To enroll, unless otherwise noted: Place check payable to DAOR in DAOR mailbox in Gateway. Include name, phone/email, class title.
Playreading group’s next play: “Buried Child"
Thursday, July 23 and July 30, 10:00 - 12:00 Mulligan Room at Creekside Facilitator: Lori Michetti No fee
Play reading and discussion of the Sam Shepherd play, Buried Child led by Jane Viator. Rather than “read and run” in one session, the reading/discussion will be spread over two sessions. There will be time for analysis and exchange to get below the surface and to explore the ideas and emotions driving the plot. Participants who choose not to read aloud are welcome for their questions and contributions to the discussion at the end of each session.
"Buried Child" is a landmark play by iconic American playwright Sam Shepherd. It was first produced in 1978 at San Francisco's own Magic Theater. It launched Shepherd's career and went on to win, among other awards, the Pulitzer Prize for drama and an Obie. At almost 50 years old, this powerful play is timeless and as current as today's headlines. Shepherd explores the complex themes of traditional values, family dysfunction, economic decline, and the breakdown of many of America's myths about itself and ourselves.
To signup, contact Lori at [email protected]. The fee is free for Drama Association of Rossmoor members. An annual membership fee of $20 is required for those not currently a member.
The World's Least Scary Improv Class ... A 4-Part Series
Instructor: Claire Slattery 4 Mondays, July 27 to August 17 10:00 a.m. - noon Performing Arts Studio, Hillside Fee: $ 50 for members, $ 70 for non-members Class limited to 15 participants
Class Full - Waiting List
On four consecutive Mondays, July 27 to August 17, at 10 a.m. to noon in the Performing Arts Studio at Hillside, the World’s Least Scary Improv class will meet with Claire Slattery, Founder, Improv Central in Alameda.
No stage, no memorizing lines, and no experience needed — just a willingness to show up and have a genuinely good time.
This series is for curious people who want to laugh more, connect more deeply, and maybe surprise themselves a little. Through low-stakes, partnered exercises and small-group activities, you'll practice listening in a whole new way and discover just how much fun it is to be fully present with other people. Each week builds on the prior one. By session four you'll have a few new skills you never expected to enjoy. Because life is richer when you're not winging it alone.
Class limited to 15 participants. Class Full - Waiting List
The class fee will be $50 for Drama Association of Rossmoor members, with an additional $20 for non-members, as a membership fee. Checks should be made out to DAOR and can be submitted at first class.
To register for the class contact Roanne Butier at [email protected].
Radio Play Performance Class
Instructor: Julian Lopez-Morillas 8 Tuesdays, June 23 through August 11 12:30 - 2:30 Performing Arts Studio, Hillside Fee: $ 75 for members, $ 95 for non-members Class is limited to 14 participants
Class Full
Step into the world of classic radio storytelling with instructor Julian López-Morillas, Students will rehearse and perform a published radio play and a short story, learning how to bring characters to life using only their voices and imaginations. Participants will explore vocal expression and character creation, plus discover the playful magic of Foley sound effects as they create live sounds for the play and story.
The class will culminate on August 11 with a live performance for an audience, where students will showcase their work. This class is perfect for performers who love storytelling, creativity, and collaboration. No previous experience is required. The fee is $75 for members, plus an additional $20 for nonmembers. The maximum number of participants will be 14. Class Full
Checks should be made out to DAOR and can be submitted at first class. To register for the class contact Roanne Butier at [email protected].
Theatre History Class
Instructor: Michael McGarty Session Ended
This course provides an overview of theatre from its ancient origins to the present. The focus will be on the physical theatre, acting styles, costumes, sets, theories of drama, theatrical movements, playwrights, and representative plays. Students will engage with the artistic innovations that have defined the theatre landscape across different periods and regions. Attendees will also explore how theatre has served as a reflection of, and spark for, social change throughout history.
The instructor, Michael McGarty, has served as the Harvard Community Theater’s artistic director from its inception in 1990 to 2012, directing over 100 plays. He was named Best Director at the 2012 Eastern Massachusetts Theater Festival for Crossing Brooklyn and for the Giering productions at the New England Regional Festivals. In 2002, his production of ‘night,Mother won the EMACT Best Production Award. In 2018, McGarty won the DASH Best Director Award for his production of Out of Order at the Mass Arts Center. Checks should be made out to DAOR and can be submitted at first class. To register for the class contact Roanne Butier at [email protected].
Voice for the Actor/Storyteller/Speaker Instructor: Lauren Carley Session Ended
This four-class series for actors and speakers focuses on restoring ease, clarity, and expressiveness in the mature voice. Class 1 builds the foundation: breath, posture, and alignment, with practical tools for relaxed, confident cold readings. Class 2 explores character voices—drawing on cartoon and Disney-style vocal play to expand range, flexibility, and vocal color for acting and voice-over work. Classes 3 and 4 bring these skills into practice through voices for radio drama, developing clear storytelling, sustained breath, and expressive vocal presence without strain.
Lauren Carley is an interdisciplinary artist—singer, voice and performance coach, choral director, retreat leader, and writer. She has taught The Joy of Singing for UC Berkeley’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute for over twenty years and leads vocal workshops, community choirs, and retreats locally and internationally.
Improv Class Instructor: Kenn Adams Session Ended
Kenn Adams will teach you the Three Rules of Improvisation and, in no time flat, you’ll be making up hysterical stories, creating outrageous characters, and improvising humorous sketches and scenes.
Kenn is the Artistic Director of Synergy Theater and the author of the book “How to Improvise a Full-Length Play; The Art of Spontaneous Theater.” He began his career in New York City with Freestyle Repertory Theater and has been performing, directing, and teaching improvisation for 35 years.
Checks should be made out to DAOR and can be submitted at first class.
To register for the class, or for more information, email Roanne Butier at [email protected].
“The knowledge that every day there is something more to learn, something higher to reach for, something new to make for others, makes each day infinitely precious” - Uta Hagen -