Intro to Adult Acting
Reviewed by Jennifer Walton
The vibe is Growth Mindset!
What could be more charming than a group of beginner actors who sign up for an Introduction to Acting Class and then go on to produce a play based on their experience? We see the actors navigate first day nerves, we learn why they decided to embrace their acting journey, and we see their personal growth as they wend their way through the 10 week program they’ve signed up for. They are in the capable hands of their instructor, Marla played by Stacey Rivers with warmth, and her helpful assistant, Connor played by Connor MacPhee with great presence. These two hold a safe and encouraging space for their fledgling actors. As the students navigate the exercises designed to build their skills, we also see them growing in self-knowledge and challenging themselves to try new things and get out of their comfort zone.
There are some cute running gags throughout that I won’t give away here. I would have liked to see more of the actual project they were working on and there are some awkward transitions that could be trimmed, but otherwise Lisa Marie Morris has written and directed a heart-warming piece where everyone has some shining moments of growth. Becca, played by Andrea Didtrek, shows up for herself when her friends don’t. Emma-Leigh, played by Gugu Mpofu, finally puts down her selfie stick and picks up some real connection to her fellow players. Gary, played by Corey Long, finally opens his eyes to his own possibility and learns to harness all that energy. Kevin Barnes as Bjorn embraces his scientific approach to acting, and Lisa Marie Morris plays Leah with the heat only a menopausal woman can bring.
This show embraces the value of trying new things, making new friends, and standing a little taller while doing it. And we need more of that in the world.
Age Suitability: Parental Guidance (ages 13+)
Warnings: Coarse Language
Genre: Theatre—Comedy
Playwright, Director, Producer
Lisa Marie Morris
Cast
Kevin Barnes, Andrea Didtrek, Corey Long, Connor MacPhee, Lisa Marie Morris, Gugu Mpofu, Stacey Rivers
Production & Design
Alison Morris
