Spotlight On
CREATIVE COURSES FOR ADULTS
Reignite your creative spark at a fun interactive course for adults this Fall. From playwriting, to acting to musical theatre, Spotlight On courses are designed for people 18 years and over, of all levels of experience from beginner to professional. Everyone is welcome.
Led by our accomplished and welcoming teaching artists, Spotlight On offers a casual, supportive environment that inspires life-long learning and community. Courses are offered as a Summer series and a Fall/ Winter series in 6-7 week sessions, with weekly 2-hour classes.
La Jolla Playhouse is known for developing innovative new works for the stage, and Spotlight On courses are a perfect way to get a taste of the magic that goes into creating a play or musical at one of the USA’s most renowned regional theatre companies.
Registration for our Fall series is now closed!
To be notified first for our next round of classes, please fill out this interest form HERE.
DEVELOPING A NEW PLAY
Monday evenings, Sep 11-Oct 16, 2023
6:30-8:30 pm
Instructors: Kristen Fogle and Farah Dinga
What makes a great piece of theater? Or a compelling character? This class will teach you about the elements of theater, including character, setting, plot, and dialogue, as well as give you an opportunity to write to idea-generating prompts and engage in brainstorming activities. This class is geared toward beginning writers, but is useful for those that want to put their skills to work. By the end, participants will have created an outline, a scene, or even a short play. Critique sessions by both the instructor and group will aide in constructive, safe feedback.
CONTEMPORARY SCENE STUDY
Tuesday evenings,Sep 12-Oct 17, 2023
6:30-8:30 pm
Instructor: Justin Lang
This performance-based acting class will explore compelling characters and scenes that are aimed at improving students’ approach to acting. Topics and areas of acting this class will cover include: in-depth text analysis, character building and development, physical and vocal control. Students will leave this course more confident about their craft and inspired to deliver compelling performances. Please dress comfortably for movement and closed toed shoes.
INTRO TO ACTING
Wednesday evenings, Sep 13-Oct 18, 2023
6:30-8:30 pm
Instructor: Abby Huffstetler
Whether you are an aspiring performer; wish to revitalize your creativity; or simply want to try something new and build self-confidence, you will find this course active, fun and rewarding. In this class, you will explore group exercises, drama techniques and improvisation. You will apply newly acquired skills in character development to monologues and scenes, and explore the use of the voice and body on stage. Please dress comfortably in clothing for movement and closed toed shoes.
MUSICAL THEATRE ENSEMBLE
Thursday evenings, Sep 14-Oct 19, 2023
6:30-8:30pm
Instructor: Melissa Glasgow
In this high energy class, students will connect the three primary elements of musical theatre performance: acting, singing, and dancing as well as focus on the value of working as a group to tell a cohesive story through song. By examining group numbers from the musical theatre canon, students will learn what it means to move in unison, as well as how to maintain a character’s unique perspective within a large production number. If you’re looking for a creative and collaborative outlet, join our ensemble and be a part of a musical theatre team. Please dress in comfortable clothing for movement.
Instructor Bios
Farah Dinga (they/them)
Farah Dinga (they/them) is a San Diego-based Pakistani-Queer playwright, actor, producer, and educator. Trained at University of California San Diego, you may have seen their work at; Diversionary Theatre, The Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse, New Village Arts, MOXIE Theatre, SD Rep, and many more. They are also the current Rising Tides commissioned playwright with Diversionary Theatre and National New Play Network.
Melissa Glasgow (she/her)
Melissa Glasgow (she/her) is so excited to be teaching for LJP this summer! She received her MFA in Musical Theatre from San Diego State University and is an actor, director, choreographer and educator in San Diego and beyond. As an actor, she has traveled everywhere from Main Street USA in Disneyland to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. Favorite credits include: Mrs. Darling in Peter Pan (McCoy Rigby), Aquata in The Little Mermaid (touring), and Rita Racine in Steel Pier (SDSU). She is an associate choreographer for Virgin Voyages, and has also directed/choreographed work for the SD Fringe, Broadway San Diego Awards, and Grossmont College. Melissa has a passion for education and currently teaches at Grossmont College, CorePower Yoga, Mockingbird Improv and Teatro San Diego. Her aim as a teaching artist is to shape self-assured students who develop confidence, curiosity, and empathy through theater training.
Abby Leigh Huffstetler (they/she)
Abby Leigh Huffstetler (they/she) thrives within the intersections of creative expression, arts education and mental health. They recently earned their MFA in Theatre & Dance from UC San Diego. Abby holds certifications in multiple weapons within The Society of American Fight Directors. They are an actor, educator, intimacy choreographer, actor combatant and clown. UC San Diego credits: DANCE NATION, Hells Canyon, Twelfth Night, End Days, Uncle Vanya. Regional credits: Streetcar Named Desire; Miles For Mary; How to Defend Yourself (Humana Festival of New American Plays) Dracula, The Many Deaths of Nathan Stubblefield (Actors Theatre of Louisville); Free Free Free Free (Exponential Festival); Noises Off (Rome Little Theatre). Film credits: Redrum, Dirt, CBGB. Intimacy Direction credits: 900 Years (UCSD); Two Kids That Blow Shit Up (Endless Summer Productions); Staged Intimacy & Violence (Teaching Assistant, UCSD). Abby is an Actors Theatre Professional Training Company alum. They hold a BFA in Performing Arts from SCAD. There is no space for the perpetuation of white supremacy in their process and exploration.
Justin Lang (he/him)
Justin Lang (he/him) is thrilled to be returning to LJP to teach Intro to Acting! Justin is a San Diego based actor, director, producer, writer, and teaching artist. He was in Critics Circle Award nominated Outstanding Dramatic Productions; Of Mice and Men as George Milton & Trouble In Mind as Eddie Fenton. He was a company member of the Critics Circle Award Winning, Poor Players Shakespeare company, and was a founding member and Production Manager of Critics Circle Award winning, New Fortune Theater Company.
Kristen Fogle (she/her)
Kristen Fogle (she/her)is a theater director, producer, performer, and teaching artist, as well as a writing instructor and a former magazine editor. She has been the executive director of San Diego Writers, Ink since 2013.
A Spotlight On class takes a break from learning to smile for the camera
Two students perform a scene in their Intro to Improvisation class
Students perform a scene in their Spotlight On class
Read what students from our most recent Spotlight On classes had to say:
“As someone who loves musicals, taking the musical theatre dance class gave me such a greater appreciation for the performers I watch on stage. What a great experience! This is my 4th Spotlight class, and each one has been filling and interesting. I can’t wait for the next series of classes!”
“The class was fun and creative. The skills I learned help me with both work and interpersonal relationships. It has made me a better listener and collaborator. And I made great friends and got to laugh a lot.”
“Great experience. Instructor was very accommodating to all levels of knowledge in class & made all feel comfortable in exploring & trying new things.”
“This was not the first time I have taken this course at the LJP but it was a different experience with new classmates. I learned something new and really enjoyed myself. Invaluable experience of interaction and fun. Highly recommend.”
“Farah is fabulous, superb, delightful. Best class of the three I’ve taken through LJP. Would take another class from her in a heartbeat.”
