Fall Classes for Adults (16+)
Fall Classes for Adults (16+)
In-Person Classes
* NEW! Sketch Comedy Writing * Documentary Filmmaking: Let’s Get Real
* Voice Acting: Build Your Reel * Improv: 1-Class Sampler * Improv 1 *
* Improv II: Student Showcase * Screenwriting I * NEW! Screenwriting II *
* Podcast Like a Pro * NEW! Storytelling + Live Story Slam! *
* Editing with Premiere Pro * NEW! Editing With Premiere Pro II *
Hybrid Workshop
* Screenwriters Lab (w/ Actor Table Read!) *
New! Sketch Comedy Writing
Dive into the world of sketch comedy with this beginner-friendly class designed to unlock your creative potential and bring your funniest ideas to life. Whether you’re an aspiring comedian, writer, or just someone who loves to make others laugh, this course will provide you with the foundational skills needed to craft engaging and hilarious sketches. Learn about comedic structure and format, explore different sketch genres and style, and workshop your ideas under the guidance of our instructor Todd Levin!
Todd Levin is an Emmy-nominated writer whose credits include Late Night with Conan O’Brien, CONAN, The Eric Andre Show, and several projects for Sacha Baron Cohen. (Class size: 7 – 10)
Documentary Filmmaking: Let’s Get Real
Calling all truthseekers! Explore how documentary filmmaking can be a sacred and powerful process for illuminating the world. This course will examine contemporary artistic documentary filmmaking in both theory and practice. Students will learn practical storytelling skills including interviewing, lighting, cinematography, and editing, concept formulation and refinement, producing and directing. Over the course of the 9-week program, students will have the opportunity to develop and workshop original films under the guidance of an award-winning documentary filmmaker. (Class size: 8 – 10)
*Projected
Voice Acting: Build Your First Reel – Sold Out
Voiceover is everywhere! In addition to learning about the multi-faceted voiceover industry, in this class we will explore what makes voiceover performances compelling. We will also begin developing the tools necessary to execute them. Topics will include script analysis and interpretation, inflection, pacing, context, vocal quality, and finding your signature sound. Students will get to perform both commercial and narration copy in a classroom setting as well as in our studio. Students will leave the class with a short starter reel comprised of sample commercials, TV Show narration, radio copy, and more! (Class Size 6 – 8)
Improv: 1-Class Sampler
Curious about improv? Join our one-day Improv Sampler to experience the fundamentals of spontaneous creativity! Through fun games and exercises, you’ll learn to listen, agree, and collaborate with your fellow participants. No experience needed—just come with an open mind and a desire to have fun! Our supportive instructor will guide you as you create characters, build scenes, and explore your creativity in a safe and friendly environment. It’s a perfect opportunity to dip your toes into the world of improv before committing to a class. (Class size: 8 – 12)
“This class was great! It was fun, comprehensive and incredibly loose. Luke is an incredible instructor. I’ll definitely be back!” -Improv Adult Student
Improv 1
The fundamentals of improvisation are the fundamentals of life. Listening, agreeing, forwarding action, taking care of your partner and so much more! You’ll be introduced to those lessons as you play games as well as create characters and scenes using a variety of improv and creativity exercises. You can’t do anything wrong, no experience necessary! Number one rule is to have fun! (Class size: 8 – 10)
Improv II: Showcase
Improv II builds on the fundamentals in Improv 1, focusing more on scene work, theatrical performance, and longer-form games. This class continues to encourage honest, grounded scene work while introducing new acting, clowning, and improvisational techniques. This is an expansion of our level 1 Improv and includes a live performance for family and friends on the last day of the class. The number one rule, as always, is to have fun! Previous improv experience required.
This class ends in a live performance for your family + friends! (Class size: 8 – 10)
Screenwriting 1
Ever wonder what it takes to transform your ideas into captivating screenplays? Join our screenwriting course and delve into the art of crafting compelling stories. Explore the fundamentals—from format to techniques and story structure—while writing your own screenplay. Uncover the magic behind successful screenplays, drawing inspiration to shape your narratives for film and television. Gain valuable feedback from both peers and your instructor as you bring your ideas to life on the page. No prior screenwriting experience is necessary; this course is tailored to establish a solid foundation for aspiring screenwriters. In a small class of 7-10, embark on a journey to turn your storytelling dreams into reality. Ready to unleash your creativity for the big screen? (Class Size: 7 – 10)
“Extremely well organized and practical. Best screenwriting class I have ever taken.” -Adult Student Screenwriting 1
NEW! Screenwriting II
Ready to take your screenwriting skills to the next level? In Screenwriting II, you’ll refine your craft and delve deeper into advanced storytelling techniques. This course builds on the fundamentals learned in Screenwriting 1, focusing on character development, dialogue, subtext, and advanced plot structures.
Engage in in-depth analysis of professional screenplays to uncover the intricacies of successful screenwriting. Participate in collaborative workshops where you’ll receive and provide constructive feedback, honing your ability to critique and improve your work and that of your peers. (Class Size: 7 – 10)
Podcast Like a Pro (15+)
In this course learn all of the many steps needed to conceptualize, plan, record, edit, and publish a podcast. Get comfortable on the mic recording mini-podcasts of your own with classmates! Learn how to edit those recordings with Audacity: adding in music and sound effects, and cutting out dead air or mistakes. This class sets you up with the skills needed to start a Podcast of your own! (Class size: 7-12)
Editing with Premiere Pro 1
Great editing skills can really make a film come alive! In this hands-on beginner workshop, students will learn the interface, controls, and features of the industry-standard software, Adobe Premiere Pro. Our instructors will teach you how to log footage, create a rough cut, add titles and credits, implement transitions, work with sound, and even play with color. Students will also begin to learn the craft and language of editing. (Class size: 8-12)
Editing with Premiere Pro 2
Great editing skills can really make a film come alive! In this hands-on intermediate workshop, students will expand on their knowledge of Adobe Premiere Pro learning more advanced skills such as: chromakey, advanced key framing, basic color grading and more. Experience is required. Students enrolling in this class should have taken Editing with Premiere Pro 1, or have previous experience with premiere. (Class size: 8-12)
NEW! Storytelling + Live Story Slam!
Everyone has a unique story to tell, but not everyone has the training or the confidence to feel comfortable telling it. Since going online with most everything we do for work and to socialize these days, do you feel like the Zoom calls and Facetime don’t show your real self? Do you get nervous running meetings at work? Do you want to ensure your message is well received on the radio, a podcast, or at your next fundraiser? Then the Art of Storytelling is the perfect first step for you! In this course, we will review the basics of storytelling and performance to ensure you are your best self in front of any group. Whether or not you want to work on confidence in preparing your next professional storytelling performance with Montclair Film Story Slams, this class will give you the tools you need to deliver high quality stories, performances, and content in whatever spaces you choose! (Class size: 7 – 10)
NEW – Storytelling now includes a final showcase story slam on the last day of class. Invite your friends and family to come see you and your classmates tell your stories!
Virtual Workshops
Screenwriters Lab (w/ Actor Table Read!)
Application Only / Hybrid
Stuck in your script? Screenwriters Lab is a perfect class for screenwriters about to start a script or with a script in progress. Hear your screenplays come to life during table reads with your class. Receive peer feedback from other students and professional feedback from our instructor. Plan, write, edit, and polish your scripts to get them ready for production, contests, and festivals! Students should have a working knowledge of script format and a sense of basic story structure.
This Winter Screenwriter’s lab will include an in-person final class where local actors will perform a table read of student screenplays. Invite your family and friends for this live performance! (Up to 12 pages from each screenplay can be performed.)
Screenwriting I + 2 recommended. (Class size 6-8)
MEMBERS: Log in to receive 10% MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.
(Please Note: Discount applies to $95 Film Lover+
membership level or higher)
Don’t see the class you want? Help us make it happen: Film Academy Class Request
For More Information Contact: Education@MontclairFilm.org