Speakers Bureau

Explore the “courtesies” of the Restoration and Elizabethan periods and how societal values were codified into manners, greetings, dress and social interactions, with professional writer, director and actor Jennifer Le Blanc. The course will include lecture, visual materials and an experiential component learning fan language, proper bows and curtsies along with why and when they were used, and other outward manifestations of a carefully constructed social order.

Excellent for: College and High School English and History courses, literary and historical organizations, book clubs reading material from the period, dance and theater classes

Single Class and 5-class options available.

Instructor: Jennifer Le Blanc, MFA

With an MFA from the National Theatre Conservatory in Denver, Colorado, Jennifer has worked as an actor, director, and playwright/adaptor both in the Bay Area and regionally. Jennifer is an Associate Artist at SPARC.

Explore Shakespeare’s The Tragedie of Othello in depth with professional educator, actor and director Michael Wayne Rice. A play historically described as a play about the catastrophic consequences of jealousy is explored afresh revealing the conversation about race and racism that Shakespeare prompts us to. Why do we ignore the conversation that is blatant in the text? How can we better reveal this classic with and for a multi-racial and multi-ethnic community?

Excellent for: College and high school English, Theater and Diversity Studies courses, alumni clubs, book clubs

Instructor: Michael Wayne Rice, MFA

With a M.F.A. in Acting and Directing from University of Missouri at Kansas City, Michael has acted and directed on stages in Missouri, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Michael taught acting at University of Missouri, University of the Pacific, and University of San Francisco. Michael is an Associate Artist and serves as SPARC’s Director in Residence.

A timely opportunity to take this class remotely, as in addition to the regular curriculum we will investigate how to approach better clarity in voice and speech when your voice is your primary tool, how to combat “Zoom fatigue,” how to stay grounded and feel your voice when talking to a screen, and how to maintain connection and eye contact even digitally. This class will enable students to gradually and safely build vocal strength while amplifying their vocal presence and intentions to have the clearest impact on their listener. 

Excellent for: Corporations, public speakers, college and highschool theatre classes, teachers and professors

Single Class and 5-class options available.

Instructor: Miriam Ani, MFA

Miriam holds a MFA in Acting with an emphasis in voice work from CUNY Brooklyn College, and undergraduate degrees in Philosophy, Theatre, and English. She teaches Acting at California State University, East Bay and Sacramento State University, and served as a KCACTF respondent since 2014.

Being put “on the spot” is the stuff of many adults’ nightmares. In a safe and collaborative environment, investigate your blocks, learn to say YES; and trust that your unique, creative well is always full— it may just need a playful nudge!

Excellent for: Team building, college and highschool theatre classes, teachers

Single Class and 6-class options available.

Instructor: Miriam Ani, MFA

Miriam holds a MFA in Acting with an emphasis in voice work from CUNY Brooklyn College, and undergraduate degrees in Philosophy, Theatre, and English. She teaches Acting at California State University, East Bay and Sacramento State University, and served as a KCACTF respondent since 2014.

At a time when Shakespeare may appear irrelevant, we examine all the ways keeping the Bard in our school curriculum can benefit students. You will explore techniques that take Shakespeare from its passive on-page form, to an active model that will have your students up on their feet, using their voices, and engaged in 400 year old texts. Additionally, we will discuss creative ways to teach Shakspeare during this time of online learning.

Excellent for: English and Theater teachers, homeschool educators, tutors, students pursuing degrees in Education

Instructor: Mary Ann Rodgers

Mary Ann Rodgers is a director, actor, and theater educator. She was last seen on the SPARC stage as Titania, Dueña, and Miss Prism. Mary Ann taught theater at The Bay School of San Francisco where her mission was to develop empathetic advocates for arts as well as to nurture young theater artists. Recent work includes Anna in the Tropics, The Cocktail Hour (BATCC award) and Persuasion for Ross Valley Players.

Shakespeare gives actor and fight director notes from the grave – if you know how to find them! Join Fight Director, Sydney Schwindt as she unearths the dramaturgical aspects of being a fight director for Shakespeare’s classics. We’ll discuss historical practices for duels and battles that directly relate to Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth.

Excellent for: Fight Directors and Choreographers, English and Theatre teachers, College and High School English and Theatre courses, students pursuing degrees in Theater and Education

Instructor: Sydney Schwindt, Fight Director

Sydney holds a BFA from Hartt School of Music, Dance, and Theatre, and education from Society of American Fight Directors and SF Clown Conservatory, Sydney was SPARC’s fight director in 2017 for Cyrano de Bergerac and 2019 for Othello and The Complete Works, in which she also performed. For more information visit: https://www.sydney-schwindt.com/fight-direction

Grab a dowel, stick, toy sword, wrapping tube, or even a wooden spoon! This class will get you up and moving. Learn the basics of single sword combat. Dress in comfortable clothes and find adequate space to move around, as Fight Director, Sydney Schwindt leads you through the basic foundations necessary for every stage combatant – footwork, sword parries, attacks, and more. Attend this class solo or with a friend.

Excellent for: Dance and Theater instructors looking to supplement their classes, LARPing groups, actors and directors, historical organizations

Instructor: Sydney Schwindt, Fight Director

Sydney holds a BFA from Hartt School of Music, Dance, and Theatre, and education from Society of American Fight Directors and SF Clown Conservatory, Sydney was SPARC’s fight director in 2017 for Cyrano de Bergerac and 2019 for Othello and The Complete Works, in which she also performed. For more information visit: https://www.sydney-schwindt.com/fight-direction

Do you love Jane Austen’s stories? Have you ever wondered about the process of adapting novels into scripts? Jennifer Le Blanc adapted Jane Austen’s beloved novel Persuasion for the stage and you are cordially invited to enjoy a conversation with her about her process. Come hear about the play’s production history, see a scene or two, and discuss methods of adaptation. A lovely evening for fans of Jane Austen, aspiring writers, lovers of literature, or classical theatre enthusiasts.

Excellent for: Writers and Playwrights, literary and historical organizations, book clubs reading material from the period

Instructor: Jennifer Le Blanc, MFA

With an MFA from the National Theatre Conservatory in Denver, Colorado, Jennifer has worked as an actor, director, and playwright/adaptor both in the Bay Area and regionally. Jennifer is an Associate Artist at SPARC.

What do Shakespearean actors do before they arrive at the first day of rehearsal?  How do they know what all those words mean?  Research!  This class is a basic, practical approach to dramaturgy for the actor or theatre goer who is new to Shakespeare.  How to know the story, look up the words, and understand the jokes, before you get to your first rehearsal.  There are so many great books and resources about Shakespeare, but some are more useful for academia, some for audience appreciation, and some for performance. You will learn how to unlock Shakespeare’s language and fully enjoy the performance.

Excellent for: English and Theater teachers, directors and actors, College and High School English and Theater courses, literary organizations, book clubs reading material from the period

Instructor: Jennifer Le Blanc, MFA

With an MFA from the National Theatre Conservatory in Denver, Colorado, Jennifer has worked as an actor, director, and playwright/adaptor both in the Bay Area and regionally. Jennifer is an Associate Artist at SPARC.

Liven up your stagnant English lessons with theatre activities that bring students out of their seats and up on their feet engaging with the text. As teachers, we know all children learn at different rates and in different ways. This workshop uses theater skills and activities to make your text accessible to all different types of learners while engaging student’s creative minds and critical thinking skills. Learn tips, tricks, and activities to take any text and turn it into a full body and mind experience for your students.

Excellent for: Elementary and Middle School Teachers looking for ways to liven up their curriculum.

Instructor: Lindsey Schmeltzer, Education Director

Lindsey Schmeltzer serves as SPARC’s Education Director. Lindsey has over a decade worth experiencing teaching theater and music to students, preschool through high school. She has expertise in curriculum design and implementing state and national learning standards.