Classes Instructors

Classes


ADULT IMPROV

Begins September 23, 2024

Ages 18 and up
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Tuition: $100 for the 4 week class
Instructor: Nicholas Holland
Description: Step into the world of spontaneity, laughter, and creative exploration with our Adult Improv Class! Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, this class is designed to help you embrace the unexpected and find joy in the art of improvisation.

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SCRIPTCRAFT: MASTERING THE ART OF PLAYWRITING

Begins September 23, 2024

Ages 10 - 18
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Tuition: $150 for the 8 week class
Instructor: Julian Deleon
Description: Dive into the world of drama and storytelling with our Playwriting Class! Whether you’re a budding playwright or an experienced writer looking to hone your craft, this class is designed to help you develop your voice and create compelling, stage-worthy scripts.

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THE BARD'S STAGE: EXPLORING SHAKESPEARE'S WORKS

Begins September 23, 2024

Ages 16 and up
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Tuition: $100 for the 4 week class
Instructor: Nicholas Holland
Description: Immerse yourself in the timeless world of William Shakespeare with our Shakespeare Class. Designed for enthusiasts, actors, and students alike, this class offers a deep dive into the language, themes, and characters of one of the greatest playwrights in history.

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GRACE & GROOVE: KIDS JAZZ / BALLET

Begins September 24, 2024

Ages 8 - 15
Time: 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Tuition: $100 for the 4 week class
Instructor: Katherine Brown
Description: Discover the perfect blend of grace and dynamism with our Jazz Ballet Class! This class fuses the classical elegance of ballet with the vibrant energy of jazz, offering a unique and exciting dance experience that enhances both technical skill and artistic expression.

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GROOVE AND STEP: ADULT TAP / JAZZ

Begins October 1, 2024

Ages 16 and up
Time: 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Tuition: $100 for the 4 week class
Instructor: Katherine Brown
Description: Whether you’re looking to enhance your dance skills, add a new dimension to your repertoire, or simply have fun while dancing, our Jazz Tap Class offers a vibrant and engaging experience. Join us to groove, tap, and express yourself in a lively and supportive environment!

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THE ROCK BAND EXPERIENCE

Begins September 25, 2024

Ages 13 - 18
Time: 4:30 - 5:45 PM
Tuition: $150 for the 8 week class
Instructor: Taylor Diveley
Description: Unleash your inner rock star with our Rock Band Class! Perfect for musicians of all levels, this class provides a collaborative and electrifying environment where you can develop your skills, perform with others, and dive into the heart of rock music.

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STAGECRAFT ESSENTIALS: PERFORMANCE TECHNIQUES

Begins October 2, 2024

Ages 10 - 18
Time: 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Tuition: $100 for the 4 week class
Instructor: Jessica Roth
Description: Elevate your stage presence and refine your performance skills with our Performance Techniques Class. Designed for actors, dancers, musicians, and performers of all kinds, this class provides essential tools and practices to enhance your live performances and captivate your audience.

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IMAGINATION ON STAGE: INTRODUCTION TO THE MAGIC OF THEATRE

Begins on September 27, 2024

Ages 8 - 12
Time: 4:30 - 5:45 PM
Tuition: $150 for the 8 week class
Instructor: Nicholas Holland and Julian Deleon
Description: Let your child's imagination soar with our Kids Theatre Class! Designed for young performers aged 8-12, this class offers a fun and supportive environment where children can explore the magic of theatre, build confidence, and develop essential acting skills.

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CHARACTER UNCOVERED

Begins on September 28, 2024

Ages 13 - 18
Time: Noon - 2:00 PM
Tuition: $100 for the 4 week class
Instructor: Toby O'Connor
Description: Unlock the secrets to creating unforgettable characters with our Character Development Class. Designed for writers, actors, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of character creation, this class provides essential tools and techniques to bring your characters to life with depth and authenticity.

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AUDITION MASTERCLASS

October 6, 2024


Time: 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Tuition: $50 for the 1 day session
Instructor: Julian Deleon, Taylor Diveley and Katherine Brown
Description: Our audition masterclass is a specialized workshop where individuals receive in-depth coaching and feedback to improve their audition techniques. Led by experienced professionals and performers, this workshop will focus on various aspects of the audition process, including: **Preparation:** Strategies for selecting and preparing audition material. **Performance:** Techniques for delivering a compelling audition, including interpretation and presentation. **Feedback:** Personalized critiques to help participants refine their skills and address any weaknesses. **Industry Insights:** Guidance on what directors are looking for and how to stand out.

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BALTIMORE BOUND: HAIRSPRAY MASTERCLASS

October 10, 2024


Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Tuition: $50 for the 1 day session
Instructor: Julian Deleon and Joy Alexander
Description: Our "Hairspray" the Musical audition workshop is a specialized session aimed at preparing performers for auditions specifically for the musical "Hairspray." During this workshop, participants can expect to focus on the following elements: **Song Selection:** Guidance on choosing and preparing songs in the style of the musical. Participants may receive tips on how to best showcase their vocal range and character interpretation. **Dance Routine:** Training on the choreography associated with "Hairspray," which often involves energetic, 1960s-inspired dance moves. Participants will learn key dance routines and receive feedback on their performance. **Character Work:** Exploration of the characters from the musical, including their motivations, personality traits, and relationships. This helps participants understand how to embody their chosen roles. **Cold Reading:** Practice with script excerpts or sides from the musical, where participants can demonstrate their ability to perform and interpret lines on the spot. The workshop aims to equip participants with the skills and confidence needed to perform effectively in auditions for "Hairspray”.

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Private Acting

Designed for actors of all ages and experience levels
Time: 30 minute private sessions (minimum of 3 sessions)
Tuition: $25 per session ($75 for 3 sessions)
Instructor: Amber Westbrook, Julian Deleon or Nicholas Holland
Description: Have an audition coming up? Working on a show and need help understanding your character? Always wanted to try acting but never wanted to with a group of strangers? Sign up for 3 sessions of Private Acting Classes. Amber Westbrook will contact you to schedule your sessions.

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Private Voice Lessons


Designed for singers of all ages and experience levels
Time: 30 minute sessions
Registration Deadline: Open
Tuition: $25 per session ($75 for 3 sessions)
Instructor: Taylor Diveley
Description: Have a musical audition coming up? Working on a song and need some help with it? Always wanted to try singing but never wanted to with a group of strangers? Sign up for 3 sessions of Private Voice Lessons. Taylor Diveley will contact you to schedule your sessions.

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Instructors

Julian Deleon



Julian studied acting at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. From there he became the Educational Marketing Intern at American Place Theatre and worked on several productions with Galli Theatre NY. He has performed in several productions around Columbia including Dance Nation at Trustus Theatre, Torch Song at Workshop Theatre and A Christmas Carol at Columbia Childrens Theatre. He began working as a teaching artist with Columbia Childrens Theatre almost 10 years ago and has since taught all over the Midlands from Spartanburg to Florence County. He spent 6 years at Midlands Arts Conservatory as the Theatre Teacher and also operates several after-school programs at local schools.

Katherine Brown



Katherine, a former professional dancer with Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Lines, has served as Dance Captain and Production Principal. Other performance credits include the Broadway National Tour of Saturday Night Fever and various regional theatre credits across the United States. In addition to her successful dance career, Katherine has excelled academically, earning a BFA in Musical Theatre, a BS in Public Health from Coastal Carolina University, and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of South Carolina. Her most recent appearances at Workshop Theatre include the roles of Cassie in A Chorus Line and Bombalurina in CATS. Katherine is an enthusiastic instructor specializing in dance technique, with a strong emphasis on musical theatre styles.

Taylor Diveley



Taylor Diveley attended the University of South Carolina and Coastal Carolina University studying Vocal Performance. Since moving back to Columbia in July 2022, Taylor has been seen on Workshop Theatre’s stage in KINKY BOOTS (Charlie), TORCH SONG (Alan), A CHORUS LINE (Don) and HUNDRED DAYS (Shawn Bengson) and A NEW BRAIN (Gordon Michael Schwinn); and the Columbia Children’s Theatre’s stage in A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Ghost of Christmas Past). In addition to being on the stage, Taylor has several other roles behind the scenes. He was the music director for Workshop’s production of CATS, FINDING NEMO JR., and THE ADDAMS FAMILY YOUNG@PART. He is also part of Workshop’s educational team, and a proud member of Workshop Theatre’s Board of Trustees. Taylor also plays music gigs professionally around the Carolinas.

Nicholas Holland



Hello, I am Nicholas Holland. I started performing in early highschool; doing multiple shows at Village Square Theater and also performing in shows at Lexington High and Riverbluff High (graduating from Riverbluff). I decided to go to Anderson University, and after my four years graduated with a BFA in acting and directing. During college I performed in a multitude of shows ranging from Greek -> contemporary; while also working with theaters as the lighting designer. I was on the Improv team for 4 years, while also attending a national competition two times. I was also one of the heads of the student lead productions at Anderson University, which entailed supporting, casting, producing multiple shows all written/directed/designed by only the students. Sadly i graduated at the beginning of covid, so all of the theater came to a halt. I am currently working as an IT rep for TD bank and am starting to put my foot back in the door after a good couple of years. I taught a master improv class at Village Square, and excited to bring more to the table at Workshop Theatre

Toby O'Connor



Toby O’Connor is so thrilled to get the opportunity to work alongside the incredibly talented staff at Workshop Theater. Toby has been performing from a very young age all around the Columbia area where he has been mentored by some the best! Some of his favorite previous roles have been: Ghost of Christmas Present in “The Christmas Carol”, Dickon in “The Secret Garden”, Nathan Detroit in “Guys and Dolls”, and Gaston in “Beauty and the Beast”. Toby is currently pursuing his General Ed/Theater degree and has really enjoyed his previous experience teaching youth theater and excited to dive back in! When he isn’t goofing around or performing, Toby loves hanging with his dogs, playing D&D, or going to the latest Comic Con.

Bobby Rogers



Bobby L. Rogers Jr, is a native of Jonesville, SC located in the Upstate of South Carolina in Union County where he attended Jonesville High School. It was in Jonesville that his music and theatre career began in the gifted and talented band, theater, and chorus program.After graduating from JHS he earned his degree of Education at Benedict College and his masters degree in Education. Mr. Rogers taught first grade for 5 years and he has spent 18 years in public health for state. He has been seen onstage in shows such as “The Color Purple” “Ragtime”, “Young Frankenstein”, “Five Guys Named Moe, “Lend Me a Tenor”,”Sister Act”. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, Inc. “Life is a stage, so live life”

Jessica Roth



Jessica Roth is an experienced musician with an extensive background performing in both musical theater and with bands of various genres throughout her career. Jessica began her musical journey performing in various high school musicals. After high school she moved to New York and began auditioning/performing in off-Broadway shows. In 2007, Jessica began performing with corporate entertainment bands traveling the east coast. After the birth of her second child, her family moved back to SC. In 2019, she started Girl Interrupted, a 90's and 2000's cover band that performs regularly around Columbia. In 2022 Jessica returned to the stage performing in Workshop Theatre’s productions of The Wedding Singer as “Linda” and Kinky Boots as “Lauren”. You may have also seen her in Trustus theatres production of Mad Ones and most recently as Rum Tum Tugger in CATS at Workshop Theatre. In addition to her music career, Jessica also is an accomplished hairstylist in Columbia. She is an international hair educator with Framesi and frequently travels to teach other hair stylists around the country.

Amber Westbrook



Amber Westbrook is a performer, artist, and educator. With a BA in the arts from Winthrop University (concentration in Theatre and Dance Performance), she has gained a lot of experience and knowledge working with many different theatre companies and arts organizations. She is happy to share her knowledge, tips, and tricks to help empower others. She has worked with Workshop Theatre on shows such as The Realistic Joneses, Boys in the Band, Belles, and She Loves Me. A few of her favorite projects include, The Friendship 9: No Fear for Freedom the Musical, Neighbors: A Wildlife Show, and The Carnival of the Animals: the Gift that Ran Away.