Acting Classes for Adults and Seniors in Santa Barbara
Introduction to Playwriting: Crafting 10-Minute Plays
This course is designed to introduce students to the art and craft of playwriting, with a specific focus on creating compelling 10-minute plays suitable for the stage. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, readings,
and workshops, students will explore the fundamentals of dramatic structure, character development, dialogue, conflict, and theme. By the end of the course, students will have completed a polished 10-minute play ready for performance.
SCHEDULE
Saturdays from 9am – 12pm
June 29 in Person at ETC
July 6. 13, 20, 27 on Zoom
August 3, 10, 17 on Zoom
August 19-23 Online Each Play will have one 2-hour evening rehearsal on Zoom with Directors and actors.
August 24 In-person final presentation of plays on stage at The New Vic; starting with rehearsals at 10 am with a presentation from 2 pm – 4 pm.
TUITION
$800 per person 12 Student Max
Understanding Dramatic Structure:
- Identify the basic elements of dramatic structure (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution).
- Apply dramatic structure to their plays to create compelling narratives with clear arcs.
Character Development:
- Create well-rounded characters with distinct voices, desires, and motivations.
- Explore techniques for revealing character through action, dialogue, and subtext.
Dialogue and Subtext:
- Craft naturalistic dialogue that advances the plot, reveals character, and builds tension.
- Understand the importance of subtext and learn techniques for conveying underlying meaning through dialogue.
Conflict and Tension:
- Identify different types of conflict (internal, interpersonal, external) and their role in driving dramatic action.
- Develop strategies for heightening tension and maintaining audience engagement throughout the play.
Theme and Subtext:
- Explore the relationship between theme and dramatic action.
- Develop thematic elements within their plays that resonate with audiences on multiple levels.
Revision and Feedback:
- Understand the importance of revision in the playwriting process.
- Give and receive constructive feedback in a workshop setting to strengthen their plays.
Stagecraft and Performance Considerations:
- Consider the practicalities of staging a play for performance, including set design, lighting, and sound.
- Tailor their writing to the constraints and opportunities of live performance on stage.
Professionalism and Collaboration:
- Learn to collaborate effectively with directors, actors, and other theatre professionals.
- Develop professional skills such as meeting deadlines, giving and receiving feedback, and navigating the rehearsal process.
Kenneth Luper, an exciting new voice in film and theater, winner of Best Screenwriter at the Milan International Festival, whose critically acclaimed play, “XOXO, God,” has been a catalyst for addressing the homeless crisis in our backyard, nation and world. His current feature works in development (for the stage) includes “The Family Code,” “My Other Belly Button (And Other Surprising Discoveries), along with the screenplays: “#Moore Love,” “The Gateway Complex,” “The Johnson 5” and “Path To Glory,” co-writen with Academy Award Winning writer Pamela Wallace.
Kenneth is the founder of the Navi’ System (www.thenavisystem.com) and has served as a coach to writers for all ages: empowering storytellers through his workshops both at home and globally (China, Mexico, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine to name a few).
His coaching is geared to help maximize a writer’s potential- in their own voice- by using proven systems to bridge the gap of where a script is to where it wants to be. His transformational training programs/workshops are designed to produce sustained momentum for the writer, along with providing exceptional strategies, a clear vision and effective, tailored solutions for one’s story- especially scripts that are in need. The end result: a realized story (for stage/screen) that entertains, edifies and empowers.
A member of the Cherokee nation, and raised in a cross-cultural family, he was inspired by his ethnically diverse home to embrace the universal “language” of storytelling to reach across cultural divides; and, he has seen firsthand how stories can also touch the hearts, minds (and funny bones) of humanity- regardless of their race, gender or age. His mother is from El Salvador and his father is from Oklahoma. According to his grandmother, he was raised on “burritos and Walmart.”
As a catalyst for developing systems and strategies for accelerated and lasting transformation, Kenneth has helped thousands enjoy and reach new levels of satisfaction in their craft.
- All refund requests must be submitted in writing via email to education@etcsb.org or postal mail to the Director of Education, ETC Education P.O. Box 2307, Santa Barbara, CA 93120.
- Refunds will be processed within 10 business days of receiving the request.
- Full Refund: If the registration fee is requested before the specified deadline, which is two weeks before the program start date, a full refund will be provided.
- Partial Refund: After the deadline, refund requests may only be considered in case of extenuating circumstances, such as a medical emergency or a family crisis. The Director of Education will review such requests and determine the eligibility for a partial refund.
- No refunds will be issued for missed days of the program due to illness, family vacations, or personal reasons.
- No refunds will be granted to students dismissed from a program due to disciplinary actions or violating program rules.
- If ETC cancels a class or program, a full refund minus the registration fee will be issued.
Acting for Adults
Join us for a dynamic adult acting class that will unleash your creativity, boost your confidence, and make learning the art of acting enjoyable and fun. Discover your inner performer through our engaging, welcoming program, culminating in a final presentation at The New Vic.
SUMMER SESSION
Mondays, July 13 – August 24, 2026, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Final presentation, August 24 at 7:30 pm
Tuition: $400 per person, 12 Student Max
Welcome to our beginner acting classes for adults! Our class is not just about learning the technical skills of acting, but also about exploring your creativity, building confidence, and expressing yourself in new and exciting ways. In this acting class, you’ll learn the basics of acting such as character development, script analysis, physical and vocal expression, and improvisation. But what sets our classes apart is our emphasis on using acting as a tool for creative self-expression and personal growth. Taught by award-winning actor/director, Brian McDonald, you will be guided through exercises and activities that help you tap into your unique creativity and develop your own voice as an actor. Additionally, student are assigned a scene or monologue which will be showcased in a final presentation on The New Vic stage. Most importantly, our acting class is a supportive and welcoming space where you can feel comfortable taking risks and trying new things. We know that stepping out of your comfort zone can be scary, but with our guidance and encouragement, we’re confident that you’ll build your confidence and feel empowered to express yourself in new and exciting ways.
BRIAN McDONALD is an award-winning actor and director honored with the Ventura Mayor’s Award for Emerging Artist. Before moving to the West Coast, he appeared in the Broadway National Tours of Miss Saigon and Forever Plaid, the latter of which he also directed for various regional theaters, including Rubicon Theatre Company. He has appeared on the stages of The Denver Center, Theatre Virginia, The Lyric Stage, La Mirada Performing Arts Center, Ensemble Theatre Company, Pasadena Playhouse, Rubicon Theatre Company, Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center, and the Ahmanson. In 2002, LA Weekly honored him with the Best Supporting Actor Award for performing as Gaveston in Edward II. On Television, Brian appeared in the award-winning ABC/PBS Afterschool Special “In the Shadow of Love: A Teen AIDS Story” and on “Gilmore Girls and has appeared in various commercials.”
Directing credits include the critically acclaimed World Premiere of A Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, A Tuna Christmas, The Sunset Limited (with Emmy-winner Joe Spano), Other Desert Cities, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, The Thanksgiving Play, Bus Stop which received 5 Ovation nominations including Best Play, Master Harold… and the boys, nominated for 3 Ovation awards including Best Play and earned him an Independent Award and StageScene LA Award for Best Director and the world-premiere musical, Hello! My Baby, written and conceived by Tony-nominated Emmy and Golden Globe winner Cheri Steinkellner. He also developed and directed the popular holiday musical revue, A Rubicon Family Christmas.
His work as a director began as an assistant to Tony-nominated director Christopher Renshaw during his work on Queen: The Musical (a.k.a. We Will Rock You). Other directing credits include Tennessee Williams’ Talk to Me Like the Rain and Let Me Listen, Hooters, Our Town, Little Women, Bye Bye Birdie, HONK!, Babes in Arms, Once on this Island, Schoolhouse Rock, LIVE!, Seussical the Musical, Footloose, West Side Story, On the Town, Urinetown, Godspell, Into the Woods, and You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.
As an actor, Brian has appeared on the stages of the Denver Center, Theatre Virginia, The Lyric Stage, La Mirada Performing Arts Center, Ensemble Theatre Company, Rubicon Theatre Company, Pasadena Playhouse, Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center, and the Ahmanson. Brian’s most recent work on stage garnered an Independent Award for his performance in the one-man show Buyer and Cellar. In 2002, LA Weekly honored him with the Best Supporting Actor Award for his performance as Gaveston in the Circle X production of Edward II directed by Michael Michetti. On Television, Brian starred in the award-winning ABC/PBS Afterschool Special “In the Shadow of Love: A Teen AIDS Story” and guest starred on “Gilmore Girls” and various commercials.
Brian served as an Associate Producer and Director of Education for Rubicon Theatre Company in Ventura for 16 years. He founded the Rubicon Summer Youth Program, which offers intensive musical, Shakespeare, drama, and technical theatre training. Currently, he serves as the Artistic Associate and Director of Education for Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara. He earned a Phi Delta Kappa Community Partnership Award and an Honorary Service Award from the California State PTA two years in a row for his work in the community, raising funds for arts education. In addition to one-on-one training for performers, Brian offers private coaching in public speaking for lawyers, religious clergy, and business leaders. He is a B.F.A. graduate of the Boston Conservatory and is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, The Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, and Actors’ Equity Association.
The journey of studying the craft of acting is deeply personal and transformative. It requires a nurturing environment where total and unwavering support is given to each student. Within this safe haven, actors are empowered to absorb and explore the principles and techniques of the art at their own pace, fostering genuine understanding and growth.
We believe that the most profound discoveries in acting happen when students feel free to experiment, take risks, and even fail—without the looming fear of judgment. This freedom is essential, as it liberates an actor’s innate vitality and unlocks their artistic creativity. Our approach welcomes actors of all levels, providing them with the tools and encouragement to confront and overcome creative blocks and guiding them toward realizing their full performance potential.
Our classes are designed to cultivate an atmosphere of trust and encouragement, where every actor can delve into self-exploration, build confidence, and embrace the unique aspects of their individuality. By nurturing this supportive community, we aim to inspire a lifelong passion for the craft and a commitment to artistic excellence.
- All refund requests must be submitted in writing via email to education@etcsb.org or postal mail to the Director of Education, ETC Education P.O. Box 2307, Santa Barbara, CA 93120.
- Refunds will be processed within 10 business days of receiving the request.
- Full Refund: If the registration fee is requested before the specified deadline, which is two weeks before the program start date, a full refund will be provided.
- Partial Refund: After the deadline, refund requests may only be considered in case of extenuating circumstances, such as a medical emergency or a family crisis. The Director of Education will review such requests and determine the eligibility for a partial refund.
- No refunds will be issued for missed days of the program due to illness, family vacations, or personal reasons.
- No refunds will be granted to students dismissed from a program due to disciplinary actions or violating program rules.
- If ETC cancels a class or program, a full refund minus the registration fee will be issued.
QUESTIONS? Contact us at education@etcsb.org or call 805.965.5400 Ext. 541.