Master Class Monday

Presented by Newtown Arts Company and the Newtown Theatre

Master Class Monday is an arts-education series, with an emphasis on theater and film, for children and adults with an interest in learning new skills, honing current skills, or just having fun with like-minded people. All experience levels are welcome.

Each session is limited to 25 participants and will focus on a different area of performance, production, or creative expression. Instructors are all industry professionals from New York, Philadelphia, and our very own community. The instructors are not only masters in their craft but also a boatload of fun!

This is the opportunity to try something you’ve always been curious about, dive a little deeper into your work, or even lay the groundwork for turning your passion into a profession.

Cost is $250 per registrant for the entire eight-week series (dates are NOT always consecutive). There are no refunds for missed classes. This series may be canceled due to low enrollment.


Fall 2024 Session Dates and Topics

broadway dance

Monday, September 16, 2024

INSTRUCTOR: Thayne Jasperson, original and current Broadway cast member of Hamilton; Thayne's other Broadway credits include Matilda, Newsies, and Finding Neverland.

  • Youth session (ages 10-14): 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

  • Adult session (ages 15-99): 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

on-camera acting

Monday, September 23, 2024

INSTRUCTOR: Robert Eli is a New York City based, Julliard-trained actor of stage and screen. He has appeared on Broadway and Off, internationally and regionally. He just wrapped filming season one of “Your Friends and Neighbors” for Apple TV. Other on-screen credits include “Manifest, FBI: Most Wanted,” “Three Birthdays,” “Madam Secretary,” “House of Cards,” “The OA,” “Blue Bison,” “Bull,” “The Good Fight,” “The Blacklist,” “Chicago Med,” “Blindspot,” and “Law and Order.”

  • Youth session (ages 10-14): 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

  • Adult session (ages 15-99): 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

character creation

Monday, September 30, 2024

INSTRUCTOR: PJ Johnnie, NYC-based actor, director, and theatre maker; associate director for the 2023 six-time Tony-nominated Broadway production Ain’t No Mo’, and intructor at NYU’s TISCH MFA program, among others.

  • Youth session (ages 10-14): 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

  • Adult session (ages 15-99): 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Technology for the theatre: Lights, Sound, Video & More!

Monday, October 7, 2024

INSTRUCTOR: Charlie Santella (ETCP Certified Entertainment Electrician) works as a lighting director and touring lighting crew chief from community theater to stadium tours.

  • Youth session (ages 10-14): 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

  • Adult session (ages 15-99): 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Creating stories that matter

Monday, October 21, 2024

INSTRUCTOR: Peter Fenton, award-winning playwright and screenwriter with works produced in Philadelphia and Off Broadway in New York City. He is currently the Marketing and Engagement Associate for Passage Theatre and recently wrote Coronation, an original teen comedy, for Newtown Arts Company!

  • Youth session (ages 10-14): 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

  • Adult session (ages 15-99): 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

intro to stand-up comedy 

Monday, October 28, 2024

INSTRUCTOR: Abby Wambaugh is a Pennsylvania-born, Copenhagen-based, award-winning stand-up comedian, writer and podcaster. She performs all over the world, most recently at the Edinburgh Fringe.

  • Youth session (ages 10-14): 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

  • Adult session (ages 15-99): 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

IMPROV 101

Monday, November 4, 2024

INSTRUCTOR: Shannon O'Neill, veteran actor, improviser and writer, regularly performs with and was Artistic Director for The Upright Citizen's Brigade in New York City. You may also recognize her from hit TV shows such as Broad City, High Maintenance, and The Other Two.

  • Youth session (ages 10-14): 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

  • Adult session (ages 15-99): 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

stage combat fundamentals

Monday, November 11, 2024

INSTRUCTOR: Robert Aronowitz is a New York City based actor, director, fight/movement/intimacy coordinator and certified teacher of stage combat/theatrical firearm safety. His work has taken him all over the world and recent credits include Tommy (Broadway) and The Equalizer (CBS).

  • Youth session (ages 10-14): 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.

  • Adult session (ages 15-99): 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.