Directing FSM reading for Stagebridge Senior Theatre Co at BAPF
photo by Jim Norrena
Kombat Kabarett, a 1919-era cabaret, culmination of UMKC Brecht Course
photo by Jeff Rumans
Edna Brewer Middle School Lord of the Flies exercise
Girl Scout Acting Badge weekend
Experiential learning is beneficial to all students, but particularly important to visual and kinetic learners who may have trouble learning by traditional methods. I have physical games and writing exercises for any humanities topic you might be teaching, and I'm also up for developing cross-curriculum work as well.
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Academic Courses: Lectures & Practica
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K – 12 courses that meet VAPA and Lit/Language standards
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Basics of Acting
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Monologue & scene writing for youth
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History & literature unit supplementation
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Shakespeare (Beginning to Advanced, including Advanced Verse)
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Bertolt Brecht & Expressionist Theater
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Stage Combat (Hand-to-Hand, Found Objects, Rapier, Broadsword)
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Gender & Identity-focused work (incl. diversity issues & bullying)
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Also available to train teachers in these techniques
Download Erin's Teaching Resume here.
Public Classes Coming Up:
Intro to Improv (July 28 - August 12)
Improv is one of the basic building-blocks of great acting, but also of developing an ability to go with the flow in everyday life. In this class, we'll just play together. Different games every session so you get a wide range of experience. Let's get silly and end our summer with joy and laughter.
Day of the Week: Tuesdays and Thursdays (6 sessions)
Time: 4:30 - 5:30pm (60 minutes)
Class Min./Max: 6 - 12 participants
Tuition: $75 for all 6 sessions/$40 for one day per week/$15 drop-in
Once I meet 6 participants, I can offer discounts, so let me know if you need a lower rate.
Family Fights (Comic Stage Combat) (Ages 7+) (August 2 - September 5)
Sheltering-in-place with the same people got you stressed out? Exorcise your aggression in this fun family class where you’ll learn real, safe—but hilarious—stage-combat moves. In this class, the parents take the punches while the wee-est and weakest always win.
Day of the Week: Mondays
Time: 3:00 - 4:15 pm (75 minutes)
Class Min./Max: 8 - 24 participants (minimum 4 households or $300 tuition)
Tuition: Sliding scale $150 - $50 per family (“family” = up to 6 people per zoom-room) for 5-week class.
Activating Shakespeare (Adults and Teens 16+) (August 2 - September 5)
Whether you’re a beginner or have been performing for years, we’ll take your Shakespeare to the next level as you learn tips and techniques to harness Shakepeare’s verse to be the engine behind your acting. We’ll focus on Rhythm, Sound, Melody, and Meaning as you prepare a monologue, scene or sonnet for the final day.
Day of the Week: Tuesdays
Time: 4:00 - 5:00 pm (60 minutes)
Class Min./Max: 6 - 12 participants
Tuition: Sliding scale $150 - $60 for 5-week class plus one private session (6 meetings total).
To register, paypal erinmerritt1 @ gmail.com
Teaching Testimonials
“I saw some students, clear kinesthetic learners, transform from apathetic readers to readers fully engaged…students were able to write from a fresh perspective and perform in-depth analyses of the motives of the characters… I am eager to continue working with you.”
“By providing glimpses of Shakespeare and discussing the ways and means of becoming involved in acting, you empowered the students—they were able to see themselves as performers of Shakespeare and more.”
“I can write poetry now! Thank you!”
“(In your classes) these Girl Scouts gain the strength of will and the vision to lead both themselves and their communities beyond the day-to-day towards better lives… Thank you for believing in the power of a child to change the world!”