BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—When thinking about people with skills in professions like accounting, marketing, law enforcement, culinary arts, and countless others, it’s fair to say that it’s easy to see the differences between professionals in their fields versus those who are, well, not. You can hear it in the way they speak or see it in the way they carry themselves or even the way they work with the tools of their trade. This same concept also holds for actors. 

Over the course of eight months, Bucyrus Little Theatre will provide area actors, directors, and others the chance to hone their skills. The local theatre has tapped professional actor Scott Leon Smith, MFA, to instruct a series of eight master classes in the craft of acting. 

“It may say ‘master class’ in the name of the series, but it’s more like a hands-on workshop,” said Smith. “Each month students will learn about various concepts of acting guided by the topic we are set to study, but then they will have the opportunity to put what they’ve learned into practice.”

The Master Classes In The Craft Of Acting series is open to all actors who are at least 15 years old. Each course is scheduled to take place 1-3 p.m. March through October, on the first Saturday of the month. Smith said there are no prerequisites to attend classes, which will consist of: Fundamentals of Acting, Voice & Movement For The Stage, Audition & Collaboration, Voice Acting, Shakespeare For Performance, How To Be A Villian, Principles Of Comedy, and Directing Live Theatre.

Meet Your Instructor

A resident of Bucyrus, Smith earned a master’s degree in fine arts from West Virginia University, where he studied under alumni of the prestigious American Conservatory in San Francisco. From there, he said he went on to hone his craft in Chicago as a member of “A Crew of Patches,” a traveling theatre company that specialized in performing Shakespeare for students. He has been performing for audiences of all ages for more than 25 years

A seasoned performer, Smith recently portrayed the role of Sweeney Todd in Bucyrus Little Theatre’s production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, as well as Mr. Marx and The Judge, in The Renaissance Production of The Producers. He also recently launched the Electric Secrets variety podcast through his voiceover and narration company, MonsterVox Productions. The podcast series features multiple segments on a variety of topics, including branding and marketing techniques of local businesses, insights into acting and directing, and revealing the secrets of classical theatre, among other segments he produces. 

Drama Isn’t Just For Actors

Smith says acting workshops are a great way to awaken and exercise one’s creative self. 

“The techniques and mindsets that make up the foundation of acting are useful in any profession and for any endeavor,” said Smith. “My classes promote the development of a creative process and a reinvestment in that process for every project you take on, artistic or otherwise.”

Students are encouraged to enroll in as many or as few classes as they want. Each class is $25. However, students who pre-enroll in more than four classes at once will receive a 10 percent discount. Students who enroll in all eight courses will receive a 20 percent discount. 

More information about the Bucyrus Little Theatre’s Master Classes In The Craft Of Acting series, including how to enroll, can be found at BucyrusLittleTheatre.com. Bucyrus Little Theatre is located at 130 Songer Avenue, Bucyrus.