In this StageWrite course, you’ll practice the art and craft of writing short monologues. Each weekly session will focus on a particular aspect of the monologue as we study examples from movies, TV, and published plays as a guide and inspiration for writing your own. The course will culminate in an invited public performance of one of the monologues you have written—this may be one you’ve worked on throughout the course, or a one you’ve chosen from several that you wrote over the eight weeks. You’ll also have the choice of whether you perform the piece yourself, or whether you’d prefer to have someone else perform it (a willing classmate or someone you bring in).

Have you ever wanted to write a play, TV pilot, or screenplay but didn’t know where to start? Or have you begun a script you haven't been able to finish? SCRIPTING will teach you the fundamentals of story building so that you can make it to “Fade Out. The End.” This popular script writing workshop, open to any type of script project or genre, focuses on dramatic structure: the sequencing of character-driven scenes for maximum emotional effect. Come to class with some ideas, an open mind, and the script writer’s most essential tool: index cards.

This is a remote course offered online for people ages 55+.

SCRIPTING I is available to new and returning writers.

SCRIPTING II is available to returning writers who have taken a previous Scripting course at The Wallis.

Join BODYTRAFFIC company dancer Joan Rodriguez in a movement workshop series connecting storytelling and dance. In these classes, you will learn movement fundamentals of Latin and Afro-Cuban dance styles. No dance experience required. For ages 55+.

Physical and mental fitness should be connected. It’s one of the smartest things you can do to ensure you are healthy and lucid in your later years. Ballet Brain Circuit is comprised of conditioning and stretch exercises based on ballet training principles. The class is designed to improve cognitive function while increasing muscular endurance, cardiovascular health, balance and coordination. It decreases chronic stress and promotes an uplifting mood. 

Act-3 is a basic skills acting class for older adults, based on the acting exercises developed by the legendary acting teacher Sanford Meisner, with one purpose in mind, To Live Truthfully Under Imaginary Circumstances. Participants will work on four skills that will provide a solid foundation for beginning actors or build confidence in those who feel shy in the spotlight. These skills are: Really Doing, Other Person Focused, Point of View, and Emotional Preparation. Simply put, Act-3 will teach you the acting “ROPEs."

George Gershwin wrote ragtime? A tune from Porgy and Bess is based on Jewish Liturgy? Join Juilliard trained pianist, Beth Sussman for a program of both classical and jazz music by George Gershwin including some of his own amazing arrangements of songs including “S’Wonderful,” “The Man I Love,” and “Lady Be Good." Music selections will be introduced with brief remarks that will enhance your appreciation of Gershwin’s genius!

There will be pre-show coffee and light breakfast before the program in the Education Courtyard.