Trevor Leigh (Photo supplied)
Perhaps you’ve dreamed of performing theatre on the stage, but you’ve never had a chance to learn acting.
Trevor Leigh, a local professional actor who recently starred in the South Okanagan Amateur Players’ (SOAP) production ‘Noises Off,’ hopes to give would-be actors a chance to learn his craft.
“It became clear to me after talking to several people in the audience that there’s not really any acting classes other than drama at the high school. So I thought this is something that’s needed in the community.”
Leigh, who trained in New York and Calgary, has directed and performed in more than 150 professional productions across Canada and Europe. He recently moved to Osoyoos with his family.
He plans to hold classes in Osoyoos “for those between the ages of 15 and 105,” with separate classes for youth and adults.
The classes will be held at 8309 78th Avenue next to Troy’s Grill on Monday and Wednesday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. starting Feb. 10.
“The adult class is an introductory class so you don’t have to have experience,” said Leigh. “It’s a great way to improve your communication skills and have a lot of fun.”
Students will work on a monologue and do some scene setting work, he said.
The youth class will be recorded on video and students will be able to take away a recording of their work.
In March, Leigh plans to bring in a casting agent to talk to students about auditioning and how casting works for film and television.
Leigh, who is an award-winning 25-year veteran actor and has performed on stage, television and in film, previously taught acting in Calgary. This is the first time he’s taught in Osoyoos.
Adult classes will be limited to 12 students and the youth class to eight. If the classes fill up, he could add another.
“It’s a bit of a litmus test here,” said Leigh. “It’s one thing for people to say they’re interested. It’s another thing if people actually want to do it.”
Leigh said he will ask the students if they want to do a presentation in the end, but will only do that if they are interested.
“It’s about learning the craft of acting,” he said. “It’s not necessarily about performing in front of a crowd, although that’s the ultimate objective. It’s sort of judging people’s comfort levels and what they’re interested in doing.”
The cost per class is $15.
For information or to register, Trevor Leigh can be reached on his cellphone at 250-999-9396 or by email at [email protected].
RICHARD McGUIRE
Osoyoos Times
