Classes
Teen Acting Camp
“I’ll Fly Away” Summer Camp
Brian Bryson, Stage Director
Darina Drapkin, Music Director
July 13 – Aug 9 Mon-Fri 1:30am-5:30pm — $700 for 4 Weeks (scholarships available) Open to students ages 11-18
Set in 1930s Mississippi, it follows three escaped convicts—led by the fast-talking, slick-haired Ulysses Everett McGill-on a quest for buried treasure that quickly unravels into a string of strange, mythic encounters: blind prophets, seductive sirens, one-eyed Bible salesmen, and corrupt politicians.
It's essentially The Odyssey retold through banjos, chain gangs, and dusty backroads.
Old-time bluegrass, gospel, and folk music don't just support the story-they drive it, shaping the world, the rhythm, and the characters themselves.
The original screenplay by Joel and Ethan Coen has been adapted for the stage by Brian Glenn Bryson.
SUMMER CAMP — Campers will REHEARSE the play, “I’ll Fly Away: Scenes & Songs from O Brother, Where Art Thou?”
They can be MUSICIANS, or SINGERS, or ACTORS, or ALL 3. They will also play theater games, do improvisation, and stagecraft.
PERFORM — Campers will perform O Brother, Where Art Thou? for live audiences on the professional stage at MERCURY THEATER; with lights, costumes, props, and moving set pieces.
Adult Acting Classes
Petaluma Actors Workshop Adult Class
Terry McGovern, Instructor
Saturdays 10am-1pm — $125 per month (enrollment ongoing)
The Petaluma Actors Workshop at the Mercury is an acting class where adults can work on monologues and scenes, play improvisational games, learn stagecraft and on-camera technique and, most importantly, realize their dream of becoming an actor. Theater veterans and beginners alike are welcome.
Classes are Saturdays from 10am to 1pm at Mercury Theater, 3333 N. Petaluma Boulevard, Petaluma 94952.
Course instructor Terry McGovern is a decorated professional actor, who's appeared in every form of media entertainment—from major films to top video games. An acting teacher for over twenty-five years, Terry creates a challenging, yet comfortable environment for his students—a safe place to have fun while learning.
The Petaluma Actors Workshop at the Mercury is an ongoing class. There are no semester breaks. You can join when you're ready. The investment is only $125 a month and includes Terry's insightful critiques, a video of your work, showcases and private consultations by appointment.
ZipLine Improv
Laura Wachtel Instructor
Thursdays 1pm-3pm
Here we start cementing the principles you’ve been learning: listening, saying yes to things, dropping your agenda and staying in the moment, and so on. We start exploring the physicality of improv and what goes into creating characters.
We also go deeper into what makes for a promising scene start and why some scenes flow and others are more challenging to navigate.
This is for continuing ZipLine improv students. If you have prior experience elsewhere, please contact us for a discussion so we can make sure you get into the right class!