The Inland Stage Company offers introductory sessions of the Theatrical Conservatory during the month of December, featuring everything from technical theatre to Shakespearean acting workshops.

“It has always been part of our mission to offer a conservatory, and now that we can offer these classes at the Esplanade Arts Center pretty much year round, we can really offer an exciting program,” said Artistic Director Jim Marbury. “The arts build better communities, and Inland Stage Company is dedicated to improving the lives of the members of community. This program is our next great step towards that goal.  Besides, getting involved with the arts is fun.”

Resident artists from the company will teach classes throughout the year, starting with one workshop, each, in December. Classes will be held in the performance space or classroom space at the Esplanade Art Center in San Jacinto.

Marbury teaches the New Actor Workshop 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7, in the performance space.

Recently directing As You Like It at the Inland Stage, Yvonne Flack returns to give a Shakespeare workshop 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, in the performance space.

Vanessa Downs offers an Acting for Young Adults workshop 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, in the classroom space.  This class is designed for the young or introductory actor. Students will gain confidence while learning basic acting skills and concepts.

Inland Stage Technical Director Mark Rogers teaches a Technical Theatre workshop 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, in the performance space. This class will be a brief overview of the behind the scenes workings of a theatrical performance. Emphasis will be on introducing terms and techniques used by the various artists, designers and technicians when creating and running a production. This class can be anywhere from 90 minutes to 4 hours depending on the number of students and their involvement.

Kellie McDonald teaches a Theatrical Production workshop 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, in the classroom space. In this class students will learn Directing and Stage Managing skills. The class will cover how these two positions work closely together to help create a unified work of art.

Darcie Flansburg teaches a Theatre Movement workshop 10 a.m. Dec. 19 in the classroom space.  Students must come to this class prepared to move from the ground up,building characters that are portrayed through movement, not words. Yoga attire is preferable, and dance or running shoes should be brought. Students will experience various stage movement, focusing specifically on stylized comedic acting.

“What the Stage Company is doing is right along the lines of the Diamond Valley Arts Council’s mission.  We plan on doing more and more of these kinds of things through the next year,” said Diamond Valley Arts Council President of the Board Bob Righetti. “The Council is committed to promoting the arts in our region, and the Esplanade Arts Center is great place for groups like the Inland Stage Company, the Ramona Country Woodcarvers and many other groups to offer this type of hands-on community programming,  These classes get people participating, and participation in the arts greatly improves our quality of life.”

The Esplanade Arts Center is located at 2181 W. Esplanade Ave. in San Jacinto.  Each workshop costs $15 or $75 for a full conservatory pass. Scholarships are available. To register or get more information call 951 600 7273 or email jim.marbury@inlandstage.org.