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Intro to Theatre with the South Bend Civic Theatre

Middle and high school students! Explore theatre through workshops that introduce acting basics and hands-on projects to explore lighting, sound, costume design, and more! Registration recommended.

The South Bend Civic Theatre will host 2 hour workshops at the Tutt Branch on Tuesdays from 4pm - 6pm and at the Western Branch/Main Library on Thursdays from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Students are encouraged to drop in at any time to participate in interactive games and activities that introduce acting basics and improvisation while encouraging group collaboration and individual curiosity. Each workshop will also include a craft that introduces students to the technical side of theatre including mask making, lighting design, costume, sound, illustration, and prop creation. 

Registration Recommended. 

Week 1: PROPS

(Tutt: 9/30 4-6pm, Western: 10/2 3:30-5:30pm)

Our first theatre workshop focuses on the creative use of props to enhance storytelling and character development. Blend playfulness with culinary imagination by creating your own food prop and learn the art of aging paper to craft your own letter or treasure map. Participants will explore the unexpected ways that props can shape narrative and spark creativity on stage.

Week 2: Costume & Printmaking

(Tutt: 10/7 4-6pm, Western: 10/9 3:30-5:30pm)

Learn how to bring characters to life through the transformative world of Costuming for the stage! Examine how wardrobe choices shape character identity and narrative and then learn the art of printmaking to create wearable pieces of your own!  A creative fusion of fashion, art, and theatre that encourages bold self-expression.

Week 3: Lighting & Shadow Puppetry

(Tutt: 10/14 4-6pm, Western: NO WORKSHOP)

Explore the art of storytelling through light in this workshop on theatrical lighting design and shadow puppetry. Participants will explore how light creates mood, highlights action, and transforms a performance space. After learning the basics of equipment, color, and design, have fun experimenting with shape and shadow to create immersive visual storytelling. A creative blend of technical skill and imagination, perfect for all ages.

Week 4: Mask Making & Beginning Stage Make-Up

(Tutt: 10/21 4-6pm, Western: 10/23 3:30-5:30pm)

Unleash your creativity in this week’s Mask Making & Stage Makeup Workshop! Participants will design and decorate their own masks and learn beginner-friendly stage makeup techniques to enhance character age and expression. Special guest artists from the South Bend Museum of Art will guide students through the mask making process so students get the experience of blending artistic techniques with theatrical creativity to bring fantastical masks to life. A fun, hands-on experience perfect for performers, artists, and Halloween enthusiasts alike.

Week 5: Halloween Stage Make-Up

(Tutt: 10/28 4-6pm, Western: 10/30 3:30-5:30pm)

Get into the spooky spirit with our hands-on Halloween Stage Makeup Workshop! Learn how to create creepy characters, realistic wounds, and dramatic transformations using professional techniques. Perfect for performers, costume lovers, or anyone who wants to elevate their Halloween look.

Week 6: Characters & Comic Books

(Tutt: 11/4 4-6pm, Western: 11/6 3:30-5:30pm)

This week’s workshop delves into character development through the lens of comic book storytelling, where participants create dynamic, larger-than-life characters inspired by iconic comic styles. With the guidance of special guest artist and lecturer John Thompson, attendees will explore visual storytelling and bring their characters to life through both performance and illustration.

Week 7: Set Design & Diorama Creation

(Tutt: 11/18 4-6pm, Main Branch: 11/20 4-6 pm)

Step into the world of theatre design in our Set Design Workshop! Participants will learn the fundamentals of creating compelling stage environments and bring their ideas to life by building detailed dioramas. A hands-on experience that combines creativity, storytelling, and practical design skills.

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