FGCU prof Layton to teach acting classes at Naples Players

There's a lot of the usual class offerings here in the Naples Players class offerings, but one missed my attention when it first came out.

FGCU assistant professor Tyler Layton (below, with Greg Abbot Longenhagen) will teach a pair of acting classes - and I can't recommend them enough. Layton starred in the remarkable Florida Rep drama "Time Stands Still" opposite Greg Abbott last spring; she's an amazing actress - and it is a real coup that the Naples Players secured her for a series of Wednesday night classes.

Greg Longenhagen and Tyler Layton in the Florida Repertory Theatre production
of "Time Stands Still." Photo by Nick Adams / Florida Repertory Theatre

Acting One runs 7-10 p.m. Wednesday nights from Sept. 25 - Oct. 30. Acting Two picks up immediately after, running Nov. 6 - Dec. 11.

For folks unable to make the Wednesday classes, longtime Naples Players volunteer and actress Diane Davis will also offer the same Acting One and Two classes on Saturdays and Tuesdays, respectively.

Courses are also available in improv, musical theatre, dance, stage management (HI RHODA!), the art of dressing, props, scene shop stuff for boys & girls and more.

For more information or to register, call 239-434-7340 ext. 10 or naplesplayers.org.

Complete press release below.

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The Naples Players to Host Fall Adult Education Classes 


NAPLES, FL- The Naples Players are offering a wide variety of education classes for the fall season with time still available to register. Through the adult education program The Naples Players offer a variety of classes to enhance performance and technical skills with classes scheduled to accommodate high school students, full time employees and retirees. 
Registration is ongoing throughout the terms, generally Sep.-Dec., Jan.-Apr. and May –June. Registrations may be mailed to The Naples Players, 701 5th Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102, made in person at the administration office, or by calling 239-434-7340 ext. 10 or online.

Acting One is instructed by Tyler Layton. This course is an exploration of the creative process of acting with an emphasis on simple scripted material for developing vocal, physical, and analytical skills. This class is for actors of all levels, and are no prerequisites. Class dates are Wed. Sept. 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30. Class time is 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Acting Two is also instructed by Tyler Layton. This is an advanced acting class for those actors who have taken introductory acting classes and desire to dig deeper. Prerequisites include completion of Acting One and previous training or instructor’s approval. Dates for this class are Wed. Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27, Dec. 4, 11, from 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Acting Level I is instructed by Diane Davis. This course is a beginning acting workshop for those with no previous experience or who have taken only 1-2 sessions with Dian previously. Actors will work on a selected scene with a partner or select a monologue, where they will act as both the actor and the audience. The dates for the class are Sat. Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9, 16. Classes are 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Acting Level II is also instructed by Diane Davis. This is a continuing acting workshop for those who have had Beginning Acting and Continuing Acting up to 4 sessions, or with Davis’s approval. Dates for this course are Tues. Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19. Classes are 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Acting Level III is also instructed by Diane Davis. This is a continuing acting workshop for those who have had Beginning Acting and Continuing Acting from 5-10 sessions or with Davis’s approval. Dates for this course are Mon. Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11, 18. Times are 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Improvisation I is instructed by Mike Santos. This class concentrates on the fundamentals of improvisation. Actors will learn warm-up games, fun “situation” scenarios and how to work through scenes. Actors of all skill levels are welcome. Dates are Fri. Oct. 18, 25, Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22. Times are 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Improvisation II is also instructed by Mike Santos. This class delves deeper into aspects of advanced scene-work for more experienced improvisational actors. Previous improvisation classes and instructor permission required. Dates are Sat. Oct. 19, 26, Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

“So, You Want to Direct a Play” is instructed by John Herr. This two-part course introduces participants to common challenges confronting would be directors and provides the opportunity to address and solve real issues. Participants will select a play and work through various topics such as scheduling, the space in which the play is to be staged, designers, dealing with actors, and technical rehearsals. There are no prerequisites for this course. Dates are Mon. Nov. 4, 11. Times are 7:00-8:30 p.m.

“How to Succeed in Business…in L.A.” is instructed by Amanda Troop. This is an informal Q & A where Troop will provide advice from her experiences, as a young person who grew up doing community theatre, to a successful screen and voice over actor. Topics will include moving to L.A., survival jobs, setting appropriate expectations and a timeframe, agents and managers, and how to make a living as an actor. There is no prerequisite for this course. This course will take place on Thursday Nov. 14 from 5:00-6:30 p.m.

Musical Theatre Workshop is instructed by Carolann Sanita-VanderMeer. Class will begin with a physical and vocal warm-up, then students will perform two contrasting songs of their choice, followed by a work session with the instructor. There is no prerequisite for this course. Bring three copies of music. Dates are Thurs. Sep. 12, 19, 26, from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Musical Theatre Scene Study Workshop is instructed by Neva Rae Powers.

This three-session workshop will help the musical theatre performer meet the challenge of combining the spoken text and song presentation in a single scene. This class is open to adults and teens 16 and over. There is no prerequisite for this course. Bring two copies of music. Dates are Thurs. Nov. 7, 14, 21, 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Audition Techniques for Musical Theatre is instructed by Neva Rae Powers. The instructor will guide participants through appropriate audition demeanour, the techniques of song presentation, and choosing appropriate material with which to audition. The format of the class will include a mock audition to apply the principals presented. This class is open to adults and teens 16 and over. There is no prerequisite for this course. Bring two copies of your music, a headshot and resume and dress appropriately for an audition or for a particular role. Class is Sat. Nov. 16 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Advanced Beginner Jazz is instructed by Dawn Lebrecht Fornara. Students will review basic elements, progressing fairly rapidly, perfecting skills and gently pushing to the next level. Jazz shoes are suggested. Dates are Wed. Sept. 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16, from 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Intermediate/Advanced Jazz is also instructed by Dawn Lebrecht Fornara. This class is for people who have studied jazz or dance experience. This class will help students gain confidence for the audition situation. Jazz shoes are required. Dates are Wed. Sept. 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Advanced Beginner Tap, also instructed by Dawn Lebrecht Fornara. Students will review basic elements, progressing fairly rapidly, perfecting skills and gently pushing to the next level. Tap shoes are required. Dates are Wed. Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20, (no 27), Dec. 4, from 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Intermediate/Advanced Tap, also instructed by Dawn Lebrecht Fornara, will explore more advanced and complex tapping for people who have studied in the past or have had some tap experience. Tap shoes are required. Dates are Wed. Oct. 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13, 20, (no 27), Dec. 4, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Strictly Social Ballroom Dancing will be instructed by Laura Spell. Student will explore Salsa, East Coast Swing and one to be decided by the group.  A brief history of each dance will be delivered along with tips for the most comfortable experience while partner dancing.  Partners are not required but encouraged for this group class. Rubber soles are not recommended. Dates are Tues. Nov. 5, 12, 19, from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Welding is instructed by Mike Santos. In this workshop, safety will be emphasized, samples of past welding projects will be examined, and there will be hands-on experiences with simple projects such as welding two pieces of metal together, and creating a ninety degree angle. Students must wear long sleeved shirts, long pants, close-toed shoes (work boots if available). Protective face shields and gloves will be provided. Class is Fri. Sept. 13, starting at 10:00 a.m.

Scene Shop Safety is also instructed by Mike Santos. This course will provide confidence from knowing such basics as proper shop attire and the buddy system, to the safe operation of various power tools, to include the table saw, and shop equipment such as the JLG lift. The class will take place Fri. Oct. 11 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Stage Management, Basics is instructed by Rhoda Pugh. This class will interest both the novice and those who have experienced the throes of backstage life. Receive a comprehensive review of stage management responsibilities from the first reading of a script to the strike of a production. Additionally, students will receive coveted stage management office supplies to use on future assignments. Class is Sat. Sept. 21 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Fee: $20 Registration—refunded after class

Going Beyond the Basics in Stage Management is also instructed by Rhoda Pugh. Stage managers should be able to pickup another’s prompt script and take over a rehearsal. Class will be Sat. Dec. 7 from 10:00 a.m-12:00 p.m.

Good Props Never Let You Down is instructed by Jessica Walck. This basic class will take you step by step from the first reading of the play to strike, demonstrating the importance of the right props for the actor and for the play. Through fast-paced discussion and visual aids gain the confidence to join a props team on an upcoming play. Class is Sat. Sept. 28 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Prop ‘til you Drop Workshop will be taught by Becky Troop, Jessica Walck & guest prop experts. This class will enhance propping knowledge with brief presentations how to research and get organized. Class is Sat. Oct. 26, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Dresser Tips & More is taught by Laura Spell. In this hands-on workshop, students will learn how to undress and re-dress an actor from head to toe, in split seconds. Spell will take you backstage to experience low-level lighting and gain an understanding of the challenges compounding the dresser’s job, such as incoming flies or set pieces. Workshop will be on Sat. Oct. 19 from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Projection Workshop will be held by Matt Flynn. He will present a lecture of the future of set design on Broadway and especially for our community theater, where an artist in any medium can become a set designer. There will also be an introduction to the equipment. Workshop will be held on Sat. Nov. 2 from 10:00a.m. -12:00 p.m.

Lighting & Sound Workshop will be instructed by Craig Walck. This workshop will focus on practical uses and theories of lighting and sound. Workshop date is Sat. Nov. 23, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.