STUDENT & ADULT WORKSHOPS
Fun, informative, engaging, on-your-feet explorations of Shakespeare's use of language, and original and contemporary theatre practices. Give your students a realization of their own role in the evolution of the language we speak every day.
Southwest Shakespeare Company can also work with you to customize a workshop experience for your classroom or school, from stage combat to movement to textual analysis. Connect with us and create an immersive experience your students will love!
NEW - We are now also offering occasional workshops geared strictly for continuing education for adults.
SCHEDULE:
Week 1 - SAT 8.8.26 10AM-1PM - Combat basics; awareness, falls, masking, distance refresh hand to hand, stick work
Week 2 - SAT 8.15.26 10AM-1PM - Drilling Fundamentals, attacks, defense, and disarms.
Week 3 - SAT 8.22.26 10AM-1PM - Paired combat & Choreography. Selecting partners and creating a fight for performance.
Week 4 - SAT 8.29.26 10-1PM - Finessing the fight. Working to create a show worthy fight to record for reel as a sharing or demo.
COST:
All inclusive for the four weeks is $100
STAGE COMBAT:
INTRO TO SINGLE SWORD (16+)
Discover the art of the blade in this introductory single sword class. You will learn the fundamentals of posture, footwork, and precise blade control. We focus on historical techniques, physical fitness, and mental focus in a safe, welcoming environment.
INSTRUCTOR: Keath Hall
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:
Footwork: Master balanced movement and distance control.
Guards: Learn optimal defensive and offensive stances.
Strikes: Execute clean cuts, thrusts, and parries.
Form: Practice flowing patterns to build muscle memory.
CLASS DETAILS:
Location: Main Street Creative Arts Center - 933 E Main Street in Mesa
Skill Level: Absolute beginner to intermediate.
Gear Provided: Wooden practice sword & epee blades, fall mat.
Attire: Comfortable athletic clothing and flat-soled shoes. Recommend sports, gym or mechanic gloves but not required.
Age Limit: Open to any participants ages 16 and older.
Size: Need a minimum of 8 participants.
MEISNER TECHNIQUE I (18+)
INSTRUCTOR: Johnny Kalita - a working Actor and Teacher in the Valley. He trained in Meisner and was a working improviser/actor in Chicago for 10 plus years.
In this six-session class, students will get an initial, enthralling immersion into The Meisner Technique. Exercises range from the foundational Repetition Exercise to advanced Dramatic Improvisations in high stakes Imaginary Circumstances.
(In Meisner Technique 2, we will focus on scripted work.)
Classes are structured to maximize students’ time on stage with real time guidance and side coaching during scenes and exercises.
BENEFITS: Building on-stage confidence, being fully present, expanding imagination and emotional range, and owning your artistic voice.
*Disclaimer: Due to the high stakes nature and subject matter of the class, Johnny will conduct a 15 minute phone call with students. This is to ensure the Actor's emotional safety and content expectations.
SCHEDULE:
August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 — 10:00am to 1:00pm (Sundays)
August 17 — 6:30pm to 9:30pm (Monday)
August 30 — Showcase
CLASS DETAILS:
Location: Main Street Creative Arts Center - 933 E Main Street in Mesa
Age Limit: Open to any participants ages 18 and older.
COST:
All inclusive for the six sessions and workshops performance is $150
FROM FORMER STUDENTS
“Meisner really helped me get out of my own head and put my focus into the scene and my scene partner, which has majorly helped me in both scene work and auditions.”
– Tori R.
"A rich and rewarding experience in human connection."
– Joshua M.
“Johnny's Meisner class pushed me beyond what I thought my limits were as an actor and gave me a practical, intuitive process for approaching theatrical work.” - Peter R.