!
Singers: this class will help you improve your technique and provide a guideline for innovative, personal interpretation of a song's message.
Pastors and worship leaders: this class will help you work together towards recognized goals and standards of excellence for your worship departments.

 

 

Kurt Priebe (Wichita, KS)
Kurt serves as Assistant Professor of Drama & Media Studies at Friends University. In addition, he writes for, and directs the university drama ministry team, "ACTS of FAITH." Kurt has been an active member of Christian-In-Theatre-Arts since 1996, and has presented workshops on Theatrical Design, Technical Theatre, Stage Make-Up, Pantomime, Arts Theology & Digital Moviemaking at both the Regional & National level. He has also served as a church drama team leader, worship team member, and writes original sketches for Sunday Morning Worship for local & regional churches. He has most recently completed a full-length stage play and screenplay adaptation of a recent Christian novel.

Theatrical Design on a Shoestring
We will examine some simple but effective concepts for your church in-house or touring production. Will examine construction materials & resources, tools & methods for creation and essential ways of establishing a desired setting. Design samples, photographs & sketches, and examples of realized productions will be highlighted, presented & explained.

Creating Effective Stage Designs for Your Production
We will examine the process of Scenic & Lighting Design, script study & stylistic choices for creating your own scenic and lighting effects. Will examine the process of composing & creating your own graphic sketches & renderings, or models for your productions. Design samples, photographs & sketches, and examples of realized productions will be highlighted, presented and explained.

Stage Make-Up Foundations & Applications
We will examine the principles of Stage Make-Up application & materials, facial features, skeletal structure and enhancement. Students will overview Make-Up concepts & design, and a variety of applications with an emphasis upon creating realistic and believable characterizations. Will demonstrate Stage Make-Up applications through guided instruction for aging, thinning or thickening the facial appearance and some standard effects.

Collaborative Sessions with Phil, Kurt & Jack

Flat Construction Workshop
By special request from last year’s conferees! Come learn the time-honored craft of constructing scenic flats and connecting them together to form walls, doorways and much more. You can even create a portable stage for your church drama troupe! We will walk you through the steps from initial planning to final painting. In addition, we will teach you how to handle flats safely and discuss the proper storage and care of your stock scenery. Materials, plans and tools will be provided.

Simple Stage Lighting for the Financially, Electrically, and Technically Challenged
So…you have four electrical outlets in the sanctuary, no lighting equipment, and (of course!) no budget. You think “watts, amps and volts” sounds like some music group from the 70s. Not to worry! With a little know-how, you too can provide some cheap yet effective lighting for your drama team. In this hands-on lab, you’ll learn the fundamentals of lighting for the stage, and learn how to make it happen for next to nothing!

 

Questions? Call (847) 925-8018