In our SPOTLIGHT ON Learning Series for Adults, La Jolla Playhouse teaching artists will help you (re)ignite your creative spark with theatre-based classes on topics ranging from playwriting, to improv, to musical theatre – and more! If you have always been curious about what goes in to creating a play or musical, these courses are the perfect introduction to the magic behind the stage. These courses are intended for all people 18 years and over, whether you are a complete novice or have some knowledge and want to deepen your practice. Spotlight On is a casual, supportive environment that inspires life-long learning and community. Join us!
Spotlight On courses are offered as a Summer series and a Fall/ Winter series. Spotlight On courses run in 6-7 week sessions, with weekly 2-hour classes. This summer we are also offering two-day weekend workshop intensives. Classes for June – July 2023 will take place in person on the La Jolla Playhouse campus.
Registration for our Summer 2023 series now open!
Monday Evenings, June 12 – July 24 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Instructor: Justin Lang (he/him)
Regular Price: $279 | Subscriber Price: $269
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.
For Ages 18+
Tuesday Evenings, June 13 – July 25 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm (no class July 4)
Instructor: Justin Lang (he/him)
Regular Price: $239 | Subscriber Price: $229
This research and performance-based acting class will explore the power of the spoken word while building students’ vocal confidence. Topics and areas of acting this class will cover include: physical and vocal confidence, film and audio research of historical speeches, and text analysis. Students will leave this course more confident about their voice with a passion for the spoken word.
For Ages 18+
Wednesday Evenings, June 14 – July 26 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Instructor: Wilfred Paloma (he/him) and Melissa Glasgow (she/her)
Regular Price: $279 | Subscriber Price: $269
This course is a Musical Theatre experience that combines ensemble work and individual exploration that will culminate in a cabaret-like public performance. The facilitation of the course will have participants explore their personal connection to Musical Theatre as an artform. Born out of this will be varied opportunities to play as an individual and engage in group performance. Ultimately, this course will result in a synthesis of performance that includes acting, singing and dancing that spotlights each participant.
For Ages 18+
Thursday Evenings, June 15 – July 27 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Instructor: Farah Dinga (they/them)
Regular Price: $279 | Subscriber Price: $269
This interactive playwriting course will guide new and more experienced writers through the process of building a 10 minute play through lecture, discussion, feedback, and written exercises.
For Ages 18+
Saturday Afternoons, June 24 and July 8 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Wilfred Paloma (he/him)
Regular Price: $119 | Subscriber Price: $109
Calling all Musical Theatre lovers! This two-day intensive is designed to support participants in exploring their imaginative power and generative skills when performing a song. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the musical theatre canon as well as pop and other musical genres to choose a single song to explore. The facilitation of the course will focus on structural analysis and acting approach in order to craft a personalized performance.
For Ages 18+
Saturday Evenings, June 24 and July 8 from 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Instructor: Jeffrey Ingman (he/him)
Regular Price: $119 | Subscriber Price: $109
“Not A Moment to Lose” is a highly informative, practical workshop that is designed to help actors succeed in their auditions. During this workshop, you will learn effective ways to find material, package the audition, and understand follow-up as well as interviews and call-backs.
Teaching Artist Jeffrey Ingman is an experienced coach who has helped many actors achieve success in their careers. With over 15 years of experience. The work in this class is highly practical and can be translated and adapted for film, theatre, tv and commercial auditions.
This workshop is perfect for actors of all levels of experience.
For Ages 18+
Instructor Bios
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 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.
Jeffrey Howard Ingman is an award winning, nationally recognized Southern California based acting teacher, coach and mentor. He has directed over 70 + productions and has been acting since the age of 11. He teaches, coaches, and mentors actors for Film, TV, and Theatrical auditions at his company, Audition Revelation. Jeffrey has developed the “Not a Moment to Lose” technique which has created an actor tested path to success. He comes highly recommended by industry professionals and current and former students. His clients are represented by respectable agents and managers and are seen in national and local television commercials, films and television. His students have been accepted into some of the best BFA and MFA programs in the US and abroad. Jeffrey is fully dedicated to creating, supporting and activating an environment where all Peoples are respected, honored, and celebrated regardless of race, cultural identity, sexual orientation, gender identification, age, socio-economic status, disability, or religion.
Justin Lang (He/Him/His) 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.
Wilfred is an Actors’ Equity Association member with an M.A. in Theatre Arts and a B.A. in Theatre Performance; graduate of the MCIT Acting Studio. Currently an MFA Musical Theatre Candidate at San Diego State University, class of 2024. Acting credits: Light Years Away (La Jolla Playhouse), Eighty-sixed (Diversionary Theatre), Bloodletting (SDSU), Cabaret (SDSU), O Wondrous Night (SeaWorld) and A Semicolon is a Double (Scripps Ranch Theatre). Directing credits include: Kasama (Southwestern College), Potion (Moxie Theatre), and School of Rock (Junior Theatre). Choreographer highlights: Hunchback of Notre Dame (Junior Theatre), Lion King Jr. (Young Actors’ Theatre), Shrek & Newsies (Academy of Our Lady of Peace), and Hall Pass (Blindspot Collective). Wilfred is an Adjunct Professor at Grossmont College, Southwestern College, and the University of San Diego. Wilfred directs & facilitates applied theatre projects centering LGBTQIA+ issues, racial justice, & youth advocacy. Listen to Wilfred on Spotify featured in the original cast recording of The Things We Never Say written by Thomas Hodges.
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.”
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