The Smith Mountain Lake community is invited to take part in The Lake Players’ Acting Foundations & Performance Lab, a seven-week acting class held Monday nights at Westlake Cinema and sponsored by the Smith Mountain Lake Center.

Open to ages 16 and up, this course is designed for anyone interested in building confidence and performance skills, whether they are brand-new to acting or returning to the stage after some time away. Through a balanced mix of improv exercises, monologues, and partnered scene work, students will develop listening skills, emotional honesty, and clear, intentional choices on stage.

Classes will meet on Monday evenings from January 12 through February 23, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm. Each session is active and hands-on, focusing on practical techniques students can apply immediately. The course concludes with a relaxed open-class presentation for friends and family, featuring selected scenes and monologues performed with minimal set pieces and simple costume elements to keep the focus on the work.

Tuition for the full seven-week course is $75.

A Program That Reflects Our Mission

Supporting educational and arts-based programming like this aligns directly with The Smith Mountain Lake Center’s mission to expand opportunities for learning, creativity, and community connection. Programs such as the Acting Foundations & Performance Lab help demonstrate how shared spaces can be used for classes, workshops, and cultural activities that serve a wide range of ages and interests.

The class will be held at Westlake Cinema, located in Westlake Towne Center, a familiar and accessible gathering place for the Smith Mountain Lake community. The Smith Mountain Lake Center is working toward transforming this space into a permanent home for expanded arts, education, and community programming, while preserving its role as a place where people continue to gather.

Instruction

Instruction is led by Matt Karris, Artistic Director of the Smith Mountain Lake Center and Resident Director of The Lake Players. With more than 30 years of experience in theatre, music, and live performance, Matt brings a practical, grounded approach to teaching. His instruction is direct and encouraging, drawing on decades of professional stage work to help students build skills that translate to real-world performance.

Registration Information

Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. Registration and additional details are available at https://lakeplayers.ludus.com/