Students enrolled in the Intro to Acting course last quarter treated themselves a night at the theater for the final dress rehearsal of the show “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time” at the Village Theatre in Issaquah. Because they’s studied acting techniques and even rehearsed and performed assigned scenes in class, this was a great way for students to see professional actors putting those skills to use in a setting outside the classroom. This activity provides students the opportunity to see dozens of artists working together in a way that is positive and supportive.
One skill students practice throughout the Intro to Acting course is taking risks in a safe and supported environment. As they memorize and rehearse scenes in class, students learn it’s okay to fail, that we learn from mistakes, and when it happens, judgment is not allowed. During the final dress rehearsal they got to see how professionals handle those moments the same way they learn to handle it in class: one of the actors couldn’t remember her line during the dress rehearsal, so she called “Line!” and the stage manager gave it to her. All her fellow actors stayed in character, ready to go on, and never criticized or showed frustration.
As if attending the show was not enough, students were also treated the following week with a visit from the actor who played the lead role. Students were able to ask him questions about playing a character with autism and about his working life as a professional actor.
“Curious Incident” is a Tony Award-winning drama about a young man with autism who pushes out from his comfort zone to solve a deeply personal mystery. It was a rare opportunity for our students to see a story that centers on a character with a disability represented in a mainstream show. For some students, it was the first time they had ever attended a live stage performance.
Intro to Acting is an elective course OLS Students can take to obtain their associate degree from OLS. More information about our curriculum is available on our website. To learn more about our program register for an Information Session.
Last Updated August 13, 2020