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Learn numerous styles of acting, vocal & microphone techniques. Work with comic scripts, multiple characters (voices) & an informal performance. Refer to the Calendar page for class availability.
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This class explores American myths and legends through storytelling and discussion. Michael and the class share insights and stories about our changing national identity from colonial and pioneer times to today and tomorrow. Using mythological models by thinkers such as Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung, as well as many hero tales, we explore the American Dream. Refer to the Calendar page for class availability.
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From west to east, from Marco Polo back to the dawn of human experience — journey into hero tales from various Asian cultures that celebrate ancient mysteries. The development of ancient myths and creation stories from China, Japan, India, Russia and Southeast Asia are discussed in relation to world mythology. Refer to the Calendar page for class availability.
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Be more dynamic and self confidant in professional or social situations. Use your voice more effectively and naturally with various techniques for relaxation and stress reduction when speaking. Understand how the breath works and how your posture affects your voice. Learn how to cope with stage fright as well as finding your natural voice. Discover ways to add rhythm and passion to your speech. Handouts include a simple but effective warm-up technique. Discuss ways to avoid vocal abuse and how to place your voice in "the mask." Michael has been teaching voice at the university & college level for over 25 years. Click here for key ideas from this class. Refer to the Calendar page for class availability.
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Explore the wonderful world of dreams through the ideas and stories of numerous world cultures. Discuss the ideas behind Joseph Campbell's quote that dreams are private myths and that myths are public dreams. Learn the basics of influencing your own dream world with guided imageries and creative visualizations. This is a casual, fun class that looks at dreams from numerous perspectives including stories, music, and the latest scientific research. Refer to the Calendar page for class availability.
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This class focuses on hero tales from Northern and Western Europe. The ideas of Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung are discussed in relation to the value of these myths for our world today. Germanic folk tales are retold in story. Refer to the Calendar page for class availability.
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This is a basic acting class for experienced or completely inexperienced student actors. It's designed to be a fun 3-credit elective (through Chemeketa CC) that provides you with a glimpse into the world of acting. Michael has taught this class to over 10,000 students who have given suggestions on how to make it a positive experience. He respects that adults want to make choices about how the class needs to be for each individual.
A variety of assignments are available to choose from, such as an acting diary, a play review, a take-home final exam, a life mime and monologues and scenes. The acting diary is simply a written record (think of it as a blog) that allows you to talk about your emerging feelings and thoughts about yourself as a student actor. The play review can be from almost any professional play and focuses on the actors. The class can decide if it would like to see a play together. The final exam is a combination of short and long essays that you have all term to complete. The life mime is a simple expressive story told through body language. Monologues are short passages taken from approved plays, films, television shows or novels in which one actor talks while another character (or characters) listen. A lawyer addressing a jury is a good example of this. A scene consists of dialogue in which two characters hold a conversation. These pieces can be dramatic or comic. Michael will post numerous assignment choices to choose from, or students can select one of their own with his approval.
The class structure allows the opportunity to be creative any way you choose. Some students are extroverts or love acting and choose to do all monologues and scenes while other students prefer to express themselves through writing as often as possible. All students will be taught the major acting terms in common usage in the theatre. You will learn the fundamentals of how actors prepare for a role both in film and on the stage. Refer to the Calendar page for class availability.
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This class explores Germanic myths and legends through storytelling and discussion. Refer to the Calendar page for class availability.
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A history of this ancient Celtic feast is mixed with numerous stories, songs and poems celebrating the other world of the spirit. Humorous, scary and bizarre tales are taken from various world cultures, especially the Irish. Why does this ritual celebration fascinate us so at this time in our history? Why is it becoming more popular with every year? How can we apply this mythic collective need to our own individual spiritual outlook? Refer to the Calendar page for class availability.
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Harmonicas are fun, easy, portable, and very affordable! Learn simple, effective ways to create music immediately — all the things you need to know to get started. No musical experience necessary. Harmonicas supplied. Refer to the Calendar page for class availability.
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Have fun being spontaneous! No acting experience necessary. Participation is always voluntary in Michael's supportive and relaxed environment. The last night of class includes a casual performance. Refer to the Calendar page for class availability.
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Discover myth and folklore through stories, songs, lectures, and discussion. Michael spins ancient Irish and Celtic hero tales that are in turn comic, dramatic, and inspirational. Refer to the Calendar page for class availability.
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The history and romance of Celtic Britain and its early heroes are explored through stories and the backdrop of ancient Europe. Discover why Joseph Campbell says the Arthurian cycle is the greatest mythological achievement in human history. Stories of enchanted heroes and their weapons and their cities such as Camelot are explored historically, mythically and psychologically. Ancient Wales, Scotland, and Britain offer us story upon story that provide us with insights into the people and their hopes and dreams as well as our own needs for heroes and inspiration. Refer to the Calendar page for class availability.
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The ideas of Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung are combined with great tales about men and women who embody heroic ideals. Michael performs humorous and dramatic stories from several cultures and historical perspectives and encourages others to share their views on what makes a hero. This class will inspire you to consider the best human qualities that life and myth have to offer. Refer to the Calendar page for class availability.
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Learn elements of good storytelling. All levels of interest and experience are welcome in this informal class. Discover resources and tips for professional performances for adults and children. Refer to the Calendar page for class availability.
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Michael at ruins
near Killarney |
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 michael@michaelstoryteller.com
Copyright © 2008 Michael Whelan. All rights reserved. |
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