Empowered Players
"Changing the world, one show at a time."
Saturday, May 8th | All Day | Virtual
Come celebrate a day of theater, connection, and fun! Featuring classes from guest artists, showcases and video features from our Teen Arts Board, and our virtual performances, this Festival is bound to be a tremendous time.
For questions, email empoweredplayersvirginia@gmail.com
ISABELLE ANDREWS
Improv
12-1pm
This workshop is your one-stop-snack-platter for the basics of improvised comedy. What is it? Why is it? And how can we get all our friends to join? We’ll learn fundamentals like “Yes And,” being a good scene partner, creating characters, and we may even, on rare occasion, laugh.
Isabelle Andrews is an LA-based comedy writer-actor-director. She can be found doing stand-up, sketch, short films, and original songs, but her loyalty lies with the team sport of comedy: improv. By day, she works as a writer’s assistant and creative consultant for film and TV. By night, she is a vigilante.
MAELISA SINGER
Costume Design 1-1:45pm
Interested in designing your own costumes? Want to strengthen your creative skills? Join costume designer Maelisa Singer for a crash course on all things costume design! You'll learn the tips and tricks of the field, and have a chance to try engaging hands-on activities.
Maelisa Singer is a costume designer and 2019 graduate of the University of Virginia. As a costume designer, she has worked with organizations such as the University of Virginia, the Virginia Players, and the DU Film Society in Dublin, Ireland. Her work as been performed/screened at venues including the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, DC and the Virginia Film Festival.
DENISE FOLLEY
Puppetry
2-2:45pm
Come jun the fun world of puppetry with Denise! In this class, you will learn the FUNdamentals of puppetry! Bring a sock, a stick, or whatever sparks your imaginations as we will be creating fun characters and scenes with our puppets. See you there! Open to all ages.
Denise Folley is a native from Charlottesville, Virginia who has a BA In Theatre arts from Davis & Elkins College. Denise is an experienced puppeteer and currently serves as Assistant Theatre Director at Charlottesville High School and works as a Program Assistant with Boys & Girls Club. Denise also has had the amazing opportunity to become the Vice Chair for the Theatre of Youth position with the Virginia Theatre Association.
JESSICA HARRIS
Advanced Acting
5-6pm
Are you looking for ways to strengthen your actors toolkit? Want to learn the essentials of acting and try your hand at advanced scene study and performance? Join us for an hour of advanced acting practice where we'll share in-depth techniques and have lots of fun! Open to ages 10+.
Jessica Harris is the Founder and Artistic Director of Empowered Players. A veteran performer and director, she’s directed and produced a number of works locally including with Four County Players, the University of Virginia, and The Kennedy Center. Jessica holds a Master’s in Educational Psychology from the University of Virginia, where she also earned an Interdisciplinary B.A in arts nonprofit management & education. Her TEDx Talk titled “The Transformative Power of Theater in Rural Communities” highlights her work, and she provides over twenty different programs for K-12 students year-round.