Thursday, December 21, 2006; SM06

The Port Tobacco Players announced this week that they will collaborate with the Shakespeare Theatre Company of Washington to offer a class in acting fundamentals to Southern Maryland residents.

The 10-week program, which is scheduled to begin Feb. 6, will be "a terrific introduction to theater for someone new to the stage and an excellent grounding in fundamentals for folks who've had some experience but little or no training," Tim Treanor, the Port Tobacco Players' education chairman, said in a written statement. The class sessions will be conducted by a member of the Shakespeare Theatre faculty and will run from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Port Tobacco Players Theatre in La Plata.

The Shakespeare Theatre Company, under the direction of Michael Kahn, has won critical acclaim as one of the nation's leading Shakespeare groups. The company has operated a Master Acting program for several years. This is the first time it has conducted a program in Southern Maryland.

Tuition will be $125 for Port Tobacco Players members and $150 for non-members, according to Port Tobacco Players president Richard Reckeweg. "PTP will provide a significant subsidy to anyone who wants to take this course," Reckeweg said in a written statement, adding that a similar training program would cost $375 in Washington.

The class is open to all high school graduates or GED holders 18 or older. Students may register by sending a check to the Port Tobacco Players at PO Box 2030, La Plata, MD 20646-2030. Non-members may join Port Tobacco Players by sending contact information and a check for $20 to the same address.

Port Tobacco Players intends to limit the class size to 15, Treanor said, urging students to register early.