Spotlight On
CREATIVE COURSES FOR ADULTS
Reignite your creative spark at a fun interactive course for adults this Fall. From playwriting, to acting to musical theatre, Spotlight On courses are designed for people 18 years and over, of all levels of experience from beginner to professional. Everyone is welcome.
Led by our accomplished and welcoming teaching artists, Spotlight On offers a casual, supportive environment that inspires life-long learning and community. Courses are offered as a Summer series and a Fall/ Winter series in 6-7 week sessions, with weekly 2-hour classes.
La Jolla Playhouse is known for developing innovative new works for the stage, and Spotlight On courses are a perfect way to get a taste of the magic that goes into creating a play or musical at one of the country’s most renowned theatre companies.
Registration for our Fall series is now open.
Who: For adults, 18+, at all levels of experience.
When: 2 hr evening class, once a week for 6-7 weeks. See dates below.
Where: All classes are held at La Jolla Playhouse, 2910 La Jolla Village Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037.
Classes have min 6, max 18 participants. Sign up early to secure your spot.
Narrative Expressions Through Movement
Tuesdays, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
October 15 – November 19, 2024 (6 Weeks)
Instructor: Nicole Diaz-Pellot (she/her)
$239 | 6 Play Subscribers $229
Narrative Expressions through Movement is a dynamic dance workshop designed for adults of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds who are interested in exploring the creative intersection of movement and theater. Whether experienced in dance or new to the art form, participants are welcomed into a space where unique stories can be expressed through the universal language of movement.
The workshop focuses on creative movement exercises and improvisational dance structures that emphasize storytelling. Participants will draw inspiration from their personal stories, backgrounds, and life experiences, exploring how movement can convey emotion, narrative, and character.
This journey turns every step, gesture, and movement into part of a larger narrative. No prior dance experience is required—only an open mind and a willingness to explore the expressive power of movement. Please dress comfortably for movement and wear closed toed shoes appropriate for movement (i.e. casual sneakers, tennis shoes, or jazz shoes).
CHARACTER STUDY
Wednesdays, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
October 9 – November 20, 2024 (7 Weeks)
Instructor: Justin Lang (he/him)
$279 | 6 Play Subscribers $269
Explore the depths of human expression and emotion in our Character Study Acting Class. Dive into the art of transforming into and out of diverse personalities, gaining insights into their motivations, quirks, and complexities. Learn how to deepen connections with the text, your scene parter, and your own work that leads to more compelling performances.
In this course, you’ll:
- Develop Acting Skills: Hone your craft through improvisation, script analysis, and scene work that challenges you to embody characters from various backgrounds and time periods.
- Discover Character Psychology: Delve into the psychological aspects of character development, learning how to create authentic and believable personas through detailed exploration of their inner lives.
- Expand Your Range: Push the boundaries of your acting abilities as you tackle roles that stretch your imagination and understanding of human behavior.
Whether you’re an aspiring performer or a seasoned actor looking to refine your skills, our Character Study Acting Class offers a supportive environment to explore, experiment, and excel in the art of portraying compelling characters. Prerequisite: Intro to Acting at La Jolla Playhouse, or similar type course. Please dress comfortably for movement with closed toed shoes.
This class has sold out. To be placed on a waitlist, please email [email protected] and include your name, email, phone number and class title.
INTRO TO ACTING
Thursdays, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
October 10 – November 21, 2024 (7 Weeks)
Instructor: Abby Leigh Huffstetler (they/them)
$279 | 6 Play Subscribers $269
Step into the spotlight with our Intro to Acting class, where imagination and self-expression take center stage! This course is designed for beginners who are eager to explore the fundamentals of acting and build a strong foundation in performance skills.
Throughout this dynamic class, you’ll discover the basics of character development, improvisation, and monologue work. We will guide you through exercises that enhance your vocal delivery, physical presence, and emotional range. Whether you’re looking to overcome stage fright, develop your acting technique, or simply enjoy the thrill of performance, this class offers a supportive and collaborative environment to help you grow.
No previous experience is required – just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to explore the world of theatre! Please dress comfortably for movement with closed toed shoes.
This class has sold out. To be placed on a waitlist, please email [email protected] and include your name, email, phone number and class title.
Instructor Bios
Nicole Diaz-Pellot (she/her)
Nicole Diaz-Pellot (she/her) is a passionate dance educator and performance artist from San Diego, committed to using movement as a holistic and inclusive practice. She began her dance journey at the age of five and later spent six years with the San Diego Civic Dance Company.
Nicole holds a BFA in Dance from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, where she also performed with Group Motion Dance Company under the mentorship of the late Manfred Fischbeck. Since 2014, she has been an active member of the Katherine Dunham Technique Certification community and is currently pursuing her Dunham Technique Teacher Certification.
Specializing in Afro-Modern dance, Nicole has taught extensively across San Diego, cultivating inclusive spaces for students of all ages and abilities. Her classes—ranging from Creative Movement and Afro-Modern to Dance with ThisAbility—highlight community, self-expression, and the joy of movement. Through her teaching and workshops, she brings together diverse bodies and abilities, celebrating the unifying power of dance.
Justin Lang (he/him)
Justin Lang (he/him) is thrilled to be returning to LJP to teach Intro to Acting! Justin is a San Diego based actor, director, producer, writer, and teaching artist. He was in Critics Circle Award nominated Outstanding Dramatic Productions; Of Mice and Men as George Milton & Trouble In Mind as Eddie Fenton. He was a company member of the Critics Circle Award Winning, Poor Players Shakespeare company, and was a founding member and Production Manager of Critics Circle Award winning, New Fortune Theater Company.
Abby Leigh Huffstetler (they/them)
Abby Leigh Huffstetler (they/them) thrives within the intersections of creative expression, arts education and mental health. They recently earned their MFA in Theatre & Dance from UC San Diego. Abby holds certifications in multiple weapons within The Society of American Fight Directors. They are an actor, educator, intimacy choreographer, actor combatant and clown. UC San Diego credits: DANCE NATION, Hells Canyon, Twelfth Night, End Days, Uncle Vanya. Regional credits: Streetcar Named Desire; Miles For Mary; How to Defend Yourself (Humana Festival of New American Plays) Dracula, The Many Deaths of Nathan Stubblefield (Actors Theatre of Louisville); Free Free Free Free (Exponential Festival); Noises Off (Rome Little Theatre). Film credits: Redrum, Dirt, CBGB. Intimacy Direction credits: 900 Years (UCSD); Two Kids That Blow Shit Up (Endless Summer Productions); Staged Intimacy & Violence (Teaching Assistant, UCSD). Abby is an Actors Theatre Professional Training Company alum. They hold a BFA in Performing Arts from SCAD. There is no space for the perpetuation of white supremacy in their process and exploration.
A Spotlight On class takes a break from learning to smile for the camera
Two students perform a scene in their Intro to Improvisation class
Students perform a scene in their Spotlight On class
Read what students from Spotlight On classes had to say:
“As someone who loves musicals, taking the musical theatre dance class gave me such a greater appreciation for the performers I watch on stage. What a great experience! This is my 4th Spotlight class, and each one has been filling and interesting. I can’t wait for the next series of classes!”
“The class was fun and creative. The skills I learned help me with both work and interpersonal relationships. It has made me a better listener and collaborator. And I made great friends and got to laugh a lot.”
“Great experience. Instructor was very accommodating to all levels of knowledge in class & made all feel comfortable in exploring & trying new things.”
“This was not the first time I have taken this course at the LJP but it was a different experience with new classmates. I learned something new and really enjoyed myself. Invaluable experience of interaction and fun. Highly recommend.”
