Remember feeling joy? Excitement? The rush of learning? You can have it again! We have so very many amazing opportunities to GET YOUR THEATER ON this spring! Think of it as cross-training for your humanity as we prepare to exit the Covid cocoon.

Are you curious about what it takes to put on a show? Do you love theater but don’t necessarily want to be on stage? For the first time, Verge is offering the opportunity to step behind the curtain and learn about the basics of production design. This class is open to every level, whether you’re brand new to the idea of theater design, you want to brush up on the basics or you’re ready to challenge these master teachers with tough questions. This eight-week course can either be taken in its entirety or individually in the area of your interest.

Verge Theater is proud to present Fundamentals of Technical Theater: An Introduction to Design and Practical Application of Lighting, Sound, Costume, Set, and Stage Management. This class started on March 25 and runs through May 13, Thursdays from 6-7:30PM on Zoom. Each week, a new topic will be taught by a theater pro; topics include Costume Design, Set Design, Lighting Basics, Sound Essentials and Stage Management. The class is suitable for teens and adults, cost is $25 per class/$125 for all OR pay what you can afford (even nothing).

Adult Class: Rehearsing Authenticity with Bradford Rosenbloom and Lauren Sagendorph is dedicated to the investigation of what it means to act authentically both on and off (the) stage. Join us as we rehearse the mind-body— exploring both the Actor and just being alive. This course will result in a curated performance created by YOU! Students will be assigned text in addition to theater games in order to challenge and articulate their range of expression— building the confidence necessary to make bold and inspired acting choices. *Rehearsing Authenticity was developed to be radically inclusive and is open to all levels of experience. Non Actor participation is highly encouraged. This class started on March 23 and goes through May 11, Tuesday 7-8:30PM on Zoom, cost is $125 or what you can afford (even nothing).

If you’ve been curious about Improv, or needing something lighthearted and fun in your life, Intro to Improv taught by Tabetha Bettin is the class for you! You’ll learn to feel comfortable performing, how to support, listen, and accept and give gifts. Work on developing cooperative storytelling techniques, including Yes/And, as well as a basic vocabulary and understanding of improv concepts and strategies. You’ll walk away from this class with a better understanding of yourself, feeling more confident, with new friends, and having had a great time. This class started on March 22 and goes through May 13, Saturdays 2-3:30pm on Zoom, cost is $125 or what you can afford (even nothing).

If you would rather sit back and enjoy local talent check out the virtual production of AIRNESS. When Nina enters her first air guitar competition, she thinks winning will be easy. But as she befriends a group of charismatic nerds all committed to becoming the next champion, she discovers that there’s more to this art form than playing pretend. AIRNESS is an exuberant, laugh-out-loud reminder that everything we need to rock is already inside us. Shows are at 8PM on Friday, April 2 and Saturday, April 3 as well as Friday, April 9 and Saturday, April 10!

Hilary Parker (she, her, hers) is Executive Director of Verge Theater.