Holland College’s School of Performing Arts, a partnership with Confederation Centre of the Arts, is offering four short courses to the general public this September as part of a new initiative to provide training to people who may not be able to attend a full-time performing arts program.

Introduction to Film Acting, with instructors Brian Sharp and Mark Fraser, provides an actors’ lab environment for those serious about developing their film acting skills. Participants will be given material to learn from in class and at home, and will develop camera technique, script analysis and character development skills, as well as learning how to prepare for a role and take direction.

Composer Craig Dodge will introduce musicians and songwriters to the lucrative world of music licensing in How to License Your Music in Films, Television, and Video Games. The course will show participants how to generate more revenue from original songs and compositions. Participants will learn about music formats for various media, how to compose in the various styles to maximize placement opportunities, the function of licensing agreements, where and how to pitch their music, and how to maximize their studio time to create marketable versions of their material.

Create and Perform a One-Act Play, with instructor Nancy Beck, will show participants how to develop a script from an initial concept to an actual performance. Beck uses the collaborative class environment to explore the artistic and practical skills required to develop a theatrical work. 

For those who prefer to be behind the scenes, Introduction to Technical Theatre will provide an overview of the basic processes, techniques and skills used in theatre production. Participants will learn about stage lighting and sound, scenic carpentry and painting, costume construction and maintenance, stage management and special effects.