Director: Merrily Talbott
Dates for 4-week course:
Feb 24 – Mar 21, 2025
For weeks 1 and 2 there will be live sessions via Zoom at 11am MT Monday through Thursday. Each session lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
Week 3 and 4 will be in-person in Paonia CO, where we will work more intensively, and culminate in two performances.
Course Description
Acting in a play can benefit students through developing communication skills, including public speaking, improving memory in an exciting way, and boosting confidence.
We are excited to offer a 4-week play block for our 7th and 8th grade students. This course will consist of live Zoom sessions with the director during the first two weeks of the class, and then two weeks in-person (in Paonia, CO) leading up to two performances at a theater.
We will need commitment from families in the fall, and a minimum of ten 7th and 8th grade students in order to go forward with the production. Please send us an email if you have any questions.
By registering here, the $380 will be used as a deposit. We are estimating an additional production cost of $250 per family (however, this may vary depending on the number of students enrolled). Families in financial need can apply for financial assistance.
As this course is partly in person, students will need a parent or chaperon to accompany them to Paonia. Participants will have the opportunity to go cross country skiing, enjoy shared meals, and have space for additional school work.
About the Director
Merrily’s career as a teacher and theatre director spans more than 30 years. With a degree in education from Vanderbilt University, she has taught language arts, music and drama to K-12 students and adults. She was a co-founder of the homeschooling cooperative now known as Vision Charter Academy. She is the founding director of Paonia Players, a community theatre program whose mission is to build community and support mental health through theatre. She has studied comedy and comedy writing with Brent Forrester (The Office) and the Upright Citizens Brigade. Her performance of the one-woman show, The Pink Unicorn, won awards for Best Production and Best Actress at the Colorado Theatre Festival in 2019. She has also directed an award-winning short film with kids, and is currently working on an original, one-woman show for her character, Gladys. Merrily strives to create safe and respectful learning environments so that students feel supported to take risks, be themselves and have fun.
