Explore ‘The Actor’s Tool Belt’ with a pro

Tony Award-winning actress Dinah Manoff is teaching the latest iteration of “The Actor’s Tool Belt,” a rotational series of classes offered through Bainbridge Performing Arts Theatre School.

Manoff brings over 30 years of experience acting, directing and casting to the six-hour monthly workshops, which also offer a great schedule for those who don’t have time to commit to a weekly class. Workshops encompass a range of instruction, from developing basic acting skills to selecting appropriate material for auditions.

Classes will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 5, April 23, and May 7, with additional dates to be announced.

Classes will be held in the portable classroom behind BPA, and students are instructed to wear comfortable clothes and bring a lunch. Offerings include:

“The Nuts and Bolts of Acting” on Sunday, March 5: This workshop will provide a foundation for actors who would like to learn the “nuts and bolts” of the craft. Using a variety of techniques with practical application for scenes and monologues, this class is perfect for actors of all levels, from those with little or no experience to more seasoned actors who want to brush up on the basics.

“Constructing a Character: on Sunday, April 23: Character development is more than just putting on a costume or speaking with an accent. It is about being real while playing someone who may not be like you at all. In this workshop Manoff uses creative exercises and improvisation to teach students how to build believable characters — those that are similar and dissimilar to those participating. Students will leave with invaluable tools for assembling characters from the inside out.

“Monologues with Muscle: on Sunday, May 7: There is much more to a monologue than standing up and giving a speech. Participants will learn how the tools of “sensory work” and “unrelated action” can take a monologue from a stiff presentation to an interesting and captivating piece.

Limited to 14 students (per class) and recommended for ages 16 and older, “The Actors Tool Belt” will be offered at $125 per class or at $100 per class for a package of three or more. Registrants must contact director of education Liz Ellis at eeliis@bainbridgeperformingarts.org to obtain the package discount.

For additional information or queries, please contact Liz at eeliis@bainbridgeperformingarts.org or 206-842-4560, and register online at www.bainbridgeperformingarts.org/pages/theatre-school.