Learn with us!

I met some amazing artists and worked with some amazing people. I'm so thankful for my time with Rising Sun!
Maggie Kissinger, 2012 Literary Intern

Rising Sun Performance Company’s educational curriculum was designed to provide
 a unique hands-on approach to theatre that is deeply rooted in our ensemble based aesthetic.
We provide classes & workshops that are:
Affordable! Obtainable! Practical!
And most of all FUN! 

Teachers: All of our instructors are selected by our Artistic Director and they bring a wealth of practical and experiential knowledge to the classroom, as well as a strong commitment to the ensemble aesthetic of RSP.  Resident Artist Bios can be found on our website and will vary based on workshop selection and booking dates.
​Our teachers come from such prestigious programs as New York Film Academy, Hunter College, University of San Francisco, National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, The William Inge Center for the Arts, Hofstra University, The New School for Drama, The Actors Studio, Indiana University, New York University, & Yale.

We offer a wide range of workshops, classes, and productions for your venue, school, university or community center. 

Touring Productions: 
On Top, Goodnight Lovin Trail, Stripper Lesbians
Workshops: Acting, Public Speaking & Stage Management
Production Consultations
Private Monologue & Career coaching 
Custom Workshops & Events are available
Personalized Shows & Corporate Events 
Don't see what you are looking for? Ask! We can customize a program just for you!

Please see our individual project booking pages for more details
or contact staff@risingsunnyc.com

Public Speaking & Thinking on your Feet
Great for performers and professionals alike!  3-5 Hour master Class depending on group needs. This program was originally created for HOFSTRA College Law Students and can be customized to Theatre or Business Professionals.

WORKSHOP OVERVIEW:  Students will be lead thru a series of interactive exercises, discussion and lecture regarding Public Speaking, Relaxation Techniques, Body Language and tips for preparation for appearances. Participants will be given applicable tools and printed materials for use in their public speaking.  Additional topics will include “thinking on your feet” with sample exercises. Topics will include Physical Awareness, Vocal Warm Ups, tension release and relaxation, speaking preparation, and will include some fun too. Handouts and online videos are also provided as a part of this workshop.

Session requirements:  An enclosed studio, theatre or room, clear floor area that allows for movement, and amplified sound with either CD or IPOD connection. Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothes that they can move in and to bring a briefing, speech, debate, monologue or sample item to work on in the classroom.

Theatrical Ensemble Work Intensive
A highly customizable program based on group needs and goals, the workshop can range in duration of a 3 hour master class to a Two Full Day session. This program is ideal for Theatre Department Groups, summer stock companies, small theatre companies, high school drama clubs, and theatre companies looking to make a develop as a cohesive unit with an emphasis on ensemble based work.
 
WORKSHOP OVERVIEW: Based on RSP’s own Call Back Process and Internal Intensive Workshops used for our own ensemble. RSP resident artists will lead the group through a series of group exercises, movement, theatre games, cold reading and monologue work, improvisation, intro to devised work and as requested group goal setting, planning and mission statement building.

Session requirements:  An enclosed studio, theatre or room, clear floor area that allows for movement, and amplified sound with either CD or IPOD connection. Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothes that they can move in.

Stage Management
(4 Hour Master Class or 3 to 5 Session Series)

We all know that Stage Managers are vital to any successful performance, but what are the components and skills that truly define a great stage manager? This workshop is a great introduction to the basics of the stage management role and how to excel in this job. Students will learn invaluable skills that will make them an asset to any production either as a production crew member or just an easy to work with actor! 

Workshop Overview:  Students will create a show run binder with sample cue sheets, contact sheet creation, calendar and rehearsal sheets, and introduction to line forms, and much more. Basic review of Equity guidelines with a focus on Showcase codes and budgets.  A great overview of what goes on behind the scenes of every production and a great starter for those seeking to pursue this craft. 

Intro to Theatre Production & Arts Administration
(4 Hour Master Class or 3 to 5 Session Series)
Working in theatre isn’t like it used to be, more and more small companies are springing up all over the country.  Summer Stock Companies are asking more from their stage managers and company managers, and Arts Administrators are looking for well-rounded candidates.  College students are coming out of programs and starting their own companies, and independent theatre is becoming recognized for its impact and vitality to the national landscape.  Now more than ever theatre professionals need to be able to have business conversations and understand the big picture in every part of the theatrical world.

Workshop Overview: This class will introduce students to the basics of theatrical production and administration.  Company Management skills including calendar planning, budgets, cash flow & expense management, artist contracts and relationships, marketing basics, communication skills, travel & housing resources and more. A practical hands-on approach, students will create a sample production overview that maps a show from start to finish. 

Business of Acting
3 Hour Master Class

Actors in college, studio programs or class focus on the craft of acting, but what happens when they get out into the highly competitive audition market?  How do you put your best foot forward? Do you know how to compose an effective email with that headshot and resume?  What about conduct in the waiting room?  What to wear? Questions to ask? How to follow up without being pushy?

Workshop Overview:  This session takes participants each step of the way, responding to a casting call, making the audition appointment, proper room conduct, communicating with prospective employers and directors, networking, headshot and resume review and audition basics and follow up. Plus best practices for keeping contact records and track of your auditions including audition material used. 

Personal Branding & Self Marketing:
3 Hour Master Class
This workshop will lead participants through an interactive process to examine what current perception is, what they may want their “Brand” to be and steps to accomplish this. In the current landscape of social media, websites, and virtual marketing, personal branding and tools to self-promote are vital to stand out in the crowd. 

Workshop Overview:  Participants are encouraged to bring existing materials such as headshot, resume, reel links, and show postcards.  A lively discussion using real world examples and providing tools to put into immediate action, this work shop is a must for Theatre Artists and Small Theatre Companies.

Additional offerings can include:
·         Monologue Coaching, Audition Prep (including Mock Audition Session)
·         Scene Study
·         Short form Improvisation
·         Dramaturgy & Literary Management

Workshop Fees: We aim to keep our pricing affordable & competitive!
We will work with hosting organizations on pricing structure. Fees are based on travel distance, number of participants, workshop length and number of teachers required for the sessions. 

We offer sliding scale rates for Non-profits and smaller organizations and are happy to work create a fee structure that makes sense for the host.

Options include individual teacher fee or fee-based upon participant headcount.  Non-Profit & Educational Organizations can also have the flexibility to offer sessions as a fundraiser with advance permission from RSP.

We request 25% non-refundable deposit upon class booking

Final Payment is due 72 hours prior to start of any class

We accept Credit Cards through our secure site or Cashier Check/Money Order

Class Size:
Minimum Participants for any class is 8 people
Maximum Participants:  10 to 30 participants depending on workshop
Private Coaching sessions can also be arranged

Ages:  Ages 9 thru adult. Our programs can be tailor made for just about any age range.

Workshop Participants engage in all class activities at their own risk. Hosting organizations are required to hold their own liability insurance. Rising Sun Performance Company assumes no liability for students on hosting organizations premises.